INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (ANTONIAL BARNES)

March 09, 2016 in MODELING, ACTING, MUSIC

I met Antonial Barnes on Instagram to be quite honest. At least as far as I can remember I've been double tapping his professional pictures as well as his music clips and published work. I wondered where this guy got his start in the industry, his journey, and how he might be able to share his experiences with my readers & viewers? Antonial is a passionate artist and very hard working. He like many smart artist as my grandmother would say has put his eggs in multiple baskets. Therefore he's destined for success. Check out Antonial's latest EP Know My Name on Itunes now.

R|A: Thank you Antonial for being apart of the #IndustryTalk family. I started this entertainment blog as an educational tool for all aspiring artists. Please tell our readers how you got your start in the modeling and music industry?

A|B: I have always been into music. My parents were into music. My mother being a singer and father a bass player, I had always had a passion for music. So I was in band in school and decided to go to college for audio engineering/music so I could be a producer. The modeling I was in college and needed extra money so I made a model mayhem profile and started out that way.

R|A: It’s my understanding that you come from a musical family, so it’s safe to say you are able to practice your craft in a very supportive environment?

A|B: Actually they were not fully supportive until they saw how I was getting scholarships and making moves with my music. Until they actually went to a recital and saw me play and heard my art....they began to support me :).

R|A: What do you wish you could change about the industry?

A|B: That it is necessary that one needs a nice fan base to get signed or seen from record companies and it isn't solely based on talent anymore.

R|A: How effective do you feel social media is in today’s industry- good and bad?

A|B: Now it is actually better than 10 yrs ago. To be honest the use of social media has highlighted the use of independent and unsigned artist! Social media helps us see a perspective that wouldn't be seen in reality and this has forced the industry to listen to artist!

R|A: You’ve been published in several different publications how does that feel and how does one book a cover shoot?

A|B: To be honest keep getting photoshoots and then keep submitting them to magazines. If they like what they see they will use them :) but the key to getting published is networking and researching what they like!

R|A: What is your diet plan and workout routine?

A|B: Key to Discipline: Keep at it. When you feel too tired to work out, take some pre-workout and head to the gym! I do not believe in sets because it makes me feel bad if I don't complete it so just do an exercise until you cant do it no more...take a break....then do it again.
Workout Routine: I work out a certain body part a day like:

Monday: Leg Day
Squats, Lunges Calf raises (with weights) Jump-Rope Running on the treadmill Leg pressLeg extension

Tuesday: Chest Day & Abs, Chest, Bench, Press Incline, Press Decline, Press Butterflies, Push-ups, Cable Crossovers, Abs Ab-wheel, Standing/Kneeling, cable crunches.

Wednesday: Back Day- Lat Pull-downs, Bent over barbell rows, Bent over long bar rows, Renegade, Rows Pull Ups.

Thursday: Arms & Shoulders, Arms Barbell Curls Hammer, Curls Cable, Curls Tricep/Bench, Dips Lying, Tricep Press, Tricep Pulldown (rope) Shoulders Arnold Dumbbell, Press Decline, Shoulder Rise, Front Dumbbell, Rise Shoulder Shrugs.

Friday: All Around/Full Body do a Little bit of everything!

Saturday: If able I redo my chest day workout (since I want a bigger chest).

R|A: Tell readers something about you they couldn’t guess by just looking at your instagram profile?

A|B: I'm actually a quiet person until you get to know me...then I talk alot and I'm also a big family person!

R|A: Pre-vocal warm up routine? Tea, humidifier? Also what teas do you like?

A|B: Actually a super quick working out, staying away from dairy products, and drinking tea will actually keep any mucus away from the vocal chords which increases your range! So that's actually what I do.

R|A: Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years? Goals and aspirations?

A|B: Producing a #1 hit song.

R|A: What advice did your parents give you when you told them you wanted to pursue a career in music and modeling?

A|B: Get my education first and if it doesn't work out somehow.....you have something as a backup.

