Today we’d like to introduce you to Lundyn Ransom.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Once upon a time, I had a dream to be just like Oprah – become a journalist, have a legendary talk show, and give out cars – it was going to be great! I started at Marshall University as a Broadcast Journalism major but then, I quickly realized that although I always thought I wanted to be a journalist, my heart wasn’t really there. When I transferred to Stevenson University, I changed my major to Business Communications. Initially, I thought that was a great idea but – plot twist – it wasn’t. I felt very lost in that major and before the first semester was over, I realized the classes that I would be taking in the future did not excite me at all, which scared me. My mom has always encouraged me to do what I love and follow my dreams, so I went back to the one thing that has always been nudging me: acting! I used to make toothpaste commercials in my bathroom when I was little, but it never occurred to me that I could make it my career. I decided to change my major to theatre and was greeted by the head of the department saying, “welcome to the dark side.” I’ve never looked back.
When I moved to Atlanta almost five years ago, I didn’t know anyone or anything about the industry and had no clue where to start. My aunt knew people in the modeling world so she introduced me to everyone she knew, took me to events, and taught me how to network. After being here for about a month, I started getting booked as a background actor for TV and film productions and quickly learned that set life was rough. But, on that first day, I loved every minute of those 17 hours. A year later, I booked my first full-time stand-in/photo double job which was another world; I fell more in love with being on set and was so excited to learn every day. Since then, I’ve been a full time stand in and/or photo double on seven productions. Being a stand-in or photo double can be described as a 12-14 hour acting for the camera class that you get paid to take. All of the work I’ve booked has been from either submitting myself or being recommended by someone. Yes, this business is about who you know, but more importantly, it’s about who knows you.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Every road has some bumps or sharp turns; cliche I know. You will hear the same warning “It’s really hard.” and “you will hear ‘no’ a lot,” and I understood that. But I’m also human and I would be lying if I said the rejection didn’t get to me sometimes. Occasionally, I need a pep talk from my best friend, sometimes several in the same week. Less than a year after I moved here, I was accepted into a workshop that was supposed to lead to being in a film but was a scam. Luckily, I got my money back! It was a HUGE learning experience and a slight hit to my ego because I am a self-proclaimed investigator and thought no one would ever scam me. Not everyone who says they believe in you actually believes in you, but they do believe in your credit card!
In addition, there are times where you get cast in projects, you give your time, but they fall through or you don’t get footage of the work you were involved in which is something you have to know is a possibility. You have to try and protect yourself. You can’t be afraid to have someone sign a contract to ensure that you get your footage, money, or whatever was promised to you in exchange for your talent. At the end of the day, trust your gut – if it seems sketchy, it’s definitely sketchy!
The most important thing is to not let the challenges hold you back. We all have those “Why am I doing this? Will it be worth it?” moments but you have to remember why you started, let the good moments really sink in, and celebrate all your wins whether they are big or small. I have multiple jobs so I can have a flexible schedule. I’ve met some incredible people, many of whom I’ve dreamt of working with since I was young. I’ve learned so much in five years that it just makes all the challenges worth it. On my hard days, I reach out to the people closest to me. It’s important to keep a great circle around you to cheer you on and lift you up.
Alright – so let’s talk business. What else should we know about your work?
As an actor, my business is technically me. There is so much more to acting than just auditioning. Just like any other business, I have to constantly work to improve myself whether it be taking classes, keeping myself healthy mentally and physically, or just by networking and getting my name out there. I am very proud of my work ethic! I love telling stories if I really believe in the script, I put everything I have into it. If I don’t think I can be 100% devoted to a project, then I will most likely turn it down. A great script deserves someone who is all in and if I can’t do that, I would rather it go to someone who can. Since I am my own boss, I also have to be honest with myself; not everything is for me and the second you realize that the easier it is to move on when an opportunity you want doesn’t come your way. All of this is also what sets me apart from others. I don’t just say yes to say yes.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
I have so many, but I think one of my favorites is my 7th birthday. My mom gave me a surprise birthday party that I’m pretty sure I asked for so I think I knew about it. I remember walking in and seeing my friends and family and I was so happy to be with everyone. The night was filled with playing limbo, getting our nails done by my aunt and her friend – who I am sure did not willingly sign up to give a group of 5-10 year-olds manicures and pedicures, but they did it and I am very grateful – and a fashion show, that I am pretty sure my mom still has photos from in some photo album at her house. I remember one photo of me posing in my pajamas with a boa and the biggest smile on my face. That photo is a perfect photo to show how happy I was as a child. My mom is definitely responsible for that.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lundynransom/
Image Credit:
Tyler Cornelous and @Arc_and_pose (Instagram)
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