Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Francis.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
Man, where to start. I booked my first independent feature film in Seattle, Washington about four years ago and decided that if I could book it there, I could book anywhere. Oh, how wrong I was. May 2016, or somewhere around that time, I decided to make the big move to L.A. to pursue fortune and fame and live within the palm tree-lined houses of Hollywood. After living in my car and hotel rooms for a month on the Eastside of L.A. around Crenshaw Blvd, I started to understand that this was not a reality for most and definitely not where I was going to be living.
So, after a bit of a rough start and working on Doctor Phil for a season where I was sexually harassed by an alcoholic woman who was disconnected from reality, we fast forward to now. I don’t, uh, I don’t really want this to drag on for too long so let’s just select the highlights. I have been lucky enough to appear on a rebooted Fear Factor starring Ludacris with one of my best friends. I have starred in an award-winning short film and am honored to have booked a plethora of commercials with my commercial agent Daniel Hoff.
Going forward, I am the most excited about a short film entitled Night Tide that is currently being well received in the festival circuit. I would also be remiss if I didn’t plug my upcoming projects as well. A feature-length film named The Education of a Negro and a web series holding the title of L.A. is for Killers are current bodies of work that I share screen time with an amalgamation of talented people.
Please tell us about your art.
I would say my art is in the ability to craft a character. As long as I can make a character that is believable and is resounding to the director’s image, I believe I have succeeded in my craft.
I don’t really have any kind of inspirational message that is woven in my craft or any advice of that sort to expose. I would say if anything, pursue the passion that God gave you, to your fullest ability. If that makes you uncomfortable, good. I think every craft or passion that is worth pursuing should be followed through with risk-taking that will take you out of your comfort zone. Nothing great was created with compliance. As the author Mark Mansion said “what pain do I want in my life? What are you willing to struggle for?”
Do you have any advice for other artists? Any lessons you wished you learned earlier?
I think success comes in a variety of different forms, varying on where you are at in your career level. Right now, success for me is being able to continually live off of my craft, and, when I am personally making the product, make something I am proud of.
Being kind and resourceful are by far the most helpful qualities I have been able to utilize in this industry. Once you realize having representation isn’t enough, you will truly start to make progress in such a chaotic industry. It is important to all ways be trying to create your own material and thinking about different ways to get in the door.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
Right now my work is mainly in theaters and on streaming networks. on a shameless self-plug, you can follow me on Instagram or track me on IMBD.
Contact Info:
- Phone: 208-890-0300
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @RealRobertFrancis
Image Credit:
Nicholas Popkey
Steven Blutstein
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