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INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (AMBER NICOLLE GILBERT)

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This week's guest on the #IndustryTalk entertainment blog is none other than my girl- actress Amber Nicolle Gilbert. We met through previous actor and friend to the blog Dueal Andrews and I honestly must admit I admire this woman's hustle. Not only does she work, but she's constantly studying her craft and at the moment is learning stage combat. Let's sit down with Miss. Niccolle and find out what it's like being a black female actress in Hollywood and what we can expect from her in the future.

 

 

 

R|A: Thank you Amber for being apart of the #IndustryTalk blog family. So I guess my first question would be why acting and when did you know realize this was something you wanted to do?

 

A|N|G: At first playing basketball was my passion. I was very proficient in basketball as well as track and field. My dream was to play professionally for the WNBA. After high school, I ended up choosing another career to pursue which is acting. I feel that acting encompasses all aspects of humanity and that is something I want to be a part of.

 

 

R|A: You’ve recently just completed a short with friend to the blog Dueal Andrews titled Former Flames, what's the film about?

 

A|N|G: Former Flames is about two friends reminiscing on the good memories they had with each other in high school. Both friends end up having too much to drink and sleep together. This short was based off a true story that happened in my life. Dueal and I were high school sweethearts as well as good friends. I always wanted to collaborate with actor Dueal Andrews, so when given the opportunity, I took advantage.

 

 

R|A: Many times in this industry we befriend other entertainers and we want to create the art we want to see. What was it like working with your best friend, and what advice positive and negative would you say can arise from working with friends?

 

 

“The best advice I can give to aspiring entertainers is NOT TO GIVE UP and to keep striving towards your goal. ”

 

A|N|G: It was a great learning experience working with someone on a project from the ground up. It definitely teaches you your strength and weaknesses in the business. My advice is just to have fun and definitely keep a cocktail or two around (ha-ha). You want to make sure that you take everyone’s vision into consideration. COMMUNICATION IS KEY without that you wont have a successful joint venture.

 

 

R|A: Do you plan on releasing your project online, or submitting to any festivals?

 

 

 

A|N|G: Yes, I will be releasing the short on my website and submitting it to festivalsonce post production is finished. Former Flames will be released sometime in the summer.

 

 

R|A: You have a very impressive resume, what would you say was your most favorite role to play and why?

 

A|N|G: My favorite role would have to be playing a lawyer. At times, I get type cast due to my tattoos. I work really hard to be taken seriously as an actress and prove to people in the industry that I can play other roles besides the “the tough chick” or “the seductive girl”. It is a great feeling knowing that people see me for my acting ability, not just based off my exotic appearance. Don’t get me wrong, I love my tattoos and will never get rid of them (they are a part of me). Surprisingly I get more roles and auditions that requires me to be “the girl next door” or “the conservative role”.

 

“It takes determination to get to your destination.”

 

R|A: What advice can you give aspiring entertainers?

 

 

 

A|N|G: The best advice I can give to aspiring entertainers is NOT TO GIVE UP and to keep striving towards your goal. There may be times when it is rough, but you can’t let that affect you. Always follow your dreams and if this is something you want to do, don’t let ANYONE discourage you. It takes determination to get to your destination. Most importantly, it is very important to stay focused and to have positive people who are going to motivate you. I strongly encourage aspiring entertainers to get involved in social networking events (it is so important to network). The last advice I will give is to collaborate with other actors and start making independent projects. The industry has changed so much over the years, so it’s a lot of ways to get noticed these days.

 

 

R|A: I understand you're currently taking combat training… What made you want to learn that technique and how often are you in class learning?

 

 

 

A|N|G: I am currently studying a Filipino martial arts called Pekiti Tirsia Kali. Action is one of my favorite genres in TV and Film. I want to be prepared when auditioning for roles that require combat training. Actresses who have done a lot of action films such as Zoe Saldana and Angelina Jolie are my biggest inspirations. I will love to have an opportunity to work in an action film. Combat training is not as easy as people think, it takes a lot of self-discipline and dedication. There is a lot to learn such as how to properly use a weapon on set, even throwing a punch or kick. In order to keep my combat training skills sharp, I train three times a week.

 

 

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

 

 

A|N|G: When preparing for a role, I like to first read the entire script. After reading the entire script, I began to break down the scenes and develop character choices. I forget about being “the actress” and really focus on becoming who the character is. I want to be able to have that connection to the character and be in the moment. I like to find elements of the character that I feel are different and similar to me.

 

 

 

 

R|A: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 

 

 

A|N|G: In five years, I see myself being on a series also in action movies. Outside from acting, I will like to get into more writing and producing of TV and Film, I also want to develop affordable acting programs for aspiring actors/actresses.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

R|A: This industry is very discouraging. What would you say was the most discouraging thing someone has said to you in the industry and how did you overcome that?

 
 
“ I forget about being “the actress” and really focus on becoming who the character is.”
 

 

 

 

A|N|G: I haven’t really experienced someone specifically in the industry saying something negative to me. I will say that just being in the industry and dealing with the ups and downs can be very discouraging itself. Whenever I’m feeling discouraged, I remember my purpose and know that all of my hard work will eventually pay off.

