Luc Berthelette
Learn • Get Inspired • Grow
James Bland
Actor in series Unconventional, Insecure, Giants, Get Your Life, and films High Tide, Always a Bridesmaid. He is also a writer, and a producer
What did you want to become when you were a child?
I always wanted to be an artist of some type. I loved writing, drawing, and performing as a kid but didn't discover filmmaking until college.
What aspects of your career do you like best/least?
I love that my career is project-based and thus always changing. I get to work in different cities, with different people, and create new exciting things that I am typically very passionate about. The challenge with being a professional creative is the instability and uncertainty that comes with it. I think that's the part I like the least but I've learned over the years to appreciate the downtime.
If you could send a note to your 15 year-old self, what would it say?
It would simply say you are enough and the things that make you different are your superpowers. Embrace exactly who you are and don't be afraid to take up space. God made you a giant among men for a reason... stand tall.
If you could send a note to your 75 year-old self, what would it say?
What a fucking life you lived! Well done.
Happiness is...:
Peace within: void of fear, regret, and anxiety.
What/who inspires you?
I'm inspired by so many things: a good movie, a well-written episode of TV, a moving performance from an actor on stage or screen, a revealing memoir, a painting, a photograph, a song, an Instagram post, a tweet, a person going about their day... I am constantly being inspired by the life happening around me and the art I consume throughout my day.
Who is someone you admire in life? What specific characteristics of this person do you want to emulate?
I really admire RuPaul. I've become a huge "Drag Race" fan over the last four years and recently finished Ru's memoir "House of Hidden Meanings". I love that Ru is always laughing; he's always looking for the joke even if it's directed toward him. I want to be more like that. Ru doesn't take himself too seriously yet he has an unshakable belief in himself. He's conquered his inner saboteur and I'm actively working on doing the same.
What three books would you insist everyone read?
The Alchemist (by Paulo Coelho), The Velvet Rage (by Alan Downs), and Will Smith's memoir (Will).
What three movies would you insist everyone watch?
Moonlight, City of Gods, & Malcolm X.
If in a bad (sad, sour, or angry) mood, I pop this movie (or TV show) in and know I will feel (even slightly) better once the film wraps up:
The TV Show "Martin"
What do you consider to be the best mistake you have ever made?
This is a hard one. Nothing comes to mind. Let me think on it some more.
The key to my personal well-being is:
Staying spiritually grounded.
What do you believe to be the greatest gift to offer someone else?
To fully see them, as they are. To let someone know that their existence matters.
What do you consider to be the greatest gift you can give to yourself?
Unwavering love and forgiveness.
Any advice for those wanting to work in your industry &/or live their best lives?
For those wanting to work in my industry, the greatest advice I can give is to start creating and stop waiting. Stop waiting on the agent, the money, the permission... find a way to create the things you want to see in the world. Eventually, people will notice and bigger opportunities will come.
Any last words?
You don't have to live life the way you've been told. You can create the life you want to live.
For more information on James: