Check Out Ron’Netta’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Ron’Netta.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started in the arts as a kid in a program called ‘Culture in Black and White’ in Mobile, AL in the 1980’s. The program meet on Saturday mornings and focused mainly on dance including ballet, tap dancing, jazz dancing, etc. When I wasn’t involved in that, I was reciting poetry and speeches in my grandmother’s Church. I was always great at vocalizing, but horrible at dancing, so I leaned into drama. To make a long story short, although starting out at about 4 or 5 years of age, I never saw the success of becoming a child star. That was due mainly to not enough local opportunities in film in the Deep South. That was before Atlanta, which is driving distance from where I grew up, became the Mecca of film for African-Americans. Due to lack of opportunity to pursue acting, I leaned into writing and self-published three books. Nowadays, I’m living in NYC where there is more opportunity to land film roles. Still, I end up coming to ATL for projects and auditions because, as stated, I feel that Atlanta is the MECCA for Black actors.

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?
The road has been tough. Pursuing a career in acting is expensive even though you may not be booking every role. You’re a lot of times responsible for your own wardrobe when working on independent films which I have seen the most success with as an actor thus far. Then, there’s the headshots, hair, makeup, flights… some times you need all of that just to audition before you even know if you booked the role. Last, but definitely not least, there’s the COMPETITION. The market is saturated with actors thanks to streaming platforms like Tubi and Amazon Prime. Being an actor on Independent films is like being an underground rapper. You have to exceed expectations before making it into the mainstream industry. I’m still working on becoming… who I’ll become… we shall see!

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I am a Registered Nurse for 40 hours a week and an actress the rest of the time (and also on the clock as a nurse sometimes . LOL). What sets me apart from others is that my overactive imagination allows me to be a pretty extraordinary writer, depending on if you like the fiction genre. I am a writer of urban fiction and most recently was offered the opportunity to write a couple of scenes for the movie I am starring as the lead in called COUSINS. I have had the opportunity to write before on a series that really never came to fruition. My writing of my first book is what I have been most proud of to date. BUT… I was offered the opportunity not only to write for COUSINS, but to also to direct a few scenes in the movie. That is what I’m most proud of in this moment. What also sets me apart from others is that I am flexible and easy to work with and aside from acting I have that God-given gift of being a writer (as previously mentioned) and poet. I can put a pen to paper and bring a story to life.

Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
I advise all writers/actors to invest in self. Do the work so that when you get the call you are ready. Have decent headshots readily available and some petty cash set aside for the extras like wardrobe, hair, makeup, and travel. Invest in a small carry-on luggage and keep it packed & ready to head to set. Stay ready so that you never have to get ready. Also, to the actors, don’t pay any mind to the jokes about low-budget films. You have to start somewhere even if it’s on Tubi, which I have found some gems on to watch and actually been featured on myself. To the writers, pick up the pen & put it to the paper. All you need is your imagination and some peace and quiet. You can self-publish. Don’t let the big publishing houses deter you by saying they don’t accept unsolicited material. YOU ARE ALL YOU NEED TO SUCCEED!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://realronnetta.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/therealronnettaronnetta/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MizzRonNie