We were lucky to catch up with Rick Hansberry recently and have shared our conversation below.
Rick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
My parents were the main reason I’ve achieved whatever success I’ve encountered. From a young age, they encouraged me to pursue my passions and offered support however they could. Neither of my parents were creatives but they instilled in me a relentless work ethic to see things through. So many times, the difference from a project getting completed or abandoned comes down to someone not having the patience or persistence to fight through the problems and get it done. My parents gave me that stick-to-it mentality to see something through and I’m grateful for that.
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’m a Producer and Screenwriter with more than 25 years years of industry experience. My website: www.oscarstrailer.com also provides link to my screenwriting assistance and teaching programs. My mission with film has remain unchanged — make films that entertain and inspire. I’ve been fortunate to have had success with short films as well as international distribution of features. Career highlights for me were getting compliments on my scripts from A-list talents like Reed Birney and Daniel Stern. I’m most proud of the awareness projects I’ve been able to get made — “It’s Not Permanent” a true-life story of a teen overcoming the adversities of Type 1 diabetes and “Impression” about the struggles of a female entrepreneur trying to level the playing field as a start-up in the business world. I think what sets me and Oscars Trailer apart is that we grind through the obstacles and get projects done. The ‘never quit’ mentality that is essential to getting a project to the set — no matter how long it takes.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My particular goal is to leave stories to be embraced and enjoyed long after I’m gone. Timeless stories that can inspire and entertain my grandchildren and their children. I also hope that they will serve as a reminder to chase your dreams and see them through. Too often, especially young creatives, are faced with daunting challenges to get the career track going and struggle with comparison syndrome as they get near an age of ‘expectations’ to be at a certain point. It’s important to remember that you can pursue your dreams no matter what — I was able to make my films while working a full-time job and a part-time business and still made the time to pursue my passion. You can too.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
Yes, the ‘Life Is Good’ book. The true story of the Jacobs brothers that founded the brand that promotes ‘optimism.’ Their story is truly inspirational and it just reasonates with me because they live it — they’ve built an empire that is true to its core beliefs and yet helps so many. Making an impact doesn’t always have to be with grand experiences or programs or inventions. It can be in the little everyday moments of seeing the ‘good’ and making the best of what’s available.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oscarstrailer.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickhansberry/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djrickhansberry
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardjhansberry/
- Twitter: https://x.com/RickHansberry
- Other: https://www.patreon.com/c/rickhansberry
Image Credits
Nikki Neuhrohr – Baggage Claim poster
Hannah Jablonski – All others