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

Hi Michal, is there a quote or affirmation that’s meaningful to you?
The mantra I live by is “don’t wait for permission”. When I decided to pursue a career as a writer and also in film, I had to choose to challenge my limiting beliefs and really shift my thinking. Several years ago I listened to a financial podcast that talked about how the threshold guardians are gone and I found that it applies to a lot of life. Every writer or artist eventually has to give themselves permission because no one else can to do that for you. For me, it was a powerful threshold of self-discovery and it changed my relationship with my artistry. It made me take responsibility for my art and become my own advocate. It allowed me to have my own voice. Giving myself permission to make are has also led me to believe that money is not an excuse to not make art. The truth is, while money can make the process easier, it can also limit ingenuity and creativity. With limited resources, you have to get creative and you have to be willing to shift the way you think about how you’re going to accomplish your goals. Money can’t buy vision or heart and no amount of money will ever be a substitute for that.

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.
As a writer, I’m obsessed with the craftsmanship of ideas and having conversations with audiences on a deeply emotional level. If you can feel a work of art – if you have empathy – then you can find common ground and understanding. Authentic emotion is something I try to incorporate in all my stories whether it be film, novels, or video games. I’ve had so many deep and heartfelt conversations with people connecting through my stories and it’s something I’m really proud of. The desire to have honest and authentic conversations with folk from all walks of life is the driving force behind my art. In turn, I’ve learned so many lessons along the way. Perhaps most important is learning to put myself out there. Art dies in a vacuum, so sharing my art and my ideas has been a necessary growth area. Authentic art is vulnerable, but I’m always surprised by the opportunities that come from showing up with honest. People really do respond to authenticity and tenacity. They want to see you succeed and they want to share meaningful conversations. Your art is an important part of that process.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’m the worst person to ask about this because I really don’t go out much. I’m such a homebody. A perfect week in my book is focused on good community and stress-free fun. I’d take friends to some of my favorite museums like The Getty, The Huntington Gardens, and The Broad. We’d go into Koreatown to hit up some of my favorite food spots like Gogobop and KazuNori. We’d also have to stop at Nonna’s Empanadas in Grand Central Market. To get out of the city, I’d take them up to Angeles National forest for some scenic views and hiking. And then home sweet home for cozy nights in where I’d make a mean old fashioned and the best maple butter blondies you’ve ever had.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Like most people, I have too many individuals to thank for my creative journey but this shoutout is dedicated to my good friends, Rob Sarmiento and Cameron Boyce. Without them, I would be lost. I’ve never met two individuals so dedicated to inspiring and supporting other creatives to be great storytellers and filmmakers. They’ve had a hand in all of my successes and I’m so grateful for their encouragement every step of the way.

Website: https://michalstrauss.com/

Instagram: @aok_michal

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michal-strauss-095b409b

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

Image Credits
Cameron Boyce, Saige Kristian, Rowan Faris, MR Productions

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