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (XL)

February 12, 2016 in MODELING, ACTING, FILM | PRODUCTION

When we think about the entertainment industry we tend to forget the parts of this industry that navigates from the good Ol' American Family Values. I decided I wanted to interview a pornstar for my blog because just like us main stream actors they have to deal with a lot of bullshit just to step out of the margins. Although there are several reasons why the Adult Entertainment Industry and the Main Stream Industry differ the similarities are astonishing. For instance in both industries will you be discriminated against based on the color of your skin. You will be paid less, and disregarded more. But I wanted to go further. I mean statistically the United States and Germany are the two biggest porn watching markets, so with such high viewership ratings why in 2016 are porn stars not being given their due-respects? Read below as I talk to one of the hottest black gay porn stars in entertainment today. Coveted as the Verse King of porn. Welcome to the #IndustryTalk family... XL

R|A: What college did you study film and have you graduated yet?

X|L: I can't answer this question due to past experiences in which have made my public life turn private in a sense; In other words I can answer personality type question but I tend to keep my location discreet as I have had stalkers and random people looking to add drama to a place I still frequent. This is the second degree program I'm completing and I will graduate this fall.

R|A: What advice would you give someone who says they want to be a porn star? And then what advice do you wish someone would have given you?

X|L: I would honestly tell them to weigh out every extra income (and no porn isn't my main source of income) option before they decided to join the adult industry. Mostly because the appeal of the industry changes for different people. For me, I currently am in a happier state being away from shooting scenes, appearances and being this "thing". Some people usually refer to me as popular or internet famous based on a few sex scenes. I appreciate it and all but really I enjoy being a regular guy. I hate the attention aspect of it. I'm shy and being an entertainer can be hard for me to do. I do porn because I gain relief in expressing myself sexually on camera. I do it for me not for the expectation that people will like me for it. So I would say if a model/future porn star felt that way too then perhaps it could be an enjoyable experience but if not I'd tell them to reconsider. I've honestly had really good advice given to me since the start of my porn life so its hard to say what I wish would've happened. Those few negative experiences gave me boundaries.

“...the appeal of the industry changes for different people. ”

R|A: I saw an interview from 2014 where you said you would like to direct and produce adult films. Are there any videos online with Dawgpound USA or Next Ebony that you've directed or assisted on?

“ I’m shy and being an entertainer can be hard for me to do. I do porn because I gain relief in expressing myself sexually on camera. ”

X|L: Not yet but hopefully soon.

R|A: I actually talked to two friends about asking to interview you. My best friend said to do it and my other friend (who's in the mainstream industry) was a bit judgmental which I felt was crazy because he watches adult films. Do you feel there's a double standard in the adult industry? I mean isn't watching and doing pretty much the same side of the coin?

“People need something to talk negatively about in order to boost their own self-worth.”

X|L: There is a double standard in the sense that people feel comfortable watching something but not actually doing it. Porn is usually searched for and used as a sexual release. We are humans and the need for sexual satisfaction is ever-most present; so when people judge pornography yet still get their nut from it; I realize then that hypocrisy rules their life. I cant take those people seriously. We do the same things, it's just your able to see mine. Sex in general is very policed and censored. The same people that call me a promiscuous hoe can easily be the same people having 10 times as many sexual partners as me. What I do is not that much different from what they do behind closed doors. Some "professionals" feel they cant take me seriously or that Im beneath them since I deal business in a nefarious side of work, but it's really just to "outcast the freak." People need something to talk negatively about in order to boost their own self-worth. Most "professionals" I meet hire me personally and are some of the biggest freaks I've ever met.

R|A: What's your top 5 video games you can't live without?

X|L: ...

1) Super Smash Bros (Wii U)

2) Dead or Alive 5 Last Round (Xbox one)

3) Super Monkey Ball 2 (Nintendo Gamecube)

4) Bioshock 1 (Xbox 360)

5) Pokemon Stadium 2 (Nintendo 64)

And I have every console. I'm a huge game nerd.

