I’m honored to spotlight Lukas Hassel (recurring on The Blacklist, NBC). Lukas is an yummyZEST client, an actor, writer, director and awesome human whom I personally admire and find inspiring. I’m especially honored to have built his website. Please enjoy some of his wonderful thoughts and advice for all of us in the industry:
How long have you been a part of the industry?
“Ever since graduating from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland. My first gig was playing Dracula in a small Dublin theater a month later.”
What inspired you to pursue acting, writing, directing?
“I knew I had a point of view about plays or films I saw, I could pinpoint things I’d have done differently and it showed me I had something personal to offer the arts. Ultimately, filmmaking and writing is about taking some power back that I, as an actor, often hand over at castings.”
What work are you most proud of recently?
“Most recently I had the opportunity to work as a recurring character on The Blackist as VanDyke and worked a lot of season 8 with incredible people , both cast and crew. However, it’s probably my short sci fi film Into the Dark that I’m most proud of as I wrote, acted, directed, color corrected, edited myself as well as building set and props with my DP and coproducer Henry B Lee.”
What advice would you give to fellow actors, writers, directors?
“Don’t try to please everyone. Find what makes you different to everyone else.
How do you stay motivated and active in your career?
“It’s a lifelong commitment to be in this industry. There’ll be highs, there’ll be lows. Expect nothing to come easy. Create opportunities for yourself and surround yourself by brilliant people you admire.”
What are you working on now?
“I’m directing the new Hollyshorts winning script as well as prepping for a short film in which I’ll be starring opposite Tara Westwood in January. Next week I’ll be in Montana shooting my first ever western.”
What’s the best way to see your work or get in contact with you?
“My website www.lukashassel.com (built by yummyzest.com of course). I have clips there from my work over the years.”
