We’re looking forward to introducing you to Gene Cook. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Gene , thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is a normal day like for you right now?
Most days start with a long walk. Anywhere from four to ten miles, depending on how motivated I’m feeling. It’s my time to think, plan, and let ideas come to me. After that, it’s a mix: editing projects, writing screenplays, prepping for auditions, or geeking out over new filmmaking gear. No two days are the same, but they all revolve around creating and exploring.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Gene Cook, a filmmaker and creative based in Los Angeles, and I run my production company, Lucid Nova LLC. Growing up in Detroit shaped me in a way that gives my work a perspective and rawness you can’t research and just replicate. It’s about living the experiences that fuel my storytelling. Over the years, I’ve worked to merge the person I’ve always been with the creative I’ve always wanted to be, and going by my real name (or close enough, lol) feels like the first time my work and my life truly align. That combination of life experience and creative drive is what I bring to every project, and I hope it makes me a voice people remember.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
I’ve realized it’s time to release my need to please everyone. I used to want to be liked by absolutely everybody, but over time I’ve learned that relationships are constantly changing. A best friend in first grade isn’t the same person you’ll know decades later. Now, I focus on a select few people who truly matter to me and pour my energy into them. Outside of that, being a good person has to be enough. I still want my art to connect with people, of course, but even that has to have boundaries. I mean, there are people who hate The Godfather, so pleasing everyone is just impossible.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I wouldn’t just be kind. Younger me didn’t need that. I’d cut straight to the point: you’ve been trying to be a version of what’s around you instead of being who’s inside you. And don’t lean on talent, it’s not enough. You’ve got it, now focus on the work. Attack the work. That’s what will get you where you want to go, because talent without direction doesn’t lead anywhere.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to believe ‘it’s just entertainment.’ The idea was that TV and film’s main goal is to entertain, and that was enough. But over time, I realized that even when we’re entertaining, there’s always messaging in our work. As creatives, I think we owe it to ourselves and our audience to at least ask, ‘what am I offering the world?’ That doesn’t mean policing our art. I love vulgarity, dark humor, and fictionalized violence but it’s about being aware of the impact our stories can have on society. Some of my favorites understand that and make it their biggest strength.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
I would almost prefer it. I’m a pretty private person, and I really live for the process of creating. As an actor, I often don’t even watch my performances. I’ll skim something for reel footage, but that’s about it. Recognition feels nice in small doses, but I’m more focused on making the work, keeping the ship moving, and creating. That said, I’ve accepted that doing the kind of work I want to do comes with things I don’t always care for, and I’m willing to deal with that as long as I can keep creating at the level I aim for.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://actorgenecook.carrd.co/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/genecook_?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
