Today we’d like to introduce you to Kevin Saunders
Hi Kevin, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I always wanted to be an actor. Movies and television were a vital part of my life and were a form of entertainment that helped feed the natural creative mind I have. I think about how film and television brought me closer to friends, family, and strangers, and became a form of expression in my life. However, I was always too afraid to take it seriously. Between insecurities, self-doubt, and fear, I never made the leap as a child to fully jump into the acting scene. It wasn’t until my freshman year of college that I had, what I call: “my first real acting experience.” I shared my passion of wanting to be an actor with an admission advisor, whom I later found out tricked me into taking a theater class. I thought I would be taking a class on theater tech, hoping to slowly ease into this world I was so fearful of. However, when we were told on the first day, we needed to prepare a monologue by the next class, I quickly realized it was not a theater tech class. As scared as I was, this class lead me to being a part of my first theater play and forming an everlasting bond with this art, and I have not turned back since. I truly appreciate my advisor for pushing me in the deep in, because it helped me triumph over that fear.
I always wanted to help people with the problems they were having in their lives. In high school, I found out that if I went to college for Psychology, I could have a job that would help fulfill the very thing I wanted to do. But as I went through college, I realized that although I do love psychology and I could see how opening my own practice as a psychiatrist could be extremely helpful to others, it wouldn’t bring me my own full happiness. One day, a coworker of mine came into work and shared with me that she changed her major that morning. She was a senior and set to graduate that year and changing her major would set her graduation date back. When I asked her why, she told me she watched a movie the night before, and it touched her so much, that it made her decide to pursue the very thing she had been avoiding for so long. She wanted to become a cop, but due to fear, she decided to pursue something else that would still have a good impact but wouldn’t give her the self-fulfillment she needed. This resonated with me to my core. I too was having the same thoughts, making acting a plan B. But the more I thought to myself, I realized that if a movie could make that much of an impact in someone’s life, why can’t that be how I help people. So, I made a promise to finish my degree, but once I finished, I will set off to do what I love…and I haven’t turned back since.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I don’t think any road worth taking is smooth. The rough terrain, uneven hills, and unpredictable conditions are all necessary parts of the journey. They build character, and challenge our pursuits, forcing us to ask ourselves truly “Is this really what I want?” Without challenge, we can’t grow and with too much complacency there can be stagnation. Plus, if the road is ever too smooth, is it even worth pursuing?
With that said, I’ve had my challenges in pursuit of a successful acting and filmmaking career. It’s not an easy bout to take on and to be prosperous in our industry is seen as impossible by many. The common struggles faced are financial hardships and the countless rejections we face as artists. However, my biggest challenges have come from outside the industry. Personal life obstacles such as wedding attendance, birthdays, and life achievements all become “difficult” to balance within this unpredictable career. I’ve missed countless life events of people I love due to a booking, distance, or simply wanting to be present for the next opportunity that may arise. I think these challenges have affected me the most, and as a go-getter who’s very serious about his craft, it’s not easy choosing my dreams over people I love.
But, in facing these challenges and becoming more in tune with myself as a human being, I realized that living a full and well-rounded life will forever be the most impactful experience we can have, no matter what we do. Every experience we have adds value back to our goals and dreams and makes them that much more poignant. Our time on this earth is limited. Loved ones will come and go as well as experiences which is why we should cherish each moment. Yes, there is a time and place when we need to “lock in” to our goals, but I’ve realized I was missing a deeper appreciation of what life offers me. No, I can’t go to every event. But, instead of my first instinct being “I can’t,” I’ve switched my thought process to asking “How can I…?” and I have found much peace in this.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am and always will be a performer at heart. From childhood, I dreamed about being in front of the camera leading the next big blockbuster movie, and fantasizing about what wonders cinema had for me. What has surprised me is my love for the overall movie-making process. From dissecting and understanding cinema cameras to creating effective marketing tactics for films, the whole process has enthralled me. Where I live is mostly in the creative space, most specifically acting and directing. It’s where I feel most at home and have my greatest impact in cinema. However, producing has been a venture I’ve reluctantly fallen in love with. As a teenager, a mentor of mine told me that I would be an amazing producer one day. I took it as “You’re not that good of an actor, so look into producing instead.” It bothered me for years and it wasn’t until I brought it to his attention a few years later that I realized he meant this with the upmost respect. He said “I never said you weren’t a good actor, I just said you also will be a great producer. You have the skills and talents to be good at more than one thing in this industry which many others don’t have.” Looking back on this with me just wrapping up my 10th produced project, I humbly admit he was right. Producing was something I never intentionally sought out, but it has become a vessel to fulfilling my passion for business. And in understanding it, I have poured this knowledge back into my craft making me a stronger actor and director.
I’ve been extremely blessed to have had a handful of accomplishments so far in my career, and each one has been a stepping stone in my journey. But, some of the projects that stand out to me are my roles in Donald Glover’s Atlanta and Marvel’s Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Both were pivotal shifts in my career, showcasing my talents on some of the largest platforms I had ever been on at the time. I gained so much from a learning perspective which helped me invest in my directing skills. Since then, I’ve been able to direct a few films of my own like my film Sorrows of Yesterday, which was just accepted in the Academy Award-Qualifying BronzeLens Film Festival!
There’s much irony in what I feel sets me apart from others. I say that because what I feel is most different about me is my ability to bring people together. Whether it’s forming a film crew, rallying for a special event, or simply connecting like-minded individuals in a comfortable space, connecting with people is a part of my life purpose. And with a film career, I have the platform to do so on an even larger scale.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
Any way you can, please support the arts. Whether you are going to the movie theater, buying someone’s artwork, or attending a show at your local playhouse, please support art. Now more than ever, art is needed in our society, and through it, there is the potential to connect us all and heal as one. Given the arts aren’t as respected or seen as “real jobs” in our culture, I often remind people of how apparent the importance of art was during our worldwide lockdown. Many people turned to their televisions, music, and all forms of artistry to cope during our difficult pandemic. Even those who criticized the importance of art found themselves getting their feet wet and enjoying themselves in the creative space. So, if there is any way you can assist and support, please do. And if you are an artist, don’t give up on your dreams. The world needs your voice.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://imdb.me/kevinsaundersofficial
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevo_theactor/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kevin.n.saunders/
