Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Tan-Perkins.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Kevin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
So once upon a time, I was working in the corporate world. Everything was seemingly great until one morning on the way to work, I felt something that I have known of since undergrad and something I knew the answer to. I didn’t have that fire for this great job, this great job just wasn’t for me at this stage of life. So by week’s end, I put in my notice and I was gone. I knew that I could afford to leave my job because I had tennis as a fallback plan. I had played tennis my whole life and was on scholarship throughout my time in college. So I built up a steady clientele and played some money tournaments for the time being as a means to provide and I was more than fine. Fast forward to getting my first taste at the entertainment world.
One of my friends from days of youth asked me if I would be an extra on his brother’s production and I happily obliged. It was a check off the bucket list, just being on a set! I would go on to do two other extra gigs before someone noticed me and asked if I had considered joining an agency to actually start acting, taking classes, and stop the extra gigs. I laughed and said definitely not because I am a guy with a healthcare and tennis background. After some thought and more insight from people in the industry, I decided to give it a go. I signed my first agency and it was a great fit for me at that time. I quickly booked a national commercial and tv gig. I was pumped!
In short, it’s been about two years on this journey and I’m still amazed at all the things that have happened to me and all the great people I’ve met. Sometimes life will throw these unexpected situations at us. We can choose to make them opportunities that can help to shape our lives or other’s lives or we end up missing the opportunity to change us. So if I can be where I’m at there’s no way the next generation can’t go out there and be great leaders of the world. Life is about accepting your blessings and creating opportunities for yourself and for others to become great.
Has it been a smooth road?
Honestly, I would say it’s been smooth for me. The first thing my first agent ever told me going into auditions was “Don’t worry about the outcome. Just go in there and give it your best and be proud of it. When you leave there could be a million reasons as to why you didn’t get the role.
So just control what you can control.” That mentality has helped me so I don’t get too caught up in saying “but I did SO good on that audition” I really just do my best and forget about it then hope for a callback.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Block 41 Productions – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I started Block 41 Productions as a side thing to my acting. The company is composed of three other individuals plus myself. I just wanted to have a space to tell stories that people could relate to or that people could really just vibe with. The name “Block 41” is about where my mother grew up at my grandfather and grandma’s house in the Philippines.
It had a nice ring to it but I also love my family and wanted them to always be a part of what I do. So Block 41 is still young and has only navigated 1 short film (which we plan to enter into some festivals) as well as one documentary over a young man who was preparing for the 2018 NFL Draft. But we do have more docs and shorts planned, so stay tuned!!
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
I love being in the Atlanta area. So much is here- diversity, trailblazers in the film and music industry, oh and soul food! ha
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @block41productions @kevotano
Image Credit:
John Nalls Studio, HGTV/Scripps Network
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