We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful C.L. Furlough Jr.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with C.L. below.

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

“I knew I wanted to pursue the arts and a creative lifestyle professionally when I found myself receiving a standing ovation during my first-ever lead role in a play or production. I often reflect on the moment when I was offered to audition for the role, which was circa 2008-2009. I was on my way home from class at a local community college. Ironically, the class was an art history elective. On this particular day, our professor had myself and another brave soul act out a scene from “A Streetcar named Desire.” We completed the scene, and the class clapped as we migrated back to our seats. I remember thinking to myself, ‘that was cool,’ but that’s where the thought started and ended.

As I was making my way home from said class, I received a call from a friend asking if I would like to audition for a role in an original play she had written. After listening to her for a while, I elected to take 24 hours to think about it and get back to her. Needless to say, I accepted the role. However, in light of this interview, I asked myself, ‘what if I said no?’ How different would my life be? Would I be better or worse off relatively? Would I have seen as much of the world as artistry has afforded me? Who would I have become if I had declined her offer?

This thought affirmed my belief in making and understanding your choices fully. Saying yes to one thing means you’re saying no to another. In the aforementioned case, saying yes to a small role meant saying yes to a new life and no to one I’d never know.”

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?

Absolutely! My journey into the realm of creative entrepreneurship began with a deep-seated passion for storytelling and visual arts. With a foundation in classical acting training and seasoned experience as a film production professional, I’ve embarked on a multifaceted career spanning over thirteen years. My company, CLA Studios, serves as a platform for cinematic artistry, creativity, and thought-provoking content.

At CLA Studios, we offer a diverse range of services, including film production, screenwriting, and video editing. Our mission is to bring compelling narratives to life, engaging audiences on both emotional and intellectual levels. We pride ourselves on our ability to tackle complex storytelling challenges while delivering high-quality content that resonates with viewers.

What sets us apart is our unique blend of artistic vision and strategic thinking. We approach each project with a meticulous attention to detail, ensuring that every aspect—from scriptwriting to post-production—aligns seamlessly with our clients’ goals and objectives. Our dedication to excellence and innovation drives us to push the boundaries of creativity, consistently exceeding expectations and delivering impactful results.

One of the achievements I’m most proud of is our recent documentary project, where I served as the lead producer. This endeavor allowed us to explore pressing social issues and shed light on untold stories, sparking meaningful conversations and driving positive change. It’s moments like these that reaffirm our commitment to using the power of storytelling for social good.

Ultimately, what I want potential clients, followers, and fans to know about CLA Studios is our unwavering dedication to crafting compelling narratives that leave a lasting impression. Whether it’s through our films, documentaries, or creative collaborations, we strive to inspire, provoke thought, and ignite imaginations. We’re not just storytellers; we’re catalysts for change, and we’re excited to continue pushing the boundaries of creativity and storytelling for years to come.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

“If you want something done right, you have to do it yourself.”

The genesis of my unconventional journey as a Creative Entrepreneur was rooted in a belief system that starkly contradicted my formal training and extensive experience as a Film Artist. It has been almost a decade since I made the pivotal decision to venture into independent filmmaking. The initial five years were marked by numerous trial-and-error moments, often stemming from my own missteps or occasionally influenced by collaborative efforts with fellow creatives. Unfortunately, the latter phase led to a gradual erosion of trust in the competency of my creative peers, resulting in a solitary approach to my work. While this approach yielded immediate results tailored to my preferences, it eventually led to burnout and a loss of inspiration. Seeking guidance, I came to appreciate the wisdom of the African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” This proverb served as a lifeline for my artistic and creative journey, prompting me to rediscover the value of teamwork and collaboration, and rekindling my passion for the art of storytelling.

Is there mission driving your creative journey?

Absolutely. My mission is to become a highly respected film artist in the city of Chicago. Fueled by my prayers and goals of acting and behaving accordingly every day.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://linktr.ee/clastudioschicago
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/CLA_Studios_Chicago
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg7ZeE-xHxVIuU3KEIXs0og

Image Credits
Erika Coldman