Meet Dean Rowland

We recently connected with Dean Rowland and have shared our conversation below.

Dean, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

I’d have to say it comes from patience, which I consider my strongest trait as an individual. I always feel like that the finishing line to whatever I’m trying to accomplish is always within my grasp, and I pride myself on seeing the good in everything and everyone. That can sometimes come at my own detriment, but I’m okay with that and I firmly believe in learning from my mistakes. I prefer to hope for the best instead of thinking about the worst in any given situation or person.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?

To put it very simply, I’m a writer. I specialize in screenwriting and film criticism, but I have interests in writing for a number of genres and mediums ranging from horror films to sports analysis. I studied filmmaking and journalism in college, and the moment I was offered an opportunity to both professionally work in digital broadcasting and write a feature screenplay that it was something I’d never turn my back from. While I have been out of the industry for almost three years, I’ve continued to critique films and write my own screenplays with plans to make a return to the industry sooner rather than later.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Attention to detail, an open mind, and patience. Attention to detail applies to your work and the work you’ve observed from others. Too much or too little can deter your audience’s attention away from you. But do not become so caught up in trying to please everyone that you end up compromising who you are and what your work stands for.

Having an open mind will provide you with perspectives that you never knew you needed. And it’s key to unlocking your potential as a creative. This is especially pivotal when it comes to morals, beliefs and/or ideas you may not agree with.

I cannot reiterate enough how important patience is. This industry is not something where success just happens overnight (well for about 90-95 percent of us) and it’s important to not get too high or too low. Rejection can and very likely will be the name of the game, but, as cliché as it sounds, you only need one “yes” to get the ball rolling. And even when you find your success, take your time with it. Everyone eventually has their own 15 minutes, but how you appreciate it is more important than knowing when it’ll actually happen.

Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?

I’m very much looking for any producers or aspiring creatives looking to tell a compelling story. If there’s a story you’d like to have told, but may not know how to start or how to write it, then I’m definitely your guy. I’m not someone who believes there’s such thing as a “bad idea”, but I do know how to bring even the most absurd back to reality.

I’m also interested in collaborating with other writers, as I do not feel great stories are told from a singular point of view. And two perspectives are always better than one, so please do not hesitate to reach out via Instagram or LinkedIn.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: _deanrowland_
• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/dean28rowland