An Inspired Chat with EDWARD GUSTS

We recently had the chance to connect with EDWARD GUSTS and have shared our conversation below.

Hi EDWARD, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What do you think is misunderstood about your business? 
Innate Talent. Do some people have a natural talent when it comes to acting, writing, or filmmaking? Yes.

But…

It doesn’t really matter.

“Natural Talent” is just potential energy. An affinity for something is great if it leads you to practice more and enjoy the process, but skills are developed over time. If you make a lot of movies you will get better at making movies. If you believe that you are talented but only make one thing, it is very likely to go nowhere.

Does talent exist? Sure. But it is pointless to focus on who has the most.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I make movies, and I am vehemently against AI. I actually think there is a boomerang effect happening with all of the generative AI being pushed down our throats.

1. If it was that good they wouldn’t need to push it so hard.
2. It is actually pushing people for a more human and imperfect experience.

I have actually said in the past that if AI took over film and television there would be a resurgence of live theater, but happily; it is driving people away from homogenized films. Whether they were made by a human or not.

This has been a godsend for me because my aesthetic is raw, unpolished, and almost voyeuristic looks at very flawed people.

In essence, the films that I try to make are what you would experience in a black box theater at a fringe festival; but adapted for the screen.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
I don’t know. Still trying to figure that out. Maybe the films are a way of exploring that.

But maybe that’s the wrong question.

Obviously, I am currently trying to explain to you who I am as we speak; but I don’t know if humans are that easy to pin down.

I could label myself as I am right now: Father, filmmaker, wavy haired. But even if I described every detail of my life for this exact moment; something will change in the next.

When I’m feeling wise; I don’t try to identify or label myself, but just enjoy the ride.

I wonder if we give to much importance on knowing exactly who we are.

Maybe we are here for the experience.

But then the wisdom fades and I’m trying to define and market myself again.

And maybe that’s ok too.

What fear has held you back the most in your life?
Wanting to be accepted.
I could probably figure out why if I did enough therapy. But for now it’s good just to notice that if (on social media for example) 1000 people like something that I said and two people are critical, I will pay attention to that first.
If I let myself.
This is a terrible business if that is your default.

But you learn to manage it. When I was solely acting (Particularly in a play that had not completed it’s run) I would avoid reading reviews at all costs.

As a producer, I DO have to read them for marketing purposes, but I try to keep my reading impartial.

All art needs feedback. But I try to limit it now to people I trust who will also be honest with me.

The best policy I ever heard on this was Brene brown stating,” If you’re not in the arena getting your ass kicked on occasion, I’m not interested in your feedback”.
This wont eliminate all criticism aimed at hurting rather than helping, but it will limit it.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Whom do you admire for their character, not their power?
Homeboy Industries founder Father Greg Boyle.

It’s a weird answer for me, because I am not a Christian. But that man puts his money where his mouth is. The entire concept of his company is in giving people a second chance so that they can help themselves and others.

Many people will talk about their faith. He lives it in his work.

Now I am not Christian, and will likely never be; but it’s wonderful to see a man of faith offering more than “thoughts and prayers” to real problems.

Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: If you knew you had 10 years left, what would you stop doing immediately?
Probably any freelance acting. I have a couple of movies that I really want to get made; and while working on other people’s projects have a variety of creative benefits, the time commitment that being a working actor requires would limit the amount of time to finish those projects.

And I really want to see them in the world before I pass.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.magpiefilmco.com
• Instagram: @magpiefilmco
• Other: @edwardgusts on threads

Image Credits
Rick Williamson
Kerry Kazmierowicztrimm
Susan Kelejian