Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Beau Thompson. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Beau, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Truthfully I don’t think most actors ever really get over it. I know I still deal with it. I never enen thought I would have this career as an actor/writer and filmmaker. I think the best way to deal with it you have to step back and see those around you. Some love, some hate and then there are the ones that push you to be better. I started handling when my acting coach asked if I thought she was a bade coach. I love this woman she has shown me so many things about this profession. Then she said every time I put myself down, feel the imposter syndrom, I am saying she is not a good coach. Talk about a shock and that is when I started looking at things very different. I can honestly say and have learned that thinking you are an imposter is also saying all those who have helped and pushed you did a bad joy. When you doubt yourself no matter what you are doing or play yourself as undeserving, then you are also saying the closest people to you are doing a bad job. Even though I still fight is and have go a lot better. It is still selfish.
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?
Acroe, writer and filmmaker. I was an AP Social Studies teacher and coach working a 110 hour a week. Finally I dropped the coaching and started coming home everyday at 4:30 and after a few months my wife of 35 years said get out of the house you are making me nuts. LOL. I was, so I did some plays and then Michele Conrey and her R.E.A.C.T. took me and taught me not just about acting but how to change the way I look at myself and those around me and she pushed me and never lied to me. If I was bad she let me know and if I was good she let me know. Quality Mentors make such a difference. My life really went in a different direction. I did a short that won awards and suddenly I had an agent. Then I have two, For me story is king no matter what aspect I am working. Being on set is the most amazing and hardest job that people are unaware of what we do. I love bringing that character to life. As a writer, it is my world lol. As a filmmaker whether it is directing (have 2 award winning shorts. Directing is a lot like being an athletic director, making a ton of decisions. Then discovered my business partner Becca Spencer and together we created Fearless Arvo Motion Pictures. I am still stunned at what we have done this last year. We have a short (Lotus} in the prestigious DBFF (Denton Black Film Festival and our 2nd film ‘Goodbyes’ as well as Lotus got in on the A&E International Film Festival.
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?
I was taught the value of discipline from a lot of things most not too good. I try to tell people that little things matter. Be on time the easist of things. My motto is ‘You can fix early but you cannot fix late’. 2nd is to follow your passion because that is what you are supposed to be. I am not rich but I am the happiest I have every been and if I had to choose, don’t get me wrong would love money so I could make more movies but I would not give up what I have now. 3rd Surround yourself with people that has the same passion. I never felt like I fitted in the education world. Now I am surrounded with people that I am really apart of something bigger than myself. I truly believe that all artist no matter what art they do are fractured otherwise they would be like every one else. Makes us unique. If possible get a mentor who will be honest with you. We all need training and I still take classes. The cliché it all starts with you is true. Fear is amazing when you learn how to deal with it and what purpose it serves. If it scares you then do it. Growth does not happen in the safe zone but in you doing what makes you uncomfortable. Now will take on any role even if it makes me uncomfortable. Grow and embrace the changes. There will be nay sayers (always are) and usually not as good as you or they just stay in the safe zone and if you push your boundaries you will pass them up. See that is where the passion is important. You are doing what you love and if those people are working against you bah it is for you and your passion. Keep people who are honest and truly care enough to back you and when you fall they will pick you up. Sometimes we just need that.
What is the number one obstacle or challenge you are currently facing and what are you doing to try to resolve or overcome this challenge?
Wow acting and all that wonderful chaos is a constant work. In our film company we are open, transparent and could careless about your color or religion or really anything else. The only thing we desire is you be good at your job and love collaboration. We have in our contract you must be civil to all cast and crew. Production Assistant do amazing things for your film. So Mr. Ego or thinking they are better than them no you are not. If someone has an ideal the only thing it cost you is to listen. Been on sets where some of the best ideas can come from anyone no matter where they are in the cast and crew . People deserve to be treated with dignity. The other big problem in the indie worls of film is money. We are looking for people who want to back us and make something with meaning. So to be prepared for that opportunity we have 4 eposodics already to go, 3 features ready to go and about 5 shorts ready to go. So if someone wants us to make movie with us we have the goods. Heck if you have a script idea we will help write it, and if there are enough funds film it.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.beauthompson.com
- Instagram: @thompsonbeau
- Facebook: Beau Thompson
- Youtube: beau thompson and Fearless Arvo Motion Pictures
- Other: Email and will always respong just slow sometimes.
