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

Hi Cal, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
When I was in college finding myself and figuring out what I wanted to do with my life, I thought the coolest job in the world was to be a movie star, so that’s how it began — with a thought, an idea, and a belief.

I had very little previous exposure to acting, but I passionately loved movies, and I had an aptitude for the arts, so when I took my first acting class in college, it clicked. A little encouragement from my acting teacher at the time was all I needed to pack up my car and move to LA, so I did just that.

I’ve been here acting, writing, and producing films ever since.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’d say the first quality that has gotten me to where I am, is perseverance and never giving up. Also, having no plan B I think is the only way to come at this career, because during the darker or leaner times I think most people would take it. For me, breaking in has been what I would considered the antithesis of easy, but it does get better year after year. Success brings success.

Additionally, being a multi-hyphenate creative has really served me as an actor, particularly in writing and producing, which gives me some control over the narrative and trajectory of my career. I can write quality feature scripts that I star in, and produce them, which allows me to play characters that I really want to play and tell stories I really want to tell. It’s a lot of work, but extremely artistically rewarding, and it’s another skill set which means additional income.

For me, a lot of my challenges were self-created. I had a lot of opportunities in my twenties that I didn’t take advantage of because I wasn’t making great decisions and I wasn’t in a good mental state. I think that’s a common problem with first generation actors moving to LA — they don’t understand how hard and competitive it is — you not only have to be good, you have to have your wits about you, you have to show up at 110% everyday. I just didn’t understand that when I was younger. I thought I could coast through on talent alone. That didn’t work out.

Once I turned inward and started taking personal responsibility for my life, things have gradually started working out in my career. The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that the most important aspect to my life is the state of my spiritual condition, and my mental health. Some might call that your frequency or vibration. It sounds ‘woo, woo’, but it literally effects everything in my life. I do my best now to put that first, and the rest seems to work itself out all right.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
LA is such a massive, magical place. There’s layers to it. I’ve lived here for 15 years and I feel I’ve barely scratched the surface.

The beach is always a must when I have people visiting from out of town. South Venice / Marina Del Rey / and the Beach Cities such as Manhattan Beach and Redondo are good options for actors because they’re not too far from Hollywood.

I’ll usually try and line up a party or film premiere to go to when I have friends visiting from out of town. You know, give them that traditional Hollywood experience.

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?
There are so many, the list is really long.

This article seems to be geared towards how I got started, so I’d like to dedicate this shout out to my first acting teacher in Portland, OR, Mike O’Connell. He was the first person in my life to really call out the artist in me and give me permission to pursue my dreams, no matter how large they were. An actor himself, he really appreciates the craft and wants to see young actors succeed.

I’ve had other acting teachers since I’ve moved to LA. Most have been good and I learned a lot, some have been detrimental and set me back — the opposite of Mike — but Mike’s first vote of confidence has really helped me push through the darker and leaner times of my career.

I’m very grateful to have an amazing first acting teacher. Those first experiences with acting are so critical to young minds, it really sets the actor on their path. It’s a lot of responsibility. I’m grateful for the good ones that understand that.

Website: https://www.calbarnes.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/calbarnes

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/calbarnes

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CalBarnes3

Other: IMDB:

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4290140/

WIKIPEDIA:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cal_Barnes

Image Credits
Main Red Carpet Photo: @Aphotothatfitz

The Astrid Experience Poster: Jacob Rozio

Son of Neverland Book Cover: Adrian Doan Kim

Infinite Limits Poster: M. Rasool Khan

Swoon Red Carpet Photo: Kevin Booth

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.