Interview with 'Battlestar Galactica' legend Richard Hatch

Interview with Richard Hatch

By Lauren Honeycutt

1. How did you get involved in Acting?

It was a long process because I didn’t set out to be an actor, I was going to be an architect, I studied classical piano. I loved the arts but never thought I could have a career in acting. I was going to school waiting to take more specific electives. I was wandering like so many people, taking anything, trying to find out what I was going to do. I was dating a girl and got to meet a lot of the people in the business through her. I started learning more about show business. I had never done theatre in high school. I got to know a man who had a radio show, who was a press secretary for Yoko Ono. He would always give me insights into things I should look into; he is the one who said I should go to an acting class. I was shocked! Me? Are you kidding? I had never thought about it. I went to the class dealing with the method; it focused on progressed method and refinery. I learned acting techniques but more than that I watched the actors in the class learning to deal with their own stuff, it is really all about connecting with yourself in a deeper way. I thought this would be something that could help me, whether I wanted to be an actor or not, it would help me as a person. After a year I came to understand that I could be an actor when my teacher brought me aside and said if I really wanted too I could be an actor. I started hanging out with production groups, delivering scripts to Sally Field’s house. I played an extra on a soap opera, getting my foot in the door. I was living in my car, sleeping on people’s couches, and it slowly grew into something that I realized was a passion of mine. I love the art of the acting, the spiritual journey.

2. How long have you been an actor?

45 years

3. Are you working on any current projects?

Many things, I finished a bunch of films, the Pod, Dead by Friday, a pilot for Mind Bender, Dark Season, Little Matchmakers. I love writing. I’ve been working on developing a novel called Magellan, I am adapting it into a screenplay.

4. Which has been your favorite project you worked on?

Battlestar was the best experience of my life. Getting to play a complex multilevel character, I had an extraordinary time working on that show.

5. What are your strong points as an actor?

I have a combination of strength and sensitivity I am very empathetic, I feel very deeply into the characters, I connect in a profound way to the characters I play. My intuition, my instinctive part of which I am, I connect to who I am. I perceive things in a different way than many people. I can play scenes that require a lot of depth.

6. What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?

I’ve learned that every director has very distinct differences; some are good with technical aspects, some are good with character, some are good at both. You need to listen to their feedback; they have something valid to say you need to take the criticism. They can bring a stronger performance forward, I have learned to listen and take it in, and bring that into my performance. At the end of the day you have to trust your own gut, if something isn’t working for you and you have tried to do it differently sometimes you have to trust your gut and it doesn’t feel right to you you’re the one who’s up on the screen. You’re the one that is going to take responsibility for the performance. Take what the director says learn from that, but if you can’t do what they want after multiple tries go with your gut. You have to follow your instinct and the director can help you reach the place you have never been. I don’t want a director to leave me alone, I want a director to inspire me to give me feed back, I look for direction. At the end of the day your talent gives you the truth of that and you have to honor that.

7. What are your educational qualifications?

First of all I don’t think you need educational degrees. A degree doesn’t make you a great actor. It is an award of accomplishment but you can learn all the same things and more than the person who has the degree. I have studied in multiple classes all over the nation. I did it all independently in various places.

8. What kind of roles do you prefer?

I like character roles the most, the leading man, the romantic thing. I like the more complex characters. Deep profound characters, rich back-story, something to grab onto. I love doing comedy but I love doing comedy with a heart. Art to me should move you, should touch you and leave you with hope at the end of the day.

9. What are your weak points?

I was very insecure about my looks, I never felt like the more charming good-looking lead. That has gotten easier for me over the years but when I was younger I never thought I was good looking or sexy.

10. How do you work to improve your acting skills?

Acting is an extension of life. Every single day I begin to embrace who I am. I stop trying to be perfect, I embrace who I am with all my flaws and my self-love quotient grows. As fear diminishes you get far more bold and courageous and you become freer, your not so worried about what people think. I find that everyday I work on myself, loving and forgiving myself, allows me to have so much more confidence in myself as an actor. So as I grow as Richard Hatch I grow as an actor. I know all the acting techniques but you have to work on you. That’s the heart of the creative experience.

You can find more info about Richard Hatch on his imdb: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0368745/

Please follow us on facebook, twitter, youtube, and our official web site.

5 Questions with Brevard Talent Group’s President and Owner, Traci Danielle Part 2

1. Q: What do you say to actors who think the only way to have a career is to pick up and move
to Los Angeles? Is it possible to take your career to a high level living in Orlando?

A:  I would say good luck! Orlando is a great place to start your career and build up your credits before you move to a larger market. In the long run it really depends on what type of work an actor wants to pursue.  For film and television Los Angeles is the place to move to further your career.  For theater it is New York. Before an actor decides to move they need to be prepared financially and must have the talent to compete. The Southeast has more film incentives than anywhere else in the country.  It is a great place to build your resume and reel before you make the decision to relocate. It is also a great place to make a living as an actor and have a quality of life that most actors can’t afford in California. Actors are moving to the Southeast for opportunities they don’t have in Los Angeles.  Los Angeles and New York are both tough markets to break into. You need to be realistic and know the level of competition you will be competing with.  It could take years to get established and find the right team behind you in order for you to be a successful working actor.  

