We had the good fortune of connecting with Boomertoolive and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Boomertoolive, why did you pursue a creative career?
I was a class clown all my life, but being funny in school never held me back from learning all my lessons. The reason why I decided to pursue comedy/film was because I was enrolled in Southwest College and I needed a few more units to become a full time student. I ended up crashing a theatre class and my love for acting excelled into so many different avenues.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from others is my drive. When I’m locked in on something I’m relentless and won’t stop until I reach my goal. I’m also a firm believer that nobody is gonna get it done like myself. I don’t really like to brag, but I think that I’m fun to work with because I’m calm under pressure and keep things real light hearted most of time. However we still gotta get the job done! Ya digg!

I’m mostly excited about the body of work I’ve been able to be a part of. I’m very grateful for some of the things I’ve been able to accomplish. The rapport and respect that I get from my community is a priceless feeling. I do have a few projects in development, but I will announce those things when they’re in the further stages.

I fell in love with film at a young age. My mom had an addiction of buying bootleg DVDs. Every time she came from the grocery store, she would come home with a stack of bootlegs containing all the latest movies that were in the theatre. We would literally have movie nights with everyone in the neighborhood and that would bring all of us together. After watching all of the movies you can think of from the 90’s and 2000’s I developed an animated personality that led me to the arts.

I didn’t pursue a career in the arts until I was in college and I crashed a theatre class because I need 3 more units to receive my financial aid. I ended up finding my passion. After a couple of years of writing and acting in plays. I decided to go to film school. In film school I had a few internships that aided my professionalism. When I was fetching coffee, I was in the company of well established people that I had the ability to learn from. It all taught me that no task was too small or too big and that the most important thing I had to manage was my time. When I graduated, began working full time as a producer.

The road I chose was not easy. When you pursue a career in the arts you have to consider business side of it and I haven’t always agreed with it. I’ve worked hard for every opportunity I’ve been granted and the countless hours I’ve spent honing my craft has made the difference. There are many days when your work goes without recognition, but when the time is right you reap all of the benefits.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that planning is the key to manifestation. Even when you don’t meet your expectations the way you intended, you succeed in ways you haven’t imagined.

I want the world to know that when you’re gifted something special from God, don’t run from it, live in your purpose!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m from Inglewood so I would definitely tell you any concert or sporting event around Sofi, the Forum or the newly finished Intuit dome. Also, a few bars in the area like the Nile or Cork and Batter. A few of my favorite restaurants are Dulans and Simply Wholesome. These are pretty much in the same area.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I wanna give a shout out to the late great Teddy Ray. He was somebody who inspired me to be great and encouraged me to see the best within myself. He was so loved and respected by everyone. He gave the world so much through his talent with little to no interest in receiving anything in return. His spirit will forever be missed but never forgotten. This article is dedicated to Teddy Ray! #LLTR

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/boomertoolive?igsh=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/damien-thurmon-9067b79b?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/boomer.toolive?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.