In early July actor Benny James allowed me to interview him. We talk about life, inspiration and his most recent work in the play “SOIL.” PeeP this!
Jus Buckingham: Where are you from?
Benny: I was born and bred in the infamous Rochester aka ROC-CITY, New York
Jus: What do you do?
Benny: Presently I am working at Clear doing Tech Support. Not my job of choice but is providing the financial means for me to pursue my Acting and other True Career endeavors. If all goes according to plan though I’ll be On-Air and doing Voice-Over Work for Power 88 (Heart & Soul/ People’s Station of Las Vegas) within the next month. Keep your prayers up and fingers crossed. Thankfully there is a shift happening in my life where I’ll soon be able to go All in and just really be making my income doing what I love
Jus: When did you decide to become an actor?
Benny: The day I decided to become an Actor is ironically the day I tried to shrug off Acting and put my Acting Dreams under a Rug. I began dreaming and thinking about it everyday vividly I might add. My serious pursuit began at age 20, Now there is no more tugging because I’ve embraced what I’m supposed to be doing.
Jus: What is your background as an actor?
Benny: I started acting in church doing small plays. I remember being afraid to act in high school so I shied away from it. Came out here to Vegas and after tussling with self-doubt got into the theatre program at UNLV, I’ve done a few short films like “After Sex Sandwich”, and “Meeting People” but first major shot came with SOIL. I’ve got a role as actor and writer in the full length feature “Travesty” which is forthcoming
Jus: How did you end up in Las Vegas?
Benny: Going back to the year 04 which is when I graduated. I intended to go to Cornell. A phenomenal Ivy League school I fell in love with at first sight. I was planning to study Culinary Arts, Broadcast Journalism and Theatre. They declined my admission and I was accepted to Morgan State with a scholarship for their Honors program, out-of-state tuition though was too high. My Rock, My foundation aka My mother said she was moving to Vegas to get into real estate. I at the last-minute peep some schools out here and came across UNLV which had everything I was looking at a much cheaper cost than Morgan lol thus the rest is history.
Jus: Do you prefer Film, TV, or Theater?
Benny: Film is where I shall be, TV occasionally but Like Denzel Washington I will stay active in theatre to maintain my craft and keep my knife sharp. I’ve got to do Top Dog Under Dog someday along with Othello. There is nothing like the Theatre High…NOTHING.
Jus: Who are your main influences as an artist?
Benny: Denzel Washington, Tom Cruise & Salvador Dali. Yes Salvador Dali. His Surrealism to me is the ultimate form of Art & Creativity. I’m going to say Sade and Erykah Badu as well for being in “Their Own LANE” All of my influences are Hard Working, Highly Successful, Highly Creative and Brilliant as well as in a League of their own.
Jus: Tell me about your experience in the play “SOIL”
Benny: SOIL has been an awesome experience. I’ve worked with a great group of people and been able to form a brotherhood with them. Even the Female Warden played by Sherida Devine lol. The whole journey, the spiritual journey I took with my character Keith was powerful and is still on going haha We both went through an uncomfortable period of Refinement. But I’ve seen new strength maturity and growth as a result. Being in front of that stage and feeling the energy is an amazing High that you gotta be a performer to understand. My character Keith wanted a rebirth and his wings but when all was said and done realized he didn’t “have it” in him. I get chills thinking about what the future holds for SOIL, we are taking this world-wide and plan on further destroying the negative stereotypical views of inmates. I want to see a thousand new Meditation programs in prisons nation wide. Thank you to the Dhamma Brothers whom are story is based upon. Full Length version of SOIL is coming Fall/Winter of 2010. Gets ready to Fly Back to Africa with Us.
Jus: Tell me a little about the F’n artist movement.
Benny: FN ARTIST Movement is a collective of a young and upcoming crop of Actors, Film Makers and Artists who are set to Take Hollywood by storm within the next 5 years. Our First Project is Travesty which is presently being made into a Full Length feature, the short film found on YouTube and Facebook is getting a lot of Love. We are Coming y’all!!!! FNARTIST ENTERTAINMENT ~Where Brilliant Art Meets Brilliant Entertainment~
Jus: Who are your favorite actors?
Benny: Denzel, Clifton Powell, Will Smith, Tom Cruise and Wesley Snipes
Jus: Favorite Movie?
Benny: Jus I have too many, it usually changes every 3 years. I’m going to give you my top 3 which presently is Mo Betta Blues, Dark Knight, Brown Sugar
Jus: What music are you listening to?