2. Q: If an actor is dead-set on moving to LA, what do you recommend they do beforehand in a smaller market like Orlando to prepare?

A: Save money, build up your resume and reel, continue to train and save more money. Make all the connections you can so you can build up a list of contacts. 

3. Q: Can you describe the “it” factor of your top booking talent and what you believe contributes to
their success?

A:  Actors are born with the “it” factor.  I believe either you have “it” or you don’t. They light up a room and the camera loves them.  If I could bottle and sell “it” I would not be an agent. 

4. Q: What things do you look for when you meet with a potential talent for representation?

A:  The process starts with submitting your headshot and resume to the agency. Find out who you should submit to. If I get a submission addressed to "Whom It May Concern" it leaves me to believe that the actor did not put a lot of effort into their submission.  Strike one against you with the submission ending up in the trash can. I do not accept on-line submissions.  Submission information can be found at www.brevardtalentgroup.com. Send a brief cover letter with your headshot, resume and contact information.  If I am interested I will schedule an appointment.  I interview each actor and depending on their type and goals I will have them read a scene or two. I evaluate if they would be a good fit for the agency.  They must be as good or better than whom I currently represent in order for me to work with them.  Their essence plays a big role in deciding if I want to represent them.  I think it should be a law for agents to interview actors that they are interested in representing. It baffles me an actor would put his career in the hands of an agent whom they have never met. 

5. Q: What are your hopes for the future of film in Florida?

A:   I wish we could compete with other states who have an unlimited cap on incentives. One of the main reasons Florida’s incentive is limited  is because we do not have a state income tax to help fund the program.  I believe the market would explode if we had an unlimited cap like Georgia and Louisiana.  Florida has fantastic locations.  From the beaches to the Space Center to South Beach to small town America. We also have great actors and crew. Florida started as a location state and continues to be a location state. Over time it has become apparent that the studios in Orlando are theme parks and not working studios. The days of Florida being “Hollywood East” have come and gone. Is it possible to get that back? Yes, but it is a constant struggle with our government to keep the incentive funded. Our fantastic film commissioners work hard to promote Florida. The bottom line is, if a producer can film elsewhere and save money by taking advantage of a better incentive, they will. 


You can find more info about Dark Elf Films @ www.darkelffilms.com and follow us on facebook @  www.facebook.com/darkelffilms and on twitter @ www.twitter.com/darkelffilms  

5 Questions with Brevard Talent Group’s President and Owner, Traci Danielle

1. Q: Your talent is notorious for being very satisfied, with the talent/agent relationship you have with them. What would you say are the components of a mutually beneficial and long-lasting talent/agent relationship?

A: Communication. I can not tell you how many times I have met with an actor and then I never hear from them. They do not let me know if they are in acting classes, in a play or at the very least, alive and well. Then I hear that they told another actor that I never call them. I have numerous actors I represent and it is the actor’s responsibility to communicate with their agent, to let them know what they are doing to further their career. Not the other way around. I expect a lot from the actors I represent. I am too old to represent lazy, unmotivated and needy actors. The agent cannot do the majority of the work. It is up to the actor to be responsible for their career.

2. Q: If you could wave a magic wand and endow all actors with one trait, what trait would you select?

A: Besides being an organic actor, which I believe is a gift you are born with, I would have to
say common sense. I swear if I could bottle and sell it I would not be an agent.

3. Q: Going off of the saying “the only person standing in your way is yourself” --In your
experience, what have you seen to be the most common self-imposed roadblocks actors
struggle with during their careers? Any tips for helping them get out of their own way?

A: See the answer to question 1 and 2 AND QUIT MAKING EXCUSES. I have heard everyone of
them and quite frankly I am fed up with actors making excuses. As they say in the South “If you can’t stand the heat get out of the kitchen”. Don’t waste another minute if you are not 110% dedicated in what it takes to succeed. It has become incredibly difficult for anyone to book a job in film and TV. The odds are stacked against you from the very beginning. If you can not commit to waking up every morning and being productive with your career then do something else with your life and let the actors who are on the right path have the opportunity they need to be successful.

4. Q: After facing disappointments, actors can tend to feel powerless within the structure of the business; feeling that their ability to work is being determined solely by agents, casting directors, clients, etc. Can you share any words to the contrary to remedy this thinking? Can you help give actors a clear understanding of the variables in their careers that are completely under their control, to hopefully help empower them to take charge and maintain personal accountability even when times are difficult?

A: Actors can control everything they do, until they leave the audition. Then it is out of their
hands. They must forget about it and move on to the next opportunity. Actors can control being on
time, being prepared for the audition, callback and booking. They can be nice, respectful to everyone and be professional. Without actors agents and casting directors would not be in business. Agents want to represent professional actors who are serious about their career. If actors do everything possible then a good agent will stand behind them and have their back. I know that life can get in the way and actors might have to book out until they are mentally and physically available to be in this business. I have actors who can’t afford gas to go to auditions or be put on tape. While I feel sorry for them I also have to be honest and tell them that they need to take a break, get it together and decide if they can afford to be in the business.

5. Q: What is the most fulfilling aspect of what you do?

A: Finding an actor who is new and working with them to develop their career and then be
able to say “You booked the job”. I made a deal with myself many years ago that if the day
came that I did not get joy from telling an actor the “B” word then I would hang it up and wait
tables.

