The Hollywood Finesse "Nurture The Dream, Learn The Business"

Shannon Chappell Kangaju is a native of Atlanta, GA. She has been acting and modeling since the age of 3. She has a BFA in Professional Theatre from North Carolina A&T. She made her way to Los Angeles in 2006, since then she has done several independent projects. Her latest credits include Grey's Anatomy, Black Jesus and Tosh.O. She is extremely grateful for the support from her family and friends while she pursues her acting career. "Be patient, it's on God's TIME."

Links/ Info mentioned in this episode:

Central Casting: https://www.centralcasting.com/la/

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

Mindset:

1. Get on set to see how it all works.
2. Join Central Casting. 
3. Look into stand-in work. 

Attitude: 

1. People say negative things to you all the time, you don't have to absorb it. Take what you need and leave the rest.
2. What people say is just a matter of opinion.
3. You can't let someone's opinion dictate how you move. 
4. Bring your people with you!
5. Stay in a constant state of prayer.

Quotes:

"I have a "Name" you just don't know it."

"This business is all mental, and that's where people get it misconstrued."

"It's on God's time, it will happen."

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Host: @faleciadunn  

Guest: @Shanchappell

David A. Davis is Mr. Personality, originally from Detroit Michigan. Like many artists, he's surviving the Hollywood shuffle by balancing work and life by fueling his passion. Currently producing his own YouTube series; "Reporting Live From Somebody Else's Business". This show is a weekly satire entertainment news series. This will be one of many projects David will be rolling out in 2020. David loves to move in silence and put the work in. He's a Writer, Director, Producer, Actor, and Creative. He absolutely loves connecting with other artists and listening to people's journeys. We all have a story, and his story is unfolding daily. 

Quotes:

"The only way for people to take you seriously is if you take yourself seriously."

"It ain't deep until it's deep!"

Mindset:

Don't procrastinate

write things down

keep it simple

Execute the plan

Stay focused 

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Social Media:

Host: @faleciadunn  

Guest: @davidadavis_

Jordan Hubbard was born in College Park, Georgia and received both academic and a baseball scholarship to Texas Southern University. He graduated from TSU with a degree in finance in 2010 and in the same year he moved to Los Angeles California. Since being in LA, Jordan has booked over 30 Local, Regional, and National commercials.  

Links/ Info mentioned in this episode:

Actor: Tyreese Burnett https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1035160/

Commercial Rep: http://danielhoffagency.com/

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

Tips for commercials:

1. The energy you bring into the room is what is going to get you booked.
2. Keep your mind clear. 
3. Casting and Ad agencies want to know who they like and who's not difficult. 
4. Find a job with a flexible schedule.
5. Grade yourself based on "the show" (ent. side) and the business (personal side) to see where you can grow. 
6. Always be practicing.

When you need to take a break:

• How are you waiting?
• Are you focused on the negatives?
• Do some personal development
• Prepare yourself during the time off to get better

Quotes:

"You never know the info you can get by just having a conversation."

"Your headshot is your calling card."

"Always try to get better, it's a part of getting an A+ in the business."

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Social Media:

Host: @faleciadunn  

Guest: @_Jordanhubbard 

Johari Williams has had a love and passion for dance since she began at the age of three. She started training in classical ballet and tap with Sallie Bowie Dance Studio. Her instructor Ms. Bowie was the first African-American to be accepted in the Julliard School for Dance. She later competed with Intercontinental Dance Studio in ballet, modern, jazz, and tap; winning numerous awards and traveling to a number of cities. She joined theTexas Tap Ensemble and performed at the Miller Outdoor Theatre and the Heinnan Theatre. While at HSPVA she performed on main stages such as the Wortham Theatre and was accepted to the Alvin Ailey Dance Theatre Summer Intensive Camp and Dance Theatre of Harlem Intensive Camp and was a Merit recipient with the National Arts Competition. Johari attended and graduated from Clark Atlanta University receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and a Master's Degree in Business. Johari immediately entered the workforce in Accounting. Johari has 10+ years in the Accounting field as well as 5+ years of teaching and choreographing dance. Johari has taught and choreographed for The Movement Lab Quantum Leap dance company, Designed2Dance Studio, Xtreme Level Dance Studio, the Revue for Lupus Awareness Musical and the Houston Met dance studio. Johari has volunteered with NAACP Act-So Competition since 2011 in dance and vocal. She has judged the Dance Category of the competition since 2015. Johari believes it is her destiny to dance and teach. She enjoys teaching, performing and developing new choreography. Her most recent performance was with the Dancin' In The Streets Motown and More revue. Johari is excited to make her dream come true by opening The Art Dance Academy in the third ward community in Houston where she grew up.

