SeriesFest 8 Panel Recap – Behind the Scenes: Actors on the Other Side of the Camera

Written by John Edward Betancourt

One particular lament that comes up often regarding creatives minds in the entertainment industry… is that the professional in question, often wishes that someone was there early in their career to give them honest guidance and direction. The kind that would paint a picture of what the business is like and what they can expect and how best to go about doing their job. Because… there really isn’t that kind of honest guide out there. Sure, there are books and courses that teach the craft. But the nit and the grit, the stuff that will really hit home for a burgeoning writer or actor, well that’s stuff that just you can’t find on the shelf. 

But thankfully, as the industry continues to transform and becomes more accessible in every way imaginable, those lessons are finding their way to the masses and one such event that is leading the way in getting honesty out to folks that want in on the Hollywood experience, is SeriesFest. Because not only were actors from television walking about and chatting up with attendees and contestants, but they even held their own panel to give prospective actors or the curious, information about the state of the industry for actors and the many hats actors now have to wear, alongside offering some sound advice about how to navigate Hollywood… all of which made; Behind the Scenes: Actors on the Other Side of the Camera… one compelling panel. 

For it featured a wonderfully diverse sampling of actors, such as: Denzel Whitaker (Black Panther), Peter Paige (The Fosters), Diallo Riddle (Sherman’s Showcase), and Tara Westwood (The Grudge) who each had some powerful things to say about how and why actors are now producers and directors as well. A lot of which relates to the need to put those hats on, to properly bring a vision to life or to obtain the roles that they absolutely want to play and doing so… can in fact, enhance an actor’s experience and understanding of the industry they love so. Since so many of the panelists spoke to how becoming a director and/or producer, helped them to learn every critical role on set.

But there was mention of unique advice present within this panel and goodness, did the actors have plenty of wonderful tidbits for Hollywood hopefuls in the audience. Because they made it clear, how tough a career in film and television will be if one chooses to pursue it, and how much one must love what they do to handle the heartbreak and pivots and tough times that lie ahead before one can be considered a working actor in the business and well… this was just incredible to be in the audience for. Because it was solid and passionate and tough advice, the kind a young actor needs. Because honesty informs a young actor if this is the path they want to walk and if it is, then that advice inspires.

Because now they know what they are up against and how hard they will have to fight to get what they want and how to pivot and wear other hats to find the success of their peers on stage and that… was just refreshing to experience. Because that’s real talk that we need more of and well… at the very least, we know we will find such insight at SeriesFest. Because this is an event that is unlike any other and truly wants to celebrate the industry in every way imaginable and this writer cannot thank them enough for hosting an honest and powerful panel aimed at educating Hollywood hopefuls, and hardcore and casual fans of television.

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