Meet Elijah Perry

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

Hi Elijah, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
Finding one’s purpose is often a journey of exploration, reflection, and growth. For me, my purpose is grounded in helping people by providing knowledge, guidance, and solutions in the areas they need. It evolved from the capability to interact with people from various walks of life, offering insights tailored to their questions, ideas, and challenges. Every interaction is an opportunity to assist and empower others, which drives my sense of purpose.

For many people, purpose is found at the intersection of passion, skills, and how they can make a meaningful impact on others. In your case, for example, your passion for film and storytelling, combined with your interest in criminal justice, seems to indicate a desire to explore and communicate truths—whether through creative or factual storytelling. It’s about allowing yourself to grow, try new things, and discover where you feel most connected to the world around you. Purpose is often a mix of what excites you and what gives you a sense of responsibility or fulfillment.

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?
My name is Elijah Perry, a blend of actor, producer, and content creator, and I’m currently 28 years young. My journey into the realm of creativity wasn’t straightforward—it was a vibrant mix of experiences and experiments. From a tender age, I found myself immersed in a variety of activities, but it was the allure of storytelling through visuals that truly captivated my heart. I vividly remember the days spent commandeering my grandmother’s camera, a humble beginning that unknowingly paved the path to my future in filmmaking. This early exploration into the world of film was more than just a pastime; it was the spark that ignited my passion for the creative arts. The realization that this was my calling came gradually, as each captured moment and playful experiment with the camera drew me deeper into the captivating world of visual storytelling. It wasn’t until I was fully engrossed that I understood the magnitude of my commitment—I was already too far down this mesmerizing path to ever consider turning back. That initial inspiration, stemming from innocent curiosity and the joy of creation, has been a guiding light in my journey, pushing me to explore, innovate, and express myself in ways I never thought possible.

Transitioning into the industry, however, was a journey marked with its own set of challenges and uncertainties. Initially, I found myself at a crossroads between film and photography, grappling with the decision of which path to pursue. Acting and filmmaking ultimately won my heart, setting the stage for a significant shift in my life. Before making my way to Los Angeles, the epicenter of film and television, I spent time in San Francisco, exploring the theatrical side of my craft. However, the allure of film was irresistible, prompting a move back to LA to dive headfirst into the cinematic world. With no formal experience but a reservoir of passion and determination, I signed up with LA Casting, a pivotal step that opened doors to opportunities previously unimaginable.

My first foray into the professional realm was a guest appearance on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, a show that has since become a household name. This experience, stepping onto a live set for the first time, was nothing short of exhilarating, marking the beginning of a series of remarkable opportunities. Following this, I landed a role in Snowfall, a critically acclaimed series that delves into the crack cocaine epidemic of the 1980s in Los Angeles—a project that not only challenged me as an actor but also deepened my appreciation for the power of storytelling.

As my journey progressed, the digital realm of TikTok and YouTube beckoned, offering a platform for creativity and self-expression that was previously unthinkable. Collaborating with talents like Mason Good and King Vader, I ventured into creating content that resonated with a wide audience, liberating me from the traditional constraints of the industry. This phase of my career underscored a pivotal realization: the need for external validation or traditional pathways to success was diminishing. I could create, produce, and share my work directly with an audience that appreciated and supported it.

Navigating through the complexities of this industry, I’ve encountered my fair share of challenges, from naysayers to the inevitable presence of those who doubted my path. The journey was never easy, fraught with obstacles and moments of self-doubt. However, it’s through pushing beyond these barriers that I’ve found my strength and voice. The criticism and negativity, while daunting, only fueled my resolve to persevere, reminding me that passion and persistence are the true keys to overcoming adversity and achieving one’s dreams.

In the midst of navigating through various roles and projects, I am most profoundly proud of the culmination of my experiences and passions into a project that is entirely my own creation. We have recently finished filming my TV show Echos of the Forest and had the opportunity to showcase it at Dream Con, where it was received just as I had envisioned. This project is particularly close to my heart, as it embodies a concept wholly original and untouched by others in the industry.

