We had the good fortune of connecting with Robert James Atton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Robert James, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
My work balance has changed over time from working a regular hourly job with study to pay to workikng in the film industry were your constantly looking for jobs and pay is not as often. It’s a different world completely. I kind feel like I’m 16 again where your job after job as you gain to your career only know your in your career, but. getting a job on a film set or other entertainment industry jobs is to more complicated because your going against so many other talented creative people who are as eager to get that job just like yourself and at the same your both trying to avoid the long wait for another job to come along. I mean my in betweens I take jobs outside the film industry to fill in job space and keep my bills getting paid and food on table as well food in my dogs bowl for him. It’s very competive. Basically I balance keeping my head above. water. by. doing what I have. to do, even if I don’t want to. On times off of industry entertainment jobs and filler jobs, I keep working at my creative side, improving it and keep putting in for jobs hoping for to be that next fish on the hook.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Well my main thing is in the creative world of film is my special effects makeup. I self-taught myself and that was before the youtube video age. My learning area was moms’ kitchen and what food products or baking products can I use to make this look this. It was hard to get to where I’m at today, because I had no one from friends or family working in the industry. I had to go about my own research and going. about getting involved with people that were in my area of interest career wise. I attended film festivals, the chicago screenwriting meetings, and the more I started getting around with people in the same pathway, the more on got onto the path of finding opportunity. It was hard, but if. you really want. something you. go every which way to get. their. Challenges wise, it go. challenging, there were times I almost. gave up, but I’m glad I stuck it out. Lessons learned along. the way, one to just keeping. pushing yourself, two don’t go. out being to high-headed, be willing to work with everyone and work your creative ideas with someone. else, because it’s a team effort in. the end. Have respect for what everyone brings to the table. What sets me apart from others… well to be honest that’s a tricky question in my book because I don’t try to be better than anyone else, I’m a team player and open to working with everyone. I guess I can say that I’m the type of person that’s willing to go work mulitple jobs with not alot of extra pay because I’m about loving what I do and less worried about the amount of money I make. As long I can pay my bills…lol, I’m all about seeing the ending product and learning new ways on every set I. work on. I say that because that’s the only thing even. though I know there are others out there that would do the same. So I kind of anwered that, but at the sametime I didn’t. I’m all about team work and seeing the ending of the creative product and hoping that the audiences get the entertainment there looking for.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Well, seeing your question, I’m kind of a boring person over all. If my best friend were. to come and visit, I’m the old fashion type. I’d hangout have drinks, watch a sports or go to a sports events, cook a good meal and just chill and bs about the younger days, maybe go to a bar, play darts, uhm…yeah not much more to say here.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I want to shoutout to all the wonderful crews of people I’ve gotten to work with over the years. I’ve lucked out with working with alot of awesome creative people. I’d also like to do a shoutout to the wonderful instructors I had when attending Flashpoint Chicago, A campus of Hollywood. I also like to shoutout to co-workers from jobs before the industry, friends and family, they’ll all have been wonderful, and kept my inspiration up over the years as I was working to get to where I’m at now. I’ve lucked out all around, you don’t always get good people along the way, but I did and I’m grateful for it.

Website: https://writeratton.wixsite.com/robertjamesatton

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertjamesatton/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertjamesattonentertainmentindustryprofessional

Youtube: https://studio.youtube.com/channel/UCJ25Ea7gw_uLS_5B4VUrT2w/videos/upload?filter=%5B%5D&sort=%7B%22columnType%22%3A%22date%22%2C%22sortOrder%22%3A%22DESCENDING%22%7D

Other: IMDB PAGE LINK: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm4083537/?ref_=pro_nm_visitcons

Image Credits
Robert James Atton

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.