Michael Coleman is an actor,
director, producer, and mentor. He began his career the old-fashioned way by
pursuing a university education. Soon after, however, he realized that his
passion and ambitions go far beyond what his school was able to offer. So, he
withdrew from his courses and dropped his academic career in order to pursue
his dream job.
His portfolio includes performances on various venues that range from typical
television and film opportunities all the way to cartoons and video games. Thus
far, Michael Coleman successfully portrayed characters such as Bert Camp on
Smallville, Stan on Hamtaro, Idasa on Dragonball Z, and many more.
Additionally, he works as a producer who has successfully released “The
Best Day Ever” and “Thirty Seven.” The future at his company,
Rebel West Pictures, is looking even brighter with upcoming releases of
projects that are currently under development.
What was your best/favorite subject in school?
I always enjoyed liberal arts much more than any other course that was deemed
mandatory. I learned the principles of creating something straight out of my
imagination and it blew me away. This is why I was not shocked when I found out
that I am quite talented when it comes to making live programs, acting, and
narrating. Also, I have always been in love with physical education as it gave
me a reason to not focus on my present issues and simply play some sport to the
best of my ability for a limited time.
Where and how did you first get into the industry you currently work in?
I started by working on some local plays and making sure that I got as much
exposure as possible. In the beginning, I contemplated giving up dozens of
times. After a while, however, I realized that it is just a matter of time
before I break through. And sure enough, I was able to find a willing mentor
who connected me with a lot of opportunities where I met popular directors and
got to leverage those relationships later on.
How do you keep yourself motivated?
I just think back to the reasons why I decided to become an actor and a
producer in the first place. I always saw this industry as a perfect
opportunity to be creative without any of the boundaries that hold people back.
Once I completed my first project and got to witness exactly how it feels to be
within the entertainment industry, I did not want to leave. In fact, that
particular moment helped me make a final decision to do everything in my power
to cross the barriers to entry and have a fruitful career.
What kind of business ideas excite you most?
I currently have my own post-secondary education facility as well as a
production company that monitors potential talents who would be a good fit
here. In other words, I prioritize business ideas that give a sense of synergy.
I have never been a fan of convoluted projects that are borderline impossible
to even comprehend. In my case, everything is simplified to the point where I
can make an investment and almost always know the explicit rate of risk that I
am facing.
Have you ever tried any unorthodox techniques to attract attention to your business?
Absolutely. If you are a hungry actor, there is very little that you will not
do to catch the directors’ eyes. After all, thousands of brave individuals
decide to pursue this unique career every year. Most of them, however, fall off
long before the first adversity even hits them. As far as what I did, I have a
history of reaching out to the same people dozens of times, sending private
letters, brand-building on social media, and more.
What personal achievement are you most proud of?
I am proud of the fact that I have been within this market for quite some time
now. For those unfamiliar, the entertainment field is amongst the most
unpredictable in the world. Just look at some of the outstanding actors and actresses
that have been unable to live up to their expectations. So, the turnover rate
is incredibly high, and people do not really stick around for a long time.
Well, I am proud to recognize the fact that I have been in the same market for
many years now.
What wisdom would you have liked to share with yourself when you first started out?
I would tell myself to begin leveraging social media sooner. Doing so would
have given me a better chance to put together solid e-mail lists for recruiting
events as well as spend some time talking to the team.