Rising Stars: Meet Gene Blalock

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gene Blalock.

Gene, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Growing up in a remote corner of Virginia, I felt out of place in a culture that dismissed art, music, and film as trivial, not vital. However, I always had a strong connection to these forms of expression, a longing to create and share. I saved enough money to move to Chicago and study film. During my time at University, I formed a band that gained a loyal fan base. Our modest success attracted the attention of some influential Hollywood labels, which prompted me to relocate to Los Angeles, where music became my main focus.

After moving to Los Angeles, I devoted myself to music for a while. But an exhausting tour left me feeling depleted. I decided to take a break and revisit some of my other passions, such as painting, writing, photography, and filmmaking.

I planned to make a few short films and then resume my musical career. The process surprisingly rekindled my enthusiasm for filmmaking, which brought me to where I am now.

Throughout my journey, I have directed five feature films and a variety of diverse projects—short films, web series, music videos, and more. In this fusion of destiny and passion, I consider myself immensely lucky to not only pursue but also maintain a life from my deep love for the arts.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opting for art over the stability of a consistent paycheck is always a challenge. However, the notion of waking up each morning solely to earn a dollar seems more mentally devastating. This dilemma delves into a broader philosophical question about the true nature of wealth and fulfillment.

The journey has indeed been arduous. From the early admonitions to find a “real job” and cease daydreaming to securing the finances necessary to relocate to where I could follow my passion to making ends meet every month, it’s not easy. Then, when you finally get some recognition in the industry, you encounter a whole new level of difficulties.

This industry is like a stormy ocean, where you have to survive the waves and also appreciate the beauty in the turmoil. My first feature film was one of the most stressful things I’ve ever done – high standards and immense pressure – juggling between creativity and producer expectations. There were clashes between the artistic team and the investors.

Yet, that’s part of the creative process and the artistic expression. These struggles are inherent to the realm of creativity. They serve to affirm our dedication and can even propel the artistic process forward. The human condition, fraught with challenges, provides fertile ground for compelling stories. I’ve come to recognize that resilience involves acknowledging the impermanence of circumstances and harnessing that understanding to fuel one’s journey as an artist and storyteller.

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?
I don’t spend a lot of time thinking about these things, so it’s a little difficult to answer. This is why I’ve found job interviews challenging. I struggle with the notion of ‘selling myself.’ I make films… I tell stories… paint… write…

I suppose that I am proud that I’ve been able to persist in pursuing art and telling stories for as long as I have. I would assume, like most, that my experiences and perspective in life may set me apart from others. Whether or not that is a good thing remains to be seen. I find satisfaction in the continuity of my artistic journey and the stories I’ve been able to bring to life.

Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
My entire life has been shaped by an acceptance of taking risks. It wasn’t a choice for me – I had to prioritize art and experiences over amassing wealth at the expense of happiness – a decision that, in our current societal context, involves risk. Being “different” always carries a level of inherent risk.

Taking risks means that boundaries are pushed, allowing the creation of something genuinely unique and memorable to become possible. Throughout my life and career, risks have allowed for experimentation, learning, and artistic growth. Risks are opportunities to challenge myself, push my limits, and gain new perspectives.

The greatest rewards arise from the most significant risks. Embracing risk is integral to my personal and artistic development, offering a pathway to both self-discovery and creative evolution.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.geneblalock.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/geneblalock
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thegeneblalock
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/geneblalock/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/seraphfilms
• Other: www.seraph.film

Image Credits
Headshot: Nick Somers