Today we’d like to introduce you to Richard Hempton.
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 acting since I was nine years old. I studied acting at New York conservatories and eventually found an interest in production work as well. I’ve worked on both sides of the camera for the better part of two decades here in Atlanta, New York, California, Michigan and abroad. I started my own company, In Our Image, in 2003 to help launch my ideas and professional work. I was one of the few fortunate people who knew from a very early age what I wanted to do. I want to tell stories whether it’s with light, direction or words and action. I love Film because it is so collaborative. You get so many different voices all working towards a common vision. I work a lot because I am always working. I mean that I never stop looking for new ways to get myself out there, new ways to show what I can do. For instance my goals this year all have to do with expansion. I am currently represented by JPervis Talent here in Atlanta but now I am expanding my acting network and representation to Los Angeles, New Mexico, Canada and the UK. My production business (largely Grip and Electric) has been expanded in to set supplies as well this year and I’ve concentrating on building a foundation in the overseas commercial markets. I love living and working in Atlanta. I am devoted to making the Atlanta Market an independent hub of not just production but also content creation I think reaching out and thinking globally will help us sure up our local market. I think organizations like Film Impact Georgia are beginning some fantastic work to get local creators getting their content out.
I have a passion for teaching and helping others in the industry. I currently teach acting to youth and adults at The Actors Scene in Buford and Peachtree Acting Studio in Marietta. I am writing a book about my methods, which are very much “outside in” techniques. I don’t buy into what most call “Method Acting”. For instance: I just don’t believe you have to be a heroin addict to honestly portray a heroin addict. Actors are creators, we hone our skills and use different tools just like any other crafts person and our biggest tools are imagination and observation. If an actor feels they must recall some traumatic life event to create an honest performance then I highly suggest deeper study with someone else because that is torture and I want no part of it. The human mind is not built to relive trauma over and over again and remain healthy. My methods are based on choice driven physical action backed by sense recall and imagination. With real world observation and honest introspection an actor can use their imagination to create truth in an imaginary moment.
Has it been a smooth road?
This industry is amazing if it were easy everyone would do it. The road has never been smooth but it has been worth it. A lot of hard work goes into honing your skills, you sacrifice a lot in the beginning because you must work all the time. You can’t afford to turn down work if you want to get better. As long as you aren’t betraying your morals or ethics and are safe you have to keep working. Experience is key.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with In Our Image – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
I don’t do this alone but my company, In Our Image, does Grip and Electric (equipment and services), Fabrication, Set Supplies and Casting. We also manage live events and run a small film Festival at OutlantaCon every year. Aside from commercial clients and events with I.O.I. I am a producing partner with Grandline Creations. We often work with local indie productions on budget because we really want them to succeed and often lack of equipment and quality skills can sink a good story. There is an amazing team at Grandline right now, some very skilled and creative people and we’re making some fantastic stuff.
Let’s touch on your thoughts about our city – what do you like the most and least?
There is a quote by Yehuda Berg that Film Impact uses and it always sticks with me when I think of my industry here in Georgia: “A true community is not just about being geographically close to someone or part of the same social web network. It’s about feeling connected and responsible for what happens. Humanity is our ultimate community, and everyone plays a crucial role. ”
And I suppose that is what I like about Atlanta. The fact that its sprawling metro is made of dozens of smaller communities that all come together under the banner of “Atlanta”, and take responsibility for what happens here. It reminds me of New York City in that way. The city is diverse in cultures and architecture and there seems to always be a feeling of something happening or about to. I miss the plethora of museums and theater in New York and I’d love to see Atlanta embrace more of both. My least favorite thing about the city is how slow the government here is to create lasting change in infrastructure and policy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.ioiproductions.com/; https://www.grandlinecreations.com/
- Email: inourimage@gmail.com
- Instagram: @rdhempton3
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rdhempton3
- Twitter: @rdhempton3
Image Credit:
Robert Vardaros, Jordan Blair Brown, Christian Blaque
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