Today we’d like to introduce you to Joe James.
Hi Joe, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I’m from Kingstree, SC. I was in the U.S. Army until I got injured and was medically discharged in 2019. Upon getting out, I immediately pursued my dream of acting. Starting off in San Antonio, TX I enrolled in acting classes, signed with my first agent and in a few months, I booked multiple national commercials and a short film. Then in the fall of 2019, I moved to Atlanta, GA to further my career in TV/Film. At the top of 2020, I was off to a good start after booking a supporting role in my first feature film. Everything was going great. I was in new classes, networking and auditioning consistently. Then COVID-19 hit and like most of the world everything abruptly stopped as we went into quarantine. Having no formal training, I used the time to study, research, network, create and practice as much as I could. Once the mandates were lifted and the industry opened up again, I got right back to it even more focused and knowledgeable than I was before. Since then, I’ve been blessed to have consistently booked in the independent film market with feature films, web series and short films.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
Yes and No. I say yes because the information on how to get into acting is out there and like any business if you follow the blueprint, you’ll find yourself where you want to be. In all fairness, everybody’s journey is different so the same mentioned blueprint has to be tailored to what would work best for you. Now, I say NO because there’s a lot of fear, doubt, rejection and unknowns that comes with this career. You have to understand your market. The midwest market didn’t have many breakdowns (castings) that I would fit. So my move to Atlanta, GA was strategic to put me in the best possible position. Finances and time management is huge because of the quick turnaround from audition to filming you have to be readily available. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity but you also need your steady job to afford the bills and the pursuit of this career. So communication is important across the board to ensure you can do both until one day you can be a full-time entertainer. The toughest obstacle in my opinion is getting out of your own way. We make excuses or point blame at others at why we can’t achieve something but I ask you this. If you’re unhappy and struggling with where you’re at now, Why not struggle for the thing that you LOVE?
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As an artist/creative, I’m always in the hunt for knowledge. I’m constantly networking with other artists to create stories that break away from the stereotypes of the African-American community. The thing I love most about this career is the variety of skillsets you learn on the job. To be honest, some are born of pure survival because until you reach a certain level you have to be your own agent, manager, public relations, videographer, stylist and the list goes on. It’s not for the faint of heart but if you enjoy a good a challenge and love to learn, it’s the best career to be in. Being an artist is not all that I am. I’m also the Owner and certified firearms instructor of SOCO Tactical and Self Defense. I teach courses and techniques that help with home/personal protection in everyday life and tactical drills that can be used for cinema.
What are your plans for the future?
As you may have noticed, I wear many hats in the pursuit of my dreams. I’ll continue to diligently train on my craft as I still work towards booking my first major tv/film project. As a cast member and PR Manager for It’s Variety sketch comedy show, I’ll continue to promote and pursue opportunities for us to get distribution. I strive to become a well-rounded entertainer that excels in the storytelling of the amazing diversity of the African American community. Also, through my firearms business “SOCO Tactical and Self Defense” I’ll be providing amazing opportunities to help the local community learn about the safe handling, care and use of firearms. Lastly, I look to merge the two worlds by incorporating my firearms training with acting to eventually build a firearms tactical training course for film so stay tuned for that!!!
Contact Info:
- Email: josephjames2024@gmail.com
- Website: https://linktr.ee/Joejamesacts
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joejames.actor/
Image Credits
Ira Carmichael Chris Tarango Naja Small
