Matt Campbell - I Started My Acting Career At The Age Of 6, Working In Theatre And Then In Film And Television (Actor, Australia)

Ignore the naysayers and focus on being the very best you can possibly be. If you focus on this I believe you will get noticed and find success.

1. Tell us about your background and journey.

I am an actor, screenwriter, filmmaker and now published author from Lodi, California who has recently moved to Sydney, Australia. I started my acting career at age 6 working in theatre and then in film and television.

2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?

I can tell you exactly when I decided I really give acting a shot as a profession. I was seventeen years old and watching Mel Gibson being interviewed on the David Letterman Show. During the interview something stirred in me. I knew that this is what I was meant to do for the rest of my life.

3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?

I have always believed that if you really want something for yourself you need to go for it with everything you have. Just like in sports you can't do it half-assed. Go for it with all the passion, dedication and energy within yourself and I believe good things will happen.

Also, I believe it is important to find a great mentor you can trust and learn all you can from them.

4. If not this, what would you be doing?

My Mother always said I would have made a great Paramedic. I think I would have definitely given that career a go if my career as a screenwriter and actor hadn't worked out.

5. For a complete outsider with inroads, what advice would you like to give?

The advice I would give an outsider or someone interested in being a part of the Entertainment industry is to always bet on yourself. Ignore the naysayers and focus on being the very best you can possibly be. If you focus on this I believe you will get noticed and find success.

6. Which is your favourite book and why?

My favorite book is Joseph Campbell's 'The Power of Myth.' It's a very interesting collection of Joseph Campbell's studies of mythological developments. I had read that George Lucas, the creator of Star Wars, was greatly influenced by him and being the huge Sci-Fi nerd I am, I knew I had to give it a read. I was glad I did.

I would also be amiss if I didn't also plug my new book 'Sinister City.' Anyone who loves a great comedy involving the Italian mob, crazy college students going wild in Vegas amidst the backdrop of the World Series Of Poker should definitely check it out. It's a very fun read.

7. What is your mantra of success?

My mantra for success is 'You can find an excuse or you can find a way.' My belief is that you can focus on the goal at hand no matter what obstacles lie in your path or you can make excuses for why you couldn't reach your goal.

If you are persistent and hardworking enough and never give up I believe you will reach all of your goals.

- Matt Campbell