R|A: Favorite Food?

X|L: Pan Seared Duck; sauteed wine-reduced creamier baby potatoes with a side of Ratatouille. Paired with Champagne.

R|A: You're from New Orleans- can you cook and what's your fave Creole/Cajun dish?

X|L: Cooking and eating are two of my favorite things to do on earth. I cook organic and fancy elaborate meals any chance I can get.

Favorite cajun dish is Jumbo Crawfish Etouffee with a Zydeco pasta.

R|A: Celebrity Crush?

X|L: Jussie Smollett

R|A: Top 5 music artist?

X|L: ...

1) Kelis

2) Bjork

3) Kyarypamyupamyu

4) Yelle

5) M.I.A

R|A: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

X|L: Married, living on the West Coast working for a really lucrative visual editing company .

R|A: Have you ever thought about directing an adult series and putting it on your personal site or stream it on several platforms?

X|L: I thought about it, planned it, started filming it and realized I didn't want to get into it. The piracy centered around it is too extreme to control. It's harder than it looks and I have other projects I wanted to complete before I totally devoted myself to independent productions.

R|A: Craziest thing a fan has said to you or have done?

X|L: Made a public outcry at a restaurant because I looked so familiar.

R|A: Favorite life quote?

X|L: "The temporary aspects of life seem most important because as a human race we love to plan for the future without appreciating the present. You can actually do both if you aim to make yourself as happy as you possibly can for the rest of your life." - Unknown

“The temporary aspects of life seem most important because as a human race we love to plan for the future without appreciating the present. You can actually do both if you aim to make yourself as happy as you possibly can for the rest of your life. - Unknown
”

R|A: Langston Hughes or James Baldwin and why?

X|L: Langston Hughes; I've read more of his work.

R|A: How do you prepare for a scene as a bottom? Diets, douching, what? (And then) How do you prepare for a scene as a top?

X|L: I visualize myself getting penetrated... make sure I'm as anally clean as possible, and I rarely eat before I bottom. (Topping) I think about the size of the ass I'll see that day; The rest can be seen online. When I top seriously with someone I'm into I try to make sure we have a good vibe.

R|A: Have you done bareback films? If so do you take prep or do they make you guys show up to set with your latest test results?

X|L: I've done two scenes. We both were tested prior to shooting and we have to prove test results before shooting.

R|A: Is there rapid testing on porn sets?

X|L: Some studios have them yes.

R|A: What's craft services look like on an adult film set? (I guess water for bottoms, LOL)

X|L: Water, Food, Lounging area. It depends on the studio.

R|A: French Toast, Waffles, or Pancakes?

“...connecting with your scene partner is the key to a good scene.”

X|L: Pancakes are more nostalgic for me.

R|A: Favorite fruit?

X|L: Mango

R|A: Favorite bible quote? You're from the south so I'm assuming you went to church? I read most people in Louisiana are Catholic?

X|L: I am from the South and I was raised in church but I don't hold any scripture above the other. Individuals have their own interpretation of Gods Word. I have my own and I prefer to keep my faith separate from my porn life.

R|A: I love how you own that you truly enjoy being an adult actor. Does anyone in your family know?

X|L: Thank you, and yes a few people in my family know but they don't view me any differently; at least not anymore.

R|A: What's something no one ever tells you about making an adult film?

X|L: That connecting with your scene partner is the key to a good scene.

R|A: Will you branch off into merchandise- such as sex toys? Or would you do something like Kandi Burress's Bedroom Kandi line? Maybe an XL fragrance?

X|L: I would like my own jock-strap line.

R|A: Many celebrities are into giving back. Whether it's because they feel it in their hearts or for publicity and tax write-offs. Do you currently volunteer anywhere or are you perhaps planning on getting involved in the LGBT community as a mentor?

X|L: I currently mentor a few younger models who are looking to get into the industry. It's mostly me telling them It's not for everybody.

