What inspired Zach Bliss to pursue a career in the entertainment industry after growing up in Fort Smith, Arkansas?Watching movies as a kid always had such an enormous impact on me. When my dad would get a day off from work, he’d pull me out of school and we’d go to the theater and watch multiple movies, which seemed so “against the rules,” ha-ha, but it was the best. It was always a feeling I had in my gut that, at the end of the day, I’d end up making movies.
Can you share the journey of how “NORMANDY GOLD” moved from concept to pre-production under Zach’s direction?When I first saw the comic book, I knew it was special. Following the direction of my manager, Atif, I was lucky enough to meet Oliver Stone and get a pic of me giving him a copy of this comic book. Atif and I have since used this picture, as well as the comic book, and the script, to generate interest and involvement from others based on the idea of creating a competitive proof of concept to take to Mr. Stone and others. Really though, when Tim Russ, whom I met at The Kibitz Room one night when his blues band was performing, came onboard, that was the moment we became “real” in my eyes. Watching him direct and give advice on how to best go about accomplishing our goal has been an invaluable experience.
How does Zach Bliss balance his roles as a screenwriter, actor, director, and producer in various projects? It’ll be a dream to one day have a paid profession All these other roles as writer, actor, director, producer, come about whenever I’m lucky enough to have a project that demands such. I feel insanely grateful to, even if it’s currently just a “hobby,” have a substantive, purposeful direction, and goal, one that has real financial potential, involves me doing these things I love to do. But yes, it is very hard to stay on-top of it all, especially being someone naturally a bit disorganized- I lean hard on others for help. It’s funny though how applicable I’ve found my chicken-selling skills to be in the game of moviemaking: two totally different businesses and industries and players, but it still all comes down to supply/demand and connecting the dots.
Zach Bliss
What was the inspiration behind Zach’s decision to write a children’s chapter book, and what themes does he explore in his writing? “Wild Beast Cat” is a very special project to me. It began as a side project proposed by Toronto-based editor George Roulston, who was trying to help me get my first screenplay, “50 Drinks,” going, unsuccessfully, unfortunately. He said I may have a good voice for a children’s chapter book. It has since become an eye-opening experience, the more I interact with kids about this story, just how amazingly intelligent and creative kids can be, as I’d forgotten. It certainly makes me think of the book, “The Little Prince.” The main theme in my book is the “Arm Yourself with Words” slogan I had on my one/only book tour I did, mostly at Elementary Schools. This recent edition that I’ve written has words in the text that are clearly outside of a 9–12-year-old vocabulary range, italicized, with heavy contextual clues laden all around to ensure obviousness to the words’ meanings. The idea is to plant these seeds into the young fertile minds, whose subconscious will later be able to instantly pitch back the meaning of the word when they cross it later in life. Although my publisher, at the time, wasn’t onboard with this new edition, I’ve been advised to stick to my guns on this idea. And, that there’s medical scientific based research data that proves my intention. I’m hoping a little success in Hollywood will lend some juice to this new edition finding a new home publisher.
How has Zach’s background in stand-up comedy influenced his work in film and television?The main thing doing standup comedy has taught me is the importance of “knowing your audience.” Some jokes work great for some crowds, then only get crickets from others. It’s something much-more in the back of my mind now, whether I’m acting or writing or whatever, to keep in mind who the audience is and how they will perceive this.
What challenges has Zach faced transitioning from smaller roles to more significant projects in Hollywood, and how has he overcome them?I’ll tell you when I get to the bigger roles ha-ha. Although a few of our projects are getting some bigger names and we’ve got our own unique path towards getting to the goal, which may sound as though I’m already successful (cue the “fake it till ya make it” cliche)…but the truth is that these “bigger roles” I’m now doing are bigger, but it’s all still in an effort to “get there.”
Could you elaborate on the process Zach goes through when preparing for a new role or project, especially for diverse roles like those in “Bella Mente” and “Indestructible: Reckoning”? My roles in both of those projects were small. I try to focus on how the role’s written, find and grip the confidence that I can bring truth via physical portrayal, ensure that I’m on-top of my lines, and give it my best.
Left to right: Actor Tim Russ and Zach Bliss
In what ways does Zach Bliss engage with his fans and the community through his social media platforms?Not nearly enough. Especially as my children’s book isn’t currently published, I really don’t have much interaction with people who’ve read or seen my work other than friends/family and the wonderful professional people I work with to do it.
How does Zach’s approach to storytelling differ when working on films versus when writing children’s literature? I love this question, and the approaches are different. The number one goal is to entertain now. To offer that escape/opportunity to mentally delve into a story and get pleasure from its telling. It’s all passion and it’s all about the effect of the story on the audience, but with movies there’s an unavoidable commercial/business side to ensuring the material fits to whatever the end goal is; that certain actors get a certain amount of dialogue; that the scene fits the shooting location; that the main financier’s notes are incorporated enough to keep him/her happy, etc…..but with children’s writing, the main concern is how the kids will receive it and how it can help or expand their experience or awareness.
Can Zach share any advice for aspiring artists and creatives from small towns who dream of making it in Hollywood? Never give up. Never ever give up.
To follow Zach and stay updated on his projects:
IMDb page (https://m.imdb.com/name/nm9291099/)
Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/zachblisss)
Facebook (Zach Bliss: https://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=20602517&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user,
Facebook Wild Beast Cat by Zach Blisshttps://m.facebook.com/profile.php/?id=100063207519804&name=xhp_nt__fb__action__open_user
You can contact Zach Bliss at: zbliss44@gmail.com