Check Out Jamie Dion’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jamie Dion.

Hi Jamie, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Sure thing! My name is Jamie Dion. I am a native of Atlanta and a product of its thriving theatre community and youth performing arts programs. Over the years, I’ve trained in a number of disciplines and academia; music and composition, dance, and theatre. I decided at an early age that Howard University would be the home for my collegiate studies. Matriculating through the arts programs, I was introduced to Ozzie Davis and Ruby Dee, later Debbie Allen, Phylicia Rashad, and the growing list of influential and notable alumni of Howard University.

From the age of 12, I always felt I was a part of the Howard family. My nonconventional acceptance to Howard University rooted me in that fact. After completing my studies at Howard, I joined The Diversity Leadership program in Los Angeles hosted by Chapman University and Monster.com to further the development of my corporate career in economics. Within six months, after craving the adrenaline of performing, I found myself in Atlanta. This was only after the encouragement and kick in the butt from a dear friend to relentlessly pursue my dreams. I reached out to a few friends from the Atlanta theatre community, auditioned for a show at the then 14th Street Playhouse, and within a week, I was cast in my first production in Atlanta. Since then, I’ve starred in, produced, and have written for award-winning films and television networks such as AMC, Lifetime, WeTV, Centric, BET, and TBS. It was within this time that my hometown newspaper featured my work in print and digital spaces. There aren’t words that adequately express my thanks for this experience, as it led to my official entry and recognition by The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, formally known as the Emmys. My passion lies in telling stories as an actor, writer, and producer for film and television.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
One thing I’ve discovered along my journey is that your path is uniquely and divinely designed for you and your story. I’ve encountered plenty of friction as I worked towards my goals and dreams, but once I took a step back and lived in my unique greatness, the path became far easier to navigate and my desires were realized. This is sourced to us as actors quite often as we go in for auditions. “They (casting and producers) want to see you. What you uniquely bring to the character.” I add that this translates to any and all parts of life, always and in all ways. The traditions of previous successes are a phenomenal template. I support and encourage everyone to use those templates as a source of inspiration and information, not the rule. My wildest dream was attending Howard University. After applying for early admission, with stellar grades, test scores, and substantial recommendations, all the “right things,” I had no idea if it was enough. My gift is connection and outreach. My direct acceptance was personally granted by the Vice-Provost, a story I hadn’t shared publicly until now. I will always be a friend to the underdog who keeps going with relentless passion and love.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
My journey with the Emmys began with a short film I wrote, West and Left, centered on the conversation between a son and his father, both of whom have extensive, notable careers in politics. It is always important for me to produce work where people of color, regardless of gender and sexual orientation, can see themselves openly, honestly, and feel loved within the work. I have two projects in the pipeline ready to be fully produced, one being a series and the other a full-length feature film. Both projects have gained significant traction on the top-tier and globally recognized festival circuit as well as acclaimed production houses. Every opportunity I can, I use my work as a vehicle for Atlanta talent.

Risk taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
The mentors I’ve been privileged enough to study and work with have all consistently reminded me of the saying, “no risk, no reward.” Thus, I am able to recognize the opportunity and pay-off in what many see as risks. I was a PA for a television series, working directly with the producers, for the then Centric TV. They were working on the story arc of an actress, and I found that there were more truths to share in the character’s story that would significantly inspire other actors and performers who would watch the series. I was a production assistant, a role that’s typically seen as the lowest rank on the production team. It was certainly a risk for me to speak up. However, the team was very collaborative and full of genuine creatives.

It also helped that I was able to offer my insights with actionable items that benefited the story arc, audience, and network. My insight was added to the story, which provided me my first television producer credit and jump-started my career as a writer and producer of film and television. This was vital for me as a black actor in a market that is increasingly saturated with similar “types.” It’s not about standing out. It’s about standing in truth. As a producer and writer with a number of shows and films, I’ve been able to discuss the stories and experiences of black and LGBTQIA+ characters beyond the oft associated traumas. I am pleased with the shift into happiness, love, and joy within the same world as cis-gendered characters and stories. The stories of black men exist and can be fully realized in love and truth, void of society’s pressures of masculinity and the toxic, even dangerous traits that it may carry. Be free enough to own your space in the room. Had I not allowed myself to be fully present in my space, in the room, I’m not certain if I could have felt as passionate about the product and the project.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
I am of the belief that all things always work out. Though there have been a number of difficult times and challenges along the way, I understand the value in each of those experiences. A good friend likened that growth to that of lobsters. Just as a lobster only grows by the building of pressure to break its previous shell, our growth is very similar. These moments have allowed me to experience and offer myself fully to the world and in my work. I wouldn’t change a thing. However, there are a few experiences I’d like to offer to the readers to fuel their journey. Rid yourself of the notion to be perfect. Perfection is a construct that exists outside of the now. I’ve spent so much of my youth trying to project the image of perfection that I wasn’t able to fully appreciate or understand the beauty of presence; of the now. Another lesson that has provided comfort along my journey is ever-present for our daily life; as we triumph through a global pandemic. Find time to give yourself grace. For your work. For your art. For yourself. There is no reason that exists for you to beat yourself up for missing a target, falling short of a goal, or succumbing to the notion of “failure.” No matter how incremental or exponential the move, simply showing up in the midst of it all is a WIN. This is a win that deserves to be fully recognized and celebrated. This leads me to my third and arguably, most vital lesson of all. Take care of yourself. Listen to yourself. Your body will always tell you what it needs to be successful. Albeit, sometimes kicking and screaming. Rest is a right, not a reward, and is vital to our existence. The notion of “hustle culture” serves no one in the long run. Good health is paramount and it is how we truly show love for your vessel, the people around us, and the gifts we are divinely called to share. My name is Jamie Dion, and I feel good about the work I do because the work I do feels good.

Contact Info:

• Email: jenn@jldavidagency.com, jamie.dion.actor@gmail.com
• Website: https://www.jldavidagency.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamie_dion
• Other: https://www.balancingactsent.com/clients

Image Credits
Photographer credit: Cam Mitchell Photographer credit: Gina Barboza Photographer credit: Grant McGowen