Today we’d like to introduce you to Harley Wallen.
Harley, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I started as a Martial Artist (Judo & Tae Kwon Do) I competed on a high level internationally in Europe. (I’m Swedish) I also started break dancing in my teens and got really good. Because of my dance, I got a terrific opportunity to come on a syndicated TV Show “Solstollarna” in Sweden primarily as a dancer with some occasional lines.
Also, the Martial Arts got me an opportunity to be in a Youth Against Violence film. I knew I wanted to do this, so I started acting classes. I was incredibly fortunate and won the US immigration lottery, and after jumping through hoops, I made the big jump across the pond and moved to the US. After limited success, my career took off and with kids on the way I put much of my creative outlet on the back burner. I kept fighting and competing in Judo and coaching alongside work and family.
I finished my fighting career undefeated and was recently inducted into the Martial Arts Hall of Fame. I didn’t get back into acting until 2012 after recovering from a divorce and retiring from MMA, but this time my urge to act was stronger than ever before, and I started getting more and more work. I found myself making a decision to write and direct a short film for a film festival challenge in 2016, and I got bit by the filmmaking bug and have been making films ever since. I did train with several online film schools, Rocketjump was my favorite.
In 2018, I released three films with my production team that includes my wife Kaiti Wallen AP and Actress, Nancy Oeswein Co-Producer, Annette Cama Executive Producer, Nick Sarelli Co-EP… We released Moving Parts, Bennett’s Song and Betrayed all available on demand, Amazon Prime, Vudu DVD, etc. 2019 is shaping up to be a huge year as we are releasing five films!
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
There are always struggles especially when you grow at such a rapid pace, especially in outgrowing certain cast or crew. But also producing films at such a high rate we are also fundraising three times a year, and that can be a challenge.
Also knowing when to take the next step, we are currently in talks with a few studios interested in co-production and taking our budgets to a new level. We really like our system so it’ll take a great opportunity to change that.
Alright – so let’s talk business. Tell us about Painted Creek Productions – what should we know?
I write many of the scripts, I cast, I produce, I’m an actor and I direct. So I guess I do a little of everything. I think as a director I’ve become most known for being an actors director…
As an actor, I really enjoy transforming and really becoming my character. I’m very proud of my team, I work very hard, and I keep a high pace, and they are doing an incredible job hustling to keep us rocking!!
My wife’s role as a casting coordinator/director, producer and actress it’s great to have such a dedicated partner as Kaiti.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
I think my drive and willingness to learn and grow is a huge factor, but I also feel I’m incredibly fortunate having such an amazing team around me! One of my favorite things is to learn and grow, and I am not afraid of change, in fact, I seek it!
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: Officialharleywallen
- Facebook: Harley Wallen
- Twitter: Harleytheswede
Image Credit:
Painted Creek Productions, David’s Anderson, Edward Mellema
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