Today we’d like to introduce you to Isaiah Leaks.
Hi Isaiah, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
After high school, I was at a crossroads in my life. I really didn’t know what I wanted to do. Originally, I was going to go into the marines. Deep down I knew I didn’t wanna do it, I just wanted some type of direction because everyone else had plans after high school except for me. Thankfully, I snapped out of it and backed out of going to boot camp before it was too late.
I always wanted to become an actor. Humbly, I would say it’s a hidden talent I hide from my family and friends. Not a lot of people knew it, but I used to mimic how certain actors would act in their scenes on tv/movies (I still do it till this day). I always wanted to do it, I just never knew how to properly approach it. My church used to do these skits on our New Year’s celebrations and one day the director asked me to join and be a part of it for that year, I’m guessing she seen something in me. I was hesitant at first but I knew this is something I always wanted to do. Long story short, everyone loved my performance that night. That performance finally gave me the courage to tell my parents abruptly that I wanted to give acting a try. Thankfully, my parents supported it. My mom being very supportive, helped me search for agencies around the state for me to showcase myself. It was June of 2017 when I found myself in an open call audition for Evolution Talent agency. Thankfully, I was picked and I’ve been signed to them ever since.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
It has NOT been a smooth road. It’s cliché but the quote is true when it comes to acting, honestly; I feel like it’s a life lesson also but the quote is “in acting you’re gonna get 1000 no’s and only a couple yes’s, but that one yes can make the difference.” I remember my acting coach telling me that. As for me, after I’ve given my best work in an audition and haven’t received a callback, it kinda hurt, but that’s part of the job. You have to remember to keep going. It’s not a race, you don’t suck, and you’re not a loser. You’re not going to knock it out of the ballpark every time but you have to keep going because one day you’re gonna win! Just believe in yourself and keep being you. That’s your greatest superpower! With that alone, you’re already winning. Another challenge I believe is, creating. Staying true to what you believe but staying different from the others. I believe a problem my generation faces these days is acceptance and other people’s opinions. A mountain I just climbed was getting over that big hump of FEAR. I believe some of us worry too much about what other people will think about our content. “Will they like this?” “Are they gonna buy into this?” But truthfully, it doesn’t matter! If you believe, care, and love what you’ve created it doesn’t matter what people think. Doesn’t matter if you have 5 views/likes or 1000, as long as you love it the world’s opinion doesn’t matter. Thankfully, I’ve overcome this mountain and finally starting to post my own content!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Right now I’m in the process of learning how to film and direct. Like I said before, I’ve gotten over the fear of creating. It’s like the saying “don’t wait, create” Learning how to get behind the camera has been exciting and challenging. Writing my own scripts and watching it come to life in front of my eyes has been the best thing I’ve been proud of. I’ve just finished my first short film that I directed and starred in, so I’m really ready to release my project to the world. In the beginning of my acting career, I was known for my monologues, especially the dramatic ones. I got a lot of compliments and great feedback from them so my plans are to start them back up. But when I do return to doing monologues, I want to approach it in a whole new different way.
What makes you happy?
Simply doing what I love makes me happy. Being an actor and being able to be on set, acting classes, etc. brings me joy because I’m in my element. I know it can be a long, dark, lonely road but at the end of the day, it’s what I enjoy doing. I wouldn’t want to have it any other way. I just don’t feel like we as humans should do things that doesn’t make us happy, that could lead to a miserable life. Some people may frown upon working fast food but say you’re working at McDonald’s as a cook, if that is what makes you happy then own it! I remember Tyler the creator once said “Whatever brings you immense joy, do that, that’s your luxury.” That quote stuck with me, truer words have never been spoken.
Contact Info:
- Email: isaiahleakscontact@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zay.daboy/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCley09PMWO38EAVcxcXFEBw
