Meet Charlie Bellarose | Actor & Filmmaker

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

Hi Charlie, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I entered the film industry at a very strange time. I moved out to Los Angeles in 2019 before the pandemic hit, which was then followed by the WGA and SAG-AFTRA strike. So, needless to say, it wasn’t exactly the most opportune time to start an acting or filmmaking career. Lost revenue from delayed or canceled projects had a ripple effect throughout the industry. With production delays and uncertainty, studios were less inclined to take risks on new projects or innovative ideas. Opportunities were few and far between, and finding funding was close to nearly impossible because investors didn’t want to take any risks during such precarious times.

At the time, the thought that I had to rely on others to provide me with the right opportunities felt really limiting and disempowering. Instead of waiting for others to recognize my potential and give me a chance, I proactively sought out ways to make things happen for myself. I figured that if the opportunities weren’t available, then I would just have to create them. That’s when I decided to start my own production company, making short form content. This way, I was able to showcase my talents, establish credibility, and attract opportunities and collaborators who resonate with my vision and values.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
As a filmmaker, I am constantly on the move, always chasing after the next project or opportunity to create. It’s a profession that requires a passion for storytelling, a creative eye, and the ability to bring ideas to life through visuals and sound. 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.

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’s 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.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
That’s what’s so great about Los Angeles; there are so many fun and interesting things to do around the city.

Day 1: We start the week off with brunch at Salt’s Cure, a cozy café with local specialties. Their oatmeal griddle cakes are iconic. Followed by a visit at the Los Angeles County Arboretum & Botanic Garden for a leisurely walk and scenic views. Then dinner and cocktails at Mama Shelter in Hollywood, a unique, trendy restaurant with great panoramic city views.

Day 2: A day of cultural immersion. I would take them to the Broad Museum, in downtown Los Angeles, to admire some of the coolest contemporary works of art. Followed by a trip to the Grand Central Market, a famous outdoor market offering everything from Mexican tacos and Asian noodles to gourmet burgers and artisanal coffee. Then, head to Rhythm Room for some drinks and a live jazz performance.

Day 3: A day of outdoor adventure. I would take them to Solstice Canyon in Malibu for a hike. Then, we would spend the day at the beach before dining at Nobu for some delicious sushi and beautiful sunset views.

Day 4: A day of eating and drinking. I would take them on a guided food and drink tour around the city, sampling local delicacies and learning about the culinary scene.

Day 5: A day of relaxation and pampering. We would start the day off with a rejuvenating hot yoga class at Hot Yoga LA. Then, we would treat ourselves to a massage at Milk + Honey Spa and finish the evening with a rooftop movie at Melrose Rooftop Theatre complete with drinks and popcorn.

Day 6: A day of exploring Hollywood. Even though, it’s considered cliché, I would take them to the Hollywood Walk of Fame and TCL Chinese Theatre. Followed by a guided tour of the iconic Hollywood Hills and Griffith Observatory, before heading to the Laugh Factory for one of their amazing comedy shows.

Day 7: We’d finish the week with a leisurely breakfast at République, a tasty French bakery and café. Followed by an afternoon of shopping on Melrose Avenue, full of unique souvenirs and designer finds. Then, we would end the trip with a farewell dinner and an escape room at Room Number 13, a 1920’s themed speakeasy restaurant and cocktail lounge located in the heart of Hollywood.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’d like to give a shoutout to my mentor, who also happens to be an established filmmaker. He was one of the first people to encourage me to pursue a filmmaking career, because he believed in me and my abilities as a storyteller. It’s invigorating when someone you admire sees something special in you. Film is a tough industry, so it’s important to have someone who pushes you to keep going, to keep persevering in the face of adversity. My mentor did that for me. He’s always been there to give me advice and guidance whenever I need it. He holds me accountable, and motivates me to take action and follow through on my goals and commitments. He’s also always there to remind me that comfort is the death of creativity. He says that creativity thrives on exploration and experimentation, so when you’re comfortable, you’re less likely to take risks or to try new things, and he’s absolutely right. I am so grateful to him because over the years, he’s given me the support and confidence I need, to not only keep going, but also to keep stepping outside of my comfort zone, ultimately, making me a better storyteller.

Website: https://www.hollywounded.com/

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