We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Johnny Bermudez a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Johnny thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
From Wall Street to NFL Agent to Hollywood and Beyond
Reflecting on the pivotal moments in my life, transitioning from Wall Street to becoming an NFL agent, and eventually an actor and producer, stands out as a defining chapter. This journey also included a significant move from Brooklyn, New York, to Northern Portugal.
My career began in the fast-paced world of Wall Street, but I soon felt a pull towards something different. Driven by a passion for sports, I became an NFL agent, initially working for a big agency before striking out on my own with Clint Hart, the Free Safety for the San Diego Chargers—very much like Jerry Maguire(ish).
As major Hollywood agencies began acquiring sports agencies, I realized I didn’t want to return to corporate America. I briefly returned to Wall Street but in 2014, decided to pursue my love for storytelling. I took the leap into acting, enrolling in The Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC, surviving the rigorous two-year acting conservatory gauntlet.
Leaving behind a successful career as an NFL agent, I immersed myself in the world of acting and producing, eventually founding Skynet Media to create content for corporations, brands, and celebrities. In that time I also produced and directed our first SAG/AFTRA Short film “The Villains Code” that was an official selection at (2) film festivals. Recently, I made another bold move—relocating from Brooklyn to Northern Portugal. This new environment fuels my creativity while allowing me to fly back and forth to the States for projects.
These risks taught me invaluable lessons about resilience, adaptability, and the importance of following one’s passion. Today, I have no regrets, knowing these bold decisions have shaped my career and life in extraordinary ways.
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?
Absolutely, so first and foremost I’m a Brooklyn, NY native born and raised. My journey has been anything but conventional, I mean it’s definitely a story to tell at a bar over a few drinks…lol. I started off on Wall Street, then transitioned into becoming an NFL agent where I managed several NFL players. After years in that high-energy environment, I returned to Wall Street briefly but soon realized my true passion lay in storytelling and creative production.
In 2014, I took a leap into the world of acting, training at The Maggie Flanigan Studio in NYC. Today, I run Skynet Media, where we create compelling content and campaigns for corporations, brands, and celebrities. We specialize in marketing and video services, helping our clients tell their stories in the most impactful way possible. Additionally, I’m still an actor but have also started producing and directing films, developing scripts, and bringing new stories to life.
Being in front f the camera is amazing and challenging but being able to also be behind the camera is exhilarating. What sets us apart is our deep understanding of both the corporate and creative worlds, allowing us to bridge the gap between high-level strategy and artistic execution. I’m most proud of our ability to transform visions into reality, helping clients connect with their audiences on a deeper level.
The main thing I want potential clients and followers to know is that we bring passion, dedication, and a wealth of diverse experiences to every project we undertake. Whether it’s a marketing campaign, film production, or acting, our goal is always to deliver exceptional results that resonate and inspire.
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
Absolutely. My mission is pretty simple: to leave something meaningful behind. I want to create art and stories that entertain, inspire, and provoke thought. It’s about giving back to the universe, not just taking from it. Through my work, I aim to add value, to replenish what I’ve received with creativity and passion.
I hope my journey encourages others to follow their dreams and recognize the power of storytelling to connect us all. Whether I’m acting, producing, directing, or developing new projects, my goal is to make a positive and lasting impact on the world.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Definitely. One story that comes to mind is about overcoming the doubt of others and developing my own voice. When I decided to leave Wall Street and become an NFL agent, many people thought I was crazy. Transitioning to a completely different industry was seen as a huge risk, and I faced a lot of skepticism. But I was determined to carve out my own path and prove them wrong.
The challenge didn’t end there. After establishing myself as an NFL agent, I again took a leap into the unknown by pursuing acting and filmmaking. Once more, I faced doubts from those around me. They questioned my decisions, my abilities, and my vision. But I knew that in order to live life my own way, I had to follow my passions despite the naysayers.
Through all these transitions, the key was resiliency. I kept pushing forward, honing my skills, and staying true to myself. It wasn’t easy, but each step taught me to trust my instincts and develop my unique voice. Now, as I continue to act, produce, and direct, I draw strength from those experiences. They remind me that resilience isn’t just about weathering the storm—it’s about emerging stronger and more determined to live life on your own terms.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.skynetmedia.io
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnybermudez
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnnybermudez1/
- Twitter: https://x.com/johnnybermudez_