R|A: Why do you think adult entertainment is so stigmatized when adult entertainment sites receive more monthly visitors than Netflix, Amazon and Twitter combined. Statistics showed that by 2015 the adult entertainment business became a 2.8 billion dollar industry- America leading the exportation followed by Germany?

X|L: Sex can be quite constructive for the soul. As Ace Rockwood said "Humans share energy and release that energy". There's a bad side to everything, I just aim to find the good. Labels, Judgements and Social Norms create the stigma. People assume that your fucking everyone, multiple times a day. When in reality you work a 9 to 5 just like them, attend college, have loving parent(s), have a significant other, have self-respect but the only difference is you take a plane to get sexually liberated for a day (depending on how often you shoot).

R|A: (I know in one interview you mentioned how you were out in high school and that the experience was challenging.) Do you feel more comfortable in life at this point & could you possibly share an experience that you've overcome? (Many young people see the negative in life and do not realize that we are indeed put here for a reason and that life always gets better.)

X|L: I feel pretty comfortable with who I am now but it wasn't always that way. I've had to learn from rough experiences and use them to my advantage to set clear goals of what I wanted for myself.

R|A: (I read an interview where you mention you were very depressed and at one point suicidal because of things happening in the industry.) Can you tell readers and aspiring porn stars what triggered those feelings?

X|L: I became tired of being an object. I was successfully working in this industry where everyone saw me sexualized but not humanized. I made good money and maintained a certain image but I wasn't happy. There was so much ass-kissing, body worship and materialism around me. I was becoming a product and not a human. I noticed I couldn't naturally smile anymore, I grew tired of fake-ness and it made me feel terrible to keep up the act. Some promoters were shady and desperate to market off of this "thing" I barely recognized. I was losing myself inside an empty industry of many faces. Selling myself literally to the idea that I'm "something" based on this one element of my life but I do many things.

Porn is not even 25% of who I am. I had to find meaning in being me and not XL. XL is a job and thats it. The real me, gains weight, goes to art museums, finds comfort in home life and ironically is very shy. I'm not meant to live in the gym, engage in societal norms of comparing/contrasting physical attributes, partying 24/7, or being what someone tells me to be. I am who I am alone; imperfectly blissful. Countless amounts of people trying to use me, a friend's death and a fake image I worked so hard to create (now destroyed) triggered those feelings. There's a darkness behind the scenes that the audience doesn't see and I almost let it consume me. It's still a struggle today but I'm in a much better place mentally to where I feel confident in accepting myself flaws and all.

“There’s a darkness behind the scenes that the audience doesn’t see and I almost let it consume me.”

R|A: (In my experience of acting in film and web-series I remember reading so many opinions. It was like these people who didn't know me either loved me which made me feel great or hated everything about me and wondered why I was alive.) How do you deal with criticism of any kind?

X|L: I learned It's important to care about what you think of yourself over the opinions of others. Most people cannot make valuable statements about your life if they havent lived it or expereienced it. Accept the good criticism with the bad and know that your worth is more valuable than anything anyone could ever say.

R|A: To end I must ask who are you voting for for the presidential elections?

X|L: Possibly Bernie Sanders

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (NATHAN HALE WILLIAMS)

January 13, 2016 in FILM | PRODUCTION, ATTORNEY, ACTING, WRITERS

“I had every intention of being a doctor. I was going to be a neurosurgeon, I was a bio-medical engineering major when I first went to school. ”

