We recently connected with Christopher Gaines and have shared our conversation below.

Christopher, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

The first time I got paid on record was for set decorating. A local production company was in need of a PA, and called upon me.

Naturally, I jumped at the chance, once I got there (early) they asked me if I would help with Set Dec and eventually I was the sole person on set able to do the job. Thus, you have a promotion and a call back for the future.

The name of the song is called Jealous, by MicahBlu, I’ll never forget the song and director Rodger. Great experience. Great people.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I am a 2 sport NCAA athlete and have been acting since 1998. When my time on the football field it was clear to me that school was not for me, so I left.

When I began trying to make a name for myself again I started with commercials and print. This allowed me to create my first acting resume. As a result I figured it was time for me to do some actual research into how the industry works and where to go to be able to learn and grow at the same time, thus I came to Atlanta where I currently pursue and practice all forms of filmmaking and production.

My story is kind of strange, I kind of fell into the career path. I got a Nikon D3200 for Christmas in 2015 I believe and started researching the best filmmaking settings and all that. Well for me that was a bad Idea because filmmaking is subjective. So my approach changed and I just started doing what appealed to me and I was able to turn that into a perfect chance to learn from others. After a couple years of taking on random roles here and there I was able to create my reel and that changed the game.

With my camera and friends I was able to test out other skills within the industry; Photography, Cinematography, Videography.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The freedom to be anything I want to be. The freedom to release all of the energy I keep stored inside. The freedom to be creative. Acting isn’t just something I do, it’s my therapy. Seeing someone working on a scene, or watching someone perform above their expectations is pleasing.

Bringing someone’s idea to the screen is rewarding in it’s own light but to see them accomplish what they want in THEIR story is all the reward I need most of the time.

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 sacrifice.

To make it in this industry there will be days where you don’t eat, sleep, or even rest. Not only physically but mentally. The more you think about what you are willing to do, the more you stress about making it happen. That stress weighs on you in the form of mental exhaustion.

Yes I get paid to play pretend, Yes I get to act like a rich man, and an alien but after the make up comes off, and the role is done, I don’t get to wait for my next check. I gotta go to work and hope that another audition comes up AND I get the role that will allow me to afford to take the time I need.

There is no giving my boss 2 weeks notice, Hell most casting directors don’t know 2 weeks in advance. There’s the sacrifice.

Are you going to work 9-5 for your survival, or are you going to work the job that lets your freedom ring?

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/chris_gaines2
• Twitter: twitter.com/Gaines02

Image Credits
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