We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Chinnakrit Soonthornwan. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Chinnakrit below.
Hi Chinnakrit, thanks for joining us today. So let’s jump to your mission – what’s the backstory behind how you developed the mission that drives your brand?
Are you ready for a story? It’s a story about pursuing your dreams, overcoming adversity, and living fully. So, please sit back, relax, and let me tell you about my mission.
It all started with a Buddhist chanting at a funeral. The phrase “Humans, what were you born for?” stuck with me, and I started asking myself daily what I was born for. I wanted to inspire others to question the same and to enjoy life while pursuing their dreams.
I was born in Bangkok, Thailand, where inequality was the norm. But my mom was a real fighter and brought my brother and me to the States 12 years ago to get educated. It was challenging, and we had to hustle because we weren’t from a wealthy or well-connected family. But I studied art and was in a band, which gave me a glimpse of inspiration in the world of creativity.
Growing up in a Thai Town in Los Angeles, I studied film and worked in restaurants full-time. That’s when I tried to make a film to inspire people to follow their plans, but I failed due to financial hardship. I saw talented people around me who had given up on their dreams, and I realized that many people have excuses not to make their dreams come true.
But failure is just a stepping stone to success, right? That’s what I learned from my experiences in art and film. Even though film is the most expensive art form, almost everyone can utilize it, regardless of the cost of gear and crews. We’re not perfect, but there’s always time to choose a solid path for our goals.
That’s why I became a Film Chaplain – a motivator and educator in film. I want to help business owners and solopreneurs become successful storytellers by walking them through creating and sharing their stories. I want to support dream chasers by using my film skills and Buddhist philosophy to inspire them to live life fully.
As a freelancer, I’ve directed, filmed, and edited for local businesses. But now, I want to focus on helping others become creators and successful storytellers. Let’s chase our dreams together and make life a wild and crazy adventure!
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?
Time swiftly passes, yet I fondly remember my initial encounter with the enchanting domain of Cinema, captivated by the art of visual narratives. Equipped with a Film Production and Cinematography degree from CSUN, I prepared to make an impact in the field. However, rather than pursuing conventional film endeavors, I ventured into the thrilling sphere of entrepreneurship.
Enter Blue Shrimp Films, the brainchild of Thomas Macias and yours truly. Fueled by passion and a shoestring budget, we brought “Cocaine Sisters” to life—a TV series pilot shot with school equipment. Our labor of love caught the spotlight on Urban Filx TV, snagged the Best Audience Award at the Culver City Film Festival, and even found a buyer at the 2019 American Film Market.
But then, the world came to a screeching halt as COVID-19 reared its ugly head. With our plans for Thomas’s feature film “Nuestro Camino” on ice, we joined countless filmmakers in the quest for alternative outlets and sustenance.
Social media became my stage, and the world took notice. My quirky, vintage, thrifting Thai TV show, “Boring Shirt,” went viral, and my cooking escapades found a fanbase within the Thai Air Fryer community on Facebook. Serendipitously, I connected with Thai producers in Los Angeles, which led to the birth of “Aliennation,” an online TV series backed by the community and Thai-owned rental company Spekulor.
As fate would have it, an unexpected phone call catapulted me into the big leagues, working alongside icons like Kanye West, Dame Dash, Justin Bieber, Pusha T, John Monopoly, and Don C. This whirlwind adventure transformed me into a full-time editor, with projects like Mariah Angeliq’s “Hey Siri” from Universal Music under my belt. But the siren call of my first love—directing films—was impossible to ignore.
Teaming up with the Aliennation crew, Spekulor, the Royal Thai Consulate-General in Los Angeles, and the Thai Town Council of Los Angeles, we embarked on a mission to create promotional videos for 39 local restaurants on a bare-bone budget. Embracing my passion, I threw myself into directing, shooting, editing, composing music, and color-grading videos. Our efforts were noticed, earning a feature on EaterLA and driving more business to these deserving establishments.
My journey has been a masterclass in adaptability, a lesson in turning smartphones into makeshift professional cameras, and a testament to the power of creative solutions. Standing at a pivotal crossroads in 2023, I’ve carved out a unique path for myself, blending my love for art, film, music, and nature into a role I call the “Film Chaplain.”
Storytelling has the power to uplift and inspire, to help people soar toward their dreams and ambitions. I am committed to making a difference in this role, using my skills and experiences to empower others on their creative odysseys. As a Film Chaplain, I strive to weave the threads of filmmaking and spiritual support into a tapestry of meaningful connections between myself, the world, and the people around me.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
A renowned cinema professor at CSUN, Nate Thomas, once warned that people could be harsh and unforgiving. I didn’t fully grasp the truth of his words until I experienced the realities of adult life firsthand. I was well-prepared, armed with knowledge and a strong work ethic, but the harsh realities of the entertainment industry proved challenging to navigate. Even the pain of being hit in the face by a basketball paled compared to the challenges I encountered in the real world.
Despite encountering setbacks like uncredited work and unpaid jobs, I learned to bounce back and focus on my passion. In this journey called life, the love and support from family, friends, and colleagues keep us going. The more genuine effort and heart we put into our work, the more rewards we receive.
Life can be likened to a melody where the tempo and harmony create opportunities for us. It’s important to acknowledge that timing is crucial and not to fixate on when our chance arises. Reflecting on life’s transience can offer calmness and serve as a reminder to live in the present moment.
As human beings, we are united through our cultural ties and distinct traits that differentiate us from other creatures. Although we live just one life, the impact of our actions can endure beyond our time on this planet. It is crucial to discover our true calling, as it may lead to a deeper comprehension of our existence.
Much like a masterfully written script, life presents us with unexpected turns of events and resolutions following its peak moments. Welcome these unexpected events and learn from them as they contribute to our personal growth and understanding of the world.
Regardless of your obstacles, you can recover and persevere.
Embrace these unforeseen events and gain insights from them as they foster our individual development and broaden our comprehension of the world. Always remember that, despite your limitations, you can bounce back and persist.
In summary, life is a complex web of experiences, connections, and revelations. We can develop and uncover our distinct paths by accepting uncertainties and challenges. We may confront obstacles, but with determination and the encouragement of our “global family,” we can triumph over them and leave a lasting
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
I believed I was creative until the world presented me with its feedback. I had no choice but to accept it. The unforeseen challenges and results have become invaluable to me. We often receive helpful feedback when we approach our work with good intentions.
At times, praise can feel superficial, while constructive criticism from others can motivate artists to improve themselves. This is why some business-minded individuals, prioritizing profit above all, may have adverse outcomes.
The question remains: how can we balance the pursuit of financial stability with our other goals? It may seem paradoxical, but finding equilibrium is possible. For instance, my initial goal for my cooking videos was to entertain viewers during their breaks or while performing mundane tasks. Through sponsorships and Facebook monetization, I earned some income, and my audience enjoyed the content as much as I did. Nothing is insignificant.
However, the world is sometimes more idyllic than we envision. We will inevitably face negative feedback and challenging times. During such moments, it’s crucial to grow, overcome negative thoughts, and eliminate self-doubt, as our most challenging enemy lies within us. Once we conquer our inner critic, we can genuinely reconnect with our creativity.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.just-oak.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/just.oak/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oakakaoak
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justoak/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Teddyytakeover
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/justoak
- Other: My shop: www.onediershop.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@just.oak? Spotify https://open.spotify.com/artist/46Eb8myCjdCQr3QZYr6Ou1?si=3Aj_Sdq_SFCczuBN_89PUA
Image Credits
Woraprat Attasawat Chingis Duisemaliyev Raquel M. Horn