6. What do you wish all actors would do?

1. Read the entire information that is sent to you for each audition. I cannot
understand actors who have the ability to receive all of the information prior to
the audition and still make excuses as to why they weren’t prepared. Remember
pagers & pay phone booths? If the actors from that generation can deal with
having to find a pay phone and write down the details for the audition, go to an
office supply store and get the script on fax then at the very least today actors can
read their emails and be prepared.

2. Train. Actors need to work on their craft by going to an on going acting class and
supplement that with workshops taught by industry professionals. Acting is an
acquired skill. You are not going to get any better unless you work on your craft.

Closing Statement

There are very few agents in the market that have been in business as long as
I have. I think Melanie Hurt and I have more experience than all of the other
agents put together. Both of us were agents when Florida was the third busiest
state in film and TV and when union commercials far outnumbered non-union.
We have seen thousands of actors come and go and in my opinion the actors who
are successful and very talented, know that Show Business is two words. This
business is not for everyone. It is hard and you have to pay your dues. If you can
do anything else with your life then DO IT! But, if you were born with the acting
gene you know you don’t have a choice. To wake up and be happy in a career that
gives you joy and to make a living in this fun exciting business is a blessing. I am
grateful to the actors I represent and I look forward to many more years to being
an agent in Central Florida.

Interview with Director James Hunter

Director James Hunter opens up about his creative pursuits and gives us an intimate glimpse into his unique personal journey and outlook on life.

Q: What are some of the qualities that you look for in the actors you work with?

A: The quality I look for the most in actors is dedication to their craft. I like to work with actors that are really serious about what they do and put time in to be the best they can be.  They also have to be reliable.  

Q: What is your favorite part of the filmmaking process?  

A: That’s a tough question, but what I love most of all is taking an idea and watching it grow into reality.  I love taking an idea and seeing it turn into the final product.  

Q: What art inspires you creatively?  

A: I am a big fan of Martin Scorsese and Antoine Fuqua.  I like their styles and how they film, but I also like how in most of their films, there is someone having a moral dilemma, facing right versus wrong and the choice they make determines the outcome of their lives.  At the end of the day, my outlook on filmmaking is parallel with my outlook on life.  I have had to make choices in my life that have had catastrophic outcomes.  I like to see a protagonist put in a situation and see the consequences of their choice and how it affects their life.

Q: You’re best known in the film community as a director, but some people may not know that you actually started out in music and have recently started rapping again.   How would you describe your sound and where do you see yourself going in the industry? 

A: A lot of people compare me to Jay-Z and this actually hindered my progress back in 2003-2004. I was on the cusp of making it before I got injured and I got a lot of grief because I sounded like Jay-Z.  I had a meeting with one of the engineers at Bad Boy Records and he told me after he listened to my mix tape he thought it was Jay-Z.  I told him “I can’t help the way my voice sounds.”  When I said that he seemed surprised and he said he thought I was trying to sound like Jay…I wasn’t.  So there’s nothing I can do about that.  I don’t want to be a rapper; I’m past that phase in my life.   I just love words and I like to dabble and play with them.  My goal with my music now, is to every now and again, throw a song of mine into my film projects.

Q: What do you like to do when you’re not busy directing and creating music?

A: I’m very political.  I love politics and sometimes I wish I had gone to journalism school. I study politics a lot in my free time.  Another thing I do that people think is crazy-I really love numbers. I play with numbers in my head; like 1251 multiplied by 159 and see how fast I can figure out the answer.  This actually translates over to the industry because when numbers are being thrown around in meetings, I’m able to come up with the answers really fast.

Q: What is another thing that people don’t know about you?

A: I’m very sensitive.  I’m a very principled person.  I live and die by my principles.  When I deal with people, I expect them to be the same way.  I need to stop expecting people to be the same way I am because it usually ends in disappointment.  I will literally turn down a million-dollar project if it went against my principles.  The most important thing to me is that I give people my word and stand by it.  Not everyone is like that, so I’m learning that I have to evaluate people for who they are and not put my expectations on them.  Another thing people don’t know is that I love producing films as much as directing.  Also, I’m working on bettering myself as an editor.

Q: Anyone who knows you or who is friends with you on Facebook gets to hear and see your messages that are so positive and uplifting.  What inspires you to share that positivity with others?  

A: It’s funny because basically, my upbringing was surrounded by a lot of negativity.  I had a very rough upbringing and I feel like it’s my duty to turn all of that around.  There have been times in my life where I’ve gone headfirst into negativity but because of my beliefs, I always get pulled back out.  I know it’s not where I need to be.  Now that I have a better perspective on life, one of my motivations for being successful is to have a platform to reach millions to share a positive message.

Q: How have the injuries you sustained in the shooting leading you to be paralyzed affected how you live your life and your career?  How has this shaped your mission in life?  