N|H|W: Okay that's actually two questions so let me answer the first one first. I actually went to law school to be a producer. I know that sounds random, I was… I had every intention of being a doctor. I was going to be a neurosurgeon, I was a bio-medical engineering major when I first went to school. And then I realized, I looked around and was like one of these kids is doing his own thing and I was like its me. And I secretly changed my major and my mom said I'm not saying you can't major in dance because I changed it to dance. But she said you shouldn't major in dance at the University of Illinois- like if you're going to be a dancer then you should go to a school for dance. Because you're going to be a dance teacher if you go study dance at the university of Illinois. In any event I ended up changing my major to communications with a minor focus on theater. We called it at University of Illinois- Oral Interpretation so I had intended on becoming a performer and going to Broadway and being on Broadway and all of that. But then I came out to LA my junior/senior year of college and it was the hardest summer I've ever had to endure my car got stolen (in 1996- I mentioned the LA riots and Rodney King era. Nathan laughs in agreement of the craziness.) I read this article by Debra Martin Chase, and in the article she talked about her job as a producer and I was like that's what I want to do. I want to create, I want to be in charge, I want to be the boss; because, I like steak better than I like pork n’ beans. She talked about in the article how much law school helped- she went to Harvard law school. And I came back after my car got stolen back to the University of Illinois & I told my mom “I'm gonna go to law school” and she was like where did that come from? I don't think I told her at that time that I was going to law school to become a producer or that I had read this article about Debra. Anyways I didn't study for the LSAT, I just took it, and I was like if it's meant to be then its meant to be, and if it's not then its not. I got accepted to some great schools and I chose George Washington University because it was the school that I felt was the closest to my personality. Even though I got into some schools that are considered quote un-quote better than that. And I loved it. I loved law school but I had no intention of practicing law but of becoming a producer. (A degree to practice law and never use it- I inquire) I use it everyday.

R|A: After 15 years in New York, what made you move to L.A. and how do you like it in comparison?

“ New York cut my teeth as a professional. It taught me how to hustle, it taught me how to never give up.”

N|H|W: So you know I love New York, New York is my favorite city in the world and it always will be. New York helped make me who I am today as a professional, Chicago helped make me who I am as a person and New York cut my teeth as a professional. It taught me how to hustle, it taught me how to never give up. But I'm in entertainment and the well of entertainment is only so deep. Like I had reached that level, I've done everything that I could do in New York and I really wanted to take my career to the next level and I knew that I had to do something drastic to shake it up. I actually decided to move to LA when I was here, I was having lunch with Jussie Smollet when he'd just gotten Empire it was April 28th, 2014 and him and my friend Jennia Fredrique (Noah’s Arc) who's an actress and filmmaker as well, was like you need to just move here. And it was the tail end of a really good trip and I said okay- I'm moving to LA. That's kind of how I am, and then I went back to New York and broke my leg, and God was like okay slow down little boy because I would have just picked up and moved here without a plan and you know trying to fly. I'm here for work… I'm here to work… I'm here because my job is here and the weather helps as well, that was following two brutal winters in New York City. I had a break down, I had a missing New York and family breakdown two weeks ago, but now I'm passed it. And I know that I am here for a reason. So I can't say that I'm loving it yet, but I'm definitely focused.

R|A: Tell readers about your new book “Ladies Who Lunch & Love”, what inspired you to write about these women and their gay best friend?

N|H|W: So Ladies Who Lunch & Love is a novelization of the Essence Magazine column that I wrote for four years where I gave love and relationship advice. But I didn't want to write a preachy you need to do this, you need to do that advice book. I wanted it to be fun and digestible. When people read it they don't even realize they're about to read a book about spirit and about relationships. But it's embedded in a fun you know kinda light story. And there are some really deep messages within the story embedded in it. What I love about the characters the most is that people can really read this book and even if you don't see yourself you know these people. I mean you know Krissy- you know that's your girl from around the way and she's smart as shit, you know what I mean. You know Vicky... you know these characters, and so yeah I wanted to write a relationship and spirit and advice book but not in the traditional sense.

R|A: You’ve conquered TV, film, and commercial. As far as producing are you working on any new media projects?

N|H|W: Yeah I have... (laughs) where do we begin? So I'm writing a movie with Jennifer Lewis called The Second Act I love her too, (she's everyone's aunt I exclaim) yes I met her on the set of Dirty Laundry now almost 10 years ago. And we just fell in love and connected ever since. We’re writing the movie together. She plays a character named Lydia Monroe. I have another short film that I am producing, directing, and writing called 90 days. We shoot in March and then I have a book coming out in February called The Girls Best Friend, which is a collection of my Essence Column with notes from my favorite women in the world- my mom, my aunt, and my best friends.

