INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (BIODUN ABUDU)

Readers of #IndustryTalk I started this blog to help aspiring artist learn the steps needed in order to grow as artist and as people. That is why when Biodun messaged me asking if his book qualified would I consider it; I said of course. Writing is an art, shoot I’m writing right now. Writers create the scripts for the films and tv shows we all enjoy and love so much. I asked Mr. Abudu to send me details on his book and I must say after reading only four chapters of ‘Tales of My Skin’ I am floored. In the first four chapters we delve into Abudu’s life growing up in both the States as well as Nigeria. His first love which happened to be an abusive one, as well as the way he saw himself. As an artist I think we are very critical of our work and of ourselves. I thought I should interview him for those of you artist who have a bit too much going on in your personal lives as that can block you from your blessings. Yes I said blessings. Right now I’m at the computer typing, listening to Yolanda Adams ‘The Battle is The Lord’s’. Readers I lost a dear friend of mines a few days ago (maybe a few weeks from this article’s publishing date). However he struggled with drugs, self-worth, and abuse with his partner. He was always the person to cheer you up if you were down, and smiling for no reason at all. So I am hoping that if you read this book you will realize how much you are worth. We all have a purpose, whether you are spiritual/religious or not. We all have a purpose!

R|A: Biodun first I must applaud you on your bravery. It takes a lot for one to open themselves up completely. I must ask what made you decide to write ‘Tales of My Skin’ and would you consider this to be somewhat of a memoir of your early life?

B|A: Thank you so much. 'Tales of My Skin' is not all about my story but also someone I used to know. I wouldn't call it a memoir necessarily but letters or chapters for people to learn from our story.

R|A: What advice would you give people who are in an abusive relationship? Did you feel like what your first love was doing was wrong or just something natural?

B|A: It's always easy for most of us say to someone in an abusive relationship to leave. The person who stays in an abusive relationship has fears, doubts and has lost track of their self worth that's why they can't move. It's a great process to start by speaking to someone who would encourage them and give them resources to have strength and courage to leave and feel they can survive.  It was totally wrong and I can't blame the person because for me it stemmed from abusive situations I had from my dad and back then I accepted it. So it adds to reasons why it became normal at that moment though it was wrong.

R|A: At what point in your life did you realize you deserve better and could be better?

B|A: It took a long while for me to tell myself that I could be better and deserved better . No one on this earth’s soil is without mistakes and is perfect. The moment I started to read more and watch the not so popular TV shows that spoke about certain neglected issues is when I started to wake up telling myself I could be better.

R|A: Will you be writing more in the future? Is there a part two to ‘Tales of My Skin’?

B|A: Oh definitely! I have extremely wild thoughts and plan to write my first fictional novel soon. My second novel is in the editing process. I’m so excited about it actually. I cried a couple of times when I was writing it because it was touching on so many things I could relate to. I’m considering writing a part two of Tales of My Skin just weighing options that's best for me.

R|A: What is your advice on sex or abstaining from sex?

B|A: Sex hmm! this is one topic that commands the immediate attention of so many people. So many people hardly ever mention the word “abstain” talk less of even giving actions to dedicate to abstaining. I do advise to resist temptation which getting off the online apps which are masked for dating but are free access to sex. Who wants to roam professional places or fun gatherings being known as that one person everyone has had a taste of ?

R|A: How do you want your readers to view you after this? In your book you mentioned the assets you are praised for or found sexy for, but what do you praise yourself for? And what qualities do you think are sexy about you? (Keep in mind by sexy I mean your brain, or tea on a rainy day in pajamas. Just what makes you feel most comfortable in your skin?)

B|A: I can say what I want my readers to view me as but people will still have their own personal view. I do hope they view me as someone touching on topics they recognize with but aren't comfortable talking about. I am bold for writing on things that are hidden in the dark and patted on the head only to grow into an ugly mold. I praise myself for being able to grow and learn every season. To be able to speak my mind on the truth and not really care what thousands that don't agree have to say is what I call sexy and is what makes me comfortable in my skin

R|A: America has a one sided picture of LGBT life in Africa, I have several out friends in South Africa and know a bit of the life there. However what would you say Nigeria is like? Is there a gay culture, are people accepting to some degree? What would you change?

B|A: I know there is community that is private out there for safety reasons. People with open minds and are educated are accepting to a degree. The ones that have their neck deep in religious ways of life and have taken special high positions in heaven next to God will tell you what is wrong because they know it all. That's all I will say concerning this.

