We recently connected with Robert J. Clark IV and have shared our conversation below.
Robert, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
I’m extremely selective in terms of what type of roles I decide to take on. I like to do characters and stories that move people forward. One of the more meaningful productions I’ve had the opportunity to work on more recently is a film named “Elena” which addresses the horrors of human trafficking and the redemption of the victims of it.
I really appreciate this film because of the compassion it shows toward the women who have been taken advantage of and lets them know that they are not alone. There are many people and organizations around the world working tirelessly to put an end the sex trafficking industry.
I believe that these types of projects help to expose wickedness, fight against it and give hope to those who have been through dark times or experiences.
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your background and context?
Being an artist was something that was always in me to do. I played the piano for a few years, took up drawing & sketching, sang in the church choir for 7 years, wrote my own songs and performed on a regular basis to now acting.
As an actor I have been cast in lead or supporting roles in about 17 different productions. Overwhelmingly, the majority of the roles I choose to play, help to push forward stories with an end resolution of goodness or that offer lessons in morality with the idea of potentially shaping the thoughts of the viewer for the better. As an singer/songwriter, I write music centered around the goodness of God and the desire to know Him as well as navigating the ups and downs of life with Him. Using the gifts I was given, it is my desire to shine light in a world often shrouded in darkness.
I’m really proud that no matter if it’s an hour long film or a 3 to 5 minute song, people have connected with my work in ways that leave them better off than they were before experiencing it. My relationship with Jesus influences everything I do. From the way that I work in meticulously developing and delving into the background of a character to ensuring that every song lyric I write is meaningful and holds significance. The principles I’ve used to grow and excel in my craft(s) and personally are all principles and lessons I’ve learned from Him.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
Well as an actor you have to develop thick skin early and get used to the word no. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve been invited to audition for roles that I really wanted or thought that I’d be great for, only to hear that I was passed on or actually hear nothing at all. I’ve learned that the reasons you don’t book a role are not always because you didn’t do a great job with presenting your interpretation of a character. There are a number of other reasons why you could have not been selected but all of those times pale in comparison to when your shoulder is tapped and you’re given the opportunity to come in and collaborate with other creatives for a production that believes in what you have to offer.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being creative?
I think the most rewarding aspect of being an artist/creative is the ability to pursue and live out your dreams. So often when we come into this world we become jaded by life and sidetracked by what the rest of the world tells us we should want or need. Being an artist/creative (more often times than not) means you have to swim against the current of society and carve your own way. Though there are many challenges and sacrifices made, when you begin to see daylight with small successes and then eventually larger ones, you realize it was all worth it. There is a certain peace in knowing that you are actually contributing to the world a portion if not in full of what you were created to do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://resumes.actorsaccess.com/robertjclarkiv
- Instagram: @robertjclarkiv
Image Credits
Amanda Mazonkey