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

Hi Christian, other than deciding to work for yourself, what else do you think played a pivotal role in your story?
Embracing failure… When you become afraid of failing it can be something that hinders you from taking risks. When you embrace failure; you are not afraid to step outside and forward. You have many more chances to grow and see what you were made to become.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Well, a little while back; I decided to make a independent film. We shot the entire thing in my backyard, at a Television Access Center, and a small town. Little did we know, posting the trailer on YouTube would launch my career as a filmmaker professionally. Our little film, “Wisconsin Project X” was picked up for worldwide distribution. Netflix, Pay-Per-View, satellite TV, and other major streaming services featured our independent horror film. This film launched our business, FastCoast Productions. Soon after, FastCoast Productions helped the local community by directing, producing, managing, television, marketing, web design, and digital media production. Through my company I have worked with high clientele like Huey Lewis, Sammy Hagar, Adam Levine, James Lee Burke, and many others on commercial projects. This includes creating the fundraising videos for The Greater Ravalli Foundation, Emma’s House, BBIA, Bitterroot Back Country Horseman, Bitterroot Aquatic Center, Montana Studios, HEARTism,and the Ravalli County Museum. I never new what I love could become my purpose and business. So, I decided to form the FastCoast Film Academy under my company. We teach free media classes by actual making a movie – learn by doing it. We come to you and help your school or organization out by putting together a program to do a hands on film class. Now, we are making a movie here called “Zombies Monsters Action The Movie” and you can find out more info at our website. It’s been a fun ride and the journey continues as we expand our business here in California.

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.
Well, most definitely take them to Carlsbad beach, hit Oscars in San Marcos with some great burritos, burger at In-N-Out for sure, Stomp around La Jolla, hike Torre Pines, and swim all day at Moonlight Beach. We would have to go to Disneyland, hit the San Diego Zoo, and Safari Park. Then, chill in Balboa Park. There’s so much to see and do, they’d have to come visit again to do more ha ha. Plus, we’d make a movie while hanging ha ha.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
First of all, I thank my family support. I thank my parents for encouraging me. I mostly thank my wife, Danielle Ackerman. She at the beginning always pushed me forward. When, I was so discouraged or frustrated with how the business was not working, she’d be there, and push me onward. Even now, as we packed everything up in Montana and moved back out to my old stomping grounds here in San Diego we are taking a huge risk to grow our business. So, far . . . family and friends have been there one hundred percent.

Website: http://www.fastcoastproductions.com

Instagram: @fastcoastproductions

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/christiansackerman

Facebook: facebook.com/fastcoastproductions

Youtube: YouTube.com/fastcoastproductions

Other: FastCoast Film Academy http://www.fastcoastfilmacademy.com Christian Ackerman Actor/Artist site http://www.christianackerman.com

Image Credits
credits FastCoast Productions & FastCoast Film Academy

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutSocal 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.