One may think that most actors are born perfect for the stage, but it takes years of training and the right teams behind them. Bernard Hill, life coach and acting teacher, is just one of the many people who can make a career. He has worked with stars such as Cameron Diaz. When he is not teaching the next star, he is focuses on giving back, especially fighting against climate change. Please read our exclusive interview below to learn more about Bernard Hiller, as he helps us to stay creative during unusual times.

Where are you based?
I teach out of Los Angeles. I also coach and train artists and actors in 20 different countries. Now I’m global, I give Zoom Online Private One on One Sessions for Actors and Business people. Plus Masterclasses in Life Coaching.

Do you remember the moment when you first considered acting as an occupation?
I started wanting to be an actor when I was four years old.

As an acting coach and an actor, did you notice differences regarding the two disciplines? Tell us about your experience? What got you interested in expanding to coaching?
Having performed for 25 years in New York City on Broadway and in films, I’ve developed revolutionary new methods and techniques to becoming an actor, singer and performer — there are three things you need to be a great artist. Passion, Vision and a Powerful Dream.

The COVID effect on the entertainment industry is unlike anything we've seen before. What changes do you think we will see moving out of this?
People can’t live without the arts. So, we will figure out a way to present our plays and our films. We will do this by using our creativity. We will figure out a way to make this work.

How was your business impacted by the shelter-in-place order?
I have started teaching more online. And in some ways, I’m coaching more people from around the world than ever before. When we are in a crisis, remember what the Chinese say. Crisis is danger and opportunity. So we must create our own opportunities.

We often see actors being extremely vocal in regards to the impact of COVID. However, the average person doesn’t know how the rest of the industry is responding. Do you know how directors, producers, and the other staples within the industry are dealing with the impact of COVID?
Some are writing scripts, preparing films, auditioning people for projects they will be shooting in the future. The business is moving slowly – it doesn’t stand still. We just don’t know when we will be able to shoot. But once we can film, there is going to be an explosion of creativity and filming.

What are your thoughts on films being immediately released to digital streaming services?
Well, I like to see films in movie theaters, but when you see it on TV it is a different experience. I love seeing my actors performing. So, I’m satisfied. People love going to the movies. That experience will be back!

Our country is going through unprecedented changes. We have BLM protests happening all over the world. One of the positives that the protests have caused is an increased interest in African American owned businesses. Do you feel this will translate to black films as well?
I think there will be a lot more African-American stories being told, that’s for sure, but the only color that matters in Hollywood is green. The color of money. Black Panther is a great movie, with great performances, which is why it was a financial and international hit. They are now making Black Panther 2. Can’t wait to go. There are many great and talented black actors, artists and film makers.

A lot of people are starting to suffer from quarantine fatigue. What advice do you have for people trying to stay sane during shelter in place?
This is the perfect time to figure out who are you, and what you were born to do. Ask your heart what you should be working on. It’s time to discover your passion, authenticity and pursue that. Ask for help. Successful people always ask for help, average people never do. Use your creativity to create something that you want to devote your life to. Connect to people. Life goes on, laugh with your family and friends.

How do you stay creative while sheltering in place? What advice do you have for others to stay creative?
We were all born with creativity and use it every day. When you go outside you have to realize that everything you were seeing was the creativity of someone else’s dream. Listen to music, read inspiring books, dance. Feel good because you’re still alive. Consider yourself lucky. Time is short and smile as much as you can. Remember, this too shall pass.

You have been involved in many causes and charities, including the Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation. Why do you think it's so important for everyone to get involved?
Leo has devoted his entire life to climate change. Everyone must get involved in our future. It is real, and I think after the election in November, the world will be focusing more on climate. The only positive thing that I see coming from this virus is that it’s made people appreciate nature more. We were reminded that we can’t live without nature, but nature can live without us.

How are you staying positive during these times?
I believe that crisis tests us. I have always believed that tomorrow will be better than today. Positive people are powerful. Positive people accomplish more things in life. It takes courage to be positive, it doesn’t take courage to be negative. Be courageous and believe in your positive future.

What is your motto in life?
The bigger the dream, the better the life. Protect your dreams — that’s all you got.There are people who make history and then there are people who read about history. Which one are you going to be?

To learn more about Bernard Hiller, please follow him via the below platforms:
www.bernardhiller.com
Instagram: berniehiller
Facebook: Bernard Hiller
Twitter: berniehiller

Photography by Taili Song Roth.

Bernard Hiller - Your Life Is A Work Of Art