A: When I first got hurt I was in the hospital for 2 ½ years.  This is obviously not an exact number, but I would say somewhere around 85 percent of the other people around me who were paralyzed were really depressed.  When I first got injured, I was positive on the outside, but inside I was wondering if this was punishment or torture or if this was meant to slow me down.  I came to the conclusion it was meant to slow me down.  I knew deep down that the negativity was not me and I had to turn this thing around.  When I changed my mind set, people starting complimenting me.   Although I was the patient, doctors would come to talk to me about their problems.  I started thinking, “this is where you need to be.  This is where you are most useful.”  Had I not been paralyzed, I would have been successful in music and wouldn’t have grown the way I have.   The injuries put me in a different zone.  One of the bullets went through me and hit my cousin.  If I wasn’t there to absorb those shots, he would have been the recipient of that and he wouldn’t be here today.  This pretty much sums it up:  While I was getting my bachelor’s degree at Full Sail, I got some life-threatening bed sores, caught bone infections and had to take 3 leaves of absence.  When I was in the hospital, a beautiful nurse came downstairs and said she knew me.  I was so caught up in her beauty, but then she explained she was my sign-out nurse a year before and she remembered how I got shot and how I was going to film school.  She was really, really pretty so I was more wrapped up in that, but after she was done explaining how she remembered me, I asked her how she remembered all of that from a 10-minute conversation from a year ago.  She said ever since that day we talked she uses me as her inspiration: “If James can go to school and do everything he does, I can go through anything in life without complaining.”  That really touched me.  Now, everyday people tell me I’m an inspiration.  My focus has shifted towards helping other people.  Friends of mine who I saw were going down the wrong path: I brought them in to be in the pilot for my new project Stripped ATL and now they want to get into acting.  Now I can help them make a change and I feel like everything is worth it.  When I first got shot, I would just say I got into an accident.  I didn’t want people to assume I was a bad guy.  I don’t like lying.   It bothered me a lot.  So I thought, I’m just going to tell people the truth and it’s up to them what they think about it.  I was having a conversation the other day about how rich people can be so uncaring.  If I accumulate $50 million, I wouldn’t get to see $1 million.  My goal wouldn’t be about me; it would be making sure my loved ones are good.  That’s the same way I look at my career; it’s not about me, it’s about spreading my message and taking care of people.  Life was about me for way too long; it has to be about more than us.  It can’t be about us anymore.

Q: What upcoming projects should we be on the lookout for?

A: Look out for the VH1 pilot for Stripped ATL.   It is a very compelling reality drama, which looks like a movie, shot like reality show.  It’s different than anything else out there.  It keeps you captivated all the way through and I’ve received very positive feedback from everyone who has seen the pilot.  The next step is presenting it to the execs at VH1.    Also, be on the lookout for updates on the series I’m So Fly; we are moving forward with that as well.

Interview with Actor/Producer Chris Greene

CHRIS GREENE INTERVIEW

By 

Lauren Honeycutt

1. What event in your life made you want to be an actor?

I was in college, 19 or 20 years old, a buddy of mine at the time, was going to
North Carolina school of the arts. He called me up saying he needed extras
for a club scene, no pay, but if you’re over 21 they will buy you drinks and
lots of food on set. I thought actors were vain people, like models. Once I got
on set, the professionalism of the students, seeing how a movie was actually
made, I had a lot of respect for the hours put in for a one-minute scene. The
preparation, the difficulties involved, the pressures involved on actors, I
could see myself entertaining folks. You get to travel; you get paid to have
fun.

2. What’s your background? Did this affect your acting abilities or
decisions?

I’m from New York, Mount Vernon. Dick Clark and Denzel Washington are
from there. At the time I grew up your, options were either to become a star
basketball player or “hustling”. There were not a lot of opportunities to own
your own business, as a black man. My mom grew tired of New York; she
wanted to get me involved in after school programs. I took up band. That
essentially got me into the mode of doing a lot of traveling. You get to go
around and see different things with the concert band in high school. I played
the drums and still do to this day. I got a band scholarship to attend college.
My parents made a big influence on me in regards to acting, by showing me
the values to acting. I don’t think a lot of actors have that, they weren’t taught
it. They were born into the industry. Others work their way in, like me. They
have to put in the work to prove themselves, the ones who worked hard had
the longevity. They all come from the same backgrounds. Denzel is an iconic
actor globally. He is from my area. Like him, anything I have ever had to do I
have had to work for. Concept to finish, I want to make sure its done properly
and respectfully.

3. Who was your biggest influencer? Who encouraged you to pursue your
goals?

Personally, my father, he was always one for living in the moment. He would
say, “whatever you want to do just make sure you flourish and make sure
your happy.” He was very supportive of me acting, as long as I was happy
doing it. He still is to this day a big motivation for me. Every time I step on set
I think of him.

4. Who’s your favorite actor?

On and off screen Will Smith is my favorite actor. A lot of people don’t realize
how intelligent Will is. He was invited to go to MIT; he is a well versed
educated man. I relate to him because his upbringing was very similar to
mine. He’s very motivational; when you see him in interviews he’s cordial
to everybody. That’s what keeps him afloat, his fan base. You could just
put “Will Smith”, just his name, on a black poster and people would buy
tickets to see it. He knows what people want, he knows how to be apart of
a film that tells a story, he knows how to be in front of a screen so people
miss you. He was bankrupt at 21, he didn’t let anyone step in his way, he kept
going, look at where he is today. I respect that. That is something I would
like to have in my career. It’s something to strive for. Taking pieces of his
knowledge, put your mind to it and it will happen, regardless of what you
want to do. You have to be determined and you have to be focused. You’re
going to fail, that’s a fact, but it’s the ability to learn from those failures that
makes it a success.