Benny: Jus we will be here forever talking about music haha. One song I am playing on repeat right now is Swizz Beatz “Part of the Plan” which features Chris Martin. The record is sampled from ColdPlay’s “X & Y”. I love old school Harlem Renaissance Jazz like the Duke and Ella, gospel music. Hip hop like Rakim. 80′s Rnb like Alexander O’Neal & Cherelle, Patrice Rushen. My iPod has Nickleback and Goo Goo Dolls so I’m into almost everything. I also love new school rap like Kanye and Jay-Z. I love Maxwell, Eryka Badu and Sade. Slap me if Left out MJ and Prince.
Jus: Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Benny: Aaah lets look into the crystal ball. A decade from now I see an Oscar for Best Actor and one for Supporting Actor. I see myself regarded as one of the best actors in the game. I see My self married to the love of my life, a son a daughter. Ive got a clothing line entitled “So Suave So Dapper”, A Soul Food Restaurant, Jazz Lounge and Performing Arts Center entitled “Milk and Honey Soul Spot” and of course FNARTIST ENTERTAINMENT Running Hollywood. That is all but the tip of iceberg though …AMEN!
Jus: When it’s all said and done what would you like for people to have said about you?
Benny: I want people to say that I overcame all my demons including myself and made it…MADE IT. The boy who was a slave became a Man and King after finally taking hold of his Most Wildest Dreams & Destiny. I want to be known as someone who used all their God-Given Gifts and abilities to the up most and Fullest Potential and was a blessing and inspiration to others. Lastly although presented with shortcuts, I chose the hard way, the baptism through fire and although it may not have been a quick process made it and was better for having done so.
Jus: Is there anything you want to plug? Any shout outs?
Benny: Thank You to the Most High for where I’ve come from and where I’m going. My mission and journey are still ongoing. Be on the lookout for me in the play “Mendacity” which is coming this fall. Thank you to my acting coach and director of “SOIL”, Lalanya Abner. Shoutout to FNARTIST Entertainment and Absolute Theatre Compant. Much Love to all those that support me and special thanks to my haters. I owe my present and future success to you. Haha Mom I’m retiring you in the next 1-3 years!!!! Special Thank you to you Jus for the support and love brother, I appreciate it. Im down for your movement for life sir. ~Peace and 1 Love~
In early May of 2010, the lovely and super talented actress Georgie Caldwell allowed me to interview her. We talked about movies, theater, and living in New York City. Be on the look out for her starring in Le Chat Noir’s “Werewolf” coming soon!
Jus Buckingham:Where are you from and what do you do?
Georgie Caldwell: I’m from the suburbs of Detroit. I am an actress. As well as a baker, culinary enthusiast, friend, and artist.
Jus: How long have you been in New York and how did you get there?
Georgie: I’ve been in New York for five years. I got here by plane to study acting at the Atlantic Acting School through New York University.
Jus: How has your experience been as an actress in New York?
Georgie: Fun. Every project I work on, everything I read, and every day in the city inspires me. I’ve been fortunate enough to originate theater roles (Jane in “Disillusioned”) and had a film role or two written specifically for me (Felice in Le Chat Noir’s “Werewolf” and Monique in LCN’s “Cut”). When I’m working on a project – film or theater- I’m happiest and most fulfilled. It’s an uphill battle to get auditions, let alone book a job, but when I do, I go into the room put my best foot forward and work. A great person once said that luck is when preparedness meets opportunity. I try to live my life by that. I’m constantly going to classes to stay sharp, reading the casting calls and endless amounts of scripts/books/newspapers, submitting myself and working with my fantastic manager, Jeffery Patterson, to get out there and do some good work.
Jus: What do you think New York offers you as opposed to LA?
Georgie: I haven’t spent any time in LA so I can’t say anything about what is there for me, professionally.
New York has so much to offer. I can walk down the street and run into someone I know or someone who I know through two other people. This is a great city to just happen into people. New York also has so much art to see and participate in. Museums – modern artists and work that has inspired modern artists – have been what I have been into lately. I like being able to go see an exhibit and have an experience with whatever I am seeing. Also, I like to know a bit about the artists before I go. This winter I had a subscription to the New York City Opera and was able to see three beautiful performances. Their production of Madame Butterfly by Puccini (my favorite opera) was so heart wrenchingly gorgeous.
