Santo Domingo, November 19, 2011

Advice from Hollywood Stars to Aspiring Dominican Actors: Work Hard with Passion

These movie stars gave an actors’ workshop at FUNGLODE, Keith Lewis, Dale Lewis, Derrex Brady, Damon Whitaker Roger Gueneveur, where they had a warm and receptive meeting.

More than 150 young people took the opportunity to meet with these Hollywood stars, Keith Lewis, Derrex Brady, Damon Whitaker, Roger Gueneveur and Dale Lewis, at the actors’ workshop panel held at the Fundación Global Democracia y Desarrollo (FUNGLODE) auditorium.

The meeting struck a perfect balance of didactic spirit which is the goal of the workshops offered as part of the Dominican Republic Global Film Festival (DRGFF). On the one hand, there were the young Dominicans, the majority of whom have a dream of being actors and part of the film industry. On the other hand, there were the actors who have achieved success in a complex profession in which fame is always relative.

In an outpouring of questions and answers, the actors shared their own experiences in the quest for their dreams and the illusions they had as well as the work they had to do to reach where they are today in the film industry.

Asked what the most difficult time they’ve had in playing certain characters, Brady Derrex, from "The Space Between," said that he doesn’t judge the characters but rather tries to do his work without using stereotypes.

Keith Lewis, from "Over the Wire" and "Closing Costs," explained that the best way to prepare for a certain role is to study all the films that are available. “I try to see every film I can get my hands on. There is always something new to learn.”

Roger Gueneveur, winner of the Black Reel for his part in "A Huey P. Newton Story", said the best way to get into your character is to become intimately familiar with everything about him or her.

The audience questioned the actors on what their most difficult obstacles to success were. Damon Whitaker responded that there are always going to obstacles and that only perseverance and belief in your dream will you overcome them.
Whitaker, brother of Oscar-winner Forrest Whitaker, said he has always had to deal with the shadow of being Forest’s brother and because they look so much alike, many people confuse him for his brother. He explained that he has had to work especially hard to be recognized for his own merits. 

“The profession picks you, not the other way around,” said Derrex Brady, who believes that those who were born to be actors will be actors regardless of the barriers they come across.

The actors spoke about the importance of being in a scene and of giving it all you have to give. “You have to give everything you’ve got to each project because this is what is going to open the doors to new jobs. Today’s film appearance is tomorrow’s audition,” said Brady.

They were asked what motivated them to become actors - money or fame? The response was very similar among all the actors on the panel. In very convincing terms, they all concluded that their major motivation was passion for acting. Keith Lewis said, “One just has to do the work and the rest comes on its own.”

The actors all said that there is a lot of talent in the Dominican Republic and that the big advantage of this country is that the industry is young and those interested in getting involved in acting can begin now to build their career and relationships in the industry.

“This is a great moment to begin to know who will direct and act in the large film productions that will be done in this country,” said one of the actors to the audience which was obviously pleased to hear these comments.