We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Zack Whyel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Zack below.

Zack, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

To date, the most meaningful project I’ve worked on is my film Skateshop. It took over 5 years from conception to completion. It is my first feature film. Completely funded and produced independently. Distributed by Indie Rights internationally.

It took a massive effort from some supremely creative individuals to make happen. From bumpy roads and rough business along the way it was a tough feat to pull off. We shot the film all in North and South Carolina. In my hometown of Concord, Charlotte, Mooresville, and Charleston. We had an all-star cast and I couldn’t have been more proud of them and how the film turned out. It made the project twice as special to be able to shoot the film in my hometown in some places and local businesses that helped mold me in my youth. Since its release, we’ve had a great response internationally. The film is released on Roku, Tubi, Youtube, Prime Video, Google Play, and more to come!

Zack, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I’m an Actor/Producer from Charlotte, NC. I’ve lived in LA for 5 years and currently live in ATL. I started skating, making videos, and acting early on. Those three passions have been with me for over 20 years now. I’ve produced/directed music videos, skate videos, short films and released my first feature film “Skateshop” in late 2021, which is currently released internationally. What sets me apart from the pack is my tenacity, work ethic, creativity, and problem-solving life perspective. I want to create characters, films, and videos that bring people closer together, make them laugh, and help us focus on the important things in life.

I’m active on social media. I post new videos on Instagram, Youtube, and TikTok weekly @zackwhyel

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

In every part of my career and almost every pursuit or project I have created, or been a part of, I have had obstacles that I faced during the process. Adversity is something that has been interwoven throughout my journey. My creative journey has not been easy at all and it has been a fight every step of the way. It has taken me much longer to build a career than others, but I’ve always stayed true to myself and focused on being proud of anything I do. Never compromising my integrity or goals, for money or notoriety.

My recent film “Skateshop” took close to 3 years of writing the script, moving back to NC from LA, and organizing/funding the film independently after countless no’s. Working with and through bad business, going through covid, while taking 2 years to film and finish the film. Getting no’s from distributors and studios for distribution and distributing independently internationally with Indie Rights. In addition to promoting and marketing the film independently. Going through all of that to finish my first film was supremely tough, but I wouldn’t change it for the world. It was the ultimate crash course for feature filmmaking and gave me invaluable lessons moving forward in my career.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

To make sure that whatever I create or do can stand the test of time. Creating works that entertain people and bring a higher understanding of humanity’s struggles in a funny or dramatic way. Always making the most of life and leaving behind creative work that’s respected, impactful, and remembered in time.

Contact Info:

• Website: zackwhyel.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/zackwhyel
• Facebook: facebook.com/zackwhyel
• Twitter: twitter.com/zackwhyel
• Youtube: youtube.com/zackwhyel
• Other: Watch Skateshop on Roku, Tubi, Youtube, Prime Video, and Google Play!

Image Credits
Steve West Ben Allison