We recently connected with Tanner Adams and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Tanner thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
That’s a great question. Being an artist has its ups and downs. The “ups” are that it genuinely doesn’t feel like work. My grandpa always told me, “If you do something you love for a living, then you will never work a day in your life.” I took that advice and ran with it. I’m incredibly passionate about the creative work I do, whether it’s writing feature films, crafting funky short stories, or donning the persona of an ancient demonic entity for a shoot.
On the other hand, the “cons” include the financial hardships that can often accompany the nature of this business. Despite these challenges, I find my greatest happiness in being a creative. The benefits far outweigh the negatives.
When it comes to other types of jobs, in my view, “regular jobs” are survival jobs. They provide for the body’s basic needs but don’t necessarily nurture the soul. I’ve had my fair share of these jobs; they offered security for food and shelter, but I often found myself feeling restless and anxious, seeking a deeper sense of fulfillment that I knew I wouldn’t find in a survival job.
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?
Of course! I’m excited to share my journey with you. It all began in a small classroom back in third grade when my teacher, Mrs. Haney, noticed my animated and expressive nature during class. She believed that I had a natural talent for performing and brought to my parents’ attention an audition opportunity for the summer musical at our local community theater, The Arts Center of the Ozarks. At the time, my parents were thrilled by the idea, mostly because it would keep me engaged during the summer, and they wouldn’t have to ponder over how to occupy my time while they were at work. Little did they know, it was the best gift they could’ve given me.
Those early experiences at The Arts Center of the Ozarks ignited a passion within me for the stage and storytelling. For the next five years, I eagerly participated in numerous musicals and plays, refining my performance skills and deepening my love for the arts. Afterward, I embarked on the next phase of my journey when I secured my first local agent specializing in modeling and commercial work. This invaluable opportunity allowed me to gain insights into the local showbiz scene and hone my craft.
As high school came to an end, I found myself at a crossroads. I had to make a decision—stay in Northwest Arkansas and forever wonder what might have been, or take a bold leap and follow my dreams to the City of Angels, Los Angeles. I chose the latter, embracing the uncertainty and challenges that awaited me. Looking back, it was the best decision I’ve ever made.
My journey has been nothing short of a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, but I can honestly say I have no regrets. Today, I am living my dreams as a dedicated screenplay writer. My experience encompasses writing feature films, crafting engaging TV pilots, creating compelling spec scripts, developing captivating short films, and weaving imaginative short stories.
What sets me apart from others is my unwavering passion for storytelling and my dedication to my craft. I pour my heart and soul into every piece of work, striving to connect with audiences on a deep, emotional level. I take pride in my ability to bring stories to life, transporting viewers into new worlds, and making them feel truly invested in the narrative.
I’m most proud of the diverse body of work I’ve created, ranging from gripping feature films that resonate with audiences, to TV pilots that leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode, to thought-provoking spec scripts that push the boundaries of creativity, and emotionally resonant short films and stories that leave a lasting impact.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that I’m not just a writer; I’m a storyteller with the power to inspire, entertain, and provoke thought. My brand and my work are driven by a deep love for the art of storytelling, and I look forward to continuing this incredible journey with you all.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
I’ve had to unlearn numerous lessons throughout my journey. To provide some context, I grew up in a quaint town in Northwest Arkansas. While it wasn’t a tiny village, when compared to the bustling metropolis of Los Angeles, it certainly felt like one. Northwest Arkansas holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where I had the privilege of crafting cherished memories and learning valuable life lessons. However, one particular lesson I’ve had to unlearn is the notion that ‘good things happen to those who wait.’
To be fair, the adage may hold some truth in certain situations. If I had waited long enough, perhaps a perceptive studio executive would have eventually noticed me laboring away at my survival job and thought, ‘He can write and cameo in a feature film.’ They might have generously provided me with the means to fulfill my dreams. While that scenario isn’t entirely outside the realm of Hollywood possibilities, it’s far more likely that actively pursuing opportunities leads to the actualization of those opportunities.
The backstory to this lesson revolves around the eight years I spent in a semi-passive pursuit of my passions, combined with the time I spent patiently waiting for something good to happen to me. In hindsight, it’s evident that the world doesn’t typically operate that way. I came to a pivotal realization—I needed to stop waiting and start actively pursuing my dreams.
I embarked on my journey as a writer, initially penning short stories and eventually crafting a captivating TV series pilot. This marked the beginning of a transformative phase, leading to the creation of a pitch deck and a tantalizing teaser concept. This progress naturally segued into the development of another show. Before I knew it, I was on the receiving end of an offer to write a feature film with guaranteed distribution. The opportunities had been there all along, but they had been patiently waiting for me to seize them.
This experience has taught me that waiting for the world to hand you what you desire is often an exercise in futility. It’s the pursuit of those dreams, the unwavering dedication to your craft, and the proactive search for opportunities that truly propel you forward. I’ve learned that, in my journey, it’s not about waiting for good things to happen—it’s about making them happen through my own unwavering determination and hard work.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
My journey is driven by a profound goal, a mission that resonates with the aspirations of many artists—to fully immerse myself in my craft each and every day. I want to breathe life into the voices and ideas that inhabit my mind, transforming them into characters and stories that touch the hearts and minds of generations, inspiring them to pursue their own truths on their unique journeys.
In the creative realm, countless potential artists and visionaries are often compelled to step away from their craft in order to make a living. But, let’s dare to imagine a world where this necessity no longer exists. Envision a world where these same budding artists and creatives are not just encouraged but empowered to wholeheartedly pursue their passions. What would our world look like in such a scenario? It would be a world brimming with more love, more creativity, and more art.
This, chiefly, is the mission that fuels my journey. My vision is to be part of a movement that not only celebrates the power of art but also paves the way for more individuals to embrace their creative callings, thereby enriching our world with an abundance of love, inspiration, and artistic expression.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/super_tanner
Image Credits
Photography by Wendlwood Productions