Meet Rob Hardy | Filmmaker

We had the good fortune of connecting with Rob Hardy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Rob, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?
Achieving a work / life balance is always interesting. There’s the balance of work, play, family and community. It’s hard to give each the same amount of time and attention because circumstances and deadlines often dictates what takes priority at any given time.

My balance has changed as my life evolved. When I was younger it was all about my career (the business, the company) and my personal life. As I got older, married and had kids, it was tough owning a business, working a lot on the road while being active at home. Whenever I leaned heavy into one area, the other would suffer. A friend suggested I prioritize what was most important at the time, make concrete plans to insure that I made time for milestone events at work and home, while carving out time for myself to just ‘be’.

That meant sacrificing some social things I wanted to do, some work things that were cool, and missing some things at home. But by taking the time ton think about what’s really important, what you really want, and planning your moves in each area that’s important, then it’s easier to say ‘no’ t things that take you off your path. And sometimes you still have time to say ‘yes’ to unexpected things that pop up along the way.

The balance act never ends. But being intentional about what we really want and making adjustments to get most of it… will get us as close to having balance, as we can get.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’m a filmmaker. I’m a writer/ director/ producer who started as an independent guy with no industry connections or training. But passion, a love of storytelling, a few good friends and a hustlers spirit lead to my high school (‘G-Man’) and then a college (‘Chocolate City’) film projects. I’m self taught that started shooting as a hobby and then started working with others who were talented but just needed an opportunity. That was the origin. It was tough breaking into the industry because me and Will Packer *my business partner at the time) were outsiders. So inspired by folks like Master P, we created our own independent movie ‘Trois’, released it ourselves in theaters and parlayed that into a home video deal at Sony. That kicked things off and led to a long career in film and TV.

The biggest lesson I learned was to pivot and be willing to change when needed. Plus, it’s important to find things that keep you inspired outside the business.

I want the world to know that I’m a real guy that loves my family and friends, wants to make dope stuff and pour back into our community. Professionally, I love stories about flawed people who are trying to ‘figure it out’.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
That time depends on ‘what were on’ that weekend and what’s the vibe. Great eats at places like The Consulate, drinks at JoJo’s and kick backs at Cigar Spot. But we also could wind up at someone’s house for a get together with good drinks and folks.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a few special shout outs….

To: God for the favor, blessings and correction; My wife Shaun for the love, support and holding me down; my kids for the motivation; moms for the inspiration; My Day 1 homeboys for the mischief; My friends for the adventure; FAMU for the Foundation; GS for my start; my Circle of Cool Dads for the refuge; Amazing Stories for the community connection; Nina for the partnership; God parents for the mentorship; My manager Adam for the guidance; Godparents for the mentorship; Alpha Phi Alpha for the brotherhood; and anyone who supported, encouraged and looked out for me along the way… ONE Love!

Instagram: @RealRobHardy

Twitter: @TheRealRobHardy