We recently had the chance to connect with Derae Rain and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Derae, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
Often I find myself pursuing endless goals only to realize that when I stop pursuing- what is meant for me ends up coming my way.
Recently I was fortunate enough to work on a film as a cinematographer and it was the biggest project I’ve ever worked on. A lot of my career in entertainment has been in front of the camera – and as an actor you are constantly pursuing opportunities and exposure.Recently a colleague offered me a behind the camera role and it’s so rewarding to be gifted the opportunity to do something where I feel like I have more control.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Me is Derae Rain. I am an actor, cinematographer, writer/director and visual artist. I am passionate about storytelling and enamored with the art of transformation! I am currently working on my first novel and I love being able to express myself in a creative medium.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What breaks the bonds between people—and what restores them?
Art is so powerful.
It can create and redefine relationships and connections that we have in our lives. In many ways art and storytelling through film and TV are able to reflect and show us aspects of ourselves through the experiences of these fictional characters.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Being an actor in LA we have faced a lot of different challenges such as the pandemic and the strikes.
Getting consistent work is not a given and sometimes you do get work but it’s never enough to finance your life style unless you diversify your portfolio and branch into other fields such as creating your own productions and stories. I think social media has also become such an important tool that really helped to connect to other people during the pandemic.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Where are smart people getting it totally wrong today?
People care more about quantity over quality and money over integrity.
At the end of the day you have to work on things that resonate with you!
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days.
Recently I have been fortunate enough to work in the vertical drama space. These opportunities look different than stage or film but they are still valuable in their own way. As a storyteller and a romance writer I do love the over the top storylines and enduring female leads. As this space gains popularity I am hoping that there will be more racial diversity and equal pay for the female and male leads. This is a flinched market driven by social media and the fans! So if there is a need for more diversity then I’m sure leading platforms will make more diverse content!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @deraerain
Image Credits
Jahruneel Rai
Derae Rain
Helena Lu
