Meet Jonathan Charles

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Jonathan Charles. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Jonathan below.

Jonathan, so happy to have you with us today. You are such a creative person, but have you ever had any sort of creativity block along the way? If so, can you talk to us about how you overcame or beat it?

I’ll start by recommending a book called “The Creative Act: A Way of Being” by Rick Rubin. It’s a wonderful book about the process of being an artist with wonderful suggestions and how to frame the challenges that artists face. Whenever I sit down to write, act or create, I have to know the emotional core of the story I am telling. I need to know why I care. Not why the audience may care. Not who will relate to this. How do *I* relate to this? Why does the story move me? Every time I’ve struggled with a creative block it’s because I’ve lost sight of that core answer. At the end of the day, I am always creating for myself. Not for the money, not for recognition, not to please others, but because I can’t create unless it’s something I’m falling in love with. Too simple? Maybe. But it works for me.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I’m an actor, writer, and filmmaker interested in telling stories with people who inspire me creatively—whether that’s acting alongside comedy legends like Ed Helms or writing stories I’ve never seen told authentically. Most recently, I guest-starred on Chicago Med on NBC, and I just wrote, directed, and starred in a comedy pilot, TRASH, which is currently being pitched to studios. (Trailer link included at the end.)

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

A solid support system, never-ending curiosity, and a healthy dose of naiveté. Find your home base, take interest in things you know nothing about and don’t let anyone who “knows more” stop you from going for it.

How can folks who want to work with you connect?

Definitely. My wife and I run a production company, Hero Shot, and our focus for 2025 is creating excellent film projects with cool people. Got a good script? Let’s shoot it. Need a great cast? I’ve got recs. Want to produce a low-budget feature, sell it, and use those funds to finance bigger and better films? Oh boy—let’s go. Connect with me on Instagram! @jonathancharlesofficial

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @jonathancharlesofficial
• Other: TRASH | OFFICIAL TRAILER: https://youtu.be/E7hUox1yZ6U

Image Credits

Koury Angelo Photography
Mary McElree
Bao long Song