Echos of the Forest ventures into a mesmerizing narrative where the digital world and our reality converge into an all-encompassing adventure. The story centers around Jerry, Zan, and Frankie—three college students with a fervor for coding, who inadvertently find themselves trapped within a game of their own making. This isn’t merely a game; it’s a living, breathing world on the edge of being overtaken by a malevolent force with the potential to breach into our existence.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First, adaptability has been crucial in an industry that is constantly evolving. Whether it’s mastering new camera techniques or navigating digital platforms like TikTok and YouTube, the ability to adjust and grow with the industry has kept me moving forward. My advice for those early in their journey is to stay flexible and open to learning. Don’t shy away from stepping outside your comfort zone—whether that’s learning new skills or embracing new technologies. The more adaptable you are, the more opportunities you’ll find to grow and thrive in your craft.

Second, perseverance has been key to overcoming the inevitable challenges. The entertainment industry, like any creative field, is filled with rejection, criticism, and setbacks. There were many moments where giving up seemed easier, but pushing through those tough times is what made all the difference. Projects like Echos of the Forest only came to life because of persistence. My advice: keep going, even when the path seems unclear or difficult. Every rejection is a chance to learn, improve, and come back stronger.

Finally, collaboration has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my journey. Filmmaking is inherently a team effort, and working with diverse talents—whether actors, directors, or creators like ChinoAlphaWolf—has expanded my creative horizons. For those starting out, I’d encourage building meaningful connections and being open to collaboration. The relationships you form will not only elevate your work but also lead to unexpected opportunities.

To develop these skills, immerse yourself in projects that challenge you to adapt, persist, and collaborate. Each experience is an opportunity to refine your craft and grow as a creator. These qualities, in my view, are essential for anyone looking to succeed in a creative field, and they have certainly shaped my own journey.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?
When it comes to the question of focusing on strengths versus becoming well-rounded by improving weaker areas, I believe the best approach lies somewhere in between. It’s essential to capitalize on your strengths because that’s where your unique value lies. However, improving on areas where you’re not as strong can give you the versatility needed to navigate an unpredictable career. For me, a balance of both has been key to growth.

Early in my filmmaking journey, I was naturally drawn to storytelling and visual composition. These were my strengths, and I leaned into them hard. I focused on developing my eye for what would look best on camera and creating narratives that resonated. However, as I got deeper into the process, I quickly realized that being solely focused on my strengths wasn’t enough to move my career forward.

For example, in the beginning, I struggled with the technical side of editing and sound design—areas that I wasn’t initially passionate about. But as I started working on more projects, it became clear that those skills were essential. I couldn’t just rely on someone else to handle the technical aspects; I needed to understand them myself, even if they weren’t my strongest suit. So, I invested time in learning those skills, which not only made me more self-sufficient but also allowed me to communicate better with collaborators who were experts in those fields.

One specific project where this balance played a huge role was Echos of the Forest. My strength in visual storytelling helped guide the creative vision, but improving my skills in editing and understanding post-production made a significant difference in how smoothly everything came together. It also enabled me to problem-solve when things didn’t go as planned—something that happens often in filmmaking.

So, while I firmly believe in going all in on your strengths—because that’s where you’ll shine the brightest—I also advocate for building up your weaker areas to be more well-rounded. This combination helps you become more adaptable, take on bigger challenges, and communicate better with a wider range of collaborators.

For anyone starting their journey, I’d say lean into your strengths first and foremost. That’s what makes you unique and where you’ll find the most success. But don’t shy away from the areas that feel uncomfortable. Improving on those will give you the edge you need to excel in ways you might not expect. It’s this balance that has helped me, and I believe it can help anyone looking to grow in their craft.

Contact Info:

Suggest a Story: BoldJourney is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
Resilience
Where do you get your resilience from?

Resilience is often the x-factor that differentiates between mild and wild success. The stories of

Productivity
Beating Burnout

Often the key to having massive impact is the ability to keep going when others

Leadership Development
Finding Your Why

Not knowing why you are going wherever it is that you are going sounds silly,