Meet Shawn Francis | Actor, Content Creator

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

Hi Shawn, what habits do you feel helped you succeed?
There were many factors and habits that helped me become the man I am today. The most important factor was becoming grateful and appreciative for all that God has currently provided me. I am thankful for not only the big things in life such as film roles, but for also the most simplistic things such as just waking up another day, being able to walk on my own, food to eat, etc. I have also gotten into the habit of praying, reading my bible, and thanking God for not only the blessings I receive but being able to be a blessing for others.
Another habit that helped me to succeed was being honest with myself and remaining integral to others. Honesty to myself looked like admission to what my weaknesses were, acknowledging my flaws, and acting upon areas of improvement. Being integral to others played an important factor because as a man your name and work ethic is everything. Do right by others and what is for you will return to you. If you say your are going to do something, DO IT. There is nothing like accepting a job and being able in the end to say…”It’s completed”.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
When some people think about acting, they think about the success of it all, the bright lights, the tv shows, and movies in theaters. I think about acting as lifesaver, my purpose, and a journey for which I very much love. My first gig was at the age of 15 in New Jersey for the Nickelodeon G.A.S tv show intro. So everyday that show aired I got to see myself on tv at young age. Even though I was not deeply into my acting career yet, that commercial always stuck inside my head.
2015 I relocated to Florida and continued working in the corporate World. One day there was a young lady by the name of Ashley Wooten, who was new sitting next me. She turned and asked if I modeled or anything. I remember vividly saying said no I dont model, but I do enjoy taking pictures of myself on social and that I once did a Nickelodeon commercial as a teenager. I then proceeded to show her my instagram photos. She suggested I reconsider acting and that she was an up and coming director/writer. She mentioned how she had many scripts already prepared that she was wanting to have produced and offered me an opportunity to do a scene in one them. 9 years later, Ashley and I are still close and careers are both thriving. It is safe to say I may not be where I am if it wasnt for that day at work sitting by each other.
The beginning of my acting career was rocky. Life was lifing, I at the time was going through spiritual warfare all while trying to balance things out being in new State. I was allowing acting to take me away from the heavy pressure and struggles I had been experiencing. Because of that, I found myself in return having to “act” what I thought was normal around people, just so I could get casted to then have to act out the character or roles. But it was a relief, not having to be myself or in my head dor those few hours on set. There were deep, deep mental battles I was facing internally. But what began happening was, because of the people I was meeting and surrounding myself with, the love and support they were showing, that began to bleed into my personal wellbeing. I was finding positive things to wake up and look forward to. In addition I sought out therapy to help me learn who Shawn was as a man. Once those sessions were completed, that alone helped to unlock a new level of confidence which helped to propel my performances on sets.
One thing I have learned about acting is to always be a student of my craft. I think about the idea of being actor as a never ending, border line philosophical, learning class. Your always studying even when you dont realize it right away. Watching movies or tv shows you pay attention to everything. No longer just watching something for only pleasure. Your reading books, taking acting courses, speaking with other actors and coaches about scene and character development. There is always work to be done. But that work, the learning, the journey, is one of the toughest, sometimes lonely, but also one of the most beautiful parts of it all.
To be an actor today, requires an undoubtedly, unconditional, and courageous love for the art and yourself. At times where you go through multiple no’s before getting that yes, you have to remember who you are and continue to value yourself just the same. This doesn’t mean to allow yourself to become conceded. Humbleness, with confidence.

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?
I am one that enjoys learning and experiencing new things in life. One of the places that fall in line with that for me are museums. Museums are what Ive enjoyed going to since I was a kid. I still remember from elementary school what it was like visiting the Liberty Science Center for the first time and just being in awe at everything I saw.
I also enjoy being active outdoors. Whether thats finding a nice scenic trail to walk, or swimming at beach. Anywhere outdoors with some nature of activities are my sanctuary.
Another place I would love to invite friends to is a speakeasy. For those that dont know, a speakeasy can have a different theme depending on which city and where you go. Some are very discreet and you have to enter with a code. There is one in St Petersburg Florida which the entrance is inside a laundry mat. You have to figure out which drying machine on the wall is the secrete door entrance to the venue. Inside is typically a mellow atmosphere with great food, an excellent selection of drinks, and occasionally live music. So yes, I suggest you all look one up in your city and check it out.

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?
The person that deserves the most credit in my life is God. My darkest days and moments happened while God was there guiding me through. Because of that I walk by faith not just by sight. I would also love to recognize anyone that has ever taken a second out of their day to watch, like, comment, and support any of my previous films, projects, or social media content. That support motivated me as well to continue. I want to thank my mother for accepting and loving everything about me everyday in every way no matter how many mistakes I made growing up. Her unconditional love, diligence, and understanding to my me as her son, a man, and my career means the World to me. Id like to shoutout my brother Aaron for always sending me things to keep my mind going. He too is in the arts and one of the best rappers coming out of New Jersey. You can check out his social media to find his music @ Rhaneydaze. Love you bro.

Instagram: Shawnofrancis