5. What inspires you as an artist? How has this affected your acting
decisions?

My inspiration comes from being recognized for my talent. Inspiration to me
is having someone watching my film, a product I put out there, leaving the
theatre saying this is money well spent. Or having huge problems at home
but being in that theatre, they can completely forget about it. My daughter is
a huge inspiration to me, being a parent changes your whole world. You look
at things more long term. She reminds me when I see her that it is the simple
things that make you happy. Providing a stable future for my daughter. That’s
inspiration too me.

6. As an actor, what obstacles have you had to overcome?

The word “no”, I have been acting and involved in the industry for ten years
now. No is the hardest thing to hear, you put your heart and soul into an
audition and to hear you got beat out, having to watch the person who beat
you in the role you wanted, and hearing the reasons you were told no, is
definitely something to overcome. As a black actor it is harder, this is not
a race thing, Hollywood doesn’t care about white or black, they care about
generating money. It’s all about your charisma and what you bring in.

7. What has been your favorite role so far?

It comes down to two roles. One is Flip Master Phil. I had a 5 pixel camera,
taking pictures of two women, something a “wanna-be-pimp” would do.
Flip Master Phil brought out a different voice, a slick movement that was
completely different from anything I have ever done. My character Eric is my
second favorite. The director wanted to make a film based on his experiences

on set. My character is a PA on set. The guy in one position thinking he could
do everything better than everybody else. This character has never failed to
be true to every film set I have ever done. I took from those experiences and
used it in this role.

8. What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when
you were first starting out as an actor?

The business aspect is a big downfall for a lot of actors. You have to know the
creative side but it is imperative to know the business side. Knowing the business
aspect can make or break you.

9. Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you
decided you wanted to become an actor?

Yes and no. Yes I did from the aspect your life becomes an open book.
Because everyone recognizes you, it’s hard to do the everyday stuff. The
business aspect is something I was not in for. The financial toll it takes on
actors. The gas money, the food money, the hotel pay, it all adds up. As of
2010 the percentage of you becoming an A list actor, without family in the
industry, the statistics were less than hitting the lottery. That’s staggering.
That is something I wasn’t prepared for.

10. What do you believe the future of Orlando to be in film/theatre?

There is a great future in theatre. Especially with having Disney here. Where
film is concerned, if your just starting out you need to be in Los Angeles. Film
I think, in Orlando has a long way to go, the state of Florida really. There
are so many factors. A lot of filmmakers need to get off their soapbox. A
lot of people go around and spread a bad name for Orlando. Orlando is an
optimal shooting location but because of the bad rap and the filmmakers
that leave Florida and go elsewhere, spread the bad name. I think Orlando
will do well with TV but film wise Orlando has a lot of maturing to do, when
it comes to the film aspect.. I hope that it does change. It’s not fair to the
great filmmakers here. The mentality of the filmmakers have to change, they
need to realize money isn’t everything. Actors need to realize money isn’t
everything.

Interview with Roy Williams

Roy Williams INTERVIEW

  By Lauren Honeycutt

1.     What event in your life made you want to be an actor?

Growing up I have always been a huge fan of film, I was at college, not wanting to major in my currant major. I had to choose whether to major in something I didn’t like or whether to major in my dream and what makes me happy. I majored in film at Full Sail, behind the camera. I learned a lot about the acting, from full sail and this ultimately made the decision for me.

2.     What’s your background? Did this affect your acting abilities or decisions?

I’m an only child; this helped me growing up as an actor because I use my imagination. I didn’t have a ton of friends; I was playing with blocks, turtles, GI Joe men, utilizing my imagination. The imagination comes into play a lot in acting and it prepared me for where I am today.

3.     Who was your biggest influencer? Who encouraged you to pursue your goals?

My mom and dad were my biggest influencers, but mostly my mom. I always see her work hard and pursue her goal. She’s a chef; she makes a good headway, seeing her pursue her dreams makes me aspire to do the same.

4.     Who’s your favorite actor?

Denzel Washington. The passion and focus he brings to every role, nothing like I have ever seen. He puts a hundred and ten percent into what he does.

5.     What inspires you as an artist? How has this affected your acting decisions?

I can be inspired by my peers in acting class, some hard working gentlemen on the side of the road trying to make a buck, really any hardworking individual, inspires me to do what I want to do.

6.     As an actor, what obstacles have you had to overcome?

I wouldn’t say I had to overcome obstacles, as an actor there is always risks to take. I haven’t had to overcome obstacles. Pursuing acting is an obstacle in itself, it is a risk you had to take.

7.     What has been your favorite role so far?

I don’t have a favorite role; the next role is my favorite role.

8.     What is something that you know now that you wish you knew when you were first starting out as an actor?

Pretty much as an actor being your self is enough. I always wanted to be someone else, like Denzel, but I now realize I don’t have to be him because I am unique in myself. I wish I knew that.

9.     Do you think you really understood what you were in for when you decided you wanted to become an actor?

No. I didn’t realize how much hard work it took. I really had to work at it. I thought I could just jump in front of the camera, its important to study and develop your craft. It’s important to go to class and continue to learn.

