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Life & Work with Iain Patric Smith of Brookhaven

Today we’d like to introduce you to Iain Patric Smith.

Hi Iain Patric, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I grew up in the era of Harry Potter and the MCU — back when magic spells and superhero suits were basically a lifestyle. Midnight premieres were sacred, and every time the theater lights dimmed, I was convinced I was about to get my Hogwarts letter or a call from Nick Fury. Spoiler: neither happened.

But when I realized I couldn’t actually live in those worlds, I figured I’d do the next best thing — I’d make them. So as a kid, I started filming ridiculous skits with my friends, and somehow that evolved into actual short films and story-driven projects.

Somewhere between the bruises and broken tripods, I discovered that what really makes me feel alive is creating — directing, acting, writing, producing, all of it. That passion led me to the Savannah College of Art & Design, where I dove headfirst into every project I could get my hands on. I made shorts, acted in student films, and met some insanely talented people who made me dream even bigger.

Now I’m based in Atlanta, GA — I’ve had the chance to act in a few feature films, direct some shorts, and I’ve even got a feature of my own in the works. It’s been a wild ride so far… and honestly, I feel like the opening credits are just starting to roll.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
No it has not been a smooth road, but that’s why I surround myself with my best friends. I have had empty promises spewed at me, studio politics shove me aside, been cast aside because I don’t have the right follower count (silly, I know), etc.. I’ve learned to roll with it. I really believe in the whole ‘it is what it is’ mindset. Everyone’s on their own highway — sometimes it feels like you’ve taken a detour, but really, you just switched lanes. You’re still moving forward, just in your own direction.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a film creative — my passion is acting, and my love is directing and writing. I’ve always been fascinated by how character and structure work hand-in-hand. To me, they’re not separate — you can’t truly understand what your character wants unless you understand why they’re in that specific place in the story.

I geek out over that connection — the balance between emotion and pacing, performance and structure. It’s one of the things I’m most proud of in my own scripts. I get to build these worlds, shape the rhythm of the story, and then step inside them as an actor, which brings everything full circle for me.

Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’ve met a lot of people lately who are scared to take that leap into creativity — and I understand. I grew up in a military household, where structure and security were everything. So convincing my family that I wanted to pursue something as unpredictable as this was a lot to take in.

But the truth is, if you feel like you can’t live your life, work your job, or even breathe without creating — then you owe it to yourself to try. You don’t have to jump all in at once. Start small. Dip your toes in, test the waters. If it’s cold, give yourself time to adjust.

Because creativity is a muscle — it needs to be stretched, challenged, and strengthened. And once you start using it, once you see what it can do, you’ll never want to stop. I really believe that satisfaction is the foundation of happiness — and for me, being a creative is where that satisfaction begins.

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Image Credits
Jack Strong
Chaminda Hangilipola
Cole Strong

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