Patrik-Ian Polk is an American film director, producer, singer and actor who is noted for his films that explore the LGBT community, experience and relationships. Patrik is the creator of the TV series Noah’s Arc which made it’s debut on the Logo TV network in October 2005 not to stop there, Patrik directed a feature film version of Noah’s Arc that was titled Noah;s Arc: Jumping the Broom. Patrik has worked with notables both in hollywood and the UK. check out my interview with Patrik-Ian Polk:

- Hey Patrik, how are you doing?

I’m good, thanks. In NYC for a while working…Enjoying the Big Apple.

- So tell me, how did the journey to the world of film making, how did it all start?

When I was a child, I was fascinated with TV and movies.

- While growing up, did you ever feel you were going to end up in your line of profession now?

It wasn’t until Spike Lee came on the scene with “She’s Gotta Have It” that I could put a black face on filmmaking. He inspired me to pursue a career in film & tv.

- Congratulations on the success of Noah’s Arc, the whole project took the world by storm, what led to this project?

I wanted to see black gay characters and there were none on tv. So I decided rather than complain about it, I’d do it myself.

- You are known for making films that depicts the LGBT community, do you ever see yourself making a movie that depicts the general society and it’s vast behaviors?

I see myself making all kinds of films- as long as I find the subject matter interesting.

- Let us talk about you before the media, when did Partrik know he was different from other boys?

Not sure exactly when I knew, but it was from a very early age. And I also instinctively knew it wasn’t something I could be very open about at the time. Growing up in Mississippi in the late 70′s & 80′s…but eventually I found myself and all was well.

- Most of your works make young people feel comfortable about their sexuality but there is one thing I’d like to ask, do you think coming out of the closet is for every LGBT member?

Yes, I do. I think the closeted lifestyle is a breeding ground for unhappiness, secrecy, lies. Everyone should come out.

- Tell us about your coming out experience?

I never had a grand coming out moment. When I left Mississippi to attend college in Boston, I decided quite naturally that anyone who entered my life from that point on would know exactly who I am. And I never looked back. My family got the message as I started to make films- my work was very gay-centric, so they just kind of understood and were okay with it.

- Are you working on any project presently?

I’m writing two different television series for two different networks. A comedy and a drama. That’s all I can say at this moment.

- Any specific memorable experience while on set with actors?

Too many to mention, but once I had an argument with a crew member and when I stormed back to the set, I walked right into a sliding glass door…I blacked out for about 30 seconds and when I came to, I was lying in the arms of the big burly production assistant. Years later, that assistant came out to me as gay.

- You have worked with Vanessa Wiliams, Jensen Atwood, Darryl Stephens, Jennia Fredrique and loads of famous face in the media industry, what is it like working with these people?

Everybody’s been very cool for the most part. I came up in the industry with people like Vanessa Williams, so it’s nice to be able to cast old friends.

- To young people out there that wants to be in Hollywood just like you are, can you tell them what it takes to get there?

Preparation and focus. People think it’s an easy industry, but it’s highly competitive, so do your homework. Go to school! Whether it’s acting or writing or directing, please go to college and get a degree in your field of interest. School is the most important thing…

- Taking you back yo 2000, when you wrote, produced, directed your first project “Punks”, did you at any point think about giving up while doing this project?

Making this film was the hardest work I’d ever done- I was exhausted throughout, but it was a wonderful experience…

- who is that one person you wish to work with?

I don’t have just one- Diana Ross, Janet Jackson, Sarah Jessica Parker, Joan Rivers, Angelina Jolie, Brad Pitt, Hugh Jackman, Sandra Bullock, Will Smith, Thandie Newton…I could go on and on…

- how do you unwind when you are not on set or working?

I watch a lot of tv or go to the gym. Pretty boring stuff. Oh and I travel a lot. I have a home in London, so I usually just go there when I want to unwind…