10. What do you believe the future of Orlando to be in film/theatre?

It’s hard to say. We have a lot of great talent in the central Florida area. The talent is definitely here. I know there is only going to be growth from here. I have worked with numerous people, as long as we have that solid base here. In the next few years it could be great.

Dark Elf Featured Talent: Melissa Heflin

 

Where do you see yourself as an actress?

I want to be a Screen Queen-I am an aspiring to be a Screen Queen anyway!

Tell us a little about yourself- how did you get into entertainment?

I did an online web commercial for Reese’s peanut butter cups when I was 14.

I started runway when I was 13 or 14 and when I was 19 I got to be a supporting lead in my first film, “Scarlet Rain,” a Horror film.

 

Who do you enjoy working with?

My friend Johnny Sullivan-I worked with him on Scarlet Rain, Crave, Plan 9 from Outer Space the remake and a few others. He has worked on Pirates of the Caribbean, and he’s really really funny.

Any upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?

I am in the process of going to Rome to film Left 4 Dead, as a witch. I’m very excited, I love that video game!

Homage to Xue

Homage to Xue

By Xio

“There was a specific moment… I don’t know how… but there was a specific moment. I had a vision experience…  I felt this power… to the point where I fell to my knees… and came into my own being… and that’s when I knew… this is what I was meant to do.” Pedro Martinez responded to a question I asked him… what was the specific moment that made him aware that he wanted to do music? Last year in Los Angeles near UCLA, I participated in a march for “International Women’s Day” parade.  I managed to go to a later gathering in the month during my free time, and it was there that I got the privilege to meet two cool guys, Pedro and Alessandro. We connected really well. Through casual conversation, I discovered that they are musicians. People around the house loved their songs, and Sal (their good friend) encouraged them to play for me to hear. With no hesitation, they grabbed two acoustic guitars, their powerful song lyrics (Pedro is the songwriter), and their fearless soulful voices, I was being introduced to Xue. Talentos de Dios… that is what was going through my mind. I got to hear “Africa” that night, along with other favorites of the crowd.  I could not help but smile as I heard them continue to sing for me. Their music is inspirational. There is a mix of different cultures, international boundaries in Spanish, English, Tribal rhythms, Rock, Southern, Blues, African and Columbian acoustic rhythms, that will “make you suckas move your hips and dance!” Yes, for you Spanish lovers, your body will want to move. Xue consists of Pedro as the lead songwriter, Alessandro as the lead guitarist, Robby as the drummer, Jessie on base, Ruben as their percussionist, and Adriana Alvarez as their back up vocalist.

Over the year, they have been performing at different venues around Los Angeles, and they are planning to expand their music with upcoming tours (this Saturday they will be performing at Club Good Hurt). Their self promotion has been paying off and is currently seeking management. Xue’s songs have powerful messages in their lyrics. It’s philosophical, and mainly targets the goal to enlighten those who hear.  “I am a mix of what my mom and dad made me… Columbian, Chibcha (tribe) descent with a mix of Aztecs, Mayans, and Spaniards…. My parents are indigenous people. When people ask who I am, I always say I am a working progress… discovering. I came as an immigrant, learn English, speak Spanish… I believe I lived different lives/past lives, and I am always ever evolving through the experiences I am going through. I am going through enlightenment at this point in my life.” Pedro continues. “Art, work, people you meet… your soul reaches enlightenment… your spirit evolves, and it’s the same thing for music. I use the spirit and music to learn and to teach.”  Mentors, teachers, philosophers and musicians like Bob Marley, Manou Chau, The Dead Kennedys, and Cat Stevens are the few influences that inspires Pedro.  “Sounds general… but my heroes and inspirations are a lot of people and a lot of friends. Anyone who is going to their own beat… people who are not afraid to speak out, or go into a new trend of their own. Those are my heroes.” Alessandro responds with pride.

Xue (which means Sun God) evolved with a single member, Pedro, and started to grow with mutual friendships over time. Pedro invited Alessandro (Graduate School bound student) to an open mike at The Kibitz Room, located on 3^rd/Fairfax. The two, along with Robby on Drums, played each Sunday and provided open street performances for the public around 2009. Since then, they started lining up more performances as the demand for Xue started to grow… more members joined them (Jessie, Ruben, and Adriana) and the demand for Xue is still growing…

I wanted to catch up on their new songs since we last spoke and fell upon Gilberto.  This one caught my attention because I noticed it received a lot of hits on line. I started to listen to the song, and it spoke about a man who finds happiness, despite the situation he is in. I discovered through our chat that Gilberto is based on Pedro’s father’s life.  His father had hardships in his life when it came to material possessions, but it never derailed him. Of all the living situations he has encountered, he found the most happiness living on the streets. “There is freedom to not have a home, which is what my father believed.  He was homeless. He lived in a car, behind a supermarket, you name it… Whenever he had help, and was provided a roof over his head, he was unhappy. On the streets, he found more freedom. He passed way, and died homeless, but it was out of his own free will and found himself with more freedom. I believe he died a happy man.” Listen to the song when you have a chance…

Xue’s next step is to release a new album. “I have a lot of interests, but I commit to the project of Xue”. Alessandro said. “I don’t consider myself professional, I am still learning.  I loved to do music. It’s a lot of work, you have to put yourself out there, do a lot of unpaid gigs. You will hit and you will miss, I know this is general, but that is how I learn. You have to network, it’s who you know. We look for like minded people. It’s always best when you are jumping in this business to find someone who believes in you, and takes a chance on you. But most of all, PROMOTE yourselves… that is how it’s done.” Pedro adds to his friend’s advice. “Be inspired, find time to create. If you want to be a musician, pick on how to be a musician, the type of music you want to do. Be specific because there are a lot of competitions out there, but most of all, be anything you want to be. Either way, in whatever you do, you will have a great journey. You choose the path you want to live by.” Well said guys…

These guys are the most down to earth people I know… con FUERCA.

