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

Hi Peter, can you share a quote or affirmation with us?
“If you want to get hit by a car, you’ve got to go play in traffic.”

Basically, if you want to be discovered for what you do, you have to put yourself out there. You have to be in the mix. No one is going to knock on your door and say, “hi, any actors (musicians, designers, artists) live here?” Unless you make your presence known, unless you start meeting people, it’s unlikely that you will launch a meaningful career.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Wow, that’s a broad question.

I’m proud of having worked in the entertainment business almost all my life. I started acting in TV commercials as a kid in Australia which inspired my ambition to be a filmmaker. I also pursued a music career and after a family move to Canada, where I enrolled in film school, I began playing in bands and writing songs. I cut some demos of my material and was able to land a record contract from a small independent label in Toronto. My first single, “Bondi Junction,” went to number 1 on the Canadian charts. That led to a 10 year run in the music business, touring and recording on labels such as Capital/EMI, Polydor and RCA Records, who moved me to Los Angeles.

Once in L.A. my interest in filmmaking was reignited and I began writing screenplays, the first of which sold and became a successful teen comedy called “Hot Moves.” This led to other film projects and I eventually realized my dreams of being a director. To date I have directed 10 features, working with stars such as Paul Rudd, Eugene Levy, Beverly D’Angelo and Academy Award winner, Louise Fletcher among many others.

It’s never easy but one has to believe that no is not an option. There will always be ups and downs but if you believe in yourself you will eventually convince others to do the same.

Be realistic about what is possible. If you’re a filmmaker you may not get to write or direct a film for Warner Bros. or MGM, but you can make a short film or an independent feature and use that as a calling card. If music is your dream you can start a band and play gigs. You can record yourself and release it on Spotify and all the other streaming services.

Talking of recordings, I have a new single coming out August 22nd, 2023. It’s called JUMP LIKE THIS and you can check it out here:

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I’d start with a walk along Venice Beach. It’s a pretty unique experience. A nice drive from the coast going east along Sunset Blvd. past the mansions in Beverly Hills into West Hollywood to glance at the legendary music venues like The Roxy, the Whisky and the Troubadour.

A night-time exploration of some of the cool night spots in Hollywood would also be on the agenda.

Food-wise, my go-to places are Swingers Diner on Bevely Blvd, The Mauro Cafe on Crescent Heights, the very touristy but well-worth-visiting Mexican restaurant, El Coyote, which has been open since 1935. Also Canter’s Deli on Fairfax.

A great vegetarian spot is Crossroads on Melrose Ave. L.A. has so many options that it’s hard to remember them all.

There are some great hiking spots in L.A. Runyon Canyon is on the top of my list. Fryman Canyon is another. A walk around Lake Hollywood is also fun.

The Grove and Farmer’s Market, where I am currently sitting right now, is also a must-see.

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?
First of all my late mother, Judy, who never discouraged me from following my path in the entertainment business. She was proud of my accomplishments and always gave her full support while many people discouraged me.

Secondly, the Bee Gees, who I had the pleasure of knowing in my teens while living in Australia. Talent and creativity like theirs was something I had never witnessed up close before. Their drive and determination to succeed definitely inspired me to pursue my dreams.

Lastly, i have to recognize serendipity, of being in the right place at the right time with viable projects in my hand. As they say luck is when opportunity meets preparation.

Website: www.peterfoldy.com

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

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PeterFoldy

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PeterFoldy

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdm7XG529Apd0rceYsfYy9g

Image Credits
Photo with guitar by Jonathan Stoddard Photo with blue background by Andras Zakonyi Behind the scenes photo from the feature, “Widow’s Kiss” by Wren Maloney Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto: Photo by John Rowlands

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