Meet Clay Banks of Clay Banks Productions & Studio in Burbank

Today we’d like to introduce you to Clay Banks.

Clay began his artistic journey in New York by making 8mm black & white movies at the age of twelve. Once in college, he began studying acting. He took to the arts immediately and it was during his 1-man show that he had a spiritual awaking. Clay then left college and hit the road to discover more about himself, life and ultimately, God. This sojourn, interesting enough, eventually lead him to become a Motivational Speaker & Life Empowerment/Business Coach for a New York-based Fortune 500 company.

After a ten-year run in business, he moved to Hollywood to jump back into the arts. Along with an eighteen-year career as a working actor, he’s since taught and directed hundreds of other actors in Hollywood. He’s written, produced and directed several films and created numerous shows. Clay’s been working in “Show Business” in one capacity or another for almost thirty years now.

Presently, Clay owns and operates his own boutique acting studio & production company, Clay Banks Productions & Studio Int. Or, more affectionately known in the industry as CBSI. Clay founded LA’s Annual 1Minute Monologue Contest (presently in its twelfth year) and is also a Field Expert for Backstage Magazine where he writes articles specifically for the acting community. He’s a guest Master Coach at SAG-AFTRA headquarters, conducts Annual Audition Intensives for the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in Hollywood, and offers his talent and experience to others as an industry, arts, & business consultant.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I would say this journey has been similar to that of the Lewis & Clark Expedition! Blazing new territory will almost always have its share of challenges. Each day presents new sets of circumstances that need to be creatively figured out and eventually solved! I’m in a people business with endless moving parts. You have to keep open and stay flexible as growth is around every corner!

We’d love to hear more about your business.
Our mandate is to help activate each individual’s full potential.

We are a Focused and Highly Imaginative Training Facility–a Center for Advanced Artistic Studies. We push our students, clients, and staff to discover more of who they are while empowering them to be the best versions of themselves. We strive for excellence, learning and applying the Craft of Storytelling. We teach a Holistic Process (Body, Soul, Spirit & Wallet) by supplementing the artistic acting work with Life and Business Principles in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Production Company produces Quality Entertainment and Educational Films, Documentaries, Showcases, Reels, Seminars, Videos, and Television Shows. Our highly functioning student body is comprised of Actors, Artists, Writers, Dancers, Singers, Directors, and Producers, with hundreds of Alumni around Los Angeles and the World.

What were you like growing up?
I grew up a somewhat ‘regular’ kid. I guess my biggest advantage was that my mother and father were both artistic. My dad was a fine-art photographer, photographing some of the greatest paintings in some of the biggest galleries in the world. He would often bring his work home which resulted in me growing up in a virtual art gallery of my own. My mom was an artist who worked at a local art gallery. She was also a self-proclaimed film critic who eventually had a column of her own. Both my parents helped me to develop an ‘eye for art and talent’. They taught me what ‘true quality’ is, and for that, I am ever grateful!

Contact Info:

• Address: 2210 West Olive Ave, 3rd Floor
  Burbank, CA 91506
• Website: ClayBanksStudio.com
• Phone: 818 518 9128
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: @ClayBanksStudio
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/claybanksstudio
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/clay-banks-studio-international-burbank-2
• Other: https://www.1minutemonologue.com

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