Carson Polish chatted about his acting career, future plans, and being a part of vertical dramas in the digital age. He hopes to venture more into the producing world.
Walt Whitman once said: “Keep your face always toward the sunshine, and shadows will fall behind you.” This quote applies to Carson Polish, who hails from Ohio.
Daily motivations as an actor
On his motivations as an actor, Carson said, “I like to be able to tell stories. Recently, what has been driving me is being on set and really being able to talk to people and really get a perspective on what they are dealing with in the industry. I think all of us have a really unique story.”
“So, mine is different. I didn’t come from a background where I went to like a theater program. I’m relatively newer to this compared to some other actors I work with. I definitely have such a passion for acting so the drive is naturally there.”
There is purpose behind my motivations as an actor. I want to be able to tell stories of my own one day.
Vertical drama world
On being a part of the vertical drama world, Carson said, “It’s a game changer. These platforms, whether it’s an app or YouTube or TikTok, are getting so much attention from people. So, it’s really cool to see that interaction.”
“The fandom in the vertical dramas space has been wonderful. The positive feedback that we — as actors — get from the fans is super rewarding,” he noted.
“So, it’s wonderful to see that the vertical dramas are growing exponentially,” he said.
“I really like this kind of storytelling because it allows me to step outside of my own reality, especially if I am playing a werewolf or a CEO. It is really interesting to be able to touch on real-life issues while playing some obscure characters,” he elaborated.
Future plans
On his future plans, he shared, “I know a lot of people are getting in this vertical space, and the game is competitive. I would love to get into the producing side of things.”
“I want to be able to learn something new every time I step on set from the perspective of different workers, such as the gaffers, the people doing the lights or the audio guys, or the people behind the cameras,” he elaborated.
“I think once when you get into a producer’s mindset, you really find the ability to drive yourself in a way that works,” he observed. “I love seeing my fellow actors’ growth as individuals in this space; it’s truly phenomenal because they are making the most of it.
“That’s what I hope to achieve for myself, and to give them credit for paving the way for us is incredible. I would also love to step away from time to time and get involved with some pilots,” he said.
“It’s all about trusting the process,” he underscored. “I just appreciate being on set each day, and surrounding myself with people that I can learn from.”
Working with actress Lacey Katena, filming in Georgia
Carson complimented actress Lacey Katena, who starred with him in the Vigloo mini-series “The Summer I Fell For My Butler” as his leading lady Ella.
“Lacey was phenomenal to work with. We were having so much fun in those scenes, which were easy to film. I loved working with Vigloo, and I enjoyed every second working with that whole team,” he said.
“We shot that project in Georgia. So, we went out in May, and it was one of the best experiences thus far. It completely blew my expectations out of the water,” he noted.
“One day, we were doing a location shoot that had an arcade and we literally crushed it. We were able to mess around with arcade games, so to be able to pull that off, while doing what we love to do, was a breath of fresh air. Also, the drone shots were next level,” he elaborated.
“I would love to go back out there to Georgia, and do more acting projects,” he added.
Advice for young and emerging actors
For young and aspiring artists, Carson encouraged them “to take it all in and enjoy the present moment in every take.” “That’s the advice I give to other people,” he said.
Simply put… Carson is a firm believer of practicing mindfulness in the acting profession.
Stage of his life
On the title of the current chapter of his life, Carson revealed, “Fast… but trying not to be furious!”
“My resolution for this year Is to just be patient, and to not force things. Remember that acting is a marathon and not a sprint,” he said.
“I want to make sure I do things right. I want to do it a little faster than normal. If I make a mistake, then I bounce back,” he added.
Superpower of choice
If he were to have any superpower, it would be “Time travel.”
“That has actually inspired so many of the things I’ve wanted to do. It’s a nonchalant power, more of a blessing, and the ability to step back into memories, and revisit them,” he elaborated.
“That would be the coolest power to have… I would try my best to save some lives without altering the future,” he admitted.
Success
Regarding his definition of the word success, Carson said, “Success does not mean money. Success means making a difference and doing the right thing even when it’s hard being a leader. In this world, I think a lot of people forget that sometimes.”
“So, I want to I want to be able to do more of that as somebody who could be deemed successful,” he noted.
“I measure success in the terms of a following, but not through a social media following if that makes sense, nor through like a Star Meter account on IMDb. Success is when people appreciate what I’m doing,” he explained.
Message for the fans
For his fans and supporters, he expressed, “Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I’ve actually been so overwhelmed with the amount of feedback that I’ve received on some of the harder roles that I’ve had to do.”
“It means the world when my work has touched so many people’s hearts; that is super endearing. Sometimes, I can’t get back to everybody, but I do see their messages, and they inspire me,” he acknowledged.
“It reminds me that even in some of those harder roles, people find justice and the humanity of the story being told,” he noted.
“So, thank you for sticking around and for finding light in these stories and for motivating me to continue to do that,” he said, effusively.
To learn more about actor Carson Polish, follow him on Instagram and check out his IMDb page.