R|A: So I’ve lived in New York City as well and dating there is a bit different I would say. We date more, and we date often, and if we are lucky during cuffing season we won’t have to date so much. What’s your advice on dating for people in the LGBT community, young and older?

B|A: There is still a long way to go. Recently gay marriages were accepted all over the U.S.  That's great but we must not forget many of us are not even close to dating so only like 5 percent of the LGBT community will actually get married in this generation. I think people have gotten comfortable behind the computer screens and don't know how to approach each other physically when they see a potential person to date. In clubs most lean on the walls and are too cute to loosen up and have a conversation. Sex is the priority for most and if that is not taken down, there is no dating really. We need to get rid of the list of no’s, stop expecting too much on the first day. Communication is everything and making it work and not giving up over little arguments. Being real is the key, if you can not be silly like you are with your friends then move on, don't force it because the person looks good.

R|A: What helped you survive all of this? Who was a pioneering force to give you guidance throughout your adolescence?

B|A: No one really just stories I have read during that time. A few times to cry alone and few times to take walks and listening to songs  with strong meaningful lyrics helped me.

R|A: What advice would you say you received that has helped you or changed you in a positive way?

B|A: I was told from a friend that sometimes when you plan to go far in life you may have to plan to go alone.

About the Author

Biodun Abudu was born in Rhode Island, but comes from a Nigerian background. When he is not writing, he works as a model, choreographer,actor and fashion designer. In 2011, he graduated with an. A.S. degree in Fashion Design and a B.A. in Merchandising Management with an emphasis on Fashion Merchandising.     

Website - www.BiodunAbudu.com

Blog - blog.BiodunAbudu.com 

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (GEOFFREY OWENS)

This guest needs no introduction, I mean he was a star on one of the biggest shows in America still in syndication over 20 years later. Mr. Geoffrey Owens appeared as Elvin Tibideaux on The Cosby Show in 1985 until the shows end. I first met Mr. Owens about 4 years ago while working as a cashier & barista in a small restaurant on 11th street in New York City. He walked in while I was singing the Pussycat Dolls “when I grow up I wanna be famous…” needless to say he was waiting to take his order and I was getting down behind the register. At the time Mr. Owens was teaching a Shakespearean Theater class at Joffrey’s School for Ballet. His gorgeous wife gave me his card and suggested I look into the class if I really wanted to be an actor. Cut to the present let's chat with Mr. Owens on the craft, dealing with negative press, and becoming a great actor.

R|A: Thank you so much Mr. Owens for taking my interview I see you’ve just completed a film called Hibiscus and an appearance on the Hulu Original series Deadbeat. This blog as mentioned before is for all of those aspiring actors/entertainers, some like myself who grew up watching you on television. My first question is where did you study and what method of acting did you study?

G|O:  I studied English and Theater Studies at Yale University, where my acting training was very literary and  intellectual, involving a lot of textual analysis.  After college, I studied with the late, great actress/teacher Uta Hagen (at her school, the Herbert Berghof Studio).  

 "Be an actor only if you feel that you can't live without it."

R|A: When we met you were teaching a Shakespeare acting course I believe at Joffrey’s, do you still find time to teach? What are a few key principles you like to instill in your students?

Picture from my favorite seen of the show. Sandra and Elvin moving into their first NYC Apartment. A huge step for any couple. In my head I had redecorated that apartment to look fabulous. 

G|O:  Yes, I still teach that private Shakespeare workshop.  I also teach Shakespeare at Pace University and at the Montclair Adult School.  I try to teach my students a sensitivity to and appreciation for language.  I try to make them understand that with classical drama, the text comes first; without it, you can't act.

R|A: How big are you on social media marketing for entertainers? I’ve read now that some actors are winning roles by simply tweeting they want it.

G|O:  I have no connection with it whatsoever.  (If an actor gets a role simply by tweeting that they want it, then they're either a celebrity/star already, OR the role isn't worth getting.)

R|A: What advice would you give anyone on entering this business, and how do you handle press both negative and positive?

G|O:  My advice:  Do something else, if you can.  Be an actor only if you feel that you can't live without it.  Concerning press:  I never read reviews while I'm working on a show.  (Often, I don't even read them after the show.)  Bad reviews hurt, and good ones don't help.

