We were lucky to catch up with Hans Hernke recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hans, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

This all started for me in high school when I was attending The Master’s Academy in Oviedo, Florida. I was part of the drama department and performed in school plays, but at the same time I also had an agent—Central Florida Talent.

My agent would send me out on auditions and occasional film and TV shoots during school hours. At first, the school had concerns because I was missing class to work. I explained to them that this experience would be crucial for my career after graduation—that I needed as much time on set as possible.

They took that into consideration and offered me a deal: as long as I maintained good grades, I could continue going out on auditions and shoots. However, if I fell behind or was placed on academic probation in any class, I would have to pause all auditions and work until my grades improved. I agreed immediately.

That experience—being on set while still in high school—made a huge difference. I truly don’t think I’d be where I am today without it. I owe a lot to my parents, Paul and Barbara Hernke, for sending me to a school that supported my goals, and to The Master’s Academy for working with me. The teachers, staff, and administration were incredibly supportive of what I was pursuing.

Because of that support, I was able to build real experience early on, which ultimately helped me become a member of SAG. I honestly don’t think this path would have been possible at a traditional public school, so I’m incredibly grateful my parents chose The Master’s Academy in Oviedo, Florida.

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?

My career in the film and television industry really began in 1999. As I mentioned earlier, while I was in high school, I gained a lot of on-set experience through my agent, working on film, TV, and commercial projects, as well as performing in school plays. I quickly realized this was the perfect career fit for me. I’ve always had an outgoing, dramatic personality, and people often told me I should be an actor—so I decided to go for it.

In 2002, I moved to Los Angeles to attend the New York Film Academy, where I completed their two-month program. After graduating, I jumped right into working on set, doing background work, extra roles, and stand-in work—which I still absolutely love. If I had to choose one role to focus on, it would be stand-in work any day.

Since moving to Los Angeles, I’ve been fortunate to work on a wide range of projects, including feature films and television shows. Some of the most notable include TNT’s Animal Kingdom, Disney’s Sky High, Everybody Hates Chris for the CW, and All American for the CW. The list continues to grow. I’ve also had the opportunity to travel to London to work on several films with filmmakers Stephen M. Smith and Chris Shane Sanders. I’ve really enjoyed collaborating with them, and many of those projects are now available to watch, including Remember Me 2: Forget Me Not, The Haunted Studio, Nest of Vampires, and Simon Says 2.

What I love most is simply being on set and being present. I enjoy watching the process and seeing how films and television come together behind the scenes.

That said, the industry has definitely changed since 2002. Work has become more competitive, and it can be harder to find consistent opportunities. I remember a time when I was working five or six days a week doing stand-in and background work, and I truly miss that era. Still, I remain active by pursuing opportunities in independent films and supporting producers on projects that align with my goals.

I also stay busy with my YouTube channel, where I create celebrity interviews, Disney Theme Park content, and other media projects. It’s another creative outlet that keeps me engaged and connected to the industry.

Overall, I believe the key is to stay active, keep creating, and continue showing up.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an actor, a member of the crew, director, or producer is seeing your project come to life—whether it’s on the big screen, television, or online—and knowing that an audience is watching it. Hearing someone say, “I saw your film,” or “I watched your episode,” or even “I follow your YouTube channel,” means a lot. It’s not easy to create this kind of work, and that recognition makes it all worthwhile.

One of the hardest parts, though, is promotion—getting people to actually watch what you’ve created or show up to a screening. It’s become even more challenging with shorter attention spans and how connected everyone is to their phones. I’ve seen people pull out their phones during screenings to text, which can be disappointing—but it’s the reality we’re in.

That said, the most fulfilling part is still seeing your hard work—and the entire team’s effort—come together on screen. It’s a true collaboration, and when you watch the final product, you remember everything it took to bring it to life.

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

I think the best way to support independent filmmakers and artists is simply to show up and support their work. Go to screenings, attend events, and buy a ticket—whether it’s in person, online, or through a streaming platform. Every click and every dollar truly makes a difference.

Supporting crowdfunding campaigns like Kickstarter or Indiegogo also helps. You don’t have to contribute a lot—even a few dollars can go a long way if you believe in what they’re creating.

Another big piece is spreading the word. If you watch a project and enjoy it, share it—post about it, take a photo, or recommend it to others. A simple “I just watched this and loved it—you should check it out” can have a real impact.

At the end of the day, independent filmmakers rely heavily on word of mouth. That kind of support is everything.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hans_hernke/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ActorProducerHansHernke
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@HansHernke

Image Credits

Frank Chang
Lance Polland
Night of the Tommyknockers
The Haunted Studio
Nest of Vampires
Simon Says 2
Lisa Hernke
Amber Road
Golden State Film Festival