We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful David Chrzanowski. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with David below.

Alright, David thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

I had the opportunity to write and direct a passion project of mine that was some thirty years in the making, a short film called “The Alibi”. We had just come out of the dark ages of covid and I knew I wanted to pay everyone a decent wage. I wanted to film it in New Mexico, for lots of reasons, but raising the funds to do this was a huge financial risk considering we live close to the wallet with two kids at home. The film was also very personal- which comes with its own set of risks. Fortunately I have the support of my lovely and talented wife, who watched the kids and served as the EP of the film. She knew the personal nature of the story and grasped the importance of this as a healing journey for her first time film director husband . There’s also the fear of ‘imposter syndrome’, and all the other voices that pop up in your mind when asking if you should do a project. I felt like I had a strong script, and I’m a theater director and actor, so I trusted my gut and went for it. After that, I told myself to embrace whatever feelings came up on set and try to enjoy the ride.. The project came out wonderfully, crew and actors were all amazing, and I had to the chance to direct a younger version of me talking to my dad. I couldn’t be more proud of that decision.

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

It was a gifted drama teacher, who had a penchant for helping the smart ass but curious kid, who found me. I used humor and wise-cracks to hide my poor academic performance, likely brought on by dyslexia. Acting and the arts were the last things on my mind because I was quite sure, mistakenly so, that I’d be an olympian. This teacher gave some radical honesty and as a carrot, The role of Reverend Paris in “The Crucible”. Suddenly my grades went up. Teaching is among the most noble and under appreciated professions in the world is it not? I also feel that connections are at the root of who I am. I call friends all the time- and for no particular reason. After blathering on, they’re like…hey man, great talking to you…..and why are you calling again?” I just like to catch up with my people I guess. Creatively I’m truly proud of creating “False Dice Productions” with my creative and life-partner, Allison. We met in Montana as actors with the amazing Montana Shakespeare in the Parks Festival out of Bozeman. The production was “Much Ado About Nothing”. Beatrice says of meeting Benedict, and I’m paraphrasing… ‘I know him from days of yore… he won me once with false dice’. Filmmaking is quite a gamble and that this idea resonated with us – that in Hollywood the dice seem to be always loaded.

What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?

I do wish we had government subsidized arts on the federal, state, and local levels. There’s only so many times that you can hit family and friends up on Indiegogo. I guess that’s a pipe dream, so option #2 would be to do something like the federal government did during the Obama administration for student loan borrowers. One time loans in a set amount for a film, or writing a project. Work that off at a not-for-profit in your community.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

To continue to work in film and live with two kids in L.A. requires some pivoting. Seven years ago I combined my love of teaching into a personal business called “The Loft Academy”. We provide tutoring and enrichment classes for elementary and middle-school aged kiddos. It’s creative and truly rewarding. In a way I guess it’s an accidental way to honor the teachers in my life. I’m also my own boss- something I do love.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.davidchrzanowski.org
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/davidchrzanowski1/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chrzanowski-42777214/
• Other: Loft Enrichment Academy: www.loftacademy.org

Image Credits
Caris Yeoman