Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Mike Pniewski. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Mike, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Do you think your parents have had a meaningful impact on you and your journey?

I love this question. My parents were always incredibly supportive of my choice to become an actor – despite their fears. They never envisioned this path for me. I was supposed to be a pediatrician or a priest. But when the choice came around for me, I knew I had to follow my truth. At the time I was a student at UCLA on a full scholarship to study sports medicine. But when I found out that as a part of that program, I was going to have to dissect human cadavers, I knew it wasn’t for me. So I decided to pursue a career in the arts.
They had no frame of reference for what that career entailed. Both of them came from working-class, blue-collar, paycheck-every-Friday families, The unknown world of an acting career was a foreign language to them. But despite all that, they came to every weird production I was in. Some of them in very sketchy parts of Los Angeles. But they fully supported me despite all their fears and preconceptions of what my destiny should be. I can only imagine that it was not easy for them to do that but I am forever grateful that they did.

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 have been a professional actor for 40 years. I’ve worked in all forms of media – film, TV, commercials, voice-over, industrial films, live theatre and I’ve also written 2 award-winning short films.
I am most proud of the fact that I’ve been able to work enough to support my family for all those years. Most people who choose to pursue an acting career, can’t make a living just from acting work. Only 2% of the 160,000 members of SAG-AFTRA can make a living. It is very difficult, so I am most grateful to be part of the 2%.
I have a reputation in the industry as someone who consistently delivers terrific work without being high-maintenance. Many directors, actors, and producers have told me that they never have to worry about me because they trust I will deliver what they need. Each film or TV set has many departments and dozens of people that all have to be focused on the mission of telling the story. All of those departments have to work in partnership with each other in a way that enables each person to bring their very best each day. It’s high stakes and a lot of pressure, so if there’s any place in that system where the people in charge feel more secure about who will play that role in the operation, they really love it. I’ve always been glad to be that guy who not only does great work but helps to empower the success of the entire project.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I would say it’s 3 things –

Whenever I show up to work, I have done my homework and I’m prepared to give the very best I have that day. I’ve always believed that preparation is freedom! If I am absolutely clear about the story, the characters, and what I’m fighting for in each moment, I can be free to be present and experience the moment as it happens with the other actors and creatives in the space.

Be kind to those around you. It’s not so hard, and not being kind will only work to crush the creative spirit of the day and all the hard-working people around you. The emotion that surrounds these creative workspaces is precious. Being kind to everyone you work with is a way to respect that.

I don’t bring any drama. I strive to be as low-maintenance as any actor they will ever see. Because, sadly, many of my colleagues can be tough to work with. But I make it a goal that each day, that is not gonna be me.

How do you keep your team’s morale high?

Respect everyone’s role in the project. Any creative team is built with specific people for each department. And each piece must fit for the whole project to work. When you work with creative people where each department must give you the best version of their talent, it is imperative that you give them every chance to bring their best. Plus, every creative person I know in all the important departments – wardrobe, props, camera, stunts, etc. – is thrilled when they know they’ve been given every opportunity to bring their greatness.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.mikepniewski.com
• Instagram: @mikepniewski