Links/ Info mentioned in this episode:

Houston Met Dance Company- https://www.metdance.org/

Houston Ballet- https://www.houstonballet.org/

Urban Souls Dance Company- http://urbansouls.org/

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

Tips to connect in Houston:

1. Research different Theatres 
2. Word of mouth networking 
3. Open mic events
4. If you can't find it, create it

Quotes:

"Those words said a long time ago no longer have meaning."

"You have more skills than just the "Art."

"Sometimes the gift doesn't grow until later."

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Social Media:

Host: @faleciadunn  

Guest: @Goldenglobe_7 

Malik "GVMBY" Bannister hails from the 757 (Virginia Beach) is a powerhouse of positivity and progression. Malik has been a member of the arts community as a dancer, choreographer, entertainer, unofficial hype man and overall energetic personality. A proud member of "The Royal Nerd Society" an artistic collective based in Los Angeles that produced the Youtube series, "Party In My Living Room" along with the recent live music event called "Sole Session".

Dancers/Crews Mentioned:

Academy of Villains https://www.facebook.com/AcademyOfVillains/

Chris Pharside Jennings https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6647592/

Chris Scholar https://www.whoischrisscholar.com/

Audio Push https://audiopush.com/

Mindset:

Failure is a part of the process

Work hard for yourself and sweat by your own brow

Challenge yourself through new forms of art

Consistency is key

Social Media:

Put your presence out there

Connect with your network, engage with your audience and support others

Internal growth:

The outer begins with the internal

Work out

Pray

Meditate

Start your day centered  

If you're dealing with depression:

Have a strong belief system and foundation

Your "Universe" is shared with everyone on the planet, you're not alone

For the sake of your life if nothing else, you owe it to your own existence to live

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If you're looking for a community of creatives like yourself, join our community of artists as we connect, encourage and lift up one another on this crazy journey in this entertainment business. Join us here https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodfinesse

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Social Media:

Host: @faleciadunn @thehollywoodfinesse 

Guest: @gvmby

Today's guest is a 2017 Mayors Office of Cultural Affairs Artist in Resident and 2016 Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts and The Idea Fund recipient, he's a performance poet, writer, compassionate mentor, electric entertainer, and educator.

Outspoken uses poetry to collaborate with other mediums and institutions such as being the first poet to perform on the main stage production of Houston Ballet's PLAY. Also, creating his own festival, Plus Fest, the EVERYTHING plus POETRY Festival. That work ethic has taken him to perform in Trinidad to Miami to South Dakota to Off-Broadway, over 35 states, 200 universities, annually performing in front of thousands of people, and across the vast Houston Metropolitan area where he inspires people from all walks of life. 

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play

Links/ Info mentioned in this episode:

Outspoken Bean- https://www.outspokenbean.com/

Winston Contemporary Art- https://wcahouston.com/

Meta Four Houston- https://witshouston.org/meta-four/

TED X- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kk-kHlSTRIM

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

(Mindset)Options as a poet:

1. Sell Books 
2. Performance/Commission Work
3. Collaboration with another artist 
4. Create events 
5. Education 
6. Coach a Slam Team 

Thinking of publishing a book?

Option 1: Independent

Option 2: Publishing Company 

Quotes:

"Excepting mistakes to be art."

"When you allow yourself to just BE you attract the energy that you want."

"Anytime you hear "No" it's a sign of weakness. "Yes" is accountability and action."

