We were lucky to catch up with James Coleman recently and have shared our conversation below.

James, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you recount a story of an unexpected problem you’ve faced along the way?

Truthfully, the biggest unexpected issue I’ve faced is false support from peers and coworkers. I believe and was raised to treat others how you’d like to be treated, so I’m very conscious of liking and sharing posts, donating my time and effort to some who don’t have the budget to pay me, and participating in fundraising campaigns. I do my best not to score keep as I think that’s unhealthy but I just recently had my own fundraising campaign to help get my film, Isolation, into festivals and the lack of support was alarming and hurtful to me. I had directly asked individuals to, at the very least, share and they wouldn’t do that. I guess I just believed in the community and have felt I’ve done my part in contributing to others but it’s becoming more apparent that the people who claim to be in your corner, are not. It’s a lesson for me better to understand the balance between professional and personal relationships. It’s much healthier and better for my mental health this way.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I’m James Drake Coleman. I own and operate Wild Canvas Media. I’m also an actor, director, editor, composer, musician, and VFX artist. I’ve had to learn these skills out of the necessity of being in the Independent Film space. I’m proud to say I’ve won several awards as well!

I recently finished and had a screening of my directing debut, feature film, Isolation. I’ve begun the festival submission process and will continue to submit over the next couple of months. While I wait for those confirmations, I’m writing and storyboarding the sequel which I’m calling “Desolation”. I hope to screen well at the festivals and gain funding for the sequel!

Isolation is a sci-fi, action, and psychological thriller while maintaining its heart in drama. Ultimately, it’s a story about finding purpose, and how the appearance of unrelated circumstances leads us to where we’re destined to go.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

Just be there. There’s a lot of lip service in the industry. People will say one thing to your face and another behind your back. I know for me, I have ears everywhere ha-ha. But just be a decent human and understand we’re all in this together. If I say I got your back, I mean that and I’ll do whatever I can to help you reach your goals. I don’t feel my success inhibits your success or vice versa. Likes, shares, and comments are 100% free. In a world where social media is key for our industry, it’s so important and easy to do!

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Truthfully, I’ve always been a giver. I imagine “making it” and having a ton of money and being able to help friends with their films and music etc. I would love that and motivates me quite a bit. That also makes me sad as I’ve recently learned the true nature of a lot of my “friends”. I believe in finding motivation where you can so currently, I’ve been working out of anger and that’s a strong motivator! Ha-ha. That, “I’ll show them” type of energy certainly gets things done. Motivation is motivation and I still look forward to blessing those who remain with me. Sorry, but you caught me right in the middle of this mindset. I’m sure I’ll regulate soon ha-ha.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesdrakecoleman/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@wildcanvasmedia58
• Other: I’ve also got music on every streaming platform under James Drake!

Image Credits

Nina Rossetti. Sarah Coleman. Arlen J.