Today we’d like to introduce you to Anthony Carrasco.
Anthony, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Before I started in theater I was pursuing boxing and law. I dedicated so much time and effort into them, it didn’t leave me with room for much else. I got a couple internships working for a few local lawyers and I found the work to be really fascinating but everyone seemed to miserable all the time. Eventually I straight up asked, “Are you happy?” I was told “No, but when I retire I’m going to be able to do whatever I want.” I really hated that answer. It seemed so counterintuitive to spend decades doing something that not only you didn’t enjoy but was making you miserable just for the sake of money.
I ended up taking a break and just doing theater as a hobby. I ended up with a fantastic teacher and lovely woman named Beth McBrien. She was the person who helped me to see the beauty, importance, and impact that art can have. As time went on I ended up moving to La to receive conservatory training and I found myself blessed to receive an opportunity to work on a feature film production as a producer. I ended up getting projects to help get made with insane budgets and found most of it going to famous actors. I ended up asking why, and I was told that names bring in money. I understood the idea, but it really bothered me that this thing I held with such much care was being reduced to simply business. I decided to do something to help solve the problem I saw. I founded the Beth McBrien Foundation, named in honor of the remarkable woman, to help artists pursue their passions with excellence and authenticity.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It’s definitely not been as smooth as I would’ve liked. I grew up around a lot of violence which was not super ideal. I’ve had a lot of injuries over the years that I really hate to admit still impact how I interact with people.
There was a few years where I was losing a lot of friends and family to different things; drugs, sickness, violence. It was really tough to understand at a young age why and how these things happened.
By the time I was 19 my brother had been homeless for a few years and I think that probably messed with my head more than anything else. I grew up admiring my brother more than anyone else, he was smart, cool, a brilliant artist. To see him struggle in the way he did made me feel incredibly helpless. Part of why I work really hard so when he’s ready he’ll have a place to come home too. Thankfully he’s starting to do better, so hopefully soon.
I do think that the kindness I’ve seen from people who were in terrible places is one of the reasons why I have the belief system I do, and for that I am eternally grateful.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
As an artist, I am in my heart an actor and a writer. Where I’ve actually began to have some success is as an Actor and. Producer. I understand the production side well, but I see it more a way of securing artistic freedom than something that brings me joy. I’m really proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish in the last year. I started a production company, an art foundation, am currently producing on several shorts and a feature film. I’ve been very blessed with VO opportunities and the chance to do things I really love. It’s been a lot of work, but I really feel like it’s the right path and for that I’m incredibly grateful.
As for what sets me apart from others, I just don’t see a way I can lose. There is literally no plan B. It doesn’t matter how many setbacks come, how many challenges arise, how many times I fail – I am gonna get there.
Like, I’ve faced harder things than trying to be successful and now I’m lucky enough to have people around me who encourage my good ideas and call out my bullshit ones. It’s only a matter of when, not if.
How can people work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
Reach out to me – whether you are an artist looking for opportunities to work, collaborate, or create, OR if you are someone who loves the arts and is looking to donate to the Beth McBrien Foundation.
I am literally always looking for people to help create projects or looking for projects to help people fully realize.
Also if anyone is good at managing social media, I am currently looking to hire a social media manager. I literally suck with it.
Email: [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @TheBethMcBrienFoundation @RagingGooseStudios
