Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap from the world of football to the realm of film? That's exactly what Tavond Francis did, and he's here to share his riveting story. As an actor and former college athlete, Tavond was encouraged by his parents towards theater from a young age. Ignoring it for sports, he'd eventually stumble upon acting during a break from school and it soon took center stage. His journey is filled with excitement, including a background stint in AMC’s Into the Badlands that set the wheels of his acting career in motion.
 
 But Tavond's story is more than a rookie-to-actor transformation. He peels back the curtain on the technical side of his craft, offering valuable nuggets on script breakdown, character embodiment, and adding a personal touch to roles. The guys talk about how techniques learned from Jim Gleason and Sanford Meisner acting schools have shaped their approach to crafting characters. Tavond has a growing interest in stunt work and would love to add that layer to his craft. What's more, he shares delightful anecdotes about working with Peyton and Eli Manning, and his thoughts on work-life balance are refreshingly candid.
 
 Tavond is not one to sugarcoat. He delves into the highs and lows of the industry, stressing the significance of a positive attitude amidst challenges and tough decisions. With tales of switching agencies and sacrifices, he underscores the need for focus and staying grounded. His dream of working in a Tarantino movie and his top five actors he’d love to work with hints at his aspirations. If you're keen on grasping the intricate dynamics of the film industry, this conversation with Tavond is a must-listen. Hear about his journey, acting techniques, and much more, in a conversation that is as inspiring as it is informative.

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999, specializing in personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously.  If you have been injured, Jana is offering a free consultation AND a reduced fee for fellow members of the Lousiana film industry, and she will handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at [email protected] or 504-837-1234. Tell Her NOLA Film Scene sent you

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Prepare for an exciting journey into the world of improvisation with our special guest, David Hamilton, improv teacher and founder of Anubis Improv. You're about to find out how his passion for improv turned his life around and how this art form can transform yours too. From his early fascination with acting, David has grown into a successful improv coach, helping individuals discover their own talents and thrive, even in challenging times like the pandemic. 

In this enlightening conversation, we delve into the magic and thrill of improv performance, while David shares the difference between invention and discovery in improv performances. Get ready to learn how scenes play out differently depending on whether we invent them or discover them. We explore the parallels between improv and other performing arts, and how they can each help us uncover our unique talents. We'll also touch upon why stand-up comedy doesn't quite resonate with us.

Finally, we'll journey with David as he recounts his move to Glasgow, his encounter with the improv community there, and his noteworthy performance at the Edinburgh Improv Festival. And we can't forget to mention his introduction to the Herald style of improv, which brought with it a whole new set of challenges. See how the power of improv transformed David's life, and how it could do the same for you. Join us on this wonderful journey of discovery and transformation.

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999, specializing in personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously.  If you have been injured, Jana is offering a free consultation AND a reduced fee for fellow members of the Lousiana film industry, and she will handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at [email protected] or 504-837-1234. Tell Her NOLA Film Scene sent you

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Gather round, folks, as we share hearty laughs and candid insights with the tremendously talented Stephanie Hodge. We weave through her fascinating journey, she shares an incredible story about how friendship bloomed between her and Brian Plaideau on Facebook. This leads to a compelling discussion about how she navigated her way in the film industry. With a twist of humor, she shares the moment she had to cold-read a script that marked her arrival in the industry. All while grappling comments on her appearance from agents, which she amusingly turned into stepping stones to prove herself. 

 Amid hearty laughter, we delve into the influence of her small-town upbringing. It's a poignant journey of how humor turned into her shield, her foray into prop comedy, and the priceless role her parents had in shaping her humor. But it's not all sunshine and roses, Stephanie recounts the arduous journey an unlikely allergy to cocaine discovered in the '80s - all with a chuckle, of course.

