Today we’d like to introduce you to Charlie Bellarose.
Hi Charlie, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I am a French-American actor and filmmaker originally from Paris, France. I grew up watching American cinema. My parents had a library’s worth of films that I would binge on as a kid. I would get lost in the characters and their stories; living vicariously through them. I’ve always had a wild imagination, a knack for storytelling, and a need for artistic expression. I would often perform skits for my family, making up elaborate scenarios. I loved entertaining others and making them laugh. However, as a teenager, the concept of being an actor and a filmmaker seemed more like a fantasy rather than something rooted in reality.
After I graduated college, I had an inexplicable pull to move to Los Angeles and try my hand at acting and filmmaking. I figured, what the hell, it’s now or never. My first year in Tinseltown, I ended up joining a writing group whose members were young professionals working in the film industry. Every week, we would read a screenplay that one of us had written and give each other feedback on how we could improve it. I had written several screenplays over the years. When my turn came, I chose a pilot that I had written for a web series called “Hollywounded.” Everyone loved it. “We have to make this,” they said. And just like that, I had a whole production team at my disposal. I ended up creating a small independent production company called Hollywounded Productions, where I write, direct, and produce short films.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The film/entertainment industry is one of the most difficult and most competitive industries out there, so the road hasn’t been as smooth as I would like to be. One of the biggest struggles is getting the right people to see my work. Film festivals can sometimes help in that respect because they provide networking opportunities for filmmakers. However, that is contingent upon the festival and how it’s organized, and whether your film is accepted to the festival. People always suggest that I post my content online in order to reach a wider audience. Although there are many digital platforms where one can showcase their work such as YouTube, Vimeo, social media, etc., the truth is, most of these platforms are oversaturated and have strict censorship policies, and my content isn’t exactly “PG” so it’s not always an option for everyone.
As most indie filmmakers will tell you, limited budgets are the biggest challenge. Making a movie is not a cheap endeavor and film is an oversaturated market with limited funding channels. Even a 10-minute short can cost up to $50K. The problem is independent filmmakers don’t have the same level of industry connections or resources to secure funding from traditional sources like studios, production companies, or investors. This means having to work within a certain budget, and when you’re working within budgetary restrictions, you’re sometimes forced to make compromises like foregoing the “perfect shooting location” because it’s too expensive. It took me four months of scouring the internet to find the pink house I used in my film Jacques. Finding a suitable location within my budget was like searching for a needle in a haystack.
I’ve also had to make compromises when it comes to using certain filming equipment. People tell me that I should just shoot my stuff on an iPhone because it’s cheaper and I can pump out more content that way. And although that’s true, for me filmmaking is an art. It’s not about the quantity; it’s about the quality of the content, and quality doesn’t come cheap.
When you have limited funds, you also end up doing the job of a dozen people — not only am I the writer, but I’m also the director, the producer, the actor, the hair and makeup artist, the production designer, the location scout, the editor, and the casting director. Is it easy? No. It’s a tough journey filled with challenges that keep testing my resilience and creativity, but that’s also why I love it.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’ve always been passionate about film and the power of storytelling, which is why I own an independent production company where I write, direct, and produce short films. I am best known for my award-winning, Hollywood-centric comedy series, “Hollywounded,” which has garnered recognition for its unique, colorful style and raw comedic tone. My latest film Jacques — a whimsical dark comedy about a neglected stray pup who finds refuge in the arms of an eccentric young woman — has been featured in numerous international film festivals, where it has received accolades for its quirkiness and visual aesthetic.
Having a unique and compelling creative vision is definitely something that sets me apart. From my films to my website, to my Instagram, everything that I do has a very specific look. I love bright, bold colors and eccentric sets that pop off the screen and capture the audience’s attention — think Jean-Pierre Jeunet’s Amélie or Wes Anderson’s The Darjeeling Limited, except on a much smaller scale of course. I also have a particular writing style; I like to tell stories in a way that feels fresh and innovative by infusing my work with personality and originality.
My ability to rise to any challenge and think outside the box, as well as a combination of talent, skills, and dedication to the craft, are all things that set me apart. When I was looking to shoot my latest film Jacques, people thought I was crazy. “The main character is a dog? That’s insane!” They didn’t think I could pull it off. Well, I showed them. Not only did I pull it off, but anyone who sees the film absolutely loves it. I’m the type of person who stays true to my vision regardless of what other people think. If I want to shoot a film about a dog then that’s exactly what I’m going to do.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
The pandemic really put things into perspective and helped me grow as an individual in many ways. The single most important lesson that it taught me is to not take anything for granted. Humans are a very “wantful” species, constantly chasing after more. More money. More time. More stuff. Just MORE. We take for granted all the things that we do have and we never realize how much we truly have until it’s gone. I feel like there’s a lot that I used to take for granted, like the ability to spend time with family and friends, being in good physical health, or having a roof over my head. So many people lost their loved ones, their livelihood and their homes during the pandemic. I was fortunate not to be one of those people and I am immensely grateful for that. Now, I find ways to appreciate even the little things in life, whether it is a quick trip to the grocery store, the joy of a lunch date at my favorite restaurant, a leisurely walk in nature, or a friendly interaction with a stranger. Every day, I try to remind myself of how precious life is and how grateful I am to be alive.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.hollywounded.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hollywounded/
