The most challenging aspect is investing my money in these ventures. However, once I started, I became deeply invested and committed to each project. I refused to settle for anything less than giving my all financially and dedicating most of my free time.
1. What initially drew you to the world of storytelling through film, photography, writing, and acting?
After graduating from "The Los Angeles Film School" in 2003, where I studied directing, screenwriting, producing, and editing, I embarked on filming 'Journey to Sundance,' my first feature documentary about the Sundance Film Festival and independent filmmaking. It took me 13 years to complete! I served as the producer, director, and host/interviewer for this 13-year journey. While filming 'Journey to Sundance,' I developed a passion for still photography and decided to enroll full-time at the Brooks Institute for Photography in Ventura, CA, in 2012.
Following that, I spent months traveling and photographing various cities in Italy, Sicily, Paris, and Monaco and contributed as a Getty Photographer for two years. Additionally, I spent the last three years traveling America, photographing "Life Behind Bars© Vol. I," my first Fine Art Photography book. I founded Visions of the World Inc., a registered Non-Profit 501(c)(3) Public Charity Company, to support sanctuaries and institutions caring for animals like those featured in "Life Behind Bars© Vol. I."
2. What do you find most challenging about balancing multiple creative projects and roles, and how do you overcome those challenges?
The most challenging aspect is investing my money in these ventures. However, once I started, I became deeply invested and committed to each project. I refused to settle for anything less than giving my all financially and dedicating most of my free time. The feedback I received on my acting, filmmaking, writing, photography, and overall mission to develop my Starks Worldwide Inc. empire kept me going. Now, I seek financial assistance from investors, grants/loans, mentors, and partners to sustain these projects and future endeavors.
3. What inspires you most as a storyteller, and how do you stay inspired and motivated throughout the creative process?
Telling stories through film, photos, and acting brings immense joy to my life. However, the ultimate joy comes when someone approaches me after experiencing one of my projects and expresses how much they loved it and how it impacted their thoughts or life.
4. What do you hope audiences take away from your work, and what legacy do you aspire to leave as a multi-talented storyteller and artist?
My legacy is rooted in sheer determination and living my dream to the fullest. I aim to inspire others to turn their dreams into reality through action. My mission is to raise awareness, change perceptions, educate, and support those in need of representation. For instance, through projects like "Life Behind Bars" Vol. I, I seek to reveal the plights of animals and encourage families to visit and support wildlife sanctuaries.
5. Can you share any tips or advice for aspiring filmmakers based on your own experiences?
I studied with Sandford Meisner, an acting teacher legend, in 1990. His advice to live by the motto "Practice, Patience, Intensity, and Effort = Greatness" has guided me throughout my life as an artist.
6. What is a book you love and would recommend our readers to give it a try?
"Life Behind Bars Vol. 1," a Fine Art Photography book I photographed and published, holds a special place in my heart. It showcases my journey of photographing incredible animals, starting at Tippi Hedren’s Shambala Preserve. The book, released worldwide in 2020, features Henson, Shambala’s Regal Male Lion, on the cover, and a portion of the proceeds is donated to wildlife sanctuaries featured in the book.
Interviewed By- Shreya
Edited By- Pragya Lamba
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