We were lucky to catch up with Daniel Selk recently and have shared our conversation below.

Daniel, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I had always wanted to be an actor since a kid but when I had that ounce of hope that it was possible to have it as a career then THAT was when I wanted to pursue it but also do other things in film as I have other gifts. It was in 2019 when I found that I have a chance to do this and I took that opportunity. Yes, I had been acting a long time prior to that but I didn’t think I could do that, I had little confidence and no support in that but somehow that spark was enough to make me want to do it and I’m really happy I did cause it’s been such a rewarding journey. We’ll get to the story in the next question cause there’s a lot to say.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I have lived in Colorado Springs since 1993 and still live there. When I was 7 years old I was kinda forced to do a church play from my mom and it was a paragraph I had to recite three times in front of different audiences. I was terrified. But it was fun. I was doing kids choir already and then I had another opportunity to do another play when I was 10 in a small role and enjoyed that, and for a few years I did a series of plays which was pretty much my life, just acting in plays when I wasn’t being homeschooled by my mom.
I did a few more plays in my teens and did a student short film when I was 15 and I LOVED that so much, but even then and through my 20s (which, by the way, I only did 3 films at all in my 20s that went nowhere) I believed that I could never realistically be an actor, nor did I really get any support or encouragement from anyone for that.
But after a hard part of my life, some growing up, and no other prospects working day jobs just to make ends meet, I hit 30 and finally said “Screw it, I want to work in film!” And I took over my own life.
So 2017 and 2018 I took the time to learn how to do film editing, cinematography and MIDI music but that whole time just had the urge to act again. Something to note, I also lost my singing voice with a bad cold mixed with acid reflux in January 2018. Suddenly at the end of 2018 I got cast for a short film. Then in 2019 an extra for a feature, then a commercial, then a voice over and-
WAIT A MINUTE, something is happening. And in the summer of 2019 after talking to some of my co- workers and thinking it over I knew officially in my heart and entire being I wanted to act in film as much as possible and I decided to pursue it as a career. I wish I had decided that sooner but I’m glad to be here now. And my experience in acting prior definitely gave me a bit of an advantage where I wasn’t starting completely over.
2020 I got to do 5 projects including my short part in my feature film debut called “Who Needs You” which was released in 2022. We had a special showing in end of 2021 and that was a magical night that definitely made it real that I was going forward in this industry slowly but surely.
In 2021 I did my last play which was an amazing 5 month experience and sang a song for the first time since 2018 and nailed it…but I found I’m more of a film actor.
After that I acted/produced/edited/composed for a short film “Killing You” that released in 2022. My performance was greatly praised got me just about most of my work that year.
There were quiet times in between shoots there especially in the beginning of my career. BUT after a big film in summer of 2022 (“Let Me Sleep”, which is still in Post-Production and I’m 4th main character!) there was 7 months of silence where I didn’t get cast for anything.
But as luck would have it good things were coming. I did a short film in March of 2023 then all of a sudden in June of 2023 I have acted in at least one shoot per month! Short films, student films, feature films, music videos, etc.
It’s definitely become busy for me since 2023. I did 14 shoots in 2024! And this month (January 2025) I just composed my first feature film and (so far) am cast in 4 films between now and June! I also began taking my first acting class which I already see is going to be instrumental in helping me move forward to new levels. I have no plans on stopping this career cause I feel I’m just getting started.
As far as my acting goes I’d say I’m kind of a character actor as I’ve been so many different characters. A suck-up co worker, a shy man who survives a murderer then kills him, a crooked cop on a sting gone bad, a bubbly teacher who instructs a woman on how to talk, a nerd who has no care in the world except for his mom, a well established business man who goes manically insane when things don’t go his way, a silly fairy, a stressed out dad of a teenager…and so much more and all of them perfect opportunities to see what I can do!
I’m technically still on an “unknown” level professionally, and don’t have an agent yet, but I am seeing what works for me, building up my socials, networking and applying for films constantly, looking for the next one, been on the red carpet a few times, learn new skills like Martial Arts (Purple belt currently), anything to move myself forward AND help others move forward in the process as we are in this industry together. And I’m becoming more and more known by name in the industry. It’s nice coming to some sets or auditions and hear “Hey Daniel, good to see you again!” or work with them again.
And hey, I have several credits on my IMDb so far and resume that shows I’m seriously in this.
I am so proud of myself for taking those steps and leaps of faith and not giving up and because of those things I’m a stronger person who is learning how much drive, resolve, and courage it takes to get even this far and still keep going. Things I would not have been able to do 8 years ago and prior. Being my own entrepreneur is tough but it’s worth it. SO worth it!

Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?

During the pandemic in 2020 I took advantage of that silence to learn as much as possible about acting. I just happened to stumble on Wendy Alane Wright’s YouTube channel and she had great things to say about the business end of acting and how to navigate through that. It’s because of her that I feel I definitely dodged bullets and was able to move forward in my career. There was just so much information that was crucial and beneficial that came from her. Her platform, Hollywood Winner’s Circle is definitely a recommend for those getting into acting and I follow the Facebook page Talent Managers for Actors paying attention to what she and other casting directors and professionals in the industry have to say. You can’t do this career on your own without the knowledge and it was a game changer.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I think the most rewarding thing being an artist is that I get to be my authentic self wherever I go while I get to express so many characters. I went a long time just going through the motions of life and being a people pleaser and doing everything for others to the detriment of my well-being. But not only did I change from that but acting has definitely allowed me to just be me shamelessly and its the best way to live life. I find I happiest when I’m on set with other creators who are making something magical. Filmmaking is magic.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielselk777/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/daniel.selk
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DanielSelk

Image Credits

Photos all taken by me – Daniel Selk