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

Hi Peter, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
In 2024, there’s a hard truth that all creatives must face: the Bohemian age of the arts is over. Any romantic visions of scratching a living from project to project are perpetuated by trust fund babies LARPing in the property market.

However, it is still possible to live as an independent artist. If you plan carefully, you can reliably survive as an artist. Look for effective ways to structure your life. Create space for the arts. Find the stability to enable you to grow your craft. And remember, Anton Chekhov was a Doctor for most of his life.

For the reasons outlined above, I started my own business; strategically laying the foundation so that I will be able to pursue the craft of acting indefinitely, without a time limit. Unfortunately, in a capitalist society which worships money, it’s impossible to live as an artist without it.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
In September 2020 I moved from the safety of New Zealand to be an actor. I’m somebody who believes that if you want to master something, you have to go to the source. I wanted to be a screen actor, so really, there was only one choice.

When I arrived, I didn’t know a single person in LA, and the industry was in shambles. I fought for every single opportunity, made friends wherever I could and auditioned relentlessly, despite having no representation. Within two months I booked a starring role in an experimental one-take feature film and realized that, with the industry in flux, there was an opportunity for actors who were willing to step outside their comfort zone. Another thing: I found that I was booking the most work during the holiday season, when the industry was meant to be at its slowest. I realized quickly the importance of perseverance in this industry. I didn’t have the luxury of returning home for the holidays, so I kept working and was rewarded for it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I like to walk in this city and stay away from the touristic areas. I feel like a walk in the Hollywood hills is just about the most magical experience you can have and it’s totally free. Follow that up with Flaming Tacos on West Sunset and Alvarado and you’ve got a perfect evening – 10/10 Al Pastor.

This city has character and it is a place of extremes. If anyone ever comes to visit, I like to take them to the Getty, but take them for a drive along Wilshire first. Or take them to Santa Monica, but along the whole Santa Monica boulevard to get there. And then, once they’re at the beach, walk along and show them the very evident border of Venice beach, before going to check out the skaters. To show someone just one side of LA is not to show them what this place is really like; to pull back the veil.

Of course, a screening at the New Beverly and some Sunday morning thrifting on Melrose is a must!

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 shoutout all the creatives who were so broke in pursuit of their dreams they had to learn how to change their own brake pads. It will all be worth it one day, I’m sure of it. I’d also like to shoutout everyone over the course of the last three years who has lent us equipment or who has given us their time and energy for the sake of the arts.

A particular shoutout to Anja Racić, who inspires me daily with her unparalleled craft and creativity in the pursuit of acting. To Olivia Cade, for the fervor and ease with which she takes to filmmaking. And lastly, to Brandon Dougherty, for the specificity of his vision and encapsulating the spirit of the independant film industry.

Website: https://phoenixfoundryent.com/

Instagram: @ky.bleach

Image Credits
Brandon Dougherty

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.