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

Hi Kevin, how do you think about risk?
As far as risk goes, especially concerning where I come from and where I want to be, I have nothing to lose. Someone once told me that some people are born into lower financial and less resource friendly circumstances which basically equates to getting such a late start there’s no way to catch up to those afforded opportunity at their fingertips unless every risk is taken. Mentality has been key for me and, to be hones, I’ve never really questioned my drive. That helps in risk taking; financially, time/resource management and overall decision making. I see every effort toward making films, telling stories and gathering people for insightful entertainment and connection as an investment. Rewards are lost by not taking gains. You don’t grow.

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.
I’ve always considered myself unorthodox. If there is an unexpected, unnecessary yet adventurous way to do something I will seek it out. My dad took my love for movies early on and advanced it into editing my little league baseball videos when I was thirteen. I’ve created a monster/hero known to people all over the world, directed internationally released 3D films, edited music videos for Sigur Ros, managed a rock band that opened for Van Halen and stream on Twitch. The time in between has been jam packed with brilliant life experiences. Living in Hollywood, CA for a few years will definitely slap some reality into you. I lost a hundred pounds walking and riding my bicycle everywhere because I didn’t own a car and barely ate to save rent money. It was a real grind, but only some of the most trying times. I’ve slept on piles of cables between shooting and in the back seats of cars piled on top of other crew members in Las Vegas. I’ve argued with venue owners over door money in strange towns so I could get gas for the band’s van. There have been nothing but challenges, but the challenges in themselves are rewards for being in a place not many dare to tread. I would not have made it had it not been for my friends who shared my journey and determination. Some trials were mine to endure alone. Discovering I was bipolar and had panic attacks was rough. I had to learn how to live with them and let them take their course rather than fighting them off. Having my mom and friends present, whether they could understand what I was truly going through, made it bearable. I’ve learned that everything you experience you carry with you and becomes a part of what you put into what you do. Whether you intend to or not you are a “catch-all” net for what’s around you. Might as well refocus those things into energy you can put back out there positively. I want the world to feel the awe and majesty that I feel.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
My favorite place in Dallas has been demolished! It was a bar called The Elbow Room. I used to tell people it was as if Mother Teresa haunted the place with love, but since that is not an option I’d have to say The Goat on Sundays. They have THE BEST KARAOKE. The zoo and aquarium are great along with Klyde Warren Park, Lakewood and White Rock. The Balcony Club also has some soothing late night Jazz bands.

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 owe much of my success to Darrell Huckabee, Nancy Huckabee, Michael Carpenter, Everett Hoffman, Art Struck, Justin Muller, Alan Calzatti, Dean Deblois, Lauren Reazor, Bill Civitella, hundreds of faithful friends, the book, “The Alchemist”, and every movie under the sun.

Website: thegatemonster.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thegatemonster
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinhuckabee/
Twitter: twitter.com/thegatemonster
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kjhuckabee
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqADHbSkkX36bwj4qml48Uw?view_as=subscriber

Image Credits
Enrico Casnio DeLeon III

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