Hey everyone!
One of the things that surprised me about this industry when I first got into it, was how people will tell you EXACTLY how they see you, based on the roles you get. Almost immediately, I found out that I'm a Dad, a Teacher, or a Cop. Even in my own movie "Turbo Cola", which I CAST, I played a cop! Lol!
And lately, in the commercial world, Big Pharma seems to love me. I've done commercials and industrials for WeGovey, Zepbound, etc and literally yesterday, I did one for a big medical chain.
Now, don't get me wrong, I'll play the hell out of these roles. The pay is usually nice and the work is fairly easy. Say a few lines, show the product, etc. I know I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth. I mean, I'm booking dammit! Lol! But I would like some variety every now and then. And I found a cure for that.
I MAKE MY OWN STUFF! When I want to play a bad guy, I write a bad guy role and get my friends together (pay them of course) and make it. The days of just being the actor are over. And I'm not just talking Youtube and TikTok.
Has there ever been time when you've said "screw it" and made something on your own so you could go against the grain of how you are normally cast? I'd love to hear it!
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I've been thinking about turning some of my scripts and script ideas into graphic novels and audio dramas, Brandon Keeton. Not to go against the grain of what I normally write, but just to make my scripts and script ideas instead of only waiting for people to make them.
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Maurice Vaughan that sounds like a great idea, taking your power back rather than giving the power to others to decide whether to make them or not.
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Hi Brandon,
Yes, I’ve done the same! I usually get cast in either cutesy roles or very strict ones, so it’s exciting to break out of that. Recently, I was called a mastermind for the project I’m creating, which felt really good. Making my own projects is the best way to explore new characters and challenge myself.
Jennifer
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Amen Jennifer! Good luck on your projects!
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Brandon Keeton, this post is such a great reminder of how empowering it can be to take creative control. You’re absolutely right, sometimes the best way to break out of the box is to build your own. And it’s so smart that you’re not only writing these roles but producing them and hiring your friends.
Your approach perfectly reflects the way the industry is evolving. It’s no longer just about “waiting to be cast”, it’s about creating opportunities that showcase the range you know you have. Thank you for sharing this, it’s so helpful and important.