We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Mike Sarcinelli. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Mike below.
Mike, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Can you take us back in time to the first dollar you earned as a creative – how did it happen? What’s the story?
The first time I was paid for acting… what a day. I was 18 years old and cast in a independent feature film shooting in Upstate New York, playing the drug dealer. The pay was $300. I remember the audition process was so different to me. I showed up at the directors mini studio in downtown Buffalo and he was there with the producer. Both just sitting behind there camera set up, happy to see me. We jumped into the scene and I left feeling like I did so well but almost two weeks went by and I didn’t hear anything. At this point I just had assumed that I didn’t get the part but sure enough an email pops up in my inbox and said they wanted me for the role! I was ear to ear smiling and teary eyed. I did it! I got a role. The money meant nothing to me, it was an amazing perk but I was just so happy to have someone other than myself believe in my talents. It gave me motivation and proved to myself that it was possible to do this. That was worth way more to me than $300, 400, 500 dollars ever could. I still think back to that day whenever I need a boost or a motivation kick.
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
I have always been an entertainer at heart, making people laugh was and always has been something that brings me joy. If it can put a smile on someone’s face, I’ll do it. When I was younger, I used to put on shows for my neighbors. They usually were not good as it was myself and a bunch of toddlers doing dance routines but I loved it. Years down the line, I decided to fully commit to this idea that I can be and make myself an entertainer. It became a dream, and that dream has become my reality. After moving to Los Angeles, I was hired as a nightlife host taking people to nightclubs and showing them a good night out. I gave that position my all and showed up every weekend ready to entertain the tourists hitting the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Today and years later, I’ve worked as an actor on several productions with people I used to watch on TV and became the Director of Operations for the entertainment company I used to host for. My story is far from over, but it’s a heartwarming feeling to look back at the progress I’ve made since decided to follow my dreams.
Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?
That the pursuit of success in a creative field is a lifestyle. Not a hobby, not a job… we (some) quite literally dedicate our lives to it. What comes with that is a level of sacrifice that some people cannot and will not understand. It is the times where saying no, not being home for a holiday or doing something for the betterment of the pursuit may come across as you don’t want to be around, but in reality its a sacrifice because you want yourself to be available and in the best mindset for any opportunities that can arise. It’s self commitment to always being ready for when the next opportunity arises and making sure you are always prepared for it. I have had people in my life tell me, “Dude its one week” or “You’re not going to miss anything” but in my head… there is someone out there working harder than me and wants it just as bad as I do. So yes… I will miss something. I will miss the opportunity to stay focused, better myself and put myself in the best position for success. Kobe was in the gym hours before anyone else arrived and then still practiced all day with the team. But those extra hours and availability he put in separated him from the pack.
How can we best help foster a strong, supportive environment for artists and creatives?
As simple as it sounds… support! If you see a creative friend running a Kickstarter campaign, donate a few dollars or share it on your social medias. Drop that like and comment on a post. Show up when there is an opportunity to show up. I had a movie premiere in my home town last year. My whole family, my friends, family friends… all packed the house. That goes a long way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://mikesarcinelli.com/
- Instagram: @mikesarc
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mikesarc
- Twitter: @mikesarc
Image Credits
Diana K Photography Headliner Studios