Meet Charlie Bellarose | Actor & Filmmaker

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

Hi Charlie, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I don’t think anyone should give up on something they are passionate about, even if sometimes it feels like the path towards our goal is never ending. Most things take time and I think we should learn to enjoy the journey. Sometimes it’s tough when we see others with similar goals succeed before we do, but it’s important not to compare ourselves to others because we are all on a different life path and what might work for one person, may not work for another. Just because things are tough now, doesn’t mean they’re always going to be. You never know what amazing opportunity is just around the corner, and if you give up, then you’ll never find out. No one should sell themselves short. They say; “If you can dream it, then you can do it,” and I, for one, believe that our dreams are worth pursuing. Keep believing in yourself and your abilities, and eventually, you’ll get to where you want to be.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
What sets me apart as a filmmaker is my unique perspective and style. Every filmmaker has their own approach to storytelling and visual expression, and my approach is a combination of my personal experiences, artistic influences, and technical skills. I strive to create work that is both thought-provoking and visually stunning. I like to take on a highly stylized approach to filmmaking; everything that I create has a very specific aesthetic. I love rich and vibrant color palettes, and whimsical sets that pop off the screen, which give my films a dreamlike quality.

One of the things that excites me most about being a filmmaker is the ability to collaborate with other artists and creatives. Filmmaking is a collaborative art form, and working with other professionals in the industry is an incredible experience. It’s inspiring to see how each person brings their own unique talents and ideas to the table, resulting in a final product that is greater than the sum of its parts.

Of course, being a filmmaker also comes with its challenges. The industry can be competitive and unpredictable, and it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to succeed. I started out working as a production assistant on independent film sets. It was a great learning experience, and I gained a lot of valuable skills working in various departments. However, I soon realized that if I wanted to pursue my dreams of becoming a filmmaker, I needed to take a more proactive approach, so I began creating my own short films and entering them into film festivals. This allowed me to gain exposure and connect with other like-minded individuals in the industry. I also started networking and reaching out to production companies, offering my services.

The journey isn’t easy and I’m always learning valuable lessons that help me to grow as a filmmaker. One of the biggest challenges is finding funding for my projects. It’s no secret that filmmaking can be an expensive endeavor, and finding investors or sponsors can be a daunting task. That’s why it is importance to build strong relationships with potential investors and to demonstrate a clear vision for your projects.

Another challenge is learning to balance creative expression with commercial viability. As a filmmaker, it’s important to create work that resonates with audiences and can generate revenue for investors. At the same time, it’s essential to maintain artistic integrity and stay true to your vision. Finding this balance can be difficult, but I learned to trust my instincts and seek feedback from others to ensure that my work is both compelling and commercially viable.
Throughout my journey, I have learned that success in the film industry requires a combination of talent, hard work, and perseverance. I also learned that building strong relationships with other professionals in the industry is essential. Collaboration is key to creating great films, and I have been fortunate enough to work with incredibly talented and passionate individuals.

As for my brand and story, I want the world to know that I am a filmmaker who is committed to creating compelling stories that resonate with audiences. I want to use film as a tool to entertain as well as inspire others. I am constantly pushing myself to grow as an artist and take on new challenges. I believe that my unique perspective and style can contribute something meaningful to the industry, and I am excited to continue my journey in filmmaking.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I don’t even know where to begin! That’s what’s so great about Los Angeles; there are so many things to do. LA is one of the most eclectic cities in the world, and for good reason. The city is a melting pot of cultures, ideas, and lifestyles, making it such a fun and diverse place to live. This diversity is evident in the city’s many neighborhoods, each with its distinct character and flavor. Speaking of flavor… I would definitely take my bestie to The Griddle Café on Sunset for some seriously tasty pancakes. Then, there’s Republique on La Brea for the most amazing brunch and Found Oyster in East Hollywood for some killer seafood.

Now, for a little culture… I’m a big fan of architecture so I would definitely take her on an architectural tour of some of LA’s landmark homes like the Stahl house in Hollywood or Frank Lloyd Wright’s Hollyhock House. Then, we could take a trip to The Broad, which is hands-down my favorite museum in LA. That’s where you’ll find Yayoi Kusama’s Infinity Mirrored Room, one of the most photographed artworks of all time. We could spend an afternoon walking around Melrose Avenue, checking out all the colorful murals and local boutiques for a very unique shopping experience. One of my favorite clothing stores is called Rock Etiquette. LOVE that place. They have the most amazing custom-made denim jackets. I love Los Angeles because it’s such a powerhouse for entertainment, fashion, and art. It’s a city that celebrates creativity and innovation, which is why you’ll find unusual places like Wisdome — an immersive art and meditation experience located Downtown and host to a variety of interesting events.

As for some late-night spots… We could hit up the Peppermint Club in West Hollywood for some live music and a one-of-a-kind atmosphere or head to La Descarga in East Hollywood for some rum cocktails and a burlesque show. If my bestie feels like living out her Great Gatsby fantasies, then I would take her to Delilah in West Hollywood, for a night of jazz, sophistication, and what might be the best chicken tenders in the world. And that’s just a morsel of what Los Angeles has to offer.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to thank my writing group. When I first moved to Los Angeles back in 2018, I joined a writing group whose members were young professionals working in the film industry. They all had plenty of film experience under their belt and had been a part of some major projects working alongside filmmakers like Terrence Malick and Woody Allen. Needless to say, I was a little intimidated considering my very limited experience, but they’re the reason that I got into filmmaking. They were the first ones to encourage me to shoot something that I had written, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

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