We dive into the hustle-bustle of acting auditions, the advent of self-taping, and the crucial role of Actors Access during the pandemic. We share our personal family tales, and Stephanie adds a dash of humor to her family's first encounter with Judaism. This episode is the perfect blend of hearty laughs, personal anecdotes, and invaluable insights into the enigmatic world of the film industry. Tune in, and prepare to be entertained and enlightened, all at the same time!

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999, specializing in personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously.  If you have been injured, Jana is offering a free consultation AND a reduced fee for fellow members of the Lousiana film industry, and she will handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at [email protected] or 504-837-1234. Tell Her NOLA Film Scene sent you

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Hold onto your seats as we leap right into an exhilarating chat with the dynamic Hick Cheramie, an actor with a story as compelling as his roles. Hick beams us up on his rollercoaster journey from being a background actor to nailing a role in Obsidian, a full feature film. He narrates the leap of faith he took to study the craft, and his first-ever stint playing an alcoholic in a wheelchair. A daunting and challenging experience that proved enlightening and pivotal for his career.

In a candid chat with our co-host, TJ, we unearth the inspirational moments that drove him to pursue principal work, buoyed by a random encouragement on set. We unpack Plaideau's experiences with stand-in and photo doubling work, the grit, the grind, and the rewarding moments. As we meander through the ins and outs of the acting industry, we underline the importance of networking and seeking advice. But it's not all serious business, we also delve into the lighter side of the industry, the humorous moments in stand-up and improv, and how they can coax out the laughter bug within us. Join us for this riveting episode, packed with laughter, insights, and a hint to a surprise guest!

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Step into the limelight with actor, Hick Cheramie, as he peels back the curtain on the acting industry in New Orleans. Brace yourselves as we navigate the enthralling world of acting. You'll hear firsthand how Hick taps into his depth of emotions to breathe life into his characters, and how he uses his personal truths and past traumas to deliver authentic performances.

The rollercoaster journey continues as we examine the struggles actors face behind the scenes. It’s not all glitz and glamour, folks. Find out about the crucial role of stand-ins and the intense technical aspects that come with the job. We also discuss the harsh reality of auditions and how the current strike is impacting actors striving to make ends meet. 

As the curtains close, Hick reveals his inspiring personal journey from the background to the forefront of the film industry. We delve into the significance of having mentors, role models, and a supportive team. You'll get a backstage pass to into Hick's encounters with celebrities and gain insights into the challenging process of letting go of an audition once it's out of your hands. We wrap up with an engaging discussion about pay negotiations, dream roles, and more. So tune in, sit back, and enjoy this insider's guide to the thrilling world of acting.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10373034/

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999, specializing in personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously.  If you have been injured, Jana is offering a free consultation AND a reduced fee for fellow members of the Lousiana film industry, and she will handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at [email protected] or 504-837-1234. Tell Her NOLA Film Scene sent you

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Ever wanted a backstage pass into the life of two actors in the vibrant New Orleans entertainment community? We're TJ and Plaideau, and we're about to share our tales of transformation from background roles to principal actors, and the colorful characters we've met along our journey. We'll take you through our experiences with acting classes, improv workshops, and singing lessons that have sculpted us into the performers we are today. Plus, we'll give you an authentic taste of our personal lives and the rich New Orleans culture that we're proud to be a part of.

But wait, there's more to us than just acting! We're also self-confessed nerds, with an undying love for computers, sci-fi, and pro-wrestling. Tune in as we share our passion for diverse hobbies such as Dungeons and Dragons, and our crazy experiences with cave diving. Did we mention our beards, pets, and Plaideau's brush with priesthood? So, come join our podcast adventure as we open up about our lives, our passions, and of course, our unwavering love for acting.

Sponsored by Jana McCaffery Attorney at Law.  Have you been injured? New Orleans based actor, Jana McCaffery, has been practicing law in Louisiana since 1999 focusing on personal injury since 2008. She takes helping others very seriously and, if you are a fellow member of the Louisiana film industry and have been injured, she is happy to offer you a free consultation and a reduced fee to handle your case from start to finish. She can be reached at Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com