Today we would like to introduce you to Tanner Anderson.
It’s an honor to speak with you today. Why don’t you give us some details about you and your story. How did you get to where you are today?
It has been a long and winding road, a journey that is far from over and will be filled with many more twists and turns, I’m sure. I trace everything back to what I learned playing college basketball in Minnesota. The countless hours dedicated to excelling both on and off the court served to build a foundation for the nonstop hustle work-ethic I’ve carried into my career in the film business.Many mistakes were made while trying to break in, but I view every failure as an opportunity to learn and grow. Once I started figuring out the business side of the industry, that’s when my path started to become clearer for me. Prior to immersing myself on the economics of the film business, I had just been a wide eyed and optimistic lover of the art form, not comprehending the commerce behind the products I was consuming. Using the skills I had been honing for years as an actor, writer, and producer, I parlayed those talents into a successful short film called Graffiti. I viewed that work as a business card for myself to showcase what I was capable of in this medium. Off the merit of its success, doors opened for me that connected me with a variety of creatives and investors, which allowed me to parlay those relationships into a feature film called The Turkey Bowl. Upon Lionsgate acquiring the film and it’s well received release (it has 93% on Rotten Tomatoes) that put the wheels in motion for me to not just break into the business but rise the ranks as a multi-hyphenated talent with strong creative and business instincts.
I’m sure your success has not come easily. What challenges have you had to overcome along the way?
The confidence to continue pursuing my goals, when it feels at every turn there are insurmountable obstacles. Loneliness is another factor, as is often the case for many when pursuing creative endeavors and taking a path less traveled with your career. Often this can lead to crisis in confidence when things aren’t working out the way or within the timeline you wanted. I’m a big proponent of routine, it’s a centering force in my life, to the extent I can, I map out every hour of my day. I find this formula works for me, especially during difficult moments, because it’s the one thing I can control when the outside forces are not aligning. If you have a disciplined way you pursue your goals daily, you begin to establish good habits, which in turn allow you to start slowly inching closer towards realizing your vision. I trust my process, but it took years to find out what worked best for me and my productivity. So, whenever I face challenges (which happens daily), I’m able to weather the storm more gracefully with this self-created structure I have put in place to help me succeed. I’d be completely lost without it.
Let’s talk about the work you do. What do you specialize in and why should someone work with you over the competition?
All I care about is making movies that connect with an audience and are financially sound, so I can continue to make them and leave behind a cinematic impact on this earth. You’re not going to outwork me and I’m honest to a fault. Nothing prolific or awe inspiring there, but I pride myself on lacking frills and ego. What you see is what you get with me, I wear my heart on my sleeve, for better or worse.
What’s your best piece of advice for readers who desire to find success in their life?
- Talent is only 20% of the equation, the other 80% is drive, determination, and discipline.
- Bet on yourself, and when you do, make sure you are willing to outwork everyone.
- Failing is inevitable, how you pick yourself up after failure, defines you.
- Block out the noise, focus on what you are doing, even when those around you think you’re crazy.
- Grit is more important than ability.
Speaking of success, what does the word mean to you?
People enjoying the films I’m a part of, competing at the highest level and always resetting the bar higher for myself. I strongly feel my biggest successes are still in front of me.
What’s next for you?
Continuing the unglamorous daily grind of pursuing my goal of becoming a sought after, multi-hyphenated actor/writer/producer and I recently lost my golf swing, so I’d really like to rediscover that. The amount of time I have spent watching Phil Mickelson videos on YouTube should be criminal.
What are the URLs of your social profiles?
Instagram: tannerscranium
Clubhouse: tannerscranium
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tanner-anderson-a2177a1a7/