A Strong Work Ethic in Hollywood

On yesterday’s episode of Smashing The Plateau, Carl Ciarfalio discussed what it takes to succeed in Hollywood.

Here are some of his biggest influences:

1) My Parents

I had a great, Midwest upbringing, and my father was a WW2 veteran. My parents were from The Greatest Generation and they had strong values and a powerful work ethic. They set an excellent example for me.

2) My Coaches

Coach Fred Burri (my junior college wrestling coach) and Coach Paul Brite (my high school football coach) were very important to me. They taught me leadership by example, meaning solid work ethic and team mentality by paying attention to individuals. I learned how to be a leader by their actions, and they each had strength and great humility. Important for a young man.

3) Frank Orsatti

He was a colorful, and powerful individual. A real star. He recognized the talent and drive in me, as well as in others – a great mentor. He showed me how to take no BS in an industry that can be full of it.

4) Gene LeBell

So colorful!  He is the toughest man in the world. He is the kindest, most generous man I’ve ever known. He has helped me so very much in my career and he is always supportive and giving.

5) Conrad Bachman

He is an accomplished character actor. Conrad was a senior Governor in the Actors Peer Group at the Television Academy when I was lobbying for the inclusion of stunts. He believed in our (now successful) effort to add a Stunts Peer Group and an Emmy for Stunts. He believed in our goal and lent his experience, time and energy to our effort.

He is also inspiring for his “second” careers including serving on the U.S. Air Force entertainment liaison board. He also founded the Louisville Film Arts Institute and film festival, was the Executive Vice President for Ned Beatty’s Hope for Children’s Classic Charity in Louisville, and the city now ßcelebrates a Conrad Bachman day on 8/20.