Now before I start, let me just say that no, I am no "seasoned actor". My "experience" is minimal, at best. However, I feel I have what most don't.....a NATURAL ability. Sure I could use training.....why not if it's going to make me better, right? Too many people over the years have made mention and took notice that I'm just natural. They've spoken on my personality and charisma and I've heard often that I should be acting. Who would have ever known that I would finally taken them up on that? Hahahaha......
This all started last October. I was given the opportunity by a grea
t friend of mine in the movie business by the name of Bobby Peoples of The Peoples Film Company/The Peoples Network. Our relationship was formed when he became my main video producer that I trusted to shoot all (and I mean ALL thus far) of my music videos. When it was initially brought up to me the chance that I could one day appear in one of his independent films, I thought, "cool.....that would definitely help my buzz in the music industry".After some time, the opportunity finally materialized and I initially looked at it as nothing more than a brief cameo. Mind you, at the time I was still focusing primarily on my music career although I was extremely appreciative of the chance to work with him in HIS natural field of filmmaking and not necessarily just video production. Before this however, I felt that I had "experience" in front of the camera when we shot my first two music videos. Yea, I was seriously trippin'
. Totally different!! More on that later....Bobby (the producer of this film) and DeWitt Jones (writer & director of this film) both gave me my first shot on the set of the independent thriller, "Night Of The Jackals"! I can't tell you what it did for me to receive my first ever script to read! Granted, I didn't have much to read. In fact, my character was untitled at the time. I was told that I was playing "Thug #1". Big stretch, I know. Bobby and DeWitt give the actors room to ad-lib so that everything appears as natural as possible on-screen. That was a big help. I really didn't even stick to the script when it came down to filming on set. I had an interaction scene with an actor, Jeremy and the lead character, actress Tarjatta Rose. I basically did me. Not really understanding the entire process, I found myself momentarily reverting back to the music industry and looked right into the camera during one particular take! Yea. Seriously trippin' and lost focus for a second, but all in all, even though it was a short scene, I did my best not to let any of the seasoned professionals down in hopes that I would be considered for future roles. Just like that, my time on the set was over. I got a few pictures to remind me of my groundbreaking experience and went home with my chest full of pride. "Look at me now!", I thought to myself.
Fast forward to February and sure enough, the studio worked hard to release this film on time. I received my first ever invitation to the much-hyped "Red Carpet World Premiere". I wanted to go with the only person in the world who I wanted to share this new experience with, I went their in the company of my fiancee who I am sure was as wide eyed as I was. There I had the pleasure of being interviewed by two different media outlets in addition to being one of an exclusive few to watch the private screening. With me knowing my scene fairly well, I knew at what point it was coming up in the film. I was anxiously nervous and was more concerned with what Kim would think about my performance. Imagine my shock when I seemingly had one of the more comedic performances in the movie by the reaction of everyone in attendance! I was just being me, in my opinion, but everyone seemed very genuine in their approval and acknowledgements! I met a few (actually, a lot!) of people who were very congratulatory and sincere in their compliments regarding my very small scene and screen time. Right then is when I wanted more.....to DO more and not necessarily for the rave reviews and things that come as a part of delivering on screen, but more so because THIS is the next step for me in my path throughout this realm of entertainment. Making music was fun. This is EXCITING! Major difference.
Now that the movie is out, it's on to other film roles. I've just been informed that I'll be in the new movie "For Thy Love 2", so look for a blog coming soon on that! I'm also in preliminary talks to be in another movie, which I won't go into at this time. However, all of this is leading up to my very own written screenplay tentatively titled, "Lock & Load" later this year/middle of next year. I'm already in the studio working on the soundtrack for it. Bobby's keeping me pretty busy in between time doing the DVD cover for a series that he is also currently developing called, "Money, Power & Respect". Oh, y'all didn't know I also do graphic design?? LOL!
Yes, I am definitely headed in a NEW direction and I am all in like poker chips. Take a look at these video clips from the red carpet world premiere and the after party! I'll hit you guys up soon.......peace!
Interviews from Night of the Jackals Premiere
My interview starts at the 5:45 mark!
You can see me at the 7:42 mark!
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