We recently connected with Brent Huff and have shared our conversation below.

Brent, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

Usually it’s the very last project that I have worked on that is my most meaningful, especially as far as a writer/director. The last film I directed was The Jackie Stiles Story, a documentary about an athlete that many consider to be the greatest female college basketball player of all time. This is a story of a 5’8″ girl from a tiny Kansas town who became a basketball legend. Against all odds, Jackie Stiles became the all-time leading scorer in NCAA history, a record she held for 16 years. Jackie went on to become the 2001 WNBA Rookie-of-the-Year. She accomplished this through hard work, grit and an unwavering determination. I wanted to make this film to show young athletes what ‘chasing your dream’ should look like.

Brent, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

As long as I can remember I wanted to be an actor and storyteller. After attending the University of Missouri as a theatre major, I came to Hollywood to begin my professional career. In my very first film, I played a high school basketball player, so I’ve been at this for a while.

Throughout the 80’s I was the lead in numerous b-level action films. Although I was able to travel the world filming these movies and having fun, I wanted to make films that were more substantive. Diversifying to both writing and directing has been a game changer for me. I now see stories from different angles and points of view. I have also been lucky enough to have collaborated with very talented people whom I have leaned on heavily. I have now written, directed and produced many narrative and documentary films.

As most artists, I’ve had my ups and downs, but I never once thought of giving up my dream. There is a feast or famine quality to the entertainment industry. Scrambling to earn a living is familiar territory for us. I think artists are built for struggle. When the adventure is great, it’s worth the setbacks. In my mind, the only way I could fail was if I quit. I have to keep pushing forward! Goals and dreams aren’t going to achieve themselves on their own.

I didn’t want to get to the end of my life and realize I played it small.

While writing and directing, I continued to act in projects like; Mad Men, The West Wing, JAG, NCIS, Cold Case and Shameless. Most people know me best for playing the hapless character of Smitty in The Rookie and The Rookie: Feds.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I am currently writing a book titled, Don’t Let Go Of The Rope, which is about resilience and not taking any off-ramps as far as chasing a dream. There have been many times when my friends thought it would be wise for me to give up. They saw how hard I was working but not having much success. But I knew I had potential and I didn’t want to live below my potential. I was betting on myself, even when no one else was. Despite it all, no matter what, it’s onwards and upwards.

It’s satisfying to work hard. It gives you self-esteem. It’s not a failure if you don’t reach your goals. It’s a failure if you don’t have goals.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

I believe it’s the artists job to inspire society. We need to create work that is so inspiring that society sees value in our art. I don’t expect society to support me if I don’t have anything to say, or do sloppy work that doesn’t move people. I want people to get excited to see the films, music and art we create.

When I am in a theater watching a film I wrote and directed with an audience that is moved, nothing is better. Filmmakers and actors want to touch people in a way where they laugh, cry, get scared or be inspired to make changes. What could be better? Going to the movies as a kid changed my life forever.

If we do good work, society should open their wallets to help finance the art. Although they can be strange bedfellows, art and commerce needs to co-exist.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.brenthuff.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenthuff11/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/brent.huff.9
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brent-huff-4136698/
• Twitter: @brenthuff11
• Youtube: @brenthuff1740