R|A: What advice have you received that you would say helped you throughout your career?

G|O:  Paul Newman once said to me, "Kid ... you gotta do something."

"The most difficult thing is hanging in there when there's little or no work and you feel as if the entertainment world has forgotten you." 

R|A: How do you prepare for a role or even a scene?

G|O:  I learn my lines.  Over the years, I've realized that this is, by far, the very most important thing of all.  Without it, there's no freedom to create or do anything.  Beyond that, I try to understand what I'm doing in a scene - what my objective is, etc.

R|A: Who were your acting influences growing up?

G|O:  Sydney Poitier was my first inspiration.  (I had the great fortune of actually meeting him once!) Other great influences have been Laurence Olivier, Marlon Brando, Al Pacino, Robert DeNiro and Dustin Hoffman.

R|A: I started out doing a lot of extra work for tv shows, in doing so I learned so much about being on set and interacting with the crew. What mistakes would you say most new actors make on set? I realize there’s a certain etiquette not taught in acting classes. Have you had any interesting moments on set in your early career?

G|O:  I can't think of a significant "mistake" I made on a set.  A mistake that new actors probably make is not being sufficiently prepared or ready.   TV and film are extremely pressurized environments.  You can be "mellow" personally, but professionally you better be on your shit.  I recently shot a scene with Frank Langella in a film called "Youth in Oregon."  Langella and the director were both extremely nice and supportive, but the pressure was enormous.

R|A: What would you say is the most difficult thing about being an actor and the most appealing?

G|O:  The most difficult thing is hanging in there when there's little or no work and you feel as if the entertainment world has forgotten you.  The most appealing aspect? ... Not sure about that.... When you find work, I guess.  (Or ... to be less cynical:  The most appealing aspect is when, in a play, you feel as if you've made the author's words come alive for the audience.)

R|A: We’ve heard the term “struggling artist” thrown around so many times by parents, and peers. I think we sometimes lack a support system that is needed in a business where you are judged on so much of your aesthetics than your talents. Who was your support system when you first decided to become an actor? And if  you did not have one how did you persevere?

G|O:  My family was my support system; my mother, father and brothers. Mary, my girlfriend at the time, was also a great support.  Now it's primarily my wife Josette and my son, Jordyn.

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (BRY'NT)

The first time I met Bry’N t he was rapping alongside my cast member Brentley in Season 2 of What’s The Function. Considered one of the first out gay rappers Bry’Nt grabbed the mic and it was as if he’s been doing this for decades. I wanted to sit and talk with him because in this industry it's hard work to have longevity. He transitioned from rapping to acting on the series Finding Me, to modeling in print as well as runway during NYFW.

R|A: Bry’Nt how old were you when you started rapping and who were your influences growing up?

Bry’Nt: I started rapping when I was around 11-years-old. In school, it seemed like everyone was rapping for fun, so I started to as well, and it felt natural to me. My musical influences came from a lot of east coast rappers -- DMX, Jay-Z, Mase, Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G. to name a few.

R|A: Now a lot of aspiring artist do not have the funds to make their EP’s or Demos. What was your first recording equipment like and do you remember the song you first recorded?

Bry’Nt: My mother bought me a stereo when I was a kid. It was built with a huge speaker, two cassette decks, and two mics, so you could record your vocals over an instrumental -- as a kid, that was my recording studio. I used that to record my first raps and hundreds of songs with a rap group I formed called 3rd Degree. I still own our final mixtape which is literally a cassette tape -- I'll probably never be able to hear it again! I remember our first song, but I don't believe it had a title, something along the lines of "No Stopping Us."

R|A: What made you transition into modeling and acting? When did that come about?

Bry’Nt: My mother might've been the catalyst for my transition into the fashion industry. Before I was born, she had been modeling herself. She introduced me to that world as a baby. I've always loved anything art-related and I was instantly intrigued by all the creative processes involved with fashion. I never thought I was good enough to be a model, however, in high school, a friend of mine convinced me to enter a model search hosted by Marc Ecko to be the face of his clothing line. Accompanied by my mother, I was the first male to arrive at the search, however, they didn't pick me in the end. Nonetheless, footage of me on the runway was used on the Ecko website, and that's when I started to believe in myself more. Shortly after that, I heard about a casting call for photographer Francois Rousseu's art exhibit and photography book called "The Atelier Project." I went to the casting and after he took several photographs of me, I was amazed at how he had captured me.  I remember seeing the test shots and being in disbelief that it was me. He then hired me as one of the models for the project. From that moment forward, I took modeling seriously and fused it with my pursuit of music.