Anyone who wishes to be updated can add themselves to www.myspace.com/xueband and on Facebook under “Xue Latinreggaerock”.

You must check them out, and below is information on their next gig coming up this SATURDAY! Dec. 18^th! :D CHECK THEM OUT!!!!!!! BD

                      

XUE rocks the Westside this Saturday!!!!!

Start Time: December 18, 2010 at 8:00 PM
End Time: December 19, 2010 at 1:00 AM

• Artist:
• XUE*
• Club Good Hurt

12249 Venice Boulevard
West Los Angeles, CA 90066 UNITED STATES 

The Face Behind the West Coast Blogs

When you talk of a quirky, mystical, romantic, collected, eccentric “Shoujo” girl, creative… these are some of the definitions that describes the face behind the West Coast Blog: Xio… and she is still searching for a word to describe herself. Born from Cuban, French, African hardworking entrepreneurs, Xiomara Ortiz came from a family of seven children, her being the youngest. She grew up on Sommerset Street in Philadelphia, PA. Different sections of her life and family has a history in itself. We will start with her main heart. The reason she came to live in L.A.

So what got Xio into Acting? Well, she is quirky in the sense that she use to believe people lived inside of the TV when she watched Romancing the Stone along with Halloween (yes, Michael Myers… her parents allowed her to watch that as a kid!). At three, she tried to join the people she saw in the box, but could have gotten electrocuted if her mother did not shout at her to not to try to bang her head on the television set. At times off school, she would play with Miss Piggy and Kermit the Frog, being different people in a movie on their own… not to mention she would talk to herself in the mirror almost her whole life. It wasn’t until her sister told her about acting that she realized she could actually make a living playing pretend. It was set, she wants Acting for the rest of her life. Tom Hanks, Johnny Depp, Kate Winslet, Amanda Seyfried, Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Emma Thompson, Alfred Molina, Jonathan Ryce Meyers, Will Smith, and Paul Bettany are the few that inspires her, and whom she desires to work with in her lifetime.

She is mystical in the sense that her world was open to different mediums of art. Her parents had her enrolled in ballet and piano as a kid. Her sisters encouraged her to be cultured and read Shakespeare, Bronte, Austen, and watch some classics with Gene Kelly, James Cagney, Jimmy Stewart, Bette Davis, and the girl got more inspired to learn about her career. Still a fan of Beverly Hills 90210 and Save by the Bell, she never forgot her brush up on the classics. Xio always wanted to be involved in acting, but considering that elementary and middle school did not offer drama, she took advantage of it once she came to high school and studied her craft. In addition to acting, she got involved in modern dance and has an eye for painting and drawing. She continued to study in college, but an opportunity to be in NY caused her to put school on hold, and ended up doing background for her first film in “The Stepford Wives” (with Nicole Kidman). From then on, opportunities flowed from Community Theater and indie films and TV, like “The Passage” which premiered in both NY Film and Video Festival in NY and LA (won best mystery). She did a supporting role in a Re-enactment on Dr. G. Medical Examiner (episode “The Things Men Do” as Officer Aurelia Hernandez). She started building her resume from featured roles to leading ones, and took classes, studying under Julie Gagne at Valencia Community College, Yvonne Suhor at Art Sake, Lauren O’Quinn, Russ Blackwell, Mark Mullen at The Actors’ School, and Ken Eulo at the Courtyard Playhouse. Her drive got her to move to California, and her opportunities multiplied. She has yet reached two years in Los Angeles, and has been involved in almost 30 projects, including being featured on MTV as a wall flower for “That Girl” (directed by Millicent Shelton), cast in the short film “Unveiled” (directed by Andre Holzendorf) as Zoe, which stars leading veteran actors Frank Ashmore (Martin in Original “V” series) and Ron Hajak  (Richard Moore in “Chips”), and recently cast as a lead in Agua Sangre (her first Spanish film directed by Scott Stubbe). Acting sparked a new inner child as being a writer as well as a singer and face painter.

Xio is collected when it came to hardships in her life. No matter whom one prays to, being spiritually grounded is what keeps her reminded to keep her head up. For her, praying to Jesus is what kept her going when things got rough, and rolled with the punches when she would be tested. In order to grow, she had to fall and learn how to get back up again.

