In this episode, Kenya is joined by the multi-talented Kelly Lauturner. As an actor, writer and lifelong pop-culture enthusiast, Kelly's passion for performance started early, even if it meant crawling around as a dog in a backyard play. Kelly talks about her journey into the world of background, sharing how she balances her part-time work in background acting with a full time career in healthcare writing within the insurance industry. She recounts her first role as a rioter in HBO's "Paterno" movie, and how this experience shifted her perspective on the world of movies and film. Kelly and Kenya also talk about getting started in background as a newbie and how it’s a welcoming community for people of all ages and backgrounds. 

Also Talked About:

• Kelly sheds light on the advantages of background work, where it's all about those face-to-face connections that desk jobs often lack.

• Once you get the ball rolling on casting sites, it becomes increasingly easier to connect with the community for each new production.

• From pulling all-nighters to greeting the day early, Kelly walks us through the real deal of life on a film set.

• Kelly talks about how background acting is a great choice at any age, and how it’s popular with retirees looking to add more fun to their experience. 

• How Kelly balances background acting as a part time endeavor with a full time career. 

• Kelly shares some favorite memories from time on set with projects such as Hallmark's "One December Night" and "Gossip Girl”. 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Kelly: LinkedIn | Blog | X

Kenya welcomes Shameek Cook, a versatile New York-based writer, author, and actor. The conversation begins with Shameek detailing his passionate journey into the world of film and screenwriting, a leap driven by his desire to embrace his true self. He shares the pivotal role of a supportive professor who recognized his gift for writing, and how his writing process continues to grow as he also blossoms as an actor. Shameek talks about the ways he has stayed busy during the strike, why we should view background acting as a mini film school, and the impactful story of Black Wall Street that he’s excited to boldly share in the near future. 

Also Talked About:

• Shameek shares some great tools he uses for writing, including Movie Magic Screenwriter.

• Shameek loved his first experience on the set of Netflix’s The Good Cop, which gave him that first taste of being close to the action.

• Being on set as much as possible can also provide the experience of a film-school-type education in a small amount of time without the burden of tuition.

• Shameek views background acting as more of an internship, shedding the stigma attached to it and embracing it as a learning opportunity for everything around acting, production, and general life on set.

• Learning to adapt your writing to cater to the audience is often something that happens best during the creation and filming process.

• Being on set has a transformative impact on Shameek, making him a better writer by enriching his storytelling skills and emotional depth.

• The industry's recent strike has affected Shameek, but he remains active and engaged, reflecting the resilience and adaptability of individuals in the field.

• While AI technologies continue to advance, Shameek and Kenya talk about the irreplaceable role of human emotion in storytelling and maintaining the heart element in the industry.

• Background acting gives you the opportunity to learn from the greats and fold them into your craft and style.

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Shameek: IG | Amazon

Sometimes, what crosses your path may seem accidental, but our guest this week shows us that it just may be a result of staying open to opportunities and utilizing your talents. In this episode, Kenya has the pleasure of welcoming New York-based actor and comedian, Gotham Sharma, who emphasizes the importance of continuous creativity, even during downtime or challenging times such as the writers strike. He shares his journey of transitioning from a corporate communication and writing background into a successful career in stand-up comedy, which ultimately paved the way for his entrance into the acting world. Gotham also discusses how he conquered performance anxiety, the significance of a strong support network, and the motivating message that it's never too late to rewrite the script of your life.

Also Talked About:

• How Gotham embraces the jitters as a performer and uses them to his advantage. 

• Following your soul’s purpose, just like they do in Pixar's movie “Soul”. 

• How Gotham got into stand-up as a dare, and then found his way into the acting world. 

• What was Gotham’s first time on set like, and what did he learn? 

• How to quickly pick up the lingo and rules used on set. 

• Kenya and Gotham both agree - set life can be addicting! 

• The importance of having a strong support system and self-care tools as a creative and busy human. 

• How Gotham’s background in corporate communication helps him leverage his passion for acting and stand-up. 

• The balance of saying yes and making decisions mindfully

• What Gotham and Kenya think the future looks like for entertainers who want to preserve their image and likeness but want to embrace the positive things that AI can do. 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Gotham: IG | IMDb 

This week, Kenya is joined by Drea Pierre, an actor based in New York who keeps herself very busy through performing, songwriting and taking care of her mind, body and soul. Drea talks about her start in the music business and how it evolved into on-screen roles. She shares what it was like to land a principal role, and how the experience has been different from background roles for her. Drea and Kenya talk about ways to get your art out there because there will be an audience that resonates with it and why self care is important to show up as the best version of yourself both personally and professionally. As with so many others, the strikes have obviously affected Drea, and she talks about the realities of having to do more of that “9-5” work over these past months.

Also Talked About:

• How self tape auditions add a layer of accessibility to the industry. 

