We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Wayne Smith a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Wayne thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Let’s kick things off with your mission – what is it and what’s the story behind why it’s your mission?
The story behind my mission is the same story behind millions of African American & Low minority kids in the world that don’t or didn’t have the right opportunities growing up. You either succumb to what the worlds given you or you make something happen. My story is still going on , I’m still struggling & maintaining but the mission is to leave an impact greater than me & to live a life that’s motivational and inspirational to everyone. To create real stories with real depth and real experiences and to help everyone know your story is your story. It’s what makes you unique and it’s what’s builds character and the tools you need to survive this world.
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 originally was introduced into the industry by an old basketball coach of mine. She brought me in to be an extra for the tv show,”Game of Silence”. I remember arriving to holding and going through the works , seeing everyone in character and just the ambiance of the set. I loved it and since then I wanted to keep doing it. I started getting into background gigs during my free time , and then from there started making connections with crew members, learning the game. After a couple of months of background work , I wanted to work apart of production. Really be apart of creating and making things happen. From there I learned enough to get to a place where I wanted to film my own personal projects and launch my own production company.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding part for me personally is really watching a world come together and seeing a group of people all locked in to an idea you created. Being a creator for me isn’t about views and popularity, it’s about substance and things that will have lasting impacts, things that teach you something useful to everyday life. I want to be that type of creator and I feel like that’s the ultimate joy any creator should have.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.
The sacrifices, definitely. Even I underestimated the amount of sacrifices comes with working and surviving in this industry. No personal life, limited romantic life just based on not having the time. Missing out on family , the toll it plays on your body as well. It’s a whole lot but it just makes each show or job a great experience when it’s all completed. Or at least that’s what we tell our selves!
Contact Info:
- Website: Waynesmithjr.com
- Instagram: Waynesmithjr_
Image Credits
Wayne Smith