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

Alright, Isaac thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

To be 100% honest, I don’t think there’s a way to speed up the learning process of acting. It is a craft where learning never ends, no matter how successful you are. For me personally, training with respected people within the industry is how I get better. I’ve been fortunate to train with people like Tom McSweeney and Shirley Pierce, as well as develop my skills through programs at NIDA. Each opportunity has given me new tools to bring depth and authenticity to my work.

That said, some of the best training I’ve ever had has come from being on set. There’s nothing quite like the intensity and collaboration of a film set to sharpen your instincts and push you as a performer. I’ve been privileged to work with incredible directors like Baz Luhrmann, Ron Howard, Sarah Spillane, and many more talented creatives. Watching their process, learning how they communicate vision, and being part of their storytelling has been invaluable in shaping my approach to acting.

If there’s one thing I might have done differently, it would be embracing failure earlier. Early in my career, I was so focused on perfection that I hesitated to take risks, but the truth is, growth often comes from the mistakes you make and the lessons you take away from them. The skills that I believe are most essential are patience, adaptability, and the ability to listen and connect. These aren’t things you can rush. They take time to develop and refine.

Obstacles? Plenty. Self-doubt, rejection, and navigating an industry that isn’t always welcoming can make learning feel like an uphill battle. But those challenges have been as much a part of my education as any formal training. They’ve taught me resilience and reminded me why I fell in love with this craft in the first place. At the end of the day, being an actor is about being open to feedback, to experience, and to the world around you. Trust your instincts, be yourself and the work will follow.

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’m a queer First Nation Australian actor and my career is dedicated to telling meaningful stories through film and television. Acting has always been a way to explore the depths of human emotion and connect with audiences on a profound level. My journey into the industry was born from a deep love of storytelling and a determination to break boundaries.

I began my training with some of the best in the business and these experiences gave me the foundation to step into the world of professional acting with confidence and versatility. Over time, I’ve had the privilege of working on high-profile projects such as Baz Luhrmann’s Elvis, True Spirit, Mortal Kombat 2, and Disney’s Nautilus. These roles have not only challenged me as a performer but also allowed me to collaborate with some of the most talented directors and crews in the industry.

Beyond acting, I’ve also expanded into writing, producing, and stunt performing, which have given me a deeper appreciation for the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Producing has taught me the art of bringing a vision to life from start to finish, while stunts have challenged my physical limits and added an exciting layer to my skill set. Each aspect of my work allows me to approach storytelling from different angles, creating a richer perspective on the craft.

What sets me apart in this industry is my unique background and perspective. As a queer First Nation Australian, I bring stories to life that resonate with authenticity, cultural depth, and emotional truth. I am committed to challenging stereotypes and creating opportunities for representation, both in front of and behind the camera.

Whether it’s a small but significant moment on screen or contributing to a story that sparks conversations, I’m driven by the ability to move people and inspire change.

For me, the film industry is more than just a career. It’s a way to give voice to untold stories and create meaningful connections. My goal is to continue pushing boundaries, collaborating with visionary creators, and delivering work that captivates, challenges, and inspires.

We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.

I’m not sure if there’s one particular story that stands out, but the audition process itself has been one of the greatest teachers of resilience for me. Every actor knows the drill, you prepare for an audition, pour your heart into it, and then face the uncertainty of waiting, often without any feedback or explanation if you don’t get the role.

There are times when you feel completely deflated, questioning if you were good enough or if you would ever book a role. But over time, I learned that rejection isn’t the end nor is it ever personal, it’s just part of the journey. Each audition, whether successful or not, became an opportunity for me to improve my craft and build my confidence. I learned to separate my self-worth from the outcome and focus on the process instead.

Auditioning has taught me to keep showing up, no matter how many times I’ve heard “no.” It’s about finding the strength to stay committed to your dream, to keep learning and growing with every experience. Resilience isn’t about avoiding setbacks, it’s about facing them head-on and continuing to move forward. And in this industry, that ability to keep going is just as important as talent.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

Absolutely. At the heart of my creative journey is a mission to tell meaningful, authentic stories that connect with people on a deep level. I’m driven by a desire to bring underrepresented voices to the forefront, stories that challenge stereotypes, celebrate diversity, and inspire new perspectives.

In both acting and storytelling, my goal is to create work that resonates emotionally while sparking thought and conversation. I want to show the world that every voice, no matter how unique, has value and power. Whether it’s through a character I bring to life on screen or a project I help shape behind the scenes, my mission is to create art that leaves a lasting impact.

I’m also passionate about building opportunities for others, particularly in spaces where representation has been historically lacking. My work isn’t just about achieving personal success, it’s about contributing to a more inclusive and dynamic creative landscape for future generations.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12567666/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/isaac.priest?igsh=dG4wNGMwaWt6ZTRu&utm_source=qr
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/isaac-priest-80a19b17a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app