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

Joshua, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. The first dollar you earn is always exciting – it’s like the start of a new chapter and so we’d love to hear about the first time you sold or generated revenue from your creative work?

There is only 4 projects that have paid me, everything else was “copy and credit” for my time as an Actor. Actually, with my past 3 projects I’ve produced, I made it a goal to pay everyone out of my own pocket. If one actor didn’t get paid in one project, I made sure to pay them in another short, since I used the same people over again in my works for the sake of creating and throwing ourselves out there to be seen. I know how it feels to not be paid and I didn’t want to do that to my cast and crew. For me, I also learned that I’ve spent way too much in some areas with filmmaking and for my next projects, I’ll budget finances accordingly because you can overspend if you don’t know. I know better now. But, it felt good earning money for what I love to do, and that is one of the end results, to get paid to do what I love to do – so that I can turn back around and invest that money into greater films, making dreams happen for another unknown hopeful.

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.

For people who don’t know me or haven’t read about me before, or even for the critics who roll their eyeballs when they see another post of mine, I’ll make it very simple for everyone without being longwinded. I am not an A-lister at the moment, and it seems like you have to be that in order to be something today. It seems like that in pretty much everything. But you see, that is the problem because it use to be about trying to do something now its about trying to be somebody. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t mind growing to be a household name, actually, I’d love to be that because I am damn proud of every role and film I’ve done, as I’ve given my blood, sweat, and tears to all of it. I don’t care if its insignificant. For me, it was my best offered freely in those moments and I won’t throw none of it out the window. When people start to recognize my name, my goal is that I hope they say, “Oh that actor, Joshua Leomiti, he’ll always give us a great performance.” Even if I made it to the very top in the next few years, I could do without people kissing my feet. I am an artist, I am here to serve using my talents, not to be served. GTFOH with that mentality. I am here to serve. Period.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Something I’d like non-creatives who don’t understand my journey as an artist is to read this quote I’ve read in a book. It might help them understand an artist, probably respect one who isn’t yet there but is great. The quote said something like this: “Acting is a vocation, not an occupation. I must do it! It’s great uncertainty and risk, and against all common sense and financial security. There is no guarantee in it. But, although the risk is so great, so is the reward.”

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

A time where I had to pivot my mindset in filmmaking, was when I had to use more of my own money to complete a project that I didn’t agree to go in alone. My point, never go into business when all the money isn’t there because it’ll eventually be a waste of the startup money. And what’s harder, is that if you’re a person like myself who doesn’t just start but sticks too, you’ll find yourself finishing the project alone using every penny you have. Blessed the hearts who stepped in and helped me finish my last project in giving after hearing my story. What I’ve learned the hard way, is to be careful and mindful of who you go into business with. I don’t care if they’re your friend or family. Don’t just trust off the bat, no, that trust first has to be built in with monetary and then verification. After, we can then talk about trust. Shit, let’s have a beer too, on me! This is what I’ve learnt when I had to pivot from ‘trusting’ right off the bat.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.joshualeomiti.com
• Instagram: joshua_leomiti
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCKtQ-KD2h9pmM6OVjWpDVVg

Image Credits
Phyras Men