She is an eccentric “Shoujo” girl in the sense that she loves to live in the world of Sailor Moon, Kingdom Hearts, and Vampire Knights… just to name a few of Japanese anime. Her boyfriend introduced the art to her years ago, and she became a huge fan of Naoko Takeuchi, Tetsuya Nomura, Matsuri Hino, Hayao Miyazaki, and the late great Satoshi Kon. One reason why we are mentioning these anime, it got her a new desire to do voice over for Japanese anime. In addition to watching anime, writing fan fictions of Sailor Moon, and being involved in the community, she co-hosted a podcast called “KEYCAST”, based on the video games Kingdom Hearts, with her partner and boyfriend, Peter Evan Geoghegan, as the main host. The podcast successfully premiered worldwide online for a year. Due to financial hardship in this economy and tough decisions that had to be made, it had to put it on hold.

Creative is one word she makes sure to live by each day, even if she has other obligations to attend to, she has to be creative, do a little something each day as she moves towards her goal to be a full time working actor. It’s been tricky with her busy schedule, but she wants to finish the project she started a while back with Crossroads Productions (Executive Producer Valensky Sylvain) a documentary on her father’s life (Amelio Ortiz Silot Terrero) as a former political prisoner. This is a piece of other stories they plan to build called “Above and Beyond”. Annie Rodriguez is mentoring the project. Brent Solomon is the DP of the documentary and plans to edit it.

What’s next for Xio? She’s keeping a lid on it until she has “the cat in the bag”. In the meantime, Xio keeps herself busy auditioning, assisting with the live streaming events at the Screen Actors Guild Foundation. She knows this upcoming year to be wonderful. As for those who desires to move forward in life with their goals and dreams, whatever it may be, she will only advice to push for it, jump in the air and go for it. If you are one of those people that need an extra guidance to do that push, whatever you believe in, she recommends keeping yourself spiritually and mentally grounded. It will move you quicker in life. She also suggests checking out “The Secret” by Rhonda Byrne, and “The Artist’s Way” by Julia Cameron. Dreams are beautiful, stunningly beautiful. It doesn’t hurt to try it out, right? J

“Your Choice is Yours, and Yours Only, for there is Only One Life”

                                                                                           Xio

                                                                 (Actor, writer, singer, Shoujo onnanoko)

IMDB credited. 

Khaneshia KJ Smith

A STAR IS BORN…
By Xio

Rising up through the admiration of her father’s life, Khaneshia KJ Smith stepped out into L.A. from Tallahassee, FL with one goal in mind, and that is to achieve her dreams asan Actress. She came out hear a year ago to go to graduate school, but decided that acting was her main passion and pursuit. She made a decision to follow through and went for it. As the tale of other’s successors before her, she had her moments of struggle while reaching for her dreams. “Yes, there were struggles. People will discourage you. They tend to put their own fears upon you. I had to not be around people for two whole weeks”. In addition to this, KJ talks of her financial struggles. “There were times when I struggled paying my bills. I was on the verge of losing my apartment, there were no luxuries. Everything spiraled out of control.” She decided it was time for a change. “I had to tell myself, ‘no more pity parties. Get over yourself; there are other people who struggle. You are going to be successful. Period…’ And that is how I turned my life around. I wanted to be the best. I wanted to be the best at what I do. I wanted to be a Woman.” So what happened? She took it upon herself to network, and join up with L.A. Casting. Through her effort, KJ booked leading roles in commercials, including Neutrogena, Florida Credit Union, and United Way. She landed the lead role as Temoni in the 3 film series “Let it Rain”. She is prepping for the film shooting that will be located in Central Florida! “Yeah, on some auditions, I would say to myself ‘I got that’. That’s mine. I did that. I got it! I was always confident about every audition.” Confidence is what drives to her success. “It’s always fun to get that phone call and get the words ‘Hey, you got the job. You got the role…’ I would be happy to receive that. Its fun, but I’ve always have confidence. I have nothing else to do but to do it.” In addition to her film work, she booked the role of Boochie in a play called “Lust, Love & Infatuation” which showcased here in Los Angeles. KJ appeared on the Fantasy Football calendar, which launched on Monday. She also appeared on a music video for the upcoming new singer “Tank”. Her hero is her dad, who has a disability and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy. He started his own family business. Mr. Smith is disabled and black, which according to the nay sayers, were factors that was doomed to fail him. “He had two things working against him. He persevered and created his own family business.” Mr. Smith is now 63 years old. “He has been taking care of me my whole life, now it’s my turn to take care of him.” As for her career, KJ Smith is just getting started. “My next step is to be in a network television series.” Her influences are Beyonce, Jada Pinkett Smith, Meryl Streep, Jackie Bates, and many others. “Oh my God, I want to work with everyone! Beyonce always surpasses herself. Jada Pinkett Smith is talented, married. She is a fellow home girl, real and down to earth. She knows how to balance her life as well as her career. Marriage and family is very important to me. I want to be just like that. Meryl Streep is so talented. Jackie Bates scares the crap out of me. I want to work with her and see how she will react to me in a scene! I want to kiss Brad Pitt, and Robert De Niro is just so smooth. I want to work with everyone. I plan on having a long career.” What keeps her going are these words. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Her advice to upcoming artists: “Speak it, so shall it be. Leave things to its existence. Be what you want and the universe will listen. Speak optimism, even if you get bad responses, give that energy of kindness. Be merry, be graceful, and you will get it in return. Give love to the world. Just give Love.”

(For more information on KJ, you may go to: http://www.lacasting.com/mskjsmith)