Laughter and Inspiration Dominates The Actor Workshop
Everyone had a great time at last Saturday’s The Actor Workshop (All About Film and TV). The room was filled with a range of aspiring actors, filmmakers, and theater enthusiasts eager to learn from some of the industry’s top professionals. The Artist Workshop was happy to welcome back actor and producer A’Noelle Jackson (the voice of Stylez from Netflix’s LOL Surprise Winter Fashion Show) and screenwriter, Kirkland Morris (50 Cent’s Powerbook IV: The Force and BMF on STARZ). Both special guest panelists joined our host panelist and founder of the Artist Workshop, Shyan Selah, for a four hour dive into all aspects of film production from screenplays to music placements. The event was held once again at the Courtyard Marriott in Federal Way.
“Kirkland Morris kept the audience laughing with a comical retelling of the day he got the call from 50 Cent to write for his television productions. When the famous rapper gave him his name, Morris’ response was “Yeah, and I’m Snoop (Dogg).” From that point on it was a mix of the funny, to the inspirational. Morris, who’s preparing to produce his own episode of BMF, now in its third season, told the young artists that no matter what, he writes every day. “Writing is my sport and just like LeBron or Kobe, I practice it every day,” Morris affirmed.
A’Noelle Jackson, fresh from producing a Black History Month filmmaker spotlight for Hulu, reiterated her starting journey from a production assistant in Tacoma, WA to her ability to balance both production and acting work in Hollywood, CA. “Don’t be afraid to give yourself the title of a PA when you’re just getting started,” Jackson said. “And then do whatever they need you to do whether it’s getting coffee or picking up dry cleaning. And while you’re there, don’t be afraid to talk to people and ask questions about how they got to where they are.”
Half the attendees in the room were interested in the overall production of filmmaking in addition to the role of acting and were inspired by Shyan Selah’s experiences from his start in entertainment as an extra on The Wayan’s Bros. show on the WB network, to his music being featured in films such as Camp X-Ray starring Kristen Stewart and the upcoming season of Cruel Summer on Freeform.
“Study the success. If there’s someone you want to be like or you’re watching a movie and you’re an artist and you want to place music in a film, study the story and why that song was placed at that point in the production and the dynamics around that,” stated Selah.
The audience was captivated by everyone’s stories and observations, and the Q&A session that followed was lively and informative.
The participants were able to ask questions and get real-world advice from those who are all active in the industry.
After a brief lunch break, provided by Chick-Fil-A as a result of the a vote by ArtistWorkshop members, the day continued with the panelists sharing more of their personal stories, their perspectives on what makes a successful audition or first impression, and how to build a lasting career in the industry. The bottom line that they all agreed upon: Confidence is Key and belief in one’s self is the most fundamental quality to have when pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.
“You have to start by believing in yourself first,” said Morris. “Because you’re going to be your biggest hero if you’re going to make it.”
