When speaking with Brandon Jay McLaren, you can’t help but appreciate his positive attitude, relaxed demeanor, and humility. This monumental moment in his career is the result of 20-years of “insanely” hard work. But McLaren wouldn’t have it any other way.
Right now McLaren is busy filming the remake of “Turner & Hooch” – Tom Hank’s 1989 classic set to air on Disney+, while also working on other projects currently in development. And all this comes after the release of the popular Netflix Series, “Firefly Lane” in early February.
“You have to believe…why couldn’t this happen to me?” McLaren said when asked what advice he’d give to young actors and writers. He describes situations where an actor can come so close to getting a role and still not getting it; or having a great audition and not being selected – simply because someone didn’t like your “vibe”.
But, don’t lose focus!
For creatives who are pitching ideas or auditioning for roles, it can be hard not to get discouraged – especially understanding the subjectivity of the industry. Nonetheless, there is light at the end of the tunnel for those who keep pushing. “Sometimes all it takes is convincing one person with influence to like you” said McLaren. “And that could change your life.
Always remember why you started
Ultimately, when times are hard and nothing seems to be going your way, McLaren says to remember why you started – and that will be your motivator.
For him, the answer has always been simple: There’s nothing else he’d rather do.
Watch the Aknowingspirit exclusive interview below!
