Today we’d like to introduce you to Dillon Mann.
Dillon, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I began my acting journey at the age of four. I was very hesitant at first when my mom signed me up for our church play. I wasn’t really sure what to expect. But as soon as I received confirmation from the audience over something funny that was said in the script, something inside me was lit. Getting a real reaction from a group of people was an incredible feeling. I started to participate in theatre growing up, from the Old Courthouse theatre to middle and high school plays. I always enjoyed it but felt like I was meant for something else. Little did I know that my career in TV/Film was about to begin. The realism and authenticity from TV and film was exactly what I wanted. To be able to tell a story by diving deeper in a more realistic way. I started doing background as a way to experience the process and then began to stand-in and photo double for different actors. I was so hooked it became almost like an addiction.
I was taking acting classes for TV/film at the time and was attending CPCC for digital film and editing. I felt that understanding all sides of the process made me a better actor. I had the perspective of what was needed from the DP (Director of Photography) I began to audition for different agencies when I stumbled upon Evolution Talent agency. The direction I was given made such a difference and I was later signed and began to finally have audition opportunities. Thankfully I was able to book soon after signing. Giving me opportunities such as Shots Fired which I was a day player in, HBO’s Vice Principals, Snapped, and then accepting the lead role in The Holy Heist. This was the experience of a lifetime and really pushed me as an actor. This film ended up landing on several platforms after being bought by IMDB TV now known as Freevee. I started to learn so much valuable information on many different aspects of the film industry. I spent a lot of time traveling and working in Atlanta, Tennessee, Florida, Charlotte, Charleston SC, Providence Rhode Island, and many other states and locations. I’ve worked over 30 different projects since I professionally started about 12 years ago. I’m currently spending time as the new owner of Talent INC the Studio where I get to train actors of all ages and help establish new talent, working as a talent scout and auditioning when my agents send me opportunities.
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?
Things haven’t been smooth sailing though. From hundreds of no’s on projects, traveling for low-paid gigs (sometimes free) and finding myself questioning my brand. It has been a process that has continuously kept me on my toes. Covid was hard for me, and I know it was for most. But as an actor that finds themselves on the climb, having that sudden showdown made things really difficult. For many including myself, at times, it felt that I was almost back to square one. Thankfully things have been seeming to return to normal.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Talent INC the Studio?
Talent INC The Studio is the US Corporate Headquarters for the internationally known talent development company Talent INC. We are a development and consulting studio for actors, models, singers, dancers and any performer. We assist new talent in entering and creating an incredible career in the entertainment industry. We offer classes, workshops, showcases, consulting, marketing assistance, audition tapings, photoshoots and more!
Whether you are wanting to be a professional or just want to gain confidence we can help. We have something for everyone. We have connections to agencies all over the world and we love helping talent discover their success!
I am personally really proud of my staff. Cydney Frye who is our Studio Director and a professional actress and singer, Tierney Malloy who is from LA and offers a wonderful market perspective for our online classes. Guy Olivieri who has been a working actor for years and started as our masterclass instructor, Kathy Powell who is our vocal instructor and has years of experience that she brings to the studio, and last but certainly not least, Dawn Rickus! She has been in the industry her entire life, raising her son Devin Rickus who was and still is an actor, and helping hundreds (including me) find success over the years! She is currently the Development Director over the internationally recognized and extremely successful program Talent INC.
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
I researched agencies, I self-submitted even when the pay was low. I got myself up on casting sites. I spent a lot of time, but I didn’t rush the process. I recommended finding Facebook pages and groups for actor support groups. Get in local acting classes that focus on the industry standard. Update your headshots! Do things to stay productive every chance that you can.
Pricing:
- $85.00 a month for our basic unlimited online classes
- $120.00 a month for our advanced unlimited online class which includes the basic classes.
- $85.00 a month for our in-person class of your choice
- $150.00 a month for our unlimited package that is for in-person and online classes also including masterclasses and in-person modeling.
- $100.00 a month for our modeling academy classes
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.talentincthestudio.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dillon_actor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dillon.mann.7/
