We were lucky to catch up with John Mossman recently and have shared our conversation below.
John, appreciate you joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?
Risks. I’ve taken so many, I really need to apologize to everyone who ever cared about my well being, or that of my kids. Always something of an adrenaline junkie, emotional and psychological risk-taking became integral as I immersed myself in the arts, learning, not incorrectly, that there is no art without risk. Risk and the attendant Fear would eventually become my touchstone, a compass pointing me to deeper, better work. But sometimes fears get the better of you and you hesitate to jump off that cliff or step onto that high wire–much less do it without a net. As a young actor/budding filmmaker, risk ran increasingly through my art – but fear dominated my daily life. As the father of two young kids (with a wife who was also an actor) the fear was reasonable: How would we pay for the heat? Doctors bills? Eat? As they grew and expenses increased, I found myself in a miserable existence, working on largely miserable crews filled with fear-biting and unnecessary a-holishness. But hey — I was still working in “The Biz!” I feared bringing that energy home, feared it was already working its way into the fabric of my family–but saw no way out. I was terrified of stepping off the toxic ledge that was killing the better parts of me. This was back in the “stay in your lane” days when, in many circles, to show ambition and climb out of that box you’ve found yourself in (and that others are dependent on keeping you in either financially or because of some deep personal insecurity)–that had consequences. So you kept dreams quiet, even to yourself. Stuck in a narrowing lane, I quietly began creating anything I could to keep myself sane – short films, scenes, little docs that made me feel a bit better about the world and my abilities, ultimately feeding a voice I’d grown accustomed to squelching. After a rough couple of weeks as boom operator on a shoot, my bitter and unmedicated employer made one too many derogatory comments and I was shocked to hear myself respond in kind. The room froze and another crew member whispered “Dude, you’re never going to work here again.” My response was akin to “Is that a promise? I’d rather clean up toxic waste” — which is what I did for the next couple of years while I became reacquainted with myself. It was shit work but oddly fed my art and independence and I would eventually come to think of that time as the fire walk I needed. I began directing and acting full time. I taught at a college. I mentored young south side Chicago filmmakers, working alongside other positive minded people, nourishing voices in a healthy environment and increasingly doing what I wanted with who I wanted, moving toward what I would eventually define success as – doing more of what I love and almost nothing I don’t. And also better understood the truth of something I’d heard from a mentor during a moment of hesitation: “Ah, you’re only gonna be 50% ready for anything worth doing. The rest depends on a fast learning curve.” The years of putting myself in risky spots and trusting my gut when my head said “be safe” had sharpened that curve, building a foundation and mindset that generally succeeded more than it failed, and could withstand that occasional face plant. Best of all, my kids not only survived, they thrived, building healthy relationships and great careers (outside the biz).
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?
I’m a writer/director, actor and teacher. I’ve made many short films, a few features, and docs about teen mental health for the National Institutes of Health and worthy organizations like Gilda’s Club. I’m probably most proud of helping artists discover and sharpen their voice–which ultimately enriches mine and allows us to carry a bit of each other forward into a world in need of more voices. I started in the biz as a hyperactive kid who was thrown into a circus school probably to just give my mom some relief, learning that my inner chaos could be thrown into focus through acting, and shooting/editing films. I’ve taught at Second City Film School, Columbia College, Irish Film Institute in Dublin, Mahidol University in Bangkok and just finished a year at Northwestern University as professor in the film department. As one half of Meyers/Mossman I’m currently developing a PSA campaign for sensible gun laws and am in preproduction for my third feature, to be shot this fall. Equally comfortable as a leader or follower, I embrace a holistic approach to nourishing ourselves through art and approaching the world with a little more boldness, encouraging a fuller exploration and understanding of who we are.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
Most importantly, spend a little money (in the form of purchasing tickets or pieces of art, etc) and encourage your representatives to allot more funding to the arts. Americans spend a fraction on the arts compared to other developed countries. Our current dysfunctional system where artists and arts groups are required to either find wealthy “angels” or fight for unreliable, frequently fickle state and federal scraps is not conducive to a thriving creative ecosystem. And whether its a scrappy young dance or theater company, or a collective in your area, consider becoming a board member. Odds are it is a not-for-profit with a board of directors who would welcome you.
Also, invest in a movie. The midwest is in the midst of a real film moment and local investors (found so frequently on the coasts but not here) are the last piece of the puzzle.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The endless discovery and learning–some of it solitary, much of it collective–as you bring something to life, all enriched exponentially by working with artists dedicated to the same life-giving effort. Every project requires research and an empathetic understanding of people from other eras, cultures and sub-cultures that you might never have otherwise come in contact with, and feels much like the creation of a living organism enjoying a series of births and rebirths, starting with the early inspiration and ideas. Then another birth and another as you watch it come to life, first on the page, then on the set, then on the screen as you sit in a room with others experiencing it, almost as one. Each stage is filled with learning and revelation, thrilling and aggravating in its own way. Sometimes a bit too aggravating, but learn to laugh it off. It’s worth it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.mossmanfilms.com
- Instagram: heymossmanfilms https://www.instagram.com/heymossmanfilms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/john.mossman.56
- Linkedin: john mossman https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-mossman-5866674/
- Twitter: @heymossman
- Youtube: John Mossman @johnmossman8409
