We caught up with the brilliant and insightful James Austin Kerr a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
James Austin , thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you take vacations? Why or why not?
Being an actor, you can take acting classes, you can read plays and theater books, you can work on accents and change your look but nothing will help you more than experiencing life. Leaving your comfort zone is so important and experiencing different places, cultures, and lifestyles will help mold you into more than just a creative, it will broaden your mindset. Whether it’s a vacation or trying a new hobby, these experiences will stay with you and improve your craft.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Actor/Filmmaker. I joke that I’ve been on pretty much every prime-time show that’s playing in a dentist office waiting room (NCIS, Criminal Minds, Bones, Scandal, etc.) It’s been and exciting yet strange journey. I moved to LA in 2009 and the industry/town has changed immensely since then. I had super long hair at the time, nearly down to my chest, and was scooped up by a modeling agency. I was grateful to snag some decent gigs with them which lead to me getting my first manager, which lead to co-stars, guest stars, and bigger roles in the years to follow. I learned that I loved the creative process of filmmaking as a whole just as much if not more than acting and I began writing, producing, and directing as well. I hope to be a part of the new generation of filmmakers that’s being ushered in right now – there’s so much fresh talent out there with incredible stories to tell and we’re all itching to be giving a chance.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Consistency. Plain and simple. I may not land every role I audition for but casting directors are good at noting when an actor is consistently “bringing it” – giving unique performances that separate the good from the great. I try to think about what every other actor will do with this (specific) role and then I try something different with my choices for the character, showcasing a side of the character that they may have not seen or considered before. The choice may not always be the right one but the fact that I tried something “out of the box” and/or made it my own, helps my performance stand out and be remembered. There’s a life lesson in there somewhere!
Any advice for managing a team?
No matter what you do, there’s going to be hills and valleys/highs and lows – just make sure that during those lows it’s okay to somewhat step away. Obsessing over something is only going to cause more stress. Let things run there course and circle back. Fill the time with productive activities and/or resting. We often forget that letting our mind and body’s rest is essential for productivity. As long as you’re putting in the effort, things will work out in your favor. Stressing about things will only kill morale further. Trust me, I’m an actor. No one gets rejected more that me! Keep going.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.demoreel.com/james-austin-kerr
- Instagram: @jamesaustinkerr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/james.a.kerr.14
