New York Talent: Do Your Best and Keep it Professional with Andrew Benjamin
Release Date: 07/18/2023
New York Talent: Kelly Lauturner on a Day in the Life of a Background Actor
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In this episode, Kenya is joined by the multi-talented Kelly Lauturner. As an actor, writer and lifelong pop-culture enthusiast, Kelly's passion for performance started early, even if it meant crawling around as a dog in a backyard play. Kelly talks about her journey into the world of background, sharing how she balances her part-time work in background acting with a full time career in healthcare writing within the insurance industry. She recounts her first role as a rioter in HBO's "Paterno" movie, and how this experience shifted her perspective on the world of movies and film. Kelly and...
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New York Talent: Shameek Cook on How Every Day on Set Is a New Story
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Kenya welcomes Shameek Cook, a versatile New York-based writer, author, and actor. The conversation begins with Shameek detailing his passionate journey into the world of film and screenwriting, a leap driven by his desire to embrace his true self. He shares the pivotal role of a supportive professor who recognized his gift for writing, and how his writing process continues to grow as he also blossoms as an actor. Shameek talks about the ways he has stayed busy during the strike, why we should view background acting as a mini film school, and the impactful story of Black Wall Street that...
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New York Talent: Gotham Sharma on Accidental Success and Knowing Your Role(s) On Set
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Sometimes, what crosses your path may seem accidental, but our guest this week shows us that it just may be a result of staying open to opportunities and utilizing your talents. In this episode, Kenya has the pleasure of welcoming New York-based actor and comedian, Gotham Sharma, who emphasizes the importance of continuous creativity, even during downtime or challenging times such as the writers strike. He shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate communication and writing background into a successful career in stand-up comedy, which ultimately paved the way for his entrance into...
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New York Talent: Drea Pierre on Self Care, Stage Fright and Being the Best Version of Yourself
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This week, Kenya is joined by Drea Pierre, an actor based in New York who keeps herself very busy through performing, songwriting and taking care of her mind, body and soul. Drea talks about her start in the music business and how it evolved into on-screen roles. She shares what it was like to land a principal role, and how the experience has been different from background roles for her. Drea and Kenya talk about ways to get your art out there because there will be an audience that resonates with it and why self care is important to show up as the best version of yourself both personally and...
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New York Talent: Ira Gamerman on Embracing That Team Spirit and Showing up for Your Art
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It’s a spirited episode this week as Kenya welcomes Ira Gamerman, a multi-talented writer, actor and musician. Ira talks about his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative growth he's experienced in the acting realm. He also sheds light on the biases faced by background actors and discusses the impact of the strike on mental health and the other various creative outlets and jobs he has to stay afloat as a creative based in NYC. Ira shares insights into his deeper involvement with the independent art community and the unique sense of camaraderie emerging amidst the...
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New York Talent: Amy Fitzgerald - Do Your Research and Enjoy the Ride
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In this episode, Kenya is joined by the versatile Amy Fitzgerald, a long-distance runner, social worker, and full-time actor. Amy's transition into acting was driven by a quest for work-life balance while raising young kids. A casting call tailored for runners started her down the trail and led her into the vibrant acting community of the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. In the conversation, Amy talks about how she uses psychology to better understand her characters, her experience as part of the core group in “Wonder Woman” and how life has changed after obtaining her SAG...
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New York Talent: Meaghan Beese - One Small Role Can Change Your Life Forever
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It’s a fun episode this week as Kenya welcomes Meaghan Beese, an actor, writer, and forever theater kid at heart. Ever since her first Broadway show, Meaghan has been hooked on the world of performance and acting, and she’s found a way to make a full time career out of it. In the conversation, Meaghan talks with Kenya about how she got into theater and used her skills to land a role that resulted in her becoming a principal dancer and eligible to join the SAG community. She talks about the many benefits she has experienced since joining SAG, the importance of setting up boundaries and...
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New York Talent: Chris Gravely on How Enthusiasm and Competency Will Get You Through The Door
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Kenya is joined by Chris Gravely, a Harlem-based actor and aspiring voiceover talent with a passion for all things nerdy and gaming. Chris shares his diverse industry experiences, from stand-in work to BBC documentaries, highlighting the art of becoming different characters and narrating their stories. He talks about his journey into acting, from early background roles to reigniting his career in 2021 and recounts his role in a Max series, “Search Party” involving 300 actors enduring a summer heatwave. Chris emphasizes the importance of teamwork and provides valuable resources to enhance...
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New York Talent: Jeanette Kim on How a Self-Sponsored Sabbatical Led Her to Succession
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New York based tech professional and side hustler Jeanette Kim likes to embrace life’s adventures, whether she jumps into acting and lands on Succession in her first background role, or she’s turning vintage vibes into stationery gold. In this episode, she talks with Kenya about the little moments that make background acting all worth it. Acknowledging it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Jeanette also talks about the harsh realities of background acting, such as non-union vs. union treatment and payment, long hours and harsh weather on set. Jeanette talks about taking the first leap into...
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New York Talent: David Negri on His Love of Storytelling and the Twist of Fate That Changed His Life
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Renowned actor, accomplished event producer, and world traveler David Negri has spent a lifetime immersed in the captivating narratives of others. Now, a new chapter beckons as he eagerly anticipates sharing his own compelling story. In this week’s conversation with Kenya, David opens up about his formative years in the heart of NYC projects, where he was raised as the eldest of three boys by a single mother. Having honed his skills through years of running a thriving production and event company, destiny took a captivating turn when David's brother shared a fateful casting ad, propelling...
info_outlineThis week, Kenya welcomes actor, writer, and podcast host Andrew Benjamin on the show. Andrew shares how he stumbled into jiu-jitsu through a health and weight loss journey, opening up a new passion in his life for Japanese MMA. He reflects on his early start in acting, highlighting the serendipitous nature of how he entered the acting world despite the challenges of being a college grad. He and Kenya also chat about the writer’s strike and the domino effect it has upon the whole industry, along with how to stay engaged and connected with your soul’s purpose during the downtime. Andrew also shares his pointed take on AI’s impact on the entertainment industry.
Also Talked About:
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While working as a background actor, Andrew stays productive, using his time in holding to write for other creative endeavors. He’s not quite a “grumpy veteran” yet, but is more discerning about who he talks to during his free time.
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Andrew’s first movie was “21”, a film about MIT students that took Vegas casinos for millions. He got called back to be a stand in, and has been working consistently ever since.
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The domino impact of the Writer’s Strike and how it affects the industry, including acting, casting, and even vendors.
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If the rules for the strike aren’t clear, you aren’t alone. This is a confusing time but it’s important that we do something now rather than waiting years down the road.
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Andrew candidly talks about how the strike has personally affected him and shares some anecdotal insights into the rules of engagement in Hollywood about continuing to write/produce while on strike.
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Everyone is going through their own challenges, so be kind and try to have grace as you go about your day.
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It’s not all red carpet moments in acting, and Andrew reminds actors to recognize the professionalism and dedication required in the field.
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