Welcome to my Official Parks Place blog!
Don’t worry, you won’t have to worry about paying me for landing on Parks Place 
.
In fact, quite the opposite.
While my title sounds quite usual for most artists, considering the less “secure” lifestyle that actors, directors, writers, and other entertainment professionals go through on a day-to-day basis, I happily write this blog from an entirely different viewpoint.
Upon leaving my Alma Mater, The University of Southern California (USC) and majoring in Theatre and minoring in Cinema-Television, I was given a gem of wisdom that I’m still grateful for, to this very day.
And it would come from the unlikeliest of people, my instructor for “Auditioning for Film and Television,” Joseph Hacker. Mr. Hacker, who came from an extensive background in Film, TV, and commercials, looked at all twelve of us in the small theatre at University Village, where we’d be put on camera to perform mock auditions.
He said: “I know we’re close to nearing the end of this semester, but there’s something, beyond just the scope of acting, that I wanted to address to you all.”
He continued, “While you may be going into a field that is not only a very creatively rewarding and commendable… but yet VERY DIFFICULT and UNCERTAIN livelihood, I wanted to take this time to say that it’s also important that you keep in mind the larger scope of your future… that being said, I mean your FINANCIAL future.”
At the time, I listened very intently. Mr. Hacker was the kind of teacher that when he said something, you paid attention, since it was coming from a chunk of his own personal wisdom about the Ups-and-Downs of the Film Industry. But, at the same time, I was boldly, doggedly, and (yes I’ll admit) FOOLISHLY determined to make sure that my acting would take off…to the point where it would never cause me to fear about ever keeping up with my finances.
“I know, for most of you,” he said, “this will sound like something that you can just nod and file away in the back of your head for five to ten years down the road, but I encourage you to look into it sooner than later.”
He asked us to take down notes, while he gave us some ideas, but the most crucial element was his book recommendation. “If there is any book I’d recommend you read before heading out into the real world, it would be Rich Dad, Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki.“
“He offers some valuable information that I would suggest anybody take a look at. By the time you kids grow older, the world will be a different place. Good…Bad…I don’t know. But many elements will be constantly changing, and all I ask is that you always keep growing, learning, and keeping fresh with what’s going on in the world. Never stop learning…”
I never stopped doing so… And while I’ve been proud of my acting endeavors up to this point, I realize that learning how to maintain my Financial Well-Being was something that I’ve been determined to tackle sooner-than-later.
I couldn’t just pretend that bills don’t exist when they’re out of my sight and that “rent” was simply only a play on Broadway.
I took a step toward bettering myself, saying “I would do what it takes to be a financially-sound actor, learning whatever I could so that, ultimately, I would never have to feel that feeling of desperation that comes when you bust your butt and pray that you land that next film or commercial.” And as much as residuals are a godsend when they come from a performance on a TV show or commercial, they don’t always come so easily.
Taking heed of Mr. Hacker’s words, I went to my local Barnes & Noble one day in Glendale and found Rich Dad, Poor Dad along with two other Robert Kiyosaki books combined all-in-one, entitled Rich Dad’s Plan for Financial Success which consisted of his three earliest works:
1.) Rich Dad, Poor Dad: What the Rich Teach Their Children — That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
2.) Cashflow Quadrant: Rich Dad’s Guide to Financial Freedom
and
3.) Rich Dad’s Guide to Investing: What the Rich Invest In, That the Poor and Middle Class Do Not!
Last summer, I spent an entire month to sit down and carefully absorb over 900+ pages of invaluable information that I agree was a gem of wisdom that I should have taken sooner from Mr. Hacker.
But with no regrets, I’m here on a mission to help impart the lessons I’ve learned, and provide a sense of comfort in saying that “if I could learn it, anybody really could.” There’s no reason why somebody should go at achieving success alone.
I think we live in a world where people are constantly battered with complicated words (especially financial jargon), which usually fly over people’s heads and ultimately cause them to never take the time to learn about in the first place.
I don’t plan on being that kind of guy. Kiyosaki’s books were simple and straightforward… just what I needed, coming from my Entertainment background.
And for those of you reading this, I’d like to welcome you on my journey as I share tips, lessons, and other chunks of knowledge that I’ve learned to be a more well-rounded individual…especially when it comes to taking control of my personal, financial, and creative well-being. And rest assured, I’ll be sure to include some fun stories and other cool finds as well, while I make my adventure through the City of Dreams.
The journey to Financial Freedom and Creative Bliss can sometimes take longer than expected, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be really fun in the process, especially with the right group of people B-)
So kick back, relax, and let’s begin the adventure! Welcome once again to my Place.
Most Sincerely,
Michael C. Parks
As soon as I swung into the Test Station (which is attached to a gas station), it was already going to be a Michael Bay-like action-grabber.
A strong devotee to Artemis (a goddess of the hunt, as well as chastity) over Aphrodite (goddess of love and lust), Hippolytus ultimately sealed his disastrous fate because he shunned Aphrodite. 