• Drea loves her self care, so don’t be surprised to find her charging a crystal or burning a beautiful candle at the end of the day on set! 

• Drea’s experience at landing a principal role and what it felt like to take the next step in her career. 

• Conversation starter: how diversity shows up differently on screen, especially in a post-apocalyptic world in shows like “Invasion”. 

• The beautiful duality of storytellers and more straightforward minded people, and how we need both in the industry. 

• Drea talks about a few acting classes that pushed her to share her art with the world. 

• How to deal with stage fright and critique. Don’t let it stop you! 

• How the strike is causing people of all levels to tap into other skills and think outside the box. 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Drea | IG

It’s a spirited episode this week as Kenya welcomes Ira Gamerman, a multi-talented writer, actor and musician. Ira talks about his personal and professional journey, highlighting the transformative growth he's experienced in the acting realm. He also sheds light on the biases faced by background actors and discusses the impact of the strike on mental health and the other various creative outlets and jobs he has to stay afloat as a creative based in NYC. Ira shares insights into his deeper involvement with the independent art community and the unique sense of camaraderie emerging amidst the current challenges in the acting world. Finally, Ira reflects on his evolving perspective and shifting from a focus on his individual experiences to a broader, community-oriented approach.

Also Talked About:

• How Ira got into acting and earned his SAG eligibility just by an opportunity that arose for a speaking line.

• You never know who you are going to meet on the picket line! Ira has run into many creative colleagues that he looks up to, and he reminds him just how widely the strike impacts everyone.  

• How the strike may affect not only popular culture but also politics, especially in an election year. 

• Ways that Ira stays busy during the strike, including his job as a bookkeeper, writing, and staying active with other actors and playwrights. 

• More about AI’s impact on society and entertainment. 

• Remember that as a performer, the strike has nothing to do with your talents or your worth as a creative. 

• Even if you aren’t in SAG, it’s still a good idea to join in and be part of the same team and community fighting for positive change. 

• If you feel like background may lead you nowhere, remember, Brad Pitt started in background! 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Ira: Website | IG | Spotify 

In this episode, Kenya is joined by the versatile Amy Fitzgerald, a long-distance runner, social worker, and full-time actor. Amy's transition into acting was driven by a quest for work-life balance while raising young kids. A casting call tailored for runners started her down the trail and led her into the vibrant acting community of the DMV (Washington, D.C., Maryland, Virginia) area. In the conversation, Amy talks about how she uses psychology to better understand her characters, her experience as part of the core group in “Wonder Woman” and how life has changed after obtaining her SAG card.

Also Talked About:

• How Amy made her way from a career in psychology and social work into acting and how her background helps her understand the mindset and mental space of her characters.

• Amy’s 6-year-old daughter gave her the push she needed to audition for a role that landed her as the hair double for Kim Dickens on “House of Cards”.

• What it was like for Amy as actress Patricia Arquette’s stand-in.

• You don’t have to drop everything to pursue something new. Learn how to prioritize, and take it one step at a time.

• Amy shares some great resources for casting and acting classes, like Katie Killacky and Erica Arvold.

• What it’s like for Amy as an actor in the DMV (DC, Maryland, Virginia) area who also makes her way to New York.

• The power of networking and actors looking out for each other.

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Amy: IG

It’s a fun episode this week as Kenya welcomes Meaghan Beese, an actor, writer, and forever theater kid at heart. Ever since her first Broadway show, Meaghan has been hooked on the world of performance and acting, and she’s found a way to make a full time career out of it. In the conversation, Meaghan talks with Kenya about how she got into theater and used her skills to land a role that resulted in her becoming a principal dancer and eligible to join the SAG community. She talks about the many benefits she has experienced since joining SAG, the importance of setting up boundaries and prioritizing the right auditions, and why it’s great to learn from as many different teachers and styles as you can. She also mentions a valuable background acting experience. 

Also Talked About:

• Why Meahgan feels that background acting has been the best day job she’s ever had, even better than playing a Princess! 

• Like them or not, self tapes are here to stay. Meaghan shares how to make them work for you. 

• How New Jersey may be the next great emerging industry destination. 

• Megan’s journey of studying theater in college to doing it as a profession. 

• Start where you are comfortable. For Meaghan, it was taking a day off in college and joining the crowd on the set of “Mysteries of Laura”. 

• How Meaghan got her own present while acting in a Hallmark Christmas movie - a principal role and SAG card! 

• The importance of letting go of expectations and using background acting as a way to expose yourself to what life on set is like and to network with others for potential future opportunities. 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok 

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Meaghan: IG | Website 

Kenya is joined by Chris Gravely, a Harlem-based actor and aspiring voiceover talent with a passion for all things nerdy and gaming. Chris shares his diverse industry experiences, from stand-in work to BBC documentaries, highlighting the art of becoming different characters and narrating their stories. He talks about his journey into acting, from early background roles to reigniting his career in 2021 and recounts his role in a Max series, “Search Party” involving 300 actors enduring a summer heatwave. Chris emphasizes the importance of teamwork and provides valuable resources to enhance your acting education, and why the saying that success in entertainment is all about who you know can actually be a beautiful thing.  

