5 Things I Learned Being in a Shanin Blake Music Video

(Stop, Wait a Minute)

A few years back, I had the chance to be in the music video for Shanin Blake’s song “Stop, Wait a Minute.” I played one of several suitors trying (and failing) to win her affection — a goofy little role that had me pouring coffee one day and standing in a watermelon field the next.

It was a short gig, but one I think about whenever Shanin Blake pops up in my feed. Here’s what I learned:

1. Music Videos Are Underrated Acting Projects

I had no lines. No long monologues to memorize. Just physical acting, expression, and being present in the scene. That’s it. And it was great.

We shot over two days — one at a café, one out in a watermelon field in Longmont, Colorado. It reminded me that acting doesn’t always have to be heavy or intense to be valuable. Music videos can be beautiful little performance exercises that live forever online.

2. They’re a Great Place to Meet Collaborators

I’m big on collaboration — film doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Unless you’re Bo Burnham making Inside, you’re going to need a team.

This shoot was full of fun, professional, passionate people. Some I had worked with before. Others I’d work with again after. When I show up on set, I want to deliver and be reliable — not just for the project, but because you never know which collaboration becomes the next opportunity.

3. They’re Also a Great Place to Learn

Even if you’re just acting — it’s another day on set. And that means another chance to study how things work.

I remember watching the camera setups and the rig work and thinking, I wouldn’t even know how to hold that, let alone operate it. Buddy, our camera op, was running around in a body rig like it was nothing. I was still at the “nervous to touch a camera” stage of my career. But I was learning.

And it wasn’t just tech stuff — I talked to the crew about how music video deals get made, who negotiates what, who’s signing releases, where the project’s headed. I took it all in.

4. It’s Shanin Blake's Vision — You’re There to Support It

I knew this was Shanin’s project. It’s her music, her vision, her story — we were lucky to be small pieces in that.

I didn’t expect to have a big presence in the final cut, and I was genuinely grateful to see myself included. So many actors shoot for music videos or films and end up on the cutting room floor. But I was there to support the story, to add some fun energy, and to do my job. Mission accomplished.

5. You Never Know Who Someone Will Become

Looking back, one of the most inspiring parts of this project is seeing how much Shanin Blake has transformed — not just in popularity, but in energy.

At the time, she was warm, professional, and sweet to everyone. I only met her twice on set, but she treated every person there with kindness and respect. It was a working set, and she gave everyone the time of day.

Since then, her whole vibe has evolved. She seems like someone who’s truly living in her power — body, mind, and creative spirit. I think she’s tapped into something real, and it resonates. Her fanbase has exploded, especially on TikTok. Watching that journey — from “indie shoot in a watermelon field” to fully embracing her artistry — is beautiful.

Official music video for

Stop Wait a Minute by Shanin Blake.

 Cast & Crew

Directed by Adam Rosenberg

Starring Shanin Blake

Director of Photography - Buddy Thomas

1st AD/Producer - Ian Blei

Executive Producer - Teren Overbeck

Editor/VFX - Adam Rosenberg

Colorist - Buddy Thomas

AC - Riley Hanlon

Gaffer/Grip - Phil Abrams

2nd AC - Derek Dandridge

HMU - Ray Ryan

2nd Unit - Parker Rice

Craft Services - Rene Thomas

Dog Lady - Rene Thomas

Yoga Lady - Shannon Everett

Flower Guy - Nate Gust

Druggie/Huggie - Teren Overbeck

Magician - Nathan Pratt

Flamenco Dancer - Nestor Hernandez

Snake Dancer - Paul McCullough

Weight Lifter - Stefan Hughes

Guitar Player - Adam Rosenberg

Waiter - Gary Miller

Dad - Evan Sheppard

Long Hair Man - Adrian Engfer

White Dog - Dyer

Dog Holder - Derek Dandridge

Wheelchair Man - Bryan Holden

Sword Swallower - Nick Flood

Rubik’s Cube Nerd - Ethan Gehring

Blue Boxer - Nick Whittemore

Red Boxer - Nick Subia

Hula Lady - Jessica McMillian

Selfie Bro - Justin Tyrrell

Extras: Travis Lindner Frankie Daily

Special Thanks: Umba Love Southside Walnut Cafe Boulder Bookstore Jared Hagood Dave Asbury Cook St. Productions

You never know what a small gig will teach you — or who it might connect you to. This shoot reminded me to stay curious, show up ready, and keep the ego out of the way. The best work often comes from simply saying “yes” and doing your job well.