R|A: I remember seeing a reality show you starred in featured on Netflix: Boys Who Like Girls Who Like Boys. I was wondering if there are any more TV projects you will star in, or are you set on being behind the lens?

“I have people that still comes up to me till this day saying ‘seeing you on television as a black gay man who is proud who defied stereotypes, who was successful, encouraged me- inspired me, saved my life.’ ”

N|H|W: (Laughing) You know I forget that I do all this shit. Wow (as far as being behind the lens or in front of the camera?) I like both That was my second reality show. The first one was American Candidate and I was on with my then partner at the time Keith Boykin and that was a ball of fun because we were in a competition together. We won everything and my mom had knew we’d gotten kicked off the show- not kicked off but we lost we didn't win the whole thing because I called her when we didn't, and so she was watching because people would have parties to watch the show. “And she was like Nathan you lied to me, y'all won.” Because we literally won every challenge, every episode until we lost which was like the second to last episode. (What was the challenge??) We were in Philadelphia and we had to get people to sign up and do something or whatever and we lost by like two votes. Something stupid, but anyways- Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys was my second (reality) show Keith and I happen to be the first black gay couple on reality television. That was such a great experience but it was a competition it wasn't about our lives. Girls Who Like Boys Who Like Boys was a great experience too but it was not a great experience for my relationship with Crystal. It's why I tell people don't put a relationship on reality TV because one thing about reality television is it does not lie. It tells the truth, you know what I mean. The good thing about that show is that it was a positive show. And the take away for me, was aside from the personal side- I have people that still come up to me till this day saying "seeing you on television as a black gay man who is proud who defied stereotypes, who was successful, encouraged me- inspired me, saved my life." All of those different things. So it was worth it, there's nothing about it that I regret. It was who I am. That wasn't a fake reality it was a representation- I cried, now they got me crying on there like fifty million times and I'm not even a cryer, I have my moments but it was like damn he's crying every episode. My dad is such a sensitive subject for me and it was the first time that I was really outside of my family talking about that. So doing that show was great for me. It wasn't great for my relationship with Crystal who was my then business partner. But I wouldn't take any of it back because of the feedback I get from young people telling me that I inspired them.

R|A: What piece of advice do you wish someone would have given you starting out in the industry?

N|H|W: (Pause) I have a lot of advice, I have a lot of great advice. Um… Don't rush it. You know what I mean? Like don't be so anxious and don't think that it all has to happen at once. Because that's not how you really cultivate a longstanding career. I was really really hard on myself when I was younger because I wanted it all now… I wanted to be a billionaire tomorrow. You have to cultivate this art, you have to cultivate that. You have to be ready for the opportunities so that when they come you can maximize them. All the opportunities I got maximized them but I really wanted them all at once. So take your time, learn your craft, perfect it, hone it… you know.

R|A: When dealing with actors/performers what do you find to be the biggest challenge? (Please inform the actors so we know what we can do to be of better service.)

N|H|W: Actors & Performers (both laughing). Creative people are creative, we’re creative for a reason and we’re emotional, we are sometimes not practical in the way we think. I think one of the good things about me being an attorney and a creator is that I kinda have both sides of the brain I have a lot of balance, so I'm able to understand that someone is having a moment. So that would be my biggest stretch with actors and performers, they are highly emotional people and they need that emotion. They need to be able to tap into that emotion to call it the craft.

“my biggest stretch with actors and performers, they are highly emotional people and they need that emotion. They need to be able to tap into that emotion to call it the craft.”

R|A: Have you met all of your career goals? I feel as though you have a million titles. How do you ignore the negativity of others.

N|H|W: Well I've simplified the commas to just saying I'm a storyteller, and I tell stories across various mediums so in terms of titles I'm probably not going to have anymore titles. Maybe talk show host… not maybe- talk show host definitely. In my brain I'm just getting started.

