Today we’d like to introduce you to Nick Waters.
Hi Nick, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Originally from South Florida, I was a nationally ranked competitive swimmer growing up, breaking over a dozen state and national records, and was a member of the USA Junior National Team. I went on to earn my B.S. and M.A. degrees from Stanford University where I studied engineering and film history, screenwriting, and film production, and was a member of the varsity swim team, competing at the USA Olympic Trials. During my college years, I made short films and studied acting in San Francisco at various drama and theater programs where I fell in love with the art and craft of acting. After finishing school, I immediately moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in film and television. I wanted to do it all – write, direct, act, and produce – and I hit the ground running. I’m a very goal-oriented and diligent person – traits that were certainly strengthened in my swimming career – and I just put my head down and worked hard to achieve the successes I’ve had in my career thus far.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
There have certainly been highs and lows! We all know Hollywood can be a tough nut to crack without any family or connections in the industry – of which I had none when I first moved to LA. I spent my first couple of years here meeting a lot of different people and, honestly, hustling to keep myself afloat while trying to get traction on my creative pursuits. With a persistent work ethic and drive to succeed, I started to slowly make inroads in multiple facets of film and television.
I think no matter what field you’re in, starting your career as a young professional can be challenging as you figure out how to both advance your career while still feeling personally fulfilled. In an industry like entertainment where there really isn’t a clear path to reach your goals, you need to stay true to yourself. I’m fortunate to have family and mentors who have helped me do just that.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
Starting off, most of the work I got was modeling and acting in various roles. I’ve had small roles in feature films, a recurring role on a soap opera, and have written roles for myself in films that I’ve made with colleagues. I’ve optioned scripts I’ve written to reputable production companies as well. In the past few years, I’ve focused more on being at the helm of projects, so I have more of a say in how and when things get done. I co-produced a horror feature in 2020 that has gone on to sell internationally and make a splash in the independent film world.
In 2021, I wrote and produced a horror feature film for PARAMOUNT PICTURES titled MARGAUX (starring Madison Pettis and Vanessa Morgan). It has been a terrific experience seeing the film come to life and reach worldwide distribution on multiple platforms.
Most recently, I created my own production company, THE MOVIE HOUSE, and produced and directed the first project – a documentary – under the company. The film, titled WHEN WE DANCE, shares the personal stories of the ongoing war in Ukraine from the world’s top-ranked Ukrainian and Russian ballroom dancers, including Karina Smirnoff of Dancing With The Stars. I was incredibly fortunate to have the opportunity to work with such amazing and talented dancers and human beings to make this film; we all came together after the war started to make a piece of art that could hopefully help – in some way – this humanitarian crisis that is still going on. Many of the dancers in the film have family living in dangerous war-torn areas in Ukraine so this has been an unbelievably personal and heart-wrenching experience for them. Our goal is to share this film with the world in hopes that their stories can open people’s eyes about what is going on in Ukraine. Making WHEN WE DANCE has certainly been the most rewarding experience in my professional career.
WHEN WE DANCE has been doing exceptionally well on the festival circuit this year – winning Best Director and Best Cinematography at DOC LA Film Festival and screening at DOC NYC, to name a few accolades. The overwhelming positive reception to the film has been incredibly gratifying. I am now working on finding distribution for the film to share it with audiences across the world.
One thing about myself that I am proud of and believe sets me apart is my attention to detail in my work. Whether directing a film, writing a screenplay, or preparing for a new acting role, I focus on both the micro and macro level details to create something special. I believe that the best pieces of art are created by having a strong sense of the overarching project while paying close attention to the smaller choices that get you there; I try to approach each new creative endeavor with this in mind.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
My advice to anyone starting off in the film industry is to buckle up and enjoy the ride! Work hard on what you want to accomplish but also be flexible and go with the flow because things are never going to be exactly how you imagined.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.whenwedancefilm.com
- Instagram: @_nickwaters_
Image Credits
The personal photo is by Emily Sandifer.
