We were lucky to catch up with Gin Blanton recently and have shared our conversation below.
Gin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you wish you had started sooner?
Yes, I used to believe in following the conventional path of earning income by going to college and getting a good job, working five days a week, and taking a week-long vacation once a year. But over time, I realized that this routine was slowly draining away my happiness.
Gin , before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?
As a filmmaker, I’m proud to have two of my films currently streaming on multiple platforms. My journey began in 2010 when I directed my first film, which ran for several weeks at the Baldwin Hills Theatre in Los Angeles and was later sold on Amazon. After that, I spent five years as an on-air sports reporter for KTEV, covering the Dallas Cowboys and the Dallas Mavericks before transitioning to entertainment reporting and acting. I moved to Los Angeles, where I covered red carpet events and interviewed many celebrities and film executives.
During this time, I also had the opportunity to appear on several TV shows, including NCIS, NCIS L.A, 911, This Is Us, Jane The Virgin, SWAT, and Blackish. I’m excited to continue my filmmaking career and have seven upcoming releases planned.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
By nature, I am an introvert and tend to be a bit of a loner. I have always been self-reliant and have accomplished most things on my own. However, running a business and producing films has taught me the importance of teamwork. I had to learn that there is no “I” in the word team.
Now, I understand the value of building the right team. It’s crucial to surround yourself with individuals who understand and respect your vision and are willing to embark on the journey with you to bring that vision to fruition.
Can you tell us about a time you’ve had to pivot?
Although I enjoyed being in front of the camera as a sports reporter, I always had a burning desire to pursue acting and filmmaking. However, constantly covering the success of others began to take a toll on me. I felt like I was living someone else’s dream while neglecting my own. Eventually, I made the bold decision to move to Los Angeles to pursue my passion.
Moving to LA was not an easy decision, as I had no support system in place – no family, no friends, and no clear direction on how to navigate the industry. But looking back, it was one of the most valuable experiences I’ve had. It taught me a lot about the business and what it takes to complete a film, and I am proud to have persevered through the tough times.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.gingersnapsproductions.com
- Instagram: @ginblanton
- Facebook: Gin Blanton
- Youtube: Ginger Snaps Entertainment LLC