Meet Blaine Hensley! Blaine is a director and producer at Shift Z Media; and part-time actor who has lived in Gainesville for the last five years.

We want to thank Blaine for spending time with us recently and telling us more about his life and love of Hall County.

Question: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

Answer: “My family has been in the same area in North GA for quite a few generations now. We are a tight-knit family and I love them very much. All hard-working-class individuals. They recently took their skills and built up a Wedding Venue, Becky Branch Weddings & Events, on our property. It’s beautiful and my family has done an amazing job with it. My mother and father recently retired from their professions (Mom was a teacher and coach for 31 years; Dad was a foreman for the Dept of Transportation for 28 years) and are enjoying life very much. They and I by extension, we, are very much quiet, low-key country folk. My family far more so than I, since I live in the ‘bustling metropolis of Gainesville’ (quote my dad).”

Q: Please tell us about your current career. What do you love most about what you do?

A: “I’m a director, producer, and part-time actor trying to make my way into the big-wig film industry. I decided post college I should transfer my skills into the corporate world by co-founding and operating a wildly successful media start-up, Shift Z Media, with my business partner Skyler Wilson. Together, we have really achieved something special in our two years of operation. We don’t plan on stopping, either.
“In traditional narrative film spaces I’ve shot, directed, and produced a plethora of short films. Some of these films won awards. On the acting side I’ve been a key background player in shows and films such as TULSA KING, SATURDAY NIGHT (SNL), MADDEN, FLY ME TO THE MOON, and others (Sorry, signed an NDA).
“I started my career in theatre in highschool and moving into the film space made me realize that the level of collaboration and amount of storytelling possible in film was superior to any other art form. If I am helping someone articulate their story, their thoughts, outlook, emotions, what have you…I love every second of being on set. It doesn’t matter if it’s on a film set or a corporate ad shoot; I feel the same sense of accomplishment making people feel as if their story has been told.”

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

A: “I’ve been a quiet square rat for a while, so I’ve eaten everywhere. Luna’s is my go to spot. I’m only 25 but I’m an old soul. The quiet, comforting atmosphere of Luna’s is unmatched; it makes me feel like I’m in New York. Plus, the food is so good for the price. I love the piano bar as well; often polishing a cup of coffee after a meal listening to ‘Piano Man’ or ‘New York State of Mind’ being faintly recounted. I know they play other songs… Those are just the best.
‘Then, there’s Cotto. A different side of the same coin: classy, upscale, and amazing food. However, it’s alive, it’s usually loud, it’s Italian, and it’s the best bar in the city. For the record, I love both these places equally, so I will not choose a favorite.
“Other spots I love: Decoy (for big groups), Atlas (best pizza), Inman Perk (best morning routine), Sweet Magnolia’s (best lunch spot and midday work spot).
And… when Diletto’s opens back up… that will be my favorite breakfast spot again.”

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

A: “Five years. I went to school at UNG since 2019. Graduated 2022. Moved into my own apartment in 2024.”

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

A: “My profession dictates that I meet a lot of interesting people every day. It’s almost impossible to choose just one.”

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

A: “Germany. Show me the food, the landscape, and the cars.”

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

A: “As stated, I’m an old soul. ‘The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly’ will always be my favorite movie. For a show, I’ve got a split between ‘Miami Vice’ or ‘Sex and The City.'”

Q: What advice would you want to give or leave with people?

A: “Set aside an hour of quiet time a day. Be alone, preferably be in nature, be off your phone, and just think to yourself. It will make you more human.”

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

A: “Smitty’s Cigar Lounge: the best place in Gainesville. I will belabor the obvious about a Cigar Lounge causing nostalgia (the art of cigars, the bar atmosphere, the good music always being played) and point to the people. Hardly anyone sits on their phone. You go in to talk and to be social. Everyone’s open minded. We talk about anything and everything. It’s a holy place.
“I found a second family when I started going there and subsequently, it’s become a second home. I even lived with one of the owners for a year and worked there. Everyone’s the nicest, it’s the classiest, most comfortable atmosphere in town, and I’ve officially been a Smitty’s mainstay for three years now. Come see us!”

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

A: “Clint Eastwood. He’s a personal hero for many reasons. He would probably really like the Collegiate Grill.”

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? And secondly, what is something you hope our community has or does in the future?

A: “It feels big without being overwhelming. There’s enough to do — but we could use more night life.”

Q: Where do you see yourself in five to 10 years?

A: “Making a movie and returning to Gainesville for a special local showing. Also wouldn’t mind having a house up here by then.”

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

A: “Directing a movie. Shocker, I know.”

Q: What is something you have been proud to check off your bucket list?

A: “I’m a big car guy and motorsports enthusiast. Getting to go to Road Atlanta and hop inside a race car was a dream come true.”

Q: What is your go to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?

A: “The Police.” 

Q: In hard times we can sometimes see and recognize greatness in those around us. Hard working. Positive attitudes. Helping on the front lines. Who is one of our local shining lights today?

A: “The owners of Smitty’s Cigar Lounge, Don & Rob, are two of the kindest souls I’ve ever met. Anyone who comes in and gets to know them is touched by their light and they help a lot of men through this life. They bought the shop a few years ago and have become integral to this community as a result.” 

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

A: “Wyoming, beginning of 2025.”

Q: Favorite month?

A: “November.”

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

A:” The Rueben at Sweet Magnolia’s.”

Q: What are one or two of your favorite smells?

A: “Freshly cut lemons — and freshly made coffee. Not necessarily together.”

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

A: “My mother and father. Every day.”