Interview with Bradley Bowen

Bradley Bowen‘s foray into acting began after his daughter’s agent contacted him about being an extra in a feature film that was shooting on location in Bradley‘s  hometown of New Smyrna Beach, Florida. At that time, he was running his construction business which he has owned since 1992. As soon as he arrived on set, he realized that acting was a job that he can do without depending on other people to make money. The positive energy was also a welcome relief from the stress and negativity he dealt with running his construction business.

indieactivity: Did you study what you do?
Bradley: I knew I wanted to become a filmmaker after being involved in the process as a co-Producer of ‘Out For Vengeance’ which was filming in Belgium. Like construction, you have to be a quick thinker, work with all types of personalities, and things aren’t as you see. I credit Mohy Quandour, a famous director from the 1970’s known for the hit TV show, Bonanza as my mentor.

#tbt In character as Viktor Romanov with my cast members from
Out for Vengeance, scheduled for release summer 2017 #ThrowbackThursday pic.twitter.com/Z5qyHQ1qqn

— BradleyBowen برادلي (@B_radleyBowen) December 29, 2016

indieactivity: What is your filmmaking process?
Bradley: As a producer, I like to roll up my sleeves and get busy. You never know where the process is going to lead, things are constantly evolving, you have to be ready for changes, you have to collaborate with your team and always work hard. I jump in the deep end and swim. As an actor, I incorporate principles from Sanford Meisner. You do not listen “as the character”; you listen as yourself and you react as yourself. Do NOT pretend to be doing something just for the sake of it — really do it.

Tell us about the work you have produced
Currently, I am working on “The Flight” which is based on the novel, Caledonian Skies. After acquiring the option for film, I retained Mohy to convert the novel into a screenplay which was chosen as one of the winners at SXSW in Austin Texas. I had the opportunity to present this project during an Official US/European Co-Production panel.

Also, having the opportunity of receiving private coaching from Truls Kontny & Mikael Svensson, the President and the General Secretary of the EUFCN respectively, and Ingrid Rudefors, International Relations at the Sweden Film Commission. We will be filming in Bulgaria and Romania. It sounds like fun and games. But, the truth is, I’ve invested blood, sweat and tears. They don’t call it a “project” for no reason.

indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Bradley: I improve my craft by private coaching and collaboration with fellow filmmakers. I have a haptic learning style, I prefer to enhance my craft hands on over being stuck in a classroom.

indieactivity: How do you combine acting and producing?
Bradley: I combine acting and producing by preparing thoroughly ahead of time, hiring a qualified team, delegating responsibilities, being incredibly organized, and prioritizing tasks.

indieactivity: How did you get into the film business?
Bradley: I became involved with the film business because deep down, I was not satisfied with construction, and was looking for a new career in a field that I was actually passionate about.

indieactivity: How do you create a character?
Bradley: I begin by reviewing the script in entirety and highlighting the most important points. I then review the script a second time and take notes, answering questions to help bring the role to life – What is their situation? Their outer and inner obstacles? How is their personality? How do they speak ? How do they dress? What are their hopes and fears? I create the characters life story. I mentally visualize how I think the character would be like if we met in person.

Bradley Bowen as Militia Head in Nate Parker’s ‘Birth of a Nation’ (2016)indieactivity: Explain your acting process?
Bradley: I study the work of actors that I admire. After I book a role, I read the script several times and prepare so much that I am secure with the character. I get to know the character as well as I know myself. The best acting is in the moment, natural and real, no one should sense that there was even a script to begin with.

indieactivity: What tip or idea can you give actors?
Bradley: Learn as much as possible by reading important industry publications such as indie activity, Backstage, and The Hollywood reporter. Find famous actors whom you admire and watch their tv shows or films. Take acting classes or work with a coach. Get involved in any local projects to build your resume before moving to a major market, it is much easier to start as a big fish in a small pond.

Get to know your strengths and weaknesses, are you better at comedy or drama? What type of roles do you think you will excel at? There is a ton of competition and you must stand out if you want to book a good role. Be prepared to take much longer than you think, It’s both a journey and a destination.

indieactivity: What is is like working in the filmmaking business?
Bradley: Most people love what they do and want to be there, the hours are long and unpredictable. It’s both exciting and stressful at the same time. I like to call it organized chaos.

indieactivity: What do you want to change about the film business?
Bradley: I would like to see more diversity. I wish more cities would create tax breaks to encourage filming. There is so much to a film production from building the set to the numerous cast and crew which creates jobs and brings money to local economies.

indieactivity: What do you want to be remembered for?
Bradley: I would like to be remembered for making the world a better place, and bringing dynamic characters to life.

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