Chance Dollard is an actor and writer who grew up in Duluth, Georgia. Having taken part in such hit shows like Netflix’s Cobra Kai, he’s built himself a resumé that is rapidly expanding. His most recent work as a screenwriter and actor is in his original film Loop Hole, which has earned both him and the team recognition in the New York Film Festival. Some of his other noteworthy works include Eden (2019), Young Agents and Fatal Attraction.
What was life like growing up in Duluth?
Growing up in Duluth was fine. I had a great group of friends and people who I still keep in contact with today. Most of them are doing their own thing, but we all still keep in contact.
How did you find yourself gravitating towards acting and film?
In 2018, I was a freshman in college. I needed some money so I decided to look up acting/modeling courses. I ended up going to the John Casablancas modeling and talent agency. This led me to fall in love with acting.
Were there any challenges getting into the industry? How did you overcome them?
When I first started out, I felt a little out of place because I didn’t know really where to go or what to do. Thankfully, I had an amazing acting coach who told me to just get on set – treat it like a job. He shared with me different sites that I could look at for casting opportunities. I submitted to anything I could just to get the experience.
What was your “big break”? What project of yours do you credit with giving you the initial push?
Cobra Kai was what propelled me a little further with my career. I met amazing people on that production and gained a lot from it. But I’m sure it was just a stepping stone for more to come!
Do you have any inspirations in the world of acting or filmmaking? Who do you admire?
My inspiration comes from projects like A24 and other eerie, weird movies like that. I want to continue my journey with filmmaking and eventually start making films full time. I admire Denis Villeneuve as a filmmaker.
Though uncredited, you did have a role in Cobra Kai. How did that project go, what was it like being on set?
Cobra Kai, looking back on it, was like a fever dream. I actually felt like I was in that world when I went to work! Even though we were acting, it felt like we were actually Cobra Kai and that we were this untouchable group of badass kids lol. It was a lot of fun being on set every day. It felt like a blessing.
Not only are you an actor in Loop Hole, but a screenwriter to. How did you balance those two key roles?
It was very hard to do both, but I had an amazing crew who helped me get through it. Loophole was a passion project I created and wanted to get done on my own. So it was great having friends to help me out!
There are clearly some very personal elements to the script of Loop Hole, as well as some odder ones that warp reality. What inspired the story and how did you write it?
So Loop Hole is a mind thriller that takes a weird turn. I took inspiration from the film Enemy (2013) and from my own personal life. The main plot of the film is about letting go of the past and moving forward so you don’t get caught in a loophole. I also wrote it in a span of three weeks with the help from John Varkados.
How specific were you about the characters of the film and their actors? If there was a proper casting process, how involved were you?
I wasn’t very specific. I had help from my director, Caleb Spencer Barr, to find who I wanted. We were mainly looking for people who knew how to act and could elevate the project. And who were natural. I reviewed everyone who was potentially casted and had a say in everything.
Did you face any hurdles during production? How did you negate them on set and within the screenplay?
Yes, we were missing some shots so we had to go back and reshoot some scenes, which was a hassle. Some people had logos which we had to cut out from the film completely, and some scenes were not filmed the way I had imagined them. But the good thing is we captured A LOT of footage, so it was easy to cut out unnecessary things and make the film still make sense.
What are you hoping audiences walk away with after seeing the film? What’s the message?
To move forward with your life and to know that it’s okay to be stuck – but it’s not okay to stay stuck. Everyone has the ability to break out of their current situation and be better.
What is the next step not only for Loop Hole, but for you as an actor and writer? What projects are on the horizon?
My next steps are to make another film and build a bigger team of reliable people around me to propel me and my friends onto bigger scenes. I’m also in an acting class working on my craft so I can become a better actor.
