From an agent's view, they see this young kid traveling from Pittsburgh to New York constantly on the Greyhound Bus, not too many would believe I had the long-term dedicated to make the effort when called for auditions. But I had it.
For a short moment, the cloak of defeat covered me and I wasn't able to sign with another New York agency, since my resume at this time wasn't strong.
Instead I signed with The Docherty, a local Pittsburgh agency. The funny side I had inquired to sign with them before my Cornerstone Television series; they rejected me, as they felt I didn t have enough credits to my name. Once they reviewed my revised resume and saw that I had been securing assignments such as the TV series and the national and local commercials, they jumped on the chance to sign me.
Soon after, I was given the opportunity to attend the TV Actor Studio workshop in Los Angeles, needing a Letter of Recommendation I contacted Cornerstone Productions. Even though His Place had been cancelled after a two year run, they were still part of my support circle and more than happy to write the letter. I felt attending the workshop would aid me in sharpening my auditioning skills, acting and build networking tools. This time I was financially ready to attend the workshop and pay for the two-week hotel stay, by saving money from working a variety of jobs including being a clothes vendor.
The Workshop was facilitated by several casting agents, with topics including the insiders view of how to find an agent, what to look for in an agent, what the agent would be looking for, where to look; how to format your portfolio for specific job searches. Once I returned to Pittsburgh I implemented what I learned from the workshop into my job searches and more opportunities began to open. I was offered a national Sony print commercial. I went to Washington D.C. to be part of a music video. The video artist, Young Moses, had been a guest on BET's 106 & Park. In the video I played the part of a drug dealer with a twist. This wasn't your stereotypical drugs, money and sex video. Young Moses, who happened at that time to be all of 17, created a challenging video to portray the realistic consequences of the drug game. Even more real I was actually placed in a body bag.
This brought back haunting pain of growing up in Wilkinsburg where I lost several friends to street violence. The senseless of their deaths elevated my motivation to stay off the streets and keep focused on doing activities that were positive and uplifting for mother, my grandmother (Beulah Clemons), who both actually struggled to help me to do better.
After the video I started performing in Comcast commercials and a local commercial for Don Allen Chevrolet, which is presently in media rotation.
During the time of public attention, it began to dawn on me people knew what I was doing, but they had no idea the level of the struggle it took me to get here.
Everyone I knew watched the HBO series, The Wire. I had higher aspirations, I didn't want to only watch the series, I wanted to part of the action. During the second season I started sending my head shot and resume to their casting company. By start of the third season I still hadn't received a response.
This had me more determined to do whatever it took to get their attention, even if meant breaking the number one rule of acting Never Call The Casting Company. During desperate times, desperate measures are called. Thankfully the person who answered my call was a young lady who was very sweet and understanding. I explained to her my situation and asked what I must do to grab the right people's attention to make this happen. She replied the same statements I ve heard in the past, the need for a resume with strong credits, ah ha, this time I was ready. I inquired if perhaps the lack of a response was due from the mass submissions they received. She agreed to take a chance on me and gave me an address to send my headshot and resume to her direct attention. Stating she would review my portfolio and if she felt I had the qualities required she would forward it to the head of casting. I said that's fair enough and sent it off the next day. Placing importance on my desire to make this happen, I included additional information from the Cornerstone website. In less than two weeks, I received a call back for an audition. My reaction was similar to those who answered the door to find Ed McMann with the big check.
The first audition (the character who was constantly beating up Bubbles) was a success, but they felt this particular role didn't fit me and called me back for another audition, (as a dice player), again not the right fit. I went back to audition of the role of the drug guard (my 5th Pittsburgh-Baltimore trip), working with Method Man and Michael K. Williams. I thought to myself the end of the season is near and I'm going to make this happen. I was ready, I was early and I was prepped and on point. I had on my game face. I knew I'd left a lasting impression. Back to Pittsburgh.
I got a call back at 10:30am; she stated they needed me in Baltimore at 3:00pm, since I was driving from Pittsburgh they gave me an extra hour to arrive at 4pm. I arrived in Baltimore at 2:30pm. I wanted to show my dedication to my craft and I was willing to do what I had to do to excel. After the audition I thanked them for giving me the opportunity. On the road back to Pittsburgh, I received a call back saying I got the part. That was the happiest return trip.
In case you are wondering, between all the auditions and jobs I do hold down a full time job with Citizens Bank. They've been supportive of my career every step of the way from allowing me the flexibility with leave time. They've been supportive as they have watched The Wire series and have attended local plays I've had roles.
Before my drive back to Baltimore to film, I received via mail the script and a telephone call from the wardrobe department. I was all set, as I was the first person to arrive on the set. I was given my own trailer. Everyone on the set was so nice, including Michael K. Williams, who plays Omar. The group was like an extended family as Method Man made an effort to rip on me daily. Don't get me wrong it wasn't all fun and games. It was a 14 hour workday and a constant learning experience. Looking from your couch acting may look easy, but behind the scenes it's hard work. I had to learn stunt work and how to react immediately to a gunshot that you don't even feel. Before you ask, Yes, I've been getting clowned about the chick shooting me in the butt. It was a small part but it was big. It shined a positive light of attention on me. Those who knew me personally understood the hard and at times, disappointing road I traveled to get here. It wasn't handed to me I came a long way.
I'm the type of man, coming from where I've been and in reality still struggling to get ahead and learning the ropes from the bottom. When my path crosses with another who is serious about their craft and asks for direction, it brings to mind how hard it was for me to do this alone. To make their way a little easier, I assist them in any way possible, my word is my word. I share all the resources available to me, in turn what they do with it, it's up to them. It's a blessing to be able to help others.
After the completion of this season of The Wire, I sent in appreciation to Jeff Gibson, the Stunt Coordinator and Joe Chapelle, the director of the episode, $50 Gift Certificate to The Cheese Cake Factory and to the cast and other staff members a nice bouquet of flowers. Everyday people take things for granted and to be in a place with Tyrell, Hassan, Michael and Method Man, who are truly blessed, I m blessed. I know they're appreciative of the place they're in, as they've been traveling and sharing their experiences with schools students and community events.
I was taught from an early age to respect my blessings and that's why I felt it was necessary to show my sincere appreciation to those I've worked. It doesn't matter if I return next season, I was a part of history and that cannot be erased or taken from me.
