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