We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Gene Freeman a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Gene, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Discovering my purpose has been a journey, and it all began with my parents and our family business, “My Fantasy Adventure,” a comic book store that offered not only comics and collectibles but also movie and game rentals, particularly during the ’80s and early ’90s.
As I observed my mother and father at work day in and day out, I embarked on a personal quest to uncover my own purpose. Initially, I believed it might revolve around my passion for drawing and music, but over time, I realized that my purpose runs even deeper. I’m grateful for moments like these, as they are an integral part of my purpose
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?
Please tell our readers about what you do,
“I’m an actor who wears many hats, and I’m equally passionate about action, comedy, horror, and fantasy across all screens. I’ve been immersed in the world of acting for quite some time, and while I’ve spent a significant portion of my career as an actor, I’ve also had the privilege of contributing to various aspects of production. Out of respect for industry guidelines, I won’t go into specifics, but I’ve had the opportunity to assist and participate in other departments beyond acting.
In my journey, I’ve taken on roles as a Fight Coordinator and Action Designer, contributing my expertise to two films, where I played a crucial role in designing and co-designing action sequences. Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of leading previsualization teams, overseeing the shooting, and editing for four different shows.
One of the highlights of my career was shooting a documentary that captured one of the first women’s matches on an airboard in downtown. I’ve also worked on another documentary, chronicling Dan Bilzerian’s epic bike race from Vegas to LA, completed in less than 72 hours. This diverse range of experiences extends to shooting music videos and dance videos as well.
In essence, I’m someone who thrives on the multifaceted nature of the entertainment industry, with a deep commitment to bringing my best to every project I undertake.”
Firstly, I firmly believe that we’re given what we’re capable of handling by a higher power for me its God. It’s a genuine blessing to do what I feel called to do, especially in having the opportunity to communicate in such a way. I’ve always believed that you receive what you give, and I’ve had the privilege of working extensively in both visible and behind-the-scenes roles in the entertainment industry.
Throughout my career, I’ve had the chance to travel to numerous places, learning from extraordinary individuals. What fascinates me most is how people from diverse backgrounds are drawn to the art of storytelling, not just in film and television but in crafting genuine art that touches the audience. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realize there’s an abundance of uncharted territory to explore and tap into.
My journey has led me to earn two Screen Actors Guild awards as part of a stunt ensemble, and I’ve honed my skills at some of the most prestigious institutions in the industry. It’s an incredible experience to collaborate in a room with a camera and a team of brilliant minds, creating and building something meaningful. An adventure I embarked on even landed a few of my images in the New York Post.
Participating in seminars for art enthusiasts has enriched my life with invaluable insights, allowing me to perceive life through a more profound lens. The words of the late, great Robin Williams from ‘Dead Poets Society,’ urging to ‘suck the marrow out of life,’ deeply resonate with me. Those words echo the encouraging sentiments my parents instilled in me during my formative years. I can still hear their empowering words, ‘Rise and Shine, Trailblazer. You represent our entire race.’
These words continue to hold weight for me as I persist in pushing boundaries, creating, exploring, and evolving as a dynamic performer—both in front and behind the screen. Life itself is an ongoing, off-the-page performance.”
Giving back
“I’m actively engaged in organizing events and workshops focused on education across a wide spectrum of age groups. The key to our approach is adaptability, ensuring that the content is tailored to the participants and their specific levels. We meticulously set up these events in collaboration with partners, ensuring that we effectively meet the objectives we’ve set out to achieve. It’s all about creating an environment that is not just informative but engaging and relevant to everyone involved.”
as well as anything else you’d like folks to know about your brand/art/etc.
“I’m involved in a few other exciting projects as well. One of them is my brand on Bonfire, known as Panda Therapy. It’s a platform through which I aim to connect with individuals who are seeking positive ways to cope with their mental health challenges. It’s my way of offering support and spreading positivity.
Additionally, I have a podcast that I co-host with friends. This podcast provides a more unfiltered and authentic glimpse into my personal journey. It’s been an incredible experience to sit down with friends and others who share the same desire to have candid conversations and reflect on various aspects of life. I’ve come to appreciate why so many content creators are embracing the podcast format. It’s a creative endeavor that keeps me busy, and I’m always on the lookout for new opportunities to collaborate and capture meaningful moments with others.”
If relevant, please also tell our readers about anything new (events, product/service launches, expansion, etc)
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?
Spiritual Connection: A significant factor in my journey has been my spiritual connection. I firmly believe that there is something greater than ourselves, and for me, that source is God. This belief has provided me with a sense of guidance and purpose throughout my path.
Resilience: Building a career in the entertainment industry demands unwavering resilience. You will undoubtedly face tests, setbacks, and moments when your determination is put to the test. There will be criticism and fears to overcome. The ability to persist and face these challenges head-on is essential.
Strong reslove: you going to be tested, knocked down. someone going to say something shake it and see how bad you want it. That post you. might want to take down in fear and you going to have to face that fear and find a way to beat it
Knowledge and Self-Discovery: Knowledge is the cornerstone of growth. To thrive in this industry, you must deeply understand your craft and continuously strive to expand your expertise. Moreover, self-discovery is equally crucial. Knowing your own strengths and what works best for you is key. It’s essential to realize that what worked for someone else may not yield the same results for you. Being adaptable and willing to explore various approaches is crucial.
In terms of advice, I would suggest that individuals embrace their uniqueness and be comfortable with their own path. While it’s inspiring to see what others have achieved, it’s vital to recognize that your journey may require a different route. Don’t hesitate to experiment and adapt, as this can help you find the path that works best for you. Surrounding yourself with motivating individuals who can support and empower you on your journey is also highly beneficial. Collaborating with people who ignite your passion and help strengthen your resolve is an invaluable asset.
What’s been one of your main areas of growth this year?
Over the past 12 months, I’ve been dedicated to a profound process of self-assessment and improvement. This journey has encompassed a multifaceted approach. It’s involved examining what I wanted to continue building upon, and conversely, identifying aspects I needed to let go of or replace with new insights. Through this introspection, I’ve found myself revisiting the fundamentals of life, reinforcing them and recognizing their enduring significance.
One core aspect of this personal growth has been recommitting to spending more time in a spiritual context, connecting with my faith and cherishing each day. Simultaneously, I’ve been diligently tending to my dreams and goals, delving into those shadowy corners of my past and present to uncover essential truths. While some experiences cannot be altered, I’ve focused on understanding how I can better respond to similar situations in the future.
This journey hasn’t been without its challenging moments. Some nights have been filled with tears and restlessness, but they haven’t defined the entire experience. I’ve dedicated time to reading, writing, and structuring my days to gain a broader perspective and understand the underlying patterns that have shaped who I am. Identifying the deep-seated beliefs that have influenced my life has allowed me to swap them out and update my self-perception.
Above all, this process of self-assessment has required hard work and unwavering commitment. It’s about peeling back layers, not only to address past traumas or triggers but also to explore wonder, curiosity, and uncharted facets of my own identity. Embracing all emotions, seizing each moment, and addressing my vulnerabilities have all contributed to a profound sense of acceptance and inner peace.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gene_freeman/
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Gene_Freeman_jr
- SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/gene-freeman-2
Image Credits
Photo by Robert Olin – © Robert Olin Studios. 2nd photo Epic Headshots photography
