Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Kev Martinez. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Kev, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
I was 19 years old when I did my first live audition. At the time, the thought of auditioning terrified me. But for some reason, I felt a pull… I had zero expectations of actually getting casted, and reasoned that if I didn’t get in, at least I could cross it off my bucket list.
During my audition, I slipped into a state of vulnerability I never knew existed. I was hyper aware of everything around me, and within me. It felt right. To my surprise, I landed the role… The night of our last show, I knew I wanted to pursue this path professionally.
Kev, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After graduating college, I worked for a Shakespeare Company as my first “real world” acting gig. Afterwards, I moved to Los Angeles filled with optimism, unaware of what fate had in store.
Needless to say, the world humbled me. Despite my efforts, I encountered significant resistance and found myself consistently cast in roles that didn’t align with my values. Nevertheless, I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had.
After nine years of navigating this landscape, I reached a point where I felt empowered to carve out my own journey. This led me to assemble a team and embark on the creation of our own film, “RIKER.”
As a first-generation Asian American, I was consistently advised to blend in and avoid causing a stir, which is quite contradictory for someone in the arts. The creation of “RIKER” is a source of immense pride for me. It’s the decision to chart my own course that sets me apart from others.
Despite my short stature, I’ve always burned with a bold flame. Whether for better or worse, I’ve never conformed to the teachings of my Asian upbringing—I’ve always worn my heart on my sleeve. My goal is to show that success isn’t limited by size, race, or class; anyone can triumph.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
During my first two years in the industry, I found myself auditioning mostly for elf roles. Though it was funny at first, it grew old quickly. So, I made a daring choice to pack my bags and move to the Philippines, the land of my ancestors, seeking acting opportunities that didn’t involve wearing prosthetic ears haha. I was tired of being typecast and reduced to a caricature.
My decision to move to a completely new country to pursue this dream may have seemed impulsive, but it was a risk that paid off. The life experiences I gained were invaluable. I had to navigate finding a place to live, adapting to a new culture, securing talent representation, finding a side job, and more.
My time in the Philippines showcased my resilience. While facing rejection from an audition is challenging, the daily hurdles of living in a foreign land truly test one’s resolve and character.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
Being a smaller guy, I’ve often been judged for my abilities before even getting a chance to demonstrate them. My appearance seemed to define me, boxing me into roles and expectations that didn’t align with who I truly am. This has been a recurring frustration throughout my journey, both as an individual and as an actor.
My mission as a creative is to show that one’s size, race, or class should not limit them. To quote The Munsters (1960’s), “what does matter is the size of your heart and the strength of your character.” Authenticity is key, always.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://riker-movie.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/riker.movie
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/riker.movie
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/wearetof
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iVZ9Si4m3LM
Image Credits
Paul J Garrado (Photographer) for all photos