Today we’d like to introduce you to Brandon Thaxton.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I’ve been working in the entertainment businesses since 2003. I started in theater at Tri-Cities High School in East Point, GA. I signed with Joy Pervis in 2003 and worked on projects like Diary of a Mad Black Woman, ATL, and The Gospel. Robert Townsend cast me to Star in two of his Television shows on his station Black family Channel.
While filming, I traveled the states doing stage plays and live shows. I then barely graduated High School, but somehow still was a Senior of Distinction, well-traveled, host of award-winning shows, and had the key to 2 cities.
After graduating, I was accepted into Miami International University of Art and Design in Miami. Missing home, I dropped out and came back to start my career. I started teaching acting all over the united states and breaking the youth into the industry at the age of 19. No degree. I did this for many years for other companies. I didn’t like the advantage that was being taken of families, so in 2015 I started Acting Up. Breaking students like Chosen Jacobs “IT1” and “IT2”, Lauryn Dennis “David Makes Man” and several others.
I also have been in production for many years. Producing and Directing Films and Television for major networks and Indie ventures. I have released a feature film that was sold to Bob Johnson “Urban Movie Channel” starring some heavy hitters. It also made it to Wal-Mart. Now I just finished up on production for a project called EnergyGods The Porch. A project I Executive Produced alongside of my business partner Tiago Bertrand. I wrote and star in the actual project. The project features artist such ass Domani Harris, Bloody Jay, Lil G, Lavar Walker, William King Hollis, Translee, Lotto Savage and many more.
Has it been a smooth road?
It has not been a smooth road. The hardest thing is to keep that true vision going. There are so many ways to sell out in what I am doing. I could tell stories that beat up our culture, I could tell stories of how bad the black man is to the black woman. And it would sell! Pay all of my bills. These things are not prospering to our culture. I WILL NOT tell these stories. This is hard to do when trying to feed your self making this your career. But when you move in PURPOSE, You somehow always eat.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I own two companies.
Acting Up
Acting Up is a Talent Development company started here in Atlanta, GA. We specialize in building confidence and careers in the entertainment business. I have been running this business for 5+ years now and we have had much success. The success isn’t just to those kids that made it to the big screen. Also, the kids who now speak up and order their own meals, or have better commutation with that Mom or Dad. My school also home to kids that don’t attend traditional school. The environment is welcoming to all forms, shapes, cultures, and talents.
Some of our kids:
Chosen Jacobs. Hawaii 5-0. IT, Castle Rock, IT2
Lauryn Dennis- National Commercial Spots, Co-Star David Makes Man
Kaleb Black- Bobby Brown Story,
Joshua Black, Atlanta
My school is different because I also incorporate the film making aspects. All of my students know how to write, film, produce and star in their own films.
2 Reel Virtual Studios
This is a Virtual reality and production company that I started in 2017 with business partner with Tiago Bertrand. We have produced project like and for “The Trumpet Awards Red Carpet Live SHOW 2017” “Will and Jada Foundation Live Stream” “Afro Punk” “and others. We are also responsible for the production of 8 episodes of EnergyGod’s the Porch.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
This city really is the calling to all of your talents. If you’re just good in one thing, that is not enough. Atlanta calls for you to test the best you. If you know how to do anything, turn it into a business and there is great chance for success. There is no other city like ATL when is comes to independent business and their startups. You can do it! I have several times! Hard not to start a business here.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.atlactingup.com
- Phone: 770-765-2287
- Email: info@atlactingup.com
- Instagram: atlactingup
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/atlactingup/
- Other: https://www.instagram.com/atlactingup/?hl=en
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