New York Talent: Shameek Cook on How Every Day on Set Is a New Story
Release Date: 10/17/2023
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_outlineKenya 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 he’s excited to boldly share in the near future.
Also Talked About:
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Shameek shares some great tools he uses for writing, including Movie Magic Screenwriter.
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Shameek loved his first experience on the set of Netflix’s The Good Cop, which gave him that first taste of being close to the action.
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Being on set as much as possible can also provide the experience of a film-school-type education in a small amount of time without the burden of tuition.
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Shameek views background acting as more of an internship, shedding the stigma attached to it and embracing it as a learning opportunity for everything around acting, production, and general life on set.
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Learning to adapt your writing to cater to the audience is often something that happens best during the creation and filming process.
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Being on set has a transformative impact on Shameek, making him a better writer by enriching his storytelling skills and emotional depth.
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The industry's recent strike has affected Shameek, but he remains active and engaged, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the field.
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While AI technologies continue to advance, Shameek and Kenya talk about the irreplaceable role of human emotion in storytelling and maintaining the heart element in the industry.
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Background acting gives you the opportunity to learn from the greats and fold them into your craft and style.
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