Aside from the art and culture New York has, there are also ample ways to work. A great way to be able to crossover between theater, TV, and film is to be in New York. Tons of shows shoot here (“30 Rock”. “Damages”, “Gossip Girl”, “White Collar”, “Rescue Me”, and the show to get a career started on, almost a right of passage job – “Law and Order”). Tons of movies are made in New York City about New York City (“Wall Street 1 & 2”, “Two Lovers”, “Sex and the City”, “The Royal Tenenbaums”, “Annie Hall”, “The Muppets Take Manhattan”, etc). Many of the actors, directors, and writers whom I admire who are or have worked on those projects live and work in New York. The really good ones are known to pop up at smaller shows to see what’s new and fresh, whether it be performing or enjoying the show.
I’m working to be one of those actors who gets to work on TV, film, and theater.
My work has shown some progress in the crossover between theater and film. Last summer, my performance in “Disillusioned” at the Midtown International Theater work helped showcase my work and abilities as an actress. From that production, my dear friend and director, Matthew D’Abate of Le Chat Noir Productions, knew how to challenge me and have fun when we went to work on “Werewolf” last fall. These projects lead to more work. Working on Broadway or Off Broadway, can get me out there to book more work with a legitimate performance to get me noticed and working in TV and film.
And, in New York, I don’t need a car.
Jus: Would you ever consider a move to LA or any where else?
Georgie: When LA calls for work, of course I will go. It would be a wonderful new adventure. But I’d request a Katherine Hepburn clause – wherever I am living to work I would get to keep my New York apartment. New York has my heart and will be home for a good long while but I can live just about anywhere.
Jus: What do you prefer more film or theater?
Georgie: They offer different things and require different skills. They are different mediums of storytelling. From my training at Atlantic and application on set and in rehearsal, acting in theater or film it’s about knowing where the audience is. If the camera is close up, I am going to work to the very close lens. If I am doing a play at the Imperial Theater, which has about 1400 seats, my work has to land not only with my colleagues on stage but also to Mr. and Mrs. McGillicutty in the rear mezzanine. Regardless of medium, the basics of acting stay the same – tell the story, be truthful in the moment, and be ready for anything. I am having fun doing both. I’d like to keep my options open. The actors who I admire the most get to do both (Marissa Tomei, John Tuturro, Cynthia Nixon, Meryl Streep, John Goodman, Jeff Daniels, America Ferrera,). Both make me feel alive.
Jus: Where would you like to be professionally in 10 years?
Georgie: Doing good work in the art that I love – storytelling. Making good movies, doing theater, and television (or webvision, however it evolves). I ‘d like to be working with people who inspire and challenge me as an actress. I would also like to host Saturday Night Live. The projects I’m working on now will help get me into the playing field.
Jus: Who’s your favorite actor/actress?
Georgie: This one has had me stumped since I read the question! I can’t pin down just one. There are performances that jump right up in my mind and make me gush, so here goes. Deanna Dunagan in Tracy Letts “August: Osage County”, which I saw 3 times on Broadway. Ms. Dunagan was electric and wild. Watching her performance of Violet Weston sent shivers down my spine and I loved it. Meryl Streep in “Angels in America”. All the characters she plays – Ethel Rosenberg, the Rabbi, Hannah Pitt, The Angel Australia – are performed with such ease of finesse, I can’t help but be inspired, by her performance and the story. Kate Winslet in “Romance and Cigarettes”. Ms. Winslet plays a bawdy lewd loose woman with such veracity and freedom that is loquaciously delicious. Rosalind Russel in “The Women” gave such spot on, whippingly charming, bold performance. Tina Fey on “30 Rock” makes me want to move to Chicago, eat donuts until I can come back to New York and be funny. Marissa Tomei in “The Wrestler”. All of these actresses inspire me and I want to do work like them.
Jus: What’s your favorite film?
Georgie: Such a hard question! There are so many movies that I wish I could talk to the filmmakers about what and how they made them. I love Casablanca. It’s so iconic and brilliant. I watch it all the time. Movies that take risks inspire me like Romance and Cigarettes, a film director John Tuturro personally distributed. I love “Amelie” because it’s such a simple story that is told so beautifully. “The Fall”, “Pan’s Labrynth”, “Annie Hall”. I also love movies that follow the journey of the Hero: “Toy Story”, “Star Wars”,“Pleasantville”.
Jus:What are you listening to right now?
Georgie: Monsters of Folk, Lady Gaga, The Miseducation of Lauryn HIll
