Meet Gunnar Garrett Jr. | Writer, Director, and Producer

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

Hi Gunnar, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I don’t think there’s a distinct event, but more of a prompting whether or not you should keep going or give up. And even saying give up, seems like a negative annotation, when really it’s just a cost analysis. At some point when I’m working on a new venture, I’ll hit a point where the going gets rough. It’s in the moment where you’ll usually see wether or not the time and money you’re investing is worth the effort you’re putting in. If in that moment you can still see the final payoff, and it’s still within reach, AND… You’re still enjoying that venture, that’s when I’ll know to continue pushing forward. If any point I don’t enjoy what I’m doing, or the effort being exerted seems to be more than the end result, call it quits. Cut your losses and walk away. There’s not need to continue putting, money, time, and effort into something for the sole sake of completing it. The thought people tend to have of, “well I’m already into it for x amount, is usually how people lose x plus what they’ll continue to invest.

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.
My wife and I created Ranch Hand Films to help create and promote both our films as well as well as the acting abilities of our younger daughter Vayda Garrett. It initially started after having written multiple award winning scripts that were getting great reviews and coverage, yet were still not getting the attention needed to find funding begin production. As with anything I have done, I got to the point where I realized, I can also just do this on my own as well. Now, this was far from easy, as like with screenwriting I had to learn a completely new skill when we began, but with the right amount amount of time and effort, we were able to push past the challenges to begin producing films. Our first production was Abigail, then moved on to The Fostered, and we currently have two more features, The Weight of War, and An American Atonement in post production. The largest lesson I’ve learned throughout the filmmaking process is that you should always trust in your own abilities. With any art, people will have thoughts and opinions on your creations, but it’s your vision that makes it uniques, and what also brought it to the point of being. Believe in yourself and your abilities to create… Now that doesn’t mean ignore outside voices and constructive critiques, just make sure they align with your vision.

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?
What’s interesting is I’m normally a home body, though I do love to eat out. so if there’s one place we’re hitting up it’s definitely Porto’s Bakery and Cafe in Burbank! They’re absolutely fabulous. Seeing as I have kids we definitely love to frequent Disneyland, Universal, Magic Mountain, and the pier in Santa Monica, but a more usual and enjoyable weekend for us any anyone who comes to visit is just a simple day at Laguna Beach, or often Seal Beach. Just the enjoyment of the beach, the sound and smells of the ocean allows us to all decompress as a family and enjoy the day, rather than the speed of every day life.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Without a doubt my wife and children deserve credit for the accomplishments in my life. If it wasn’t for their sacrifices I wouldn’t be able to be as successful as I’ve been. Their willingness to put aside a family vacation, or willingness to take care of our family ranch while my time is being needed elsewhere is absolutely crucial. We really succeed as a family, rather than each of us having an individual accomplishment. Our continued support of each others goals and dreams are what make them possible.

Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7443350/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gunnar_garrett/reels/

Other: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Gunnar-E-Garrett-Jr/author/B077H24FRL?ref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share&shoppingPortalEnabled=true&ccs_id=0e0e7e82-7eba-4c73-85dd-4ffa783815a7