R|A: (I feel as though sometimes we get so caught up in chasing our dreams that we forget to enjoy the ride). When you’re not working what do you do to relax and let go?

N|H|W: Well I have a morning ritual. I start my day the same everyday. I say thank you God, and please use me in showing light, and using the power that you give me for good. Then I read a publication called The Daily Word and from The Daily Word I set my intentions, I have all of my affirmations for everyday of the year. Today my intention was “joy” and I was going to get joy from everything that I do. Then I read a publication called Our Daily Bread which is a little bit more scripture based. This year I just started doing the bible in a year thing. And I take time to set my intention for the day and remember that God has given me the power. To relax I watch TV. (What do you watch?) Oh my God, I watch scripted stuff, I watch trash TV. I've always loved TV as an art form. My joke is that I'm a couch potato without the couch potato body. TV for me is a release and an outlet. It's where I can escape and then I get ideas, I love the ballet, I love to go see dance, but that shits expensive so I don't get to go to that all of the time. But if I could I would go see someone dance every week. I spend a lot of time with my family and friends, I really love being around the people that I love. I'm a people person. I'm really actually shy you may not believe that. But around my family and my closest friends I get to be Nate. I don't have to be Nathan Hale Williams. We go out to eat, we drink, we laugh a lot. I like to laugh a lot. My editor says I have a nice snarky sense of humor. When you get to know me you realize there is no malice in it. I'm just talking shit because I come from a family where we just talk shit. But you do it from a place of love. When I go home for thanksgiving my Auntie Gale and I are Bid Wiz partners and no one plays with us now because we talk so much crap at the table. We slam the cards down “take that” and no one will play with us now because we are very sore winners.

R|A: Question for the mother: As a parent how do you parent an artist, how do you support an artistic child being that we are so all over the place, we can be a headache?

Mother N|H|W: He wasn't a headache with me because I know that God gives us a gift and he has a plan for each one of us and we have to follow it. As a parent I know that it is my job to guide the child through reaching the gift in a very positive way. And what Nathan said about his being shy and not accepting rejection well, when he was starting out as a youngster trying to act- I paid for acting/drama lessons, my father paid for modeling lessons. I took him to auditions, and I sat with him when he got the auditions but then he started to grow and he's larger than the other guys his age and he stopped getting the auditions based on that. Because he was so tall they thought he was an older kid. I told him I can't do this… I can't watch your heart break because then my heart breaks and he was upset with me. But I was not a stage mother and I wasn't going to drive him crazy, and I pretty much told him if this is God's plan for you it'll happen, but it's not going to happen right now. I want you to grow up and have a good childhood, and if it happens at the right time you'll have my 100% support and I think that that's what's happened because I was getting ready to retire when I got a call and he said “I'm going to quit practicing law, and I'm going into entertainment.” I was like okay, and he'll tell you that I've been very supportive with that. (Nathan- my grandfather was like “you gone quit that good job, how much money do you make again?”- he had me laughing with the voice impression he did) So it just depends on whether or not you feel your child is yours to make them do what you want them to do, or you realize that they are a gift to you from God which is what Nathan's name mean. It means “A Gift From God.” So I knew he was mine, but he was my gift to kind of guide but not to keep. And so my job was to help him fulfill God's dream for him. Not my dreams.

“I pretty much told him if this is God’s plan for you it’ll happen, but it’s not going to happen right now. I want you to grow up and have a good childhood, and if it happens at the right time you’ll have my 100% support...”

(Really made me emotional, to have the love and support from family, especially your parents because it's difficult for young artist. So readers hopefully you can get your parents to remember you are a gift and in order to share your gift the people surrounding you should also see you as such.)

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (CHEETAH IN AUGUST)

November 18, 2015 in ACTING, FILM | PRODUCTION

Check out my first video Q&A featuring none other than the cast of the hit Vimeo series Cheetah In August. With me I have Brentley Bawn, Dontà Morrison, Brandon Moten, and André Myers.