 

 

PHILIPPIANS 4:13 I CAN DO ALL THINGS THROUGH CHRIST WHICH STRENGTHENS ME.

INDUSTRY TALK: Q&A (TRAVIS DEMETRI)

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I noticed Mr. Travis Demetri about a year or so ago as he was starring on a show called The Circle NYC with so many talented lgbt artist on the brink of hitting that mainstream ceiling. At only 23 this entertainer has not only proved he can act, but has been hosting & interacting with people on film all over NYC. Travis luckily is out here in LA a few short days during LA Fashion Week to host a few events, but I was able to snag an interview with him. For all you young up and coming artist tune in to how he got his start.

 

“...someone will always have something to say about you in life ...”

R|A: Travis how were you first introduced to the entertainment industry?

 

T|D: Well once I graduated from The American Musical and Dramatic Academy I was still very young, I was 19 about to turn 20. So I couldn't really attend big red carpet events. I was then offered to be an intern for a well known Celebrity publicist here in New York City, where I was able to see how a red carpet event was suppose to be ran hands on. And I had the best job, I was doing celebrity check in. And that's basically greeting all the celebrities attending the event and navigating them to the red carpet.

 

R|A: What did you take away from your reality web-series The Circle NYC? And are you coming back for another season?

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T|D: One main thing I took away from doing a reality project suck as The Circle, is that I can look back at myself. I.e: how I come across to certain people, how I react to things and etc. Because sometimes you don't know what to expect. As for Season 2, I am coming back. It's going to be really good.

 

R|A: So I must ask what brings you to LA? Have you landed any auditions while out here or are you here for LA’s Fashion Week?

 

T|D: The main reason why I am here in Los Angeles is because I am now a brand ambassador for Lapalme Magazine and we just had our Spring Issue Launch with Cover Stars Mario Lopez and Audrina Patridge. So amongst working on the event, I participated in LA fashion week.

 

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

 

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T|D: Advice that I wish someone would've gave lil ol me is to never get your hopes up. Their will be so much happening around you. Stay grounded and do not get caught up in the glitz and glamour.

 

R|A: How important is self esteem and self assurance in this business?

 

T|D: It is very important because first of all someone will always have something to say about you in life and it is picked up a few notches when you're working in the entertainment industry. Also if you don't believe in yourself, how do you expect someone else to believe in you?

 

R|A: What advice would you give someone if they told you they wanted to be in this business?

 

T|D: I would say do it for the love and not for the attention.

 

R|A: The worst thing you've heard since starting out as a professional actor?

 

T|D: During my last semester of school I had one of my teachers tell me "I would never become an actor". I remember that situation clearly.

 

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

 

T|D: I like to be alone- where I can analyze my role and really do some deep searching. I like to talk long random walks too. It just get me thinking a lot. I can't stay in a room for too long cause then I feel boxed in - emotionally and physically.

 

R|A: Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 

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T|D: In 5 years, I see myself already living bi-coastal between LA and NYC. I want to be a name talent. Because there is a difference between name talent and just plain ol' talent.

 

R|A: Since it's also the political season is it okay if I ask who you're thinking about voting for this coming presidential election?

 

T|D: Well at this point I'll say Hillary Clinton. Donald Trump is very entertaining though.

 

R|A: Name your 3 favorite things in life?

 

T|D: I love food, vodka and making people laugh.

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R|A: Something you do before an audition?

 

T|D: I don't think I do anything of our the ordinary when is comes to audition. I just always take deeps breathes and do some vocal exercises.

 

R|A: Favorite food?

 

T|D: I love pasta and shrimps.

 

R|A: Favorite song on rotation in your phone?

 

T|D: Panda by designer.

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LESALA MAMPA: (LOOK BOOK- IMPRINT ZA | HARBORING HOPE)

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Designer: Mzukisi Mbane

Photographer: Dylan Louw

Female Model: Carine Nguz

 

STATEMENT FROM THE ARTIST: MZUKISI MBANE

 

 

Imprint A/W 2016 - Harboring Hope



Haboring Hope is a collection inspired and dedicated to changing and challenging the concept of menswear and the meaning of being a man in Africa presented in a very beautiful, calm and less dramatic way. 


Last season we started on a journey, creating gender bending looks. Also referred to as unisex. Inspired by the woman who gave birth to us all. This season we are still on that same gender bending tip. But this time inspiration is taken from various cultural group as well as religious group. Translating this in a more edgy, futuristic and clean way.


I found myself having this freedom. I got taken to a place where creativity was basically limitless. I became free to challenge the very idea of what menswear is (to the society). How it is suppose to be constructed, the silhouettes and well which lines to cross. In this collection you see me playing around with a lot of geometric shapes. Most shapes taken from a deconstructed a - line skirt. I also found myself challenging and exploring the terms oversized and fitted.


With that being said this collection is rather peaceful and calm. The colors used (white and African print). I wanted to tell the story of believing in your dreams and who you are from a different side. A side where you don't have to fight. Aside of beauty and peace.

"Hope on bravely"