18 Minutes with Braden Abraham
PS: Has performing in WHITE HOT helped strengthen your skills as a director?
BA: Absolutely. Acting is a muscle all directors should understand. Being up there again reminded me of what it takes to grow and sustain a performance. Every night is like jumping out of an airplane for me.
PS: Do you prefer to act or direct?
BA: Ha! I don’t think anyone would’ve asked me that question before WHITE HOT. I’m a director because I love great acting and design. I love the moment of engagement. The anxiety of acting is hard for me to handle, at least initially. Once I’m out there I start to play, but getting there is difficult.
PS: Was there a specific theatrical experience in your youth that compelled you to join the art community in Seattle?
BA: I grew up in the San Juan Islands outside of Anacortes, and went to Western Washington University. When I graduated some friends and I moved down here to start a theater company. That group is long disbanded and many of its former members are living elsewhere. I’m still here though. This is home.
PS: What makes you happy?
BA: Making something with talented people that I love.
PS: Who or what inspires you the most in your personal life?
BA: My daughter Phoenix is almost two years old now. Being a parent has been a huge inspiration. It’s made me think about my priorities. I also mark time in a different way. Nothing keeps you in the moment like chasing a toddler around.
PS: And in your professional life?
BA: I’ve been fortunate to have several great mentors. You need advocates in this business. I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am without them.
PS: What do you consider your best hidden talent?
PS: Who is your favorite superhero?
BA: Incredible Hulk. Dude has issues.
PS: Who are your heroes in real life?
BA: My parents. My sister. And my partner Cheyenne.
PS: What quality do you admire in your friends?
BA: They tell me the truth. And I know they got my back.
PS: What do you fear the most?
BA: In my own work? Probably ‘fear itself’, and mediocrity. In my country? The slow advance of the corporate state.
PS: Are you now the person you wanted to be when you were young?
BA: I’m getting there…
PS: So far, what has been your greatest achievement?
BA: I’m still making work. I’m still taking chances.
PS: What would like to achieve next?
BA: I have two exciting directing projects coming up. I’d also like to make a short film. I’m also interested in adapting something for the stage.
Camera Settings:
Lens: Nikon AF Micro Nikkor 60mm f/2.8
Lens: Nikon 18-70mm f/3.5 (set at 70mm for close-ups and 22mm for wide angles)
Aperture: f/4.0
Shutter: 1/125
ISO: 400
Gear: BlackRapid RS-W1
Think Tank Photo Retrospective® 10 (Pinestone) Shoulder Bag
Lighting Set-up:
Kept it simple with all natural light. No flash. No light reflectors.
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