We recently connected with Trent Foo and have shared our conversation below.
Trent, thank you so much for joining us and offering your lessons and wisdom for our readers. One of the things we most admire about you is your generosity and so we’d love if you could talk to us about where you think your generosity comes from.
Easy—it comes from my Grandma, my Paw Paw. She’s given me everything I’ve ever needed, travelling with me every step of the way. My own empathy and generosity grew from watching her incredible, unrelenting kindness towards others.
When I ran away from home at 13, she took me in, providing a safe space and rebuilding my confidence through love, compassion, and discipline. She taught me self-reliance and independence, instilling in me the art of being kind – not “nice”. Kindness isn’t always soft; sometimes it’s the honest truth, genuine feedback given from a place of care. Sometimes it’s encouragement. And sometimes, it’s simply sitting with a friend in silence over a drink.
Be kind, not just nice.
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m an actor, writer, and producer represented by Gina Stoj Management—an incredible advocate who’s helped shape my career across both US, Australian and international markets. My professional journey began in theater and commercial advertising, appearing in campaigns for brands like McDonald’s, Visa, and Mitsubishi. As an actor, I’ve also had the privilege of appearing in a guest role on the iconic Australian television series Home and Away.
I founded FooFrame Productions, a boutique studio dedicated to crafting stories that are culturally relevant, emotionally impactful, and visually compelling. Through FooFrame Productions, I produce narrative-driven short films, music videos, branded content, and theatrical performances. Currently, I’m particularly excited about my upcoming play, A Chinese Christmas, premiering at KXT on Broadway in Sydney this December. This show is an intimate exploration of intergenerational identity, tradition, and belonging, combining immersive theater experiences with cultural storytelling.
Beyond storytelling, I love action – particularly performing stunts, stage and screen combat, and riding motorcycles and horses. These skills have opened doors to exciting roles and expanded my creative toolkit, allowing me to fully embody dynamic characters and tackle physically demanding performances.
At heart, I’m deeply passionate about creating and performing stories that spark meaningful conversations, inspire reflection, and stay with audiences long after the curtain falls. Whether through acting, writing, or producing, my ultimate goal is always to leave an emotional and thoughtful impression—one that challenges, moves, and uplifts those who experience it.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
For me, the three most important qualities anyone working in a creative industry can foster are discipline, professionalism, and creativity,
Discipline is all about building strong habits and being consistent in the work —even when motivation fades. Whether it’s drilling lines, training physically, or refining scripts, the steady practice of doing things repeatedly is crucial. I think it’s one of the toughest to practise because we all falter, and getting back on the horse is tough. My advice is to create manageable daily routines. Small actions performed consistently compound into powerful results over time.
Professionalism means showing up early and arriving prepared. It means you treat everyone with respect and kindness, regardless of any superficialities.Talent opens doors, but professionalism keeps them open. My tip for those early in their career: always respect others’ time, come prepared, and treat every opportunity—no matter the size—with gratitude and respect. People remember professionalism just as much as they remember talent. No one wants to work with a dickhead.
Lastly, creativity is essential: it’s about taking risks, being okay with failing, and bringing your unique flair and perspective into every project. True creativity comes from collaboration and openness. My advice? Always stay curious. Don’t just play it safe—embrace uncertainty, experiment freely, and trust your instincts. Your unique voice is what makes you memorable.
Developing these qualities consistently and intentionally will shape your career, expand your opportunities, and enrich your creative life. And I say that as someone working on it myself.
Before we go, any advice you can share with people who are feeling overwhelmed?
When I feel overwhelmed, I focus on getting out of my head and into my body. Going for a walk or hitting the gym always helps clear my mind and reset my energy. Music also plays a big part—I find that listening to the right playlist can totally shift my mood.
Sometimes, though, the best escape is simply diving into a great film, a compelling book, comics, or even video games—something immersive that lets my mind explore new worlds. For me, there’s nothing more liberating than working on a character or creative project. Stepping outside of myself and into another perspective is incredibly refreshing, and it constantly reminds me why I love my job and want to do it for the rest of my life.
Lastly, spending quality time with friends and family always grounds me. As someone who can be a bit introverted and enjoys alone time, being around good company—especially people who genuinely make me laugh—always boosts my mood.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://trentfooactor.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trent.foo
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/TrentJamesChiThorFoo/
- Other: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15978523/
Image Credits
Sally Flegg
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