We were lucky to catch up with Kyle Christiansen recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Kyle, thanks for joining us today. Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Like most filmmakers and creatives, the advice I would give to anyone pursuing a craft is simply to begin. Find an outlet and develop experience. I knew before the age of 10 that I wanted to build a life around the arts and performance. My crux throughout my youth was allowing my fear of judgement, my imposter syndrome, and my methodic uncertainty to prevent me from taking any actionable steps. When I was 16, I bit the bullet and joined my high school speech team and theater program – that was the first step.

In college, I continued to dabble in theater and got my BFA in Studies in Cinema in Media Culture at the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities. It wasn’t until after I got my bachelors, however, that I began really getting involved in the filmmaking scene. Frankly, that’s the way to do it. Academia is beneficial as an artist, and certainly being well educated in your area of interest is of importance; but studying isn’t necessarily doing. What I know now is that physical and mental presence in the world of filmmaking is where the vital learning truly lives. It’s through real experience that we discover ourselves, our professionalism, and who we are as artists.

The most essential skills I’ve developed on this path are a strong sense of self, a strong work ethic, and the fearlessness to be myself and give myself to my work wholly. Some obstacles have stood in my way, but the most egregious are of my own doing – procrastination, anxiety, doubt. Ultimately it all loops back to my original point… Just begin. In giving myself permission to pursue my passions in the present moment, I’m organically acquiring the necessary know-how I need and witnessing my career grow while doing so. Trust the process and trust yourself.

Kyle, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

For those who may not know me, I am an up-and-coming actor and filmmaker. Originally from Minnesota, I moved to Los Angeles in 2021 to pursue my vision. I got involved in the creative world through dedication: finding spaces that could help me grow and continuing to stay productive. While I tend to have fingers in many roles, I’m primarily known as an actor, writer, producer, and director. Additionally, I do script editing, script supervising, ADing, PAing, and editing. As long as I’m involved in some way, I’m filling my cup. My experience with a variety of roles helps me see the big picture and make appropriate, inclusive decisions – which is especially important as I increasingly prioritize above-the-line positions.

What I’m most proud of is my ability to carve my own path, foster an uplifting community, and deliver admirable work. I feel blessed that other creatives recognize my worth and choose to work with me, ask for my perspective, and build alongside me. The ambitious perfectionist in me continues to seek satisfaction, but I have pride in what I’ve built thus far and confidence that this trajectory will continue to take me and those in my circle to higher levels.

In your view, what can society do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Artists and creatives aren’t given a particularly solid foundation to build a life on. Unless you’re blessed to have the necessary resources at your disposal alongside proper guidance, most artists are left to navigate their field as a lone wolf. As opposed to some other fields, there isn’t a clear point A to point Z – many artists zig zag through inclinations and discoveries and forge their legacy along the way.

The nature of artists is that we operate from internal motivations whereas most lines of work are for external causes. An artist’s job is to manifest their inner perspectives into a tangible representation of those ideas. Not to be confused for narcissism, but rather a cathartic amalgamation of reflection and expression. Culture leans on these individuals to make sense of living: the impact of time, the free exchange of viewpoints, to discover ourselves through the experiences of others. Art is powerful in its universality; whether it’s presented in flashing lights or hidden in the mundane, you will inevitably encounter it. So why don’t we value the countless creatives behind this work? Our society is built on supply and demand, which is why occupations built around external causes provide a more accessible quality of life. For a creative to find steady work, one must become resourceful enough to blend their artistic intuitions with the needs of the world. The best option? Become successful enough to have pure freedom while maintaining a stable livelihood.

Society would benefit from a better safety net for creatives. Creatives imbue our world with emotion, color, vibrancy, rhythm, connection – all the textures of life. Tapping into these ingredients ultimately breeds a deeper sense of empathy, community, and discernment while we exist in this reality. We rely on artists to create beauty and joy, but they rely on us to support them. A stronger symbiotic relationship could only improve the health of our society as it stands today. I’m not going to pretend I know what the answer to this dilemma is, but I’m ready to look for it.

Is there a mission driving your creative journey?

I’ve always had a clear vision of the life I want for myself and that is my driving force. Film, music, performance, and art have compelled me since my youth. Trying to find interest in a “real job” never amounted to actual desire. I knew I didn’t want to spend my life in a field that depletes my cup or steals my joy. The spirit of the diva prompts me to ask: “What do I want for myself?” I figure out my answer and I refuse to settle for less. I want a life built on my passions where I can express myself creatively, professionally, and freely. I want to lift my community up alongside me – family, friends, colleagues, deserving voices. I want the peace of downtime as well as the thrill of fulfilling work. I want to support myself and my loved ones. I want to love my life and live my life doing what I love. Isn’t that the dream?

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kylechristiansen.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyleearthurr
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KyleChristiansenDoes

Image Credits

Ryan Pfluger
Still from “Living In Car”
BTS by Yubicela Brito for “Arthur Ave.”
CISF red carpet
Still from “What Are We? Are We Going To Be? We Are.”
LA WEBFEST red carpet