Conversations with Maxwell Hamilton

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maxwell Hamilton.

Maxwell, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I grew up in LA in the South Bay area. I was always interested in the Performing Arts, doing after school theater programs with my friends. It was always just fun for me, somewhere to go after school and fool around. Through those years I fell in love with it, it was all I was thinking about, and when it was time to start applying to college- thats when I decided to take it seriously and really choose this as a life path. I was accepted into UCLA’s Theater program, and there I went full force into acting. UCLA set me up with a handful of connections and soon after I graduated, I was living in NY doing off-broadway theater, and honestly that’s where I learned most of what I know now. Just being surrounded by veteran actors, I watched how they worked and rehearsed, how they conducted themselves throughout their day, what their lives were like outside and off the stage- it was very enlightening. I’ve been back in LA for about 12 years now still applying everything i’ve got, both in television and film, and theater when it comes around.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Hah. Has anyone ever answered “yes its been pretty smooth actually” to this? No, the last decade or so has had its fair share of ups and downs. There’s plenty of times I have my head in my hands, not knowing the what the next move is. But then there are good days where things seem to come together. I’ve gotten better at appreciating those days, and trying to hold onto that feeling next time I go through hardships. There’s plenty of gigs I felt really attached do and didn’t get it, and plenty of things i’ve tried to get off the ground, always to find a million things in your way. Sometimes you can navigate your way through, sometimes you gotta pull the plug and start working on the next idea. I stopped waiting for the right role or the right project to find me and started collaborating with people who are ready to make their own stuff. Now, I run my own production company Five Horizons Media, using everything i’ve learned from various production jobs and putting it into work that i’m passionate about.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Last time I checked in with you guys I was working on a lot of music with my project titled DRFTRS. Since then, its been more focused back into film and television. I still love playing and writing music, but it just simply hasn’t been a focus for me recently. So this answer has changed a bit. I work mostly as an actor, voice over actor, and a producer. I love doing all of those at the same time, I get to use all sides of my brain. One day i’m totally creative, and then the next day i’m glued to my laptop working on contracts and schedules, I like to keep both sides sharp. I’ve been able to voice a number of some notable audiobooks, and those have always been great. I’d say my most well known film i’ve been involved in is Macon Blair’s “I Dont Feel At Home In This World Anymore”, I got to work with some amazing actors i’ve always looked up to. That went on to win the Grand Jury Prize at Sundance when it came out, and being at that festival for that has still been a most prized experience for me. Recently, i’m in a new film called “The Mannequin”, written and directed by my good friend John Berardo. I also ended up producing that. I’m most proud of this film, because it was my full time focus for the past two years. I was working as an actor and making sure my character was the best it could be, and also turning around and making sure our production was still up and running and all the elements were still in place, it took all of my energy. That film comes out this month, on October 14th, i’m extremely proud we were able to find a home for it and get it released to the public. I’m really excited for people to watch it. I’d say thats the thing that sets me apart from others I guess? I’ve met a lot of people who came to LA, gave it a couple years trying for their careers, and throwing in the towel when it got tough. I haven’t given myself that option. I surround myself with creatives who find ways to hit their goals, and the plan is for us to continue doing so. Just gotta find the right people.

If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
This is an interesting question, i think my answer is a bit of a double edged sword. What comes to mind first is an upfront easy going personality I try bring to the table. I like to joke around, keep things light, I find that it helps people relax a bit. We’re not saving lives here. I want to make sure people are comfortable, hoping it allows them to bring their true selves to the table. I do my best to cultivate a fun and healthy environment, to the point that people want to go grab dinner and a drink after work, for example. That being said, I get what I gotta get done, done- if that makes sense. I roll with the punches, get back up on my feet, make sure the people i’m collaborating with are still good, and i’ll be the first one to say “Ok. Where’s the solution here? What are the next steps to keep going?” Its all about endurance.

Pricing:

• The Mannequin on Apple TV – preorder is $12.99
• DRFTRS – “ie: the fear that binds us” on iTunes for $4.99

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/maxwellhamilton/?hl=en
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/maxwelljhamilton/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdkQF_7qqVUW1KnQ7-3d8zg
• Other: https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/the-mannequin/umc.cmc.6p3f4e65dkd5lybfw6r92c4lm

Image Credits
Jack Chamberlain @jackchamberlain.xyz