Meet Sam Chavez | Filmmaker, Editor, Dancer, Choreographer, Teacher, Creative Director

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

Hi Sam, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I have been thinking a lot about risk lately actually. Risk is scarier the older I get because what I have to lose is everything I have built on my own. It’s harder to see that when you’re completely supported and backed up by either family or an institution like a college. Once the safety nets are gone it’s scarier. Even if you’re supporting yourself through college you have a community of teachers, friends, mentors, etc. That fades a bit once you leave and I think for me it makes me want to never risk anything haha but how BORING! Balance is key. Putting myself out there as who am is a risk everyone should take because that has no real cost. Completely changing jobs or locations gets tricker for sure. I think there are different kinds of risks in both life and career and I’ve noticed that sometimes it may just be a situation of lacking trust and confidence in what you’re capable of and then sometimes it plays more into the realm of money which is my least favorite one haha. I am still so young and still so early in the process of building and carving my own path but so far being on my side has made each risk feel like an opportunity that I can reshape if something goes awry. Sometimes the what if keeps you prisoner. Nothing is ever certain, I mean even my body throws different emotions and limitations at me everyday and as animals we adapt and I know this can be a bit of stretch, but you can adapt. You are capable. You aren’t the doubt, that’s just protection and an animal instinct; so save that for when its needed. That safety mechanism isn’t useless we just use it at the wrong time sometimes. So haha I just want to offer a different approach to the word risk.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My overall theme has been the statement “Busy distorting reality”. I just love this haha. How can you view everything constantly in a thousand ways. Naturally my brain takes me on this journey so I figured I would start sharing that with the world, That statement plays in all realms for me. I have always said I want to work with good people. That is so important omg I can’t stress it enough. There’s a lot of scary things that we have let happen in this industry and I am 100% not here to play that game. I’m interested in people who love what they do, are kind, want the best for others and put their humanity before their reputation. And what I mean by that last part is that yes saying no to an opportunity could result in you losing other opportunities but if it doesn’t align with your moral compass please please please don’t do it because those other opportunities that come with that yes can possibly take you into a cycle of things you really don’t want to do.

I am most proud of taking care of myself and most excited about honestly this whole year. Being on my side has helped me grow as artist and made space for me to do the million things I’m doing right now.

I think I have got to this position I’m in right now from reaching out when I needed guidance or a conversation and creating for nothing else but myself. Speaking up and communicating and creating out the love of creating has brought on so many out of the blue opportunities and I am so grateful.

I want the world to know that this random ass stranger that is Sam Chavez believes in you. I get so freaking fired up hearing about things people want to do. I am a creative that is on your side not one that wants you to be on mine, although of course support is appreciate. I want to create with people and support their dreams in whatever way I can through what I love, that’s what keeps the art going round and round.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Oh wow! Couple hots spots for me:

-Griffith Observatory butttttt if crazy busy like it usually is there a lot of beautiful spots on Mulholland drive if you want some space.
-Jon & Vinnys for Italian food!
-Malibu is so pretty even just for the drive
-Sushistop is my fav sushi place
-I just like walking around Burbank too can’t tell you why haha idk
-Downtown Pasadena!!!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Oh man I could list soooo many people and Im going to do just that! I have to start by saying I’m lucky to have grown up with a family that not only allowed me to dip my toes into a million different art forms, but also allowed me to think for myself at such a young age. I used to tell stories to all adults at parties my grandpa used to have and I felt so seen and heard and I was so young, it was crazy. I mean even at restaurants if I needed something I needed to speak up, they didn’t speak up for me. To some this may sound a little harsh and as a kid it was scary I will say but man it did teach me to talk to people to enjoy conversation and to never feel threatened by the idea of using my voice. I dedicated that to my family and it plays so often in my work. When it comes to dance all my AMDA mentors and teachers hold such a valuable place in heart. I am grateful for the lessons, performances, side conversations and the meets ups I get to have even now. When it comes to film I am ever so thankful for Cain DeVore and Alyssa Park. Cain you are so beyond this planet and every person I talk to about you just beams. Your love for others speaks in your work and plays such a huge role in your teachings. You have taught me so much and continue to and I am so freaking happy I met you. Alyssa I always got to peek over your shoulder and watch your film work when we were roommates. Your signature is so strong and special in your work. I don’t know if I would’ve even started diving deep into film if it wasn’t for you and I thank you big for that. I also want to thank my friends for being a bunch of wild kids with me all the time and letting me lean you and you trusting to lean on me.

Website: https://samchainc.com

Instagram: samchavez25

Image Credits
Alyssa Park