| While you may not recognize the name Lance Forrest, you have probably seen his face - gracing the cover of a magazine or paperback novel or on one of those eye-catching billboards that line America's highways. But make no mistake - this taut-bodied Adonis is more than just "eye candy."
As he prepares for the release of his third film, a jarring drama dealing with the impact of HIV/AIDS on the Black community, Epidemic Chronicles, he continues his journey of self-expression through his writing which he believes is his greatest gift.
"People often think of models as being cute folks who have nothing to say; I'm here to break that stereotype and show that my creative skills are what really make me who I am," he said. "I guess you could say that I am going in a different direction these days - moving into a new arena - and so while I still model, I don't really seek those kinds of opportunities, they just come my way."
Forrest, an Atlanta resident who has lived in England and Hollywood says that as the youngest of five children, he learned early on that he would need to take creative approaches if he wanted to be noticed. It was this heightened awareness in creativity that led him into acting.
"I have been successful as a runway and fitness model and also have done a lot of photographs related to athletics, and you can find my pictures in a lot of different venues," he said. "Working as a model always seemed easy to me because ever since my high school days, I have really focused on being fit and staying in shape.
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Even before it became popular, I was an advocate of the mind-body thing - maintaining the right balance so that I was a complete person.
I actually think of myself as a fitness guru and maintain a strict exercise schedule and healthy diet. And while I have enjoyed life as a model, acting and directing are really what drive me these days."
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Forrest advises his friends and clients to focus on their minds first before becoming overly concerned about their physical appearance.
"You have to work the mind first and then connect that to the body," he said. "It's important to get your head right so that you are clear about your objectives.
There are too many people who work out because it is a fad instead of doing it because of the benefits one gains from a healthier way of life. It also requires patience because the gains don't always come right away or in the way we might like, so you have to persevere. "
Perseverance has been essential for Forrest, who has turned his attention to acting and film making. And he is excited about his third movie, one that he wrote and directed, which he hopes will be ready for release and distribution by the end of the year.
In fact, Epidemic Chronicles: "No One is Exempt" has already created a buzz from its debut trailer at several pride gatherings earlier this year.
"The awareness and urgency of a film like this is so vital in these times," he said. "With a pandemic [HIV/AIDS] of this magnitude we need an innovative approach along with action to end this epidemic."
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The movie revolves around five men, each living in different cities and leading a variety of lives that all have one thing in common - they have acquired the HIV virus from the same man. The story will make viewers more conscious of the choices they make and illustrate the various ways by which people handle life with the virus.
Forrest is using a "grassroots approach" to getting the film into the market, targeting distributors, releasing it on DVD and approaching independent movie theaters. He also has plans to show it at some of the major film festivals in 2010.
"I actually started writing the screen play about nine years ago after being inspired by several friends and family members who were living with HIV/AIDS," he said. "The film is a work of fiction but we are well aware of the impact of the virus on the Black community.
It is unfortunate that AIDS is still a taboo topic for us and while many of us are living smarter, we don't talk about it like we should. It's time that we put this conversation in the forefront like our White counterparts have already done.
Someone is dealing with HIV/AIDS every day and we need to be more compassionate.
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The film is produced by Forrest's own company, Forever Standing Entertainment, which he founded based on the premise that "you should never let your dreams and passion die."
"My greatest challenge each day is staying true to what I preach - always remaining committed to the cause [our personal goals] even if it doesn't happen right away. |
It would be easy for me to shift gears and do other things since I have several talents on which I could fall back. That means I have to stay focused and true to what I really want to do and not let distractions take me on a different path."
For more information about the film, go to:
For Ever Standing
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