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

Kreg, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.

Back in 2004, I had been active in the yoga and wellness industry for some time, and I noticed this new trend of “streaming” platforms emerging. I also noticed a problem with people’s retention and commitment to yoga practices outside of the studio.

I connected with two other wellness professionals who had experience in film production and we set up a video production company along with one of the first online yoga video subscription services. Consider back then, few people had laptops (and tablets were non-existent), so many people doubted that our venture would succeed.

With perserverance, we managed to grow to be one of the top global streaming platforms for yoga as technology advanced and as the public adapted to using digital devices for exercise and wellness practices.

Through the process, we remained nimble and mindful of re-investing into and growing the business. Our financial and time investment back in 2004 was certainly considered a “risk” by many people who doubted our business intentions, but it certainly paid off.

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 am actor (film and commercial) based in Montreal. I am originally from Vancouver (and Vancouver Island) where I started my adult years as a fitness professional and competitive athlete. After several years in the fitness industry, I went to university to acquire a degree in Exercise Science (Kinesiology). During my studies, I discovered yoga and proceeded to study to become a yoga teacher.

Having a constant entrepreneurial itch, I noticed an issue with yoga students’ retention and maintenance of practices outside the studio. I worked with two partners to form an online video production company and formed one of the first yoga streaming subscription services. After 7 years in the business, I exited the company with the intention to “retire”, but quickly got drawn into presenting functional anatomy classes at teacher trainings, workshops and conferences around the world.

When covid hit, studios were shut down and presenting yoga anatomy came to a halt. During this pause, I saw an opportunity to get back in front of the camera with background, commercial, and modelling work. After a year of exploring light acting projects, I got inspired to go deeper with training and jump into more extensive roles and productions. Within a few years, I have been blessed to have been part of several independent feature films and dozens of short films and webseries. I continue to thoroughly enjoy doing commercial work (given my entrepreneurial background) and have participated in over 30 commercial productions.

A key element that I took from running a business into the acting world, was to fully understand the “business side” of acting and productions – understanding the “pain points” of every person in the chain of a production. Knowing these pain points and being able to help resolve them (from casting to post productions) makes you a valued person in this creative team. Simple things like being highly communicative with casting directors to understanding eye lines and body movement for the DOP make a huge difference. When you are reliable, effective, and easy to work with, people want to work with you over and over. WIth that approach, I have been able to settle into being a steady, working actor.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

My particular goal (after being involved in the film and commercial production industry for a few years) is striving to have balance. This industry revolves around finding and/or creating opportunities in order for it to be sustainable. Unfortunately, we can fall into a perpetual mode of “hustling” that can become frantic for the soul. After building relationships and learning some hard lessons, I am in a place now where I can be more selective and give myself permission to decline “opportunities” that will not serve me in seeking out this balance.

Have you ever had to pivot?

A major pivot in my life was when I was living in Vancouver. My father-in-law (in Quebec) developed Alzheimers, so my spouse and I decided to live for. a few months in Montreal to assist with his father’s transition to assisted care. The experience of living in a new city and being closer to aging family, lit a spark in us to move permanently to Montreal. We never would have imagined leaving the west coast, but this move was the best decision. Our quality of life excelled and ended up leading to my shift into acting. This life shift has helped us remove the word “never” from our vocabulary when exploring life. Staying open and flexible keeps life bountiful and enriching.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://kregweiss.ca/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/instakregweiss/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/craig.weiss.5

Image Credits
Julian Stamboulieh