We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Cali Sonte a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Alright, Cali thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I was born into this, my Father would take my sister and I on set with him when he worked on Film and Television shows. My first acting job was on set with my Dad. Growing up in Los Angeles everyone is a Performer of some sort pursuing their Careers on the side or full time right? I knew at an early age how my Performance on stage would command attention.. I was a shy girl but when it came to doing Martial Arts demonstrations at Seminars, Performing in Plays, I came alive and it was something that made me happy to be able to make others laugh..cry..or just be amazed at what I could do. I also enjoyed being behind the camera.. I made so many movies as a kid growing up..Directing my family and writing scripts. I was like my Parents, super talented.. and like my Dad I was good at almost anything I did..but it was just something about performing and creating that did it for me.

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 back background and context?

I got into this industry at a young age. I’m most proud that I got back into it. The industry can be tough and there can be a lot of Fake people you will run into. I grew up seeing the Dark side of Hollywood, not just on television like most, bit I was right there in the thick of it. Famous people..? What is that?.. nothing to me..I grew up around people on T.V…partied with them..friends with and even dated them. I saw what it can turn people into. I was once asked by someone very well known, Did I want to be Famous or Did I want to be successful? Back then I thought the answer was one in the same..of course if I’m famous I’m successful right? Ha! Took me years later to know the real difference. I walked away from Acting and Modeling a long time ago. I decided to be free and go off and live my life to the fullest and I did, with no regrets. It was a few years back that I started to get the itch again.. I wanted to Create and I wanted to perform again. I auditioned for a Play and had a small role but it felt so good to be back on stage, the next job after that I starred in a Feature film, called Black Diamond. After that I decided to represent myself and have been booking jobs. I also got serious with my Film Production business Cali Bangz Production and with the help of another Film Director/Producer, Vernon Snoop” Robinson, I was able to get with Maverick Entertainment so I can Film and release my First Feature films a Writer and Director. Which I am excited about and releases online later this year.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

My goal is to be able to setup Generational wealth for my family. I’ve already had my children working in front and behind the camera. Cali Bangz Production is not just a place for me but also open for other Creatives to come and create or collaborate on content.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

My Father whom I’d looked up to as Superman in my life. The man that can do any and everything, so full of talent and drive, fell ill 15 years ago. My family’s world flipped upside down. We almost lost him. We were told to expect for him to die, but he didn’t. He was left disabled mentally and physically. I honestly really had no intention of returning to the industry after that. How could I..my Father was supposed to be right here on screen and behind the camera with me. Our lives remained changed for years, but deep inside I knew that the flame was still there, I knew that me continuing to pursue running my own Production Company and Acting would not only make me happy, set my children up for success, but it would make my Mother and Father proud, and that my success would allow me to be able to care for them as they grow old as they cared for me during my childhood. So I had to continue.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.calibangzproduction.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/Calzbangin
• Yelp: http://m.yelp.com/biz/cali-bangz-production-mansfield