"Never say "No" you don't know where the "Yes" will bring you. "

Poets:

Jasmine Mans -https://www.jasminemans.com/

Suzan Lori- Parks-http://suzanloriparks.com/

Buddy Wakefield-https://buddywakefield.com/

Sunni Patterson-https://www.ted.com/speakers/sunni_patterson

Mentor: Shannon Buggs

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Social Media:

Host: @faleciadunn @thehollywoodfinesse 

Guest: @Outspokenbean 

Want to have the best year of your life?! Of course, you do, everyone does. In today's episode, I discuss how putting a strategic plan together gives you the best results. 

Get the Goal-Setter pdf here: www.thehollywoodfinesse.com enter in your email and receive your FREE copy! 

GEMS FROM EPISODE:

Why break the year up?

1. You won't get overwhelmed easily.
2. You build confidence.
3. You give yourself time.

Goals

1. Goals are targets.
2. Set intentions.
3. Write them out.

Habits

1. Create positive habits.
2. Set affirmations around goals.
3. Discipline.

- Have the willingness to invest in yourself

- All you have is All you need!! 

Books Mentioned:

The Compound Effect: https://www.amazon.com/Compound-Effect-Darren-Hardy/dp/159315724X 

The One Thing: https://www.thriftbooks.com/w/the-one-thing-the-surprisingly-simple-truth-behind-extraordinary-results_jay-papasan_gary-keller/303119/#isbn=1885167776&idiq=4394048

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If you're looking for a community of creatives like yourself, join our community of artists as we connect, encourage and lift up one another on this crazy journey in this entertainment business. Join us here https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodfinesse

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Social Media:

@thehollywoodfinesse

@faleciadunn

#thehollywoodfinesse 

Dennis Clark is a vocalist creating on a millennial landscape but marked by the eras of the past, shaped by big band, R&B, neo-soul and disco which led to his (Sewdow) persona Kaylo King.  

He grew up attending rehearsals with his mother's family band and was playing drums before his feet could touch the pedals & singing harmonies with his aunts & uncle.  By the time he was in his mid-twenties he was performing across the country performing and singing background for musical legends such as The Who & country superstar LeAnn Rimes to contemporaries like Childish Gambino. 

After being encouraged by his mentor Lalah Hathaway, to start dueting on live shows with her, he began showcasing his unique baritone voice which transitions from bass to falsetto effortlessly.  

Dennis says he hopes his voice & music allows listeners to escape their reality and revel in a time when music was an experience complete with melodic beauty, depth, and substance. 

Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher, Google Play

Links/ Info mentioned in this episode:

https://www.jorgecalandrelli.com/

https://www.thecountbasieorchestra.com/

https://www.1kaloking.com/

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

1. The people that know the person sitting on the other side of the table will get the job. Build a network.
2. This industry is a catch 20/2 and that's a harsh reality.
3. People want to understand your character first.
4. No matter how much sense of self you have, it will always be challenged.
5. You will go through moments where you have self-doubt and where your character is challenged.
6. The only way you can receive breakthroughs is to face your fears.
7. Face your fears because that will assist in our evolution and you never know where you can go.

Personal Development

1. Guard your art
2. Listen to audios- Les Brown
3. Challenge yourself
4. Get into intellectual conversations
5. Excellence cost!

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If you're looking for a community of creatives like yourself, join our community of artists as we connect, encourage and lift up one another on this crazy journey in this entertainment business. Join us here https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodfinesse

We are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Stitcher!!!  

Social Media info:

Connect on Instagram

Guest- @1kaloking_aka_urbanverse

The Hollywood Finesse-  @thehollywoodfinesse 

Host-Falecia Dunn- @faleciadunn

#Thehollywoodfinesse

Tony Winters is an Award-Winning veteran Actor/Writer/Producer whose career has spanned decades with his work on stage, screen, and television. Perhaps best known to television audiences as "Clive" on the Oprah Winfrey Network's critically acclaimed "Queen Sugar". He's been seen in numerous television shows/films and commercial's throughout his career and has even been nominated for three NAACP Theatre Awards for his self-produced stage show "Section 8". 