Acting is something I've done all my life. I starred in a school play when I was 9-years-old and from then on I always found my way into some form of performing arts.

R|A: What lessons/advice do you wish someone would have given you upon entering the industry?

Bry’Nt: I don't consider myself a part of the "industry" yet. I still feel like I'm on the margins of what it means to be in the industry. I do, however, wish someone would have told me not to be so omnipresent. Meaning, pick and choose wisely the projects you take on and attach yourself to and really question if they will help push your career forward or not. Doing too many things drains you creatively and sometimes they aren't needed.

R|A: What’s your ethnicity? You have a very interesting look.

Bry’Nt: Thank you! My ethnicity has always been a mystery to me. My family lineage has several missing links. In my mind, I've never been anything other than Black.

R|A: What advice do you give aspiring artist?

Bry’Nt: This may sound cliché, but WORK HARD! Practice will come in handy when you least expect it, and it is the only thing that helps you improve.

R|A: How do you keep yourself humble and honest in an industry filled with fabrications and users?

Bry’Nt: I guess my upbringing makes me humble and honest. I know how it feels to be at your lowest point and how quickly you can return there. It's the moment you get comfortable that your world can slip right from under you. I try to be aware of that. As far as honesty, being anything other than your true self will hinder more than help you in the long run. I always wanted to staple a good reputation in anything that I do.

R|A: Where else do you plan to go with your career?

Bry’Nt: I can't accurately answer that. I'm always full of ideas of what I would like to see happen. I try not to think too far ahead, otherwise I will lose my mind. But, hopefully, with art, I can secure a stable future -- whatever that means. However, I'm definitely anticipating the release of my album "Bry'Nt Park" this year.

R|A: How do you go about writing a song? I see so many people taking classes on songwriting, is it something you can learn or just a feeling?

Bry’Nt: To me, songwriting is like writing in your diary. I try to tell a story of an account, on certain songs, so that if you're just listening, you can imagine everything that I'm saying. There's also times, especially when writing raps, that I try to use outrageous metaphors, analogies, and similes (i.e. "punchlines") that are as descriptive as possible to make the listener think or react. I attribute much of my songwriting skills to English and Language Arts classes when I was growing up -- even though I was a terrible student. But, I basically just draw from my life and write it down to music.

R|A: What most important piece of advice would you say has helped you in life?

Photo Credit: Rico Kinnard | MUA: Rosemarie Bernardo

Bry’Nt: I have a bible verse tattooed on my arm that reads "Happy the man who is always on his guard, but he who hardens his heart will fall into evil." -Proverbs 28:14

My interpretation of this -- it's okay to be aware of or prepared for adversity but don't let it make you into a cold-hearted person.

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (DIRTY CARLEONE)

FACEBOOK: UNARMED: DON'T SHOOT

I’m pleased to be interviewing this next artist. Anyone who knows me personally can say I’m a bit of an activist. So when I came across Dirty Carleone and his film to spread awareness and shed some light on all the murders that’s been going on in the Black American community I knew I had to get the story. So In his own words I will have Mr. Carleone (writer, director, and actor) explain what his docu-film “Unarmed: Don’t Shoot” is all about...

“Unarmed: Don't Shoot is a reality film based on the things that has been going on across America relating to police involved killings. In my film it shows both sides of the story, from a victim's point of view as well as from an officer's point of view. Production is slated to start in October. This film will be executive produced by G.O.D.N. Entertainment and also produced by India B.  It was written by Dirty Carleone and also will be directed by Dirty Carleone, and Co-written by Sasha Brown. I have a cast including- Lil Scrappy of Love and Hip Hop Atlanta and national recording artist, also two newer members from Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, T - Man and Alja Kamillion; they both are G.O.D.N recording artist and Alja is also signed to Sony Records. Also Miss Chee from Master P's label No Limit Forever will be in the film, and last but not least Snootie Wild of Yo Gotti's CMG music label. We have a diverse cast- including blacks, whites, Hispanics, and more. Filming will take place in Louisville, KY and Indianapolis Indiana.”

R|A: Thank you Dirty for reaching out to me about your project. I think it's important for the community to be aware of what's going on in order to make a difference. Please tell myself and the readers: What made you decide to create this project?

