Actor, comedian and filmmaker Brian Hooks is set to star in Laughing to the Bank, a film that explores an African American thespian’s struggle to be recognized as a major player in Hollywood who goes beyond the stereotypical roles.
Read what he has to say.
Do you most often actively seek inspiration or does it find you? Or is it a combination of the two?
Both. I’m always trying to think ahead and creatively stay ahead of the group. I’m always mentally pushing myself that way. That said, I believe my greatest ideas were gifts from God. Inspiration finds me often, through all avenues of life, be it music, relationships, struggles, victories, etc.
What led you to art in general and to your art form(s) in particular?
I think it found me. I grew up in the small town of Bakersfield, Calif. And from there, there isn’t much you can do in the way of acting. But once I arrived to LA and began working in entertainment, I found that Bakersfield had been creatively preparing me for everything that I was doing. Acting had been in my blood for sometime. And, my schoolyard antics provided much practice for my comedic skills. In college here in L.A., I took acting classes in addition to my regular class load. The more I studied and the more I learned, the desire to act and become a filmmaker continued to grow and grow. I couldn’t imagine doing anything other than what I’m doing now.
How do you stay at the leading edge of your craft?
I stay ahead by creating my own platform and creating my own projects. I stay independent-minded with the intent to employ myself and build a brand. A lot of people in entertainment are one-dimensional and sitting around waiting to be discovered. I discovered myself and put myself to work.
Name two of your top role models: one in the art world and one from outside of it.
Art — Tyler Perry. Outside — the late Steve Jobs. Both are extremely successful businessmen, and both were not afraid to think outside of the box.
What software, app or other technological innovation has made the biggest difference in your career?
Twitter, Facebook, etc., and the digital cameras that look very much like film. Editing software like, Final Cut Pro, are things that have allowed the most creative and smartest minds to excel, and not be limited by a lack of money.
