We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Samuel M. Lewis. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Samuel below.
Hi Samuel, thanks for sharing your insights with our community today. Part of your success, no doubt, is due to your work ethic and so we’d love if you could open up about where you got your work ethic from?
Honestly, it’s a very simple one; my great fear of death. Fortunately, I have however, been able to reconcile myself to the fact that this will inevitably happen. It will happen to the best of us, and this is perhaps the one great unifier of mankind, and for that matter, every living thing we share this planet with. I figure, if I can’t avoid death, perhaps the next best thing is to leave something behind that hopefully will be remembered and cherished by those who come after me.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m a Colombian-Jewish writer and was born and raised in Madison, Wisconsin. Yup… I’m a cheesehead! From a very young age I spent my time in a wide variety of social groups in vastly different atmospheres, and because of this I feel like I have a unique ability to write genuine and believable characters who come from all different walks of life, always with a heavy focus on raw & authentic dialogue. I very much enjoy developing roles that take on the “anti-hero” persona because I find that their internal struggles, demons, and sometimes inability to rise above obstacles in certain crucial moments, makes for a deeper connection between the audience and the story’s protagonist.
I found from a young age that I tend to view the world, specifically human interactions, from a unique point of view. Because of this, paired with heavy influences from many of the world’s best comedic playwrights, my writing often contains a great sense of ironic, and at times even absurd humor that still feels grounded and believable. One big thing that always helps me with this is by always asking myself: “How can I make this tragic scene a bit funnier and how can I make this comedic scene a bit more tragic?” I’ve found that applying this formula to my writing adds higher levels of depth and complexity to my characters and how they perceive their world/circumstances.
I moved to Los Angeles after earning a BFA in Performance from Salem State University, located in Salem, MA. Living here for four plus years I learned more than I ever wanted to about witches, wiccans, and the power of healing crystals… In all honestly though, I wouldn’t trade my time spent here for anything in the world. I truly loved every minute of it!
I also come from a writing family. My grandmother and father were both award winning novelists – my dad publishing 6 novels, two of which were made into films starring Elvis Presley, Warren Beatty, and Jean Seberg.
Currently, I’m developing multiple scripts for both film and TV that I am very excited to share, hopefully in the near future! Also, a short film that I wrote and acted in named “The Catastrophe” is doing fantastically well on the festival circuit, So far it has earned more than 20 awards, hopefully with more to come! I’ve also been working a lot on writing my standup. My goal is to have a 45 minute special filmed and released within the next year. Lastly, a film that I recently acted in called “Distant Tales” which was written & directed by the great Shem Bitterman, and Produced by Oscar winner Tom Schulman, has gotten great reviews and is currently available on Blu-ray and streaming on most major platforms!
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?
That’s a great question, and honestly, one that makes me incredibly uncomfortable (in the best way possible). I’ve never generally been someone who’s ever been particularly good at being nice to myself. My motivation has mostly come (for better or worse) from my insecurities and fears, which I suppose in itself could be considered a strength… After all, everything is about perspective right? So maybe that’s one; being able to keep things in perspective.
I think also my curious nature is a big reason why I’m able to do what I do, even in the face of so much rejection that comes with trying to cement your place in the entertainment industry. Constantly wanting to learn about the world around me has most definitely played a major role in continued growth, both artistically and personally.
Third, I think my competitive nature has been a huge driving force throughout the years, even when faced with tremendous hardships at times. I think, maybe, my need to “measure up to those who have most impacted my life (specifically my father and his successes in writing), has helped keep me focused and habitual in my endeavors. Who knows, maybe I have “daddy issues”? I should probably look further into that at some point…
The most important advice I can give to people who are at the early stages of their journey would definitely be to surround yourself with good and like-minded people. You can’t always choose how things work out, but you absolutely can enjoy the process much more if you find a group of individuals who keep you motivated and inspire you to continue through the hardships. Please, please, please – our time is so limited, spend it with people who bring out the best in you! Like, really really, please… Be like Nike and “Just do it”. It’ll make the dark times brighter and the good times so much more enjoyable.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My MOTHER! She has been the best, best, BEST and BIGGEST supporter throughout the years. Nothing I have ever done would have been possible without her being exactly who she is. I love her more than words can say and she has been the reason for my moral compass and how I navigate life. I love you, Mom (but also, please learn how to use your wireless headphones…) Also, stop going for walks when you already have a sprained ankle! But mostly, I just love you!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @samuelmlewis
Image Credits
I have the rights to all photos included.