D|C: Well it's an ongoing issue today in our communities, and not just the black communities it's happening all over. I felt as an artist, a writer, a filmmaker, and just as an individual that promotes positive and productivity in America I just felt like it was my duty to write this movie and to do this film, because it's something near and dear to my heart; I lost a family member that was killed in the prison system by the guards.

R|A: You have a star studded cast, how were you able to obtain these artist?

D|C: I have personal and business relationships with most of the individuals you speak of and due to me being an artist signed to the GODNENT  (Gentlemen of Distinguished Nature) entertainment company and with the label also being the Executive producer on the film, it was kind of a no-brainer to utilize the platform and perks that has been set in front of me, and when the individuals seen what the movie was about, the jumped straight on board.

R|A: Now you have many titles as writer, director, and actor- how long have you been in the industry? How did you get your start?

D|C: Well it's been roughly 5 or 6 years on the film side of things. I've been doing music since I was 8 years of age and I've always been curious about making movies.  I try not to put myself in a box.  I don't want to be known for just being Dirty Carleone the rapper, (naww) that doesn't suit me well, because I'm more than  just a rapper.  I'm a writer, director, actor, editor, amongst other things.

R|A: What lessons/advice do you wish someone would have given you upon entering the industry?

D|C: The only thing I would say is to get you a solid team that is loyal. That's not going to run, give up, or leave you hanging at the first sign of adversity or things not moving fast enough or whatever the case may be, because nothing happens overnight.  The world even took 7 days to get built.

R|A: What are you hoping to accomplish with Unarmed: Don’t Shoot?

D|C: I hope that the reality of this film can touch people across the world and that people realize that all lives matter.  I also want to show people that all civilians are not criminals and all cops are not saints, and vice versa... because there are both sides to this story.  I also would like for people in the near future to see this project and be like ‘man that was a great movie, from the script, to the direction, to the casting, to the acting, and down to the producing,’ and whenever they see a movie that's attached to Carleone Films, G.O.D.N. entertainment, and India B, they will automatically know that it will be a great one, and one that they go and support. Whether it's watching it in the theater, or purchasing the dvd, or streaming it on netflix, or whatever the case may be.

R|A: Why’d you decide to film your movie in Kentucky and Indiana? I know many actors around the globe think they have to live in Hollywood or NYC to book work, but you’re changing the market.

D|C: Simple, Louisville Kentucky is where I currently reside and my project manager is located in Indianapolis Indiana and she was able to get a school up there to film some of the scenes in.  And I try not to let where I'm at crutch me. I try to make my way no matter where I am.

R|A: When can we expect to see Unarmed: Don’t Shoot and on what platform are you looking to showcase it?

D|C: Well by the summer it should be ready, and my executive producers are working on a few deals now as far as the platform.

R|A: Will you circulate the film through film festivals, or have you found a distributor and will release it on dvd?

D|C: Well honestly we are looking to do a theatrical release for it, so I got my fingers crossed on that.

R|A: Of the many Black Americans murdered these last few years who will you be focusing on indepthly? Trayvon Martin, Eric Garner…?

D|C: No one in particular, I'm just painting the picture of what is taking place in the society we live in and paying homage to all the lives that were lost.

R|A: What most important piece of advice would you say has helped you in life as an entertainer and as a black man?

D|C: I never get discouraged no matter what obstacles may cross my path.

R|A: As a black man I grew up with this stigma about police officers. I was always told how to act. I later became a criminal justice major and realized that the training used to keep me alive was also keeping me in the margin of society. How will this film educate young black men and women on knowing their rights as citizens of The United States, but also as human beings of this planet?

D|C: See that's the thing- our rights have been violated tremendously, we have been treated like animals since slavery. There has been little to no justice for stereotyping and prejudice behavior in the past. So I honestly don't know, because when you are taught to be civil in certain situations and that’s not good enough what do you do? But then we’re told we have the right to freedom of speech, and it seems as though that right is automatically taken away from us when we encounter law enforcement. Somehow our freedom of speech becomes intimidating to authority figures; they feel threatened and of course you know what that can lead to... upon being arrested a good cop will read your miranda rights- we have the right to remain silent... and when we remain silent they take it as if we are ignoring them, and that we are being disrespectful for not answering their questions. So what are our rights? What is the correct way to act when you encounter law enforcement? Or better yet, do we even have rights anymore?