Also Talked About:

• As an avid lover of movies, TV shows and comic books, Chris also loves acting because he gets to jump into the mind of another character and tell their story to the world. 

• Chris jumped into background work at 20, and started with some re-enactment work. He reignited the acting bug in 2021. 

• More about the HBO show that had Chris, one of 300 actors, zombie-walking their way through an intense summer heatwave. 

• Your experience can be made or broken by the people on set. 

• The healthy balance between advocating for yourself in less than ideal conditions on set and not being too much of a complainer. 

• In working with his brother in law and a team of other creatives to bring a project to life, Chris saw the power of cooperation and collaboration on set. 

• Pro Tip: if you find yourself on set in a costume or special look, be sure to take a photo. 

• Chris offers some incredible resources to further your education including the SAG’s Foundation free programs like Voice Over Lab (for members). 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok 

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Chris: IG 

New York based tech professional and side hustler Jeanette Kim likes to embrace life’s adventures, whether she jumps into acting and lands on Succession in her first background role, or she’s turning vintage vibes into stationery gold. In this episode, she talks with Kenya about the little moments that make background acting all worth it. Acknowledging it’s not all sunshine and rainbows, Jeanette also talks about the harsh realities of background acting, such as non-union vs. union treatment and payment, long hours and harsh weather on set. Jeanette talks about taking the first leap into leaving her corporate job in November, and the decision to follow through on an IG ad calling for background actors on the last season of Succession. She also talks about background acting as a way to supplement your lifestyle, but maybe not the means to an end for an expensive city in New York. 

Also Talked About:

• Acting just doesn’t have to be for the theater pros. Jeanette got into it after leaving her corporate job in November and going on a “self-sponsored” sabbatical. 

• Reality check: While background acting can lead to you being part of the glitz and glamor, there is a reality where non-union actors aren’t treated the same as union. This can mean long days on set, unequal pay, and a lot of downtime in inclement weather. 

• Jeanette has many other hobbies, including her Just My Type Stationery store where she uses her vintage typewriter to create beautiful custom treasures for others. 

• Ways we can inspire more people to take the first step into acting, even if they are like Jeannette and haven’t had any formal training. 

• Jeanette is a voracious TV watcher, so it was just interesting for her to absorb the process behind the scenes. 

• As a New Yorker, you are used to having your neighborhood be a backdrop for filming, but background work can also expose you to beautiful new neighborhoods or locations you may not otherwise have visited. 

• Imagine your neighborhood’s soundtrack featuring the "dun-dun" from Law and Order. Jeannette lives it daily, and is hoping for her proper run in with Marisha Hargitay. 

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok 

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

Jeanette Kim: IG

Renowned actor, accomplished event producer, and world traveler David Negri has spent a lifetime immersed in the captivating narratives of others. Now, a new chapter beckons as he eagerly anticipates sharing his own compelling story. In this week’s conversation with Kenya, David opens up about his formative years in the heart of NYC projects, where he was raised as the eldest of three boys by a single mother. Having honed his skills through years of running a thriving production and event company, destiny took a captivating turn when David's brother shared a fateful casting ad, propelling him into the realm of acting and landing him a role in Martin Scorsese's "The Irishman." David's comfort and affinity for the set are palpable, whether gracing the screens of "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel" or "Motherless Brooklyn." David and Kenya also discuss the shifting tides of the industry, 

highlighting the significance of inclusivity while championing the pursuit of pushing creative boundaries. Together, they navigate the multifaceted tapestry of artistic growth, an ever-evolving journey.

Also Talked About:

• Raised by a single mother amidst the challenging backdrop of New York City's projects, David emerged as the eldest of three boys.

• David's affinity for creativity found an outlet through acting and performing. In his early days, he attended a summer program at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in bustling Manhattan.

• With a career that involved running a production and design company, David's hands-on experience provided insights into managing complex events. His familiarity with orchestrating intricate moving parts translated seamlessly to the dynamic environment of film production.

• Stepping onto the set of "The Irishman," David found himself in the company of acting icons including De Niro, Keitel, Romano, and Pesci. The atmosphere was familiar and welcoming, and David felt right at home.

• David notes the shifts in on-set dynamics, from language norms to the introduction of intimacy coordinators.

• The importance of cultivating a mindset that enhances one's experiences rather than diminishing them.

• The new remake of "The Wonder Years," is an example of art reflecting real life for David. He sees glimpses of his own life journey within the storytelling, connecting on a deeper level.

Say Hi To Us: 

Needed On Set | FB | IG | TikTok 

Source & Cast

Kenya: IG

Guest:

David: FB | IMDb | FB | IG