The conversation continues with Mr. Winters and in Part 2 hear about how to have longevity in the business, what to do during the dry times and how to not just see yourself as just an "Actor" but to expand in other areas of your creativity. 

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

During the dry spells:

1. Don't take it personally
2. Think of yourself as a fine car (They just went with another car)
3. Fill your life with other things
4. Find hobbies  

Writing:

1. Write the script
2. 10% inspiration 90% perspiration
3. Tell the story you want to tell
4. Raise money by asking people that you know
5. Gather what you received and shoot scenes
6. Then send completed scenes to potential investors

Keys to longevity as an actor:

1. LEARN TO AUDITION!!!
2. Get good people behind you early on

Recent Work:

LA's Finest

The Neighborhood

Shameless

Queen Sugar 

Links mentioned in the episode:

IMDB Pro-https://pro.imdb.com/

Film Retiring Tatiana-https://www.amazon.com/retiring-TATIANA-Tony-Winters/dp/B07NVYPVQR/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=tony+winters+retiring&qid=1577993776&s=instant-video&sr=1-1       

Supporting actors Kymberly S. Newberry, Mark Christopher Lawrence, Greta Sesheta, Lou Beatty Jr. Producers Tony Winters, Thom Steinhoff, Carl Gilliard, Connie Johnson, Katherine Tomlinson, Diane Almeida

Section 8 Film

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HfexSf9DVok

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If you're looking for a community of creatives like yourself, join our community of artists as we connect, encourage and lift up one another on this crazy journey in this entertainment business. Join us here https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodfinesse

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Join our email list and get our monthly News Letter to stay up to date on all that's happening with The Hollywood Finesse and your Host! https://www.thehollywoodfinesse.com 

Social Media:

Guest:

Twitter- @tonywinters128

Facebook-Tony Winters

YouTube- Tony Winters TV

Instagram-@pretty_tonywinters

Host- @thehollywoodfinesse @faleciadunn

#Thehollywoodfinesse 

Tony Winters is an Award-Winning veteran Actor/Writer/Producer whose career has spanned decades with his work on stage, screen, and television. Perhaps best known to television audiences as "Clive" on the Oprah Winfrey Network's critically acclaimed "Queen Sugar". He's been seen in numerous television shows/films and commercial's throughout his career and has even been nominated for three NAACP Theatre Awards for his self-produced stage show "Section 8". 

In part 1 Mr. Winters talks about his journey in the industry spanning from the '80s, how he began in his early career and his mindset on how he's had a lasting career. 

GEMS FROM THE EPISODE:

"You want your reps to see you as you see you."

"Say no to very little unless it compromises your values"

When looking for representation:

1. Look for the client list
2. Does anyone have your "look"
3. Look for track record
4. Check them out on IMDB pro 

Audition:

1. Work from the inside out with a script and have a performance level audition.
2. Don't change the writer's words.
3. You don't want to be closed off in the waiting room but remain focused on why you are there. 

In the room:

1. Go in say hello
2. If you have an intellectual question, ask it
3. Stand on mark
4. Tell the truth
5. Say goodbye on your way out

Links mentioned in the episode:

Leon Issac Kennedy- https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0411531/ 

Inner City Cultural Center/ C Bernard Jackson- http://www.innercityculturalcenter.org/

IMDB Pro-https://pro.imdb.com/

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If you're looking for a community of creatives like yourself, join our community of artists as we connect, encourage and lift up one another on this crazy journey in this entertainment business. Join us here https://www.facebook.com/thehollywoodfinesse

We are available now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play Music, and Stitcher!!!  

Join our email list and get our monthly News Letter to stay up to date on all that's happening with The Hollywood Finesse and your Host! https://www.thehollywoodfinesse.com 

Social Media:

Guest:

Twitter- @tonywinters128

Facebook-Tony Winters

YouTube- Tony Winters TV

Instagram-@pretty_tonywinters

Host- @thehollywoodfinesse @faleciadunn

#Thehollywoodfinesse