We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quasheem D Herring a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Quasheem D, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.

The most meaningful project I worked on was the Dame Dashed Produced Tubi’s Very own Black Money is my first Lead in a Feature Film the reason it is so significant is because of what happened before this project began filming I was on another project called Negative Exposure which was making its release around the time I was preparing for the role of Ace in Black Money and the day before the project Negative Exposure was released I got some unfortunate news after all my promoting all my marketing all my prep for the role learning lines back stories the whole nine
My pre-sales my phone rung and at the time gave me the worst news I could ever imagine as an upcoming actor the director called to tell me first he doesn’t usually make these calls 2nd he was sorry to inform me my scenes were cut from the movie and at first I was like that’s fine because I had multiple scenes but he then followed that up with my character and all scenes containing my character were cut that’s when it hit me that I had Been paid for a project but my face would not be seen and this project would never be a part of my resume. As an actor, you never want to have your scenes cut but as an upcoming actor, you don’t want to hear the words cutting room floor. But instead of asking why pleading or complaining I didn’t even get angry I thanked him for the opportunities as professional as I could got off the phone and made a promise to myself that day and still live by it currently that I would never give a director or production a chance to cut me from a project because I would only submit too and accept roles that would be detrimental if they weren’t in the project. So, I then instantly shifted my entire focus on Black Money I went on a 45 Day Training regimen mentally physically and emotionally to create and be able to deliver a character like no other that’s when I got my first taste of method acting and have been enjoying the sweet nectar of that delicious fruit ever since. From the time it was time to film, and I landed in the city of Dallas to film such an incredible project I didn’t have to find Ace I was him I wanted to deliver a performance that was heart-wrenching, show-stopping, and as intentional and unapologetic as I could muster.

Now what makes this the most meaningful is, in my opinion, it was the absolute turning point of my career 2 years into my journey and receiving horrible news that most would have folded, got discouraged, and given up, but I stood up tall, got encouraged and rose like a Phoenix with all the confidence in the world. The work ethic I adopted after that day was almost scary at times because I was not willing to be denied or ever let anyone outwork me or say I didn’t leave it all on the stage or camera.

Quasheem D, 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?

I am Quasheem D. Herring the D is a Tribute and Representation of my grandfather who unfortunately passed away when my dad was a young age but through that letter in all the HERRING men that last name he lives on. First and Foremost I must say to God be The Glory Too God Be The Grace that is a statement I have stood by live by and say every day when it comes to this acting career that I continue to pursue because without him nothing is possible.

So, I got into the industry of acting on an entertainment level due to loving to entertain people, and motivate them, and story tell because I looked at this form of entertainment as the most pivotal societal quickest outlet ever created with 20-30 mins or 1-3 hrs. you can impact, change, shape and help people escape their lives.

When it came to learning the craft which I think is the most important piece of the puzzle of success is the craft it started at a very young age performing as the lead in Christmas plays and Easter plays learning scripts and different mannerisms and character characteristics taking drama as a class in school etc. Then when I got older watching, learning, and adopting so many of the great nuances and approaches like the GOAT (Denzel Washington) and learning to build character within through preparation, diligence, and sacrifice also being very high on your delivery and interpretation of the character but also staying as flexible for change and critiques and being Malleable. One of the biggest things about the craft was finding your own identity to display and showcase your range of various characters and subject matter. Which I live for every day to get better, wiser, sharper, and even more versatile.

The one thing I’m most proud of is my approach to the work I have a motto which is You will not outwork me before the film during the film or after the film because a lot of actors think our job is done when the camera is off but honestly that’s when one of the hardest jobs comes into play you must market you must gain momentum and sale yourself so that people can support these great projects what’s a great project that no one sees it’s a project that didn’t do its job in my opinion. The performance will forever be one side of the coin that always needs the other side which is the familiarity of touching someone or many people in some type.
Of way which brings us to the most important side the Execution of it all. I honestly embellish every character no
No matter how dark or how happy as long as it’s within my morals I can make it the most believable. With any and every character I am truly blessed to have the opportunity to portray.

One of my newest projects you all can check out is Irreversible Desires available now on Prime Video.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I’m going to be honest the biggest lesson I can give to non-creatives is don’t gauge the success of the money or notoriety your creative friend or person has because that is the easiest way to be misinformed judge them by the work, they put in congratulate them for effort consistency and understand how much impact your congratulation of affirmation stretches and touches when it comes to a creative or an actor. one of the hardest parts is trying to explain the industry to Non industry people because you will never understand or fathom what we go through what are the Triumphs of the trials? Just be as supportive as you can don’t assume and be there for your creative friend or partner.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

Honestly to me, the most rewarding aspect is being able to deliver someone’s creative idea on the camera. Think Of it
Like this you can have the most creative dream and story concocted in your mind it’s nothing like seeing it play out or be able to be delivered and watched and for me to hold a responsibility and a badge of honor to be able to be a part of something so interesting and unique it’s mind-blowing at times. The 2nd most important is knowing once you film a project and it’s released it is under your name forever it honestly can never be erased it’s so gratifying to be able to know your name can be searched and people can see projects you have worked on no matter how old or how new.

Contact Info:

• Website: IMDb.me/quasheemdherring
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/quasheemdherring/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/QD.Herring
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/quasheemdherring
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@quasheemdherring

Image Credits
Walking Dead Irreversible Desires Maverick Movies Newark IFF