Never Surrender

Without screenwriter John August, we might not have had movies like Go, Charlie’s Angels and Big Fish. He’s the creative mind that’s brought so many Hollywood classics to life. And while he’s definitely left his mark on the industry, it wasn’t without struggle. He’s had projects cancelled, scripts passed and struggled to make a name for himself as a writer. But he never gave up on his dream.

Lake Bell’s career in the entertainment industry goes beyond her work as an actress. She’s also a director, producer and screenwriter. From starring in films like “Over Her Dead Body” and “No Escape,” to making her directing debut with the critically acclaimed feature “I Do… Until I Don’t,” she has an impressive filmography under her belt. Her career hasn’t been without struggle, but she credits her love and passion for storytelling for getting her through.

EJ Hill never intended to become one of today’s most visually compelling contemporary artists. It took him going to a summer camp in Rhode Island and posing nude in art school to really discover his passion. They say art imitates life, and for Hill, the struggle he’s had to contend with and continually face is reflected in his work.

Studio after studio rejected producer Michael Uslan’s idea for a serious Batman movie. As a hardcore comic buff, Uslan wouldn’t stop until his favorite superhero got the big screen treatment he knew he deserved. Over forty Batman productions later, Uslan is credited on every single one of them. Not bad for a small town kid from New Jersey.

Cameron Esposito has made a name for herself as a comedian, actress, author and podcaster. She’s starred in her own show Take My Wife and hosted the highly regarded podcast Queery. Her road to success has been a journey and through it all, she’s been unapologetically herself and wants to encourage others to do the same. 

You might know comedian, actor and writer Pete Holmes from his shows Crashing or The Pete Holmes Show. Or you might’ve read his best-selling book Comedy Sex God. He’s had a lot of success in his career, but also plenty of setbacks. From going through a divorce to getting both his shows cancelled, Pete Holmes’ has been through the ringer. But he’s never given up.

Singer, songwriter Jojo has been in the music industry for over two decades now, dropping chart topping hits like “Leave (Get Out)” since she was only thirteen years old. You wouldn’t believe that there was a time when she thought she’d never make music again. It’s her passion for music that motivated her to keep going, and she’s still releasing bops to this day.

Award-winning comedian Larry Wlimore is the man behind shows like The Bernie Mac Show and Insecure. He hosted The Nightly Show, and you can still catch him on the late-night circuit hosting his self-titled talk show Wilmore. He’s been a creative force in the entertainment industry, and has pushed through firings, loss and personal setbacks to build his career into what it is today.

There once was a time when director Paul Feig, the man behind Bridesmaids, A Simple Favor and Freaks and Geeks, thought he’d never make movies again. He was put in “movie jail” and didn’t know whether he’d ever get out. From blockbuster movies to small time commercials, Feig’s career has had plenty of ups and downs. But through it all, he’s never given up.