Interview with American Actor, Writer Mykell Barlow

As far back as Mykell Barlow can remember he had been performing in church, at school and in theatre but each performance were extracurricular activities. Mykell Barlow‘s first lead role was as Joseph in the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and it was that show that convinced him to pursue a career in entertainment. Mykell has a background as a singer and songwriter so he spent a lot of time working on that. Mykell Barlow first single was a song called “New Stage”. The music video got the attention of a network producer and before he knew it Mykell was in a web series called New Stage (named after my song) which starred Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino from “Jersey Shore” fame. This was Mykell Barlow‘s first time acting in front of the camera. He recalls “I was terrible at it but I absolutely fell in love with it.” Shortly after that experience he moved to Los Angeles, and began taking acting and writing classes, today Mykell Barlow has been in LA for over 5 years.

Whats going on with Nya? All new episode of @202theseries is live!!! https://t.co/GTgkRNL4g1 #tgit #webseries #blackgirlmagic pic.twitter.com/kj7j35aMKE

— Mykell (@officialMYKELL) February 17, 2017

Did you study what you do
I absolutely adore studying at Anthony Gilardi’s acting school in Hollywood. He guides his students to find their own unique techniques for connecting with characters. Stepping into a role should be an organic experience and that is only possible if your learned techniques come from you and through you.

What is your filmmaking process
As both a writer and an actor it is important for me to get to know a character and, in a way, become their friend. When writing, this is important because I want the story that is being told to be THEIR story not one I am fabricating. So I ask them questions like “What are you wanting to say? What is it that you want from life? Who is important to you?” As an actor, these same questions apply to help me figure out what decisions I could have made in my own life that would have landed me in the exact place the character is when I meet them in the script. This way I’m not simply relating to the character, I become the character.

Tell us about the work you have written
I have written and produced a few short films and web series. My newest production is a series called “202” that follows 3 roommates struggling to make rent while trying to make their dreams come true (it is very true to life). I am also currently developing a feature film.

What has been you most memorable role
I played a naked android on HBO’s “WESTWORLD” and it was my first time being completely nude on camera. It was both liberating and scary because that level of vulnerability offers the opportunity to give extremely authentic performances. I did a couple of episodes as this character and left the experience feeling like I accomplished something major in my journey as an actor.

How did you get into the film business
After wrapping “New Stage” I quickly moved to Los Angeles and just jumped head first into anything I could get involved in. I worked as a PA and a Background actor on many different film and television sets just to put myself out there. I booked another series called “Take the Stage” where myself and 8 other performers were mentored by super manager Johnny Wright (Manager of Justin Timberlake, Nick Jonas, Janet Jackson among others). That experience solidified my desires and the trajectory of my life; creating a career in entertainment. I got my SAG-Aftra card and have been pushing forward ever since. There is no turning back.

The writer is somewhere between a god and a madman. #writerslife #writer pic.twitter.com/piWxI97zCt

— Mykell (@officialMYKELL) February 7, 2017

How do you create character
When writing it is important for me to, first, know the environment the character will be placed in. A room, a store, an office, a garage…environment affects characters more than we realize. Once I have nailed down where they are I can cultivate a more interesting and provoking character.

Who inspires you
As cheesy as it sounds, my mother got me to where I am today. She instilled in me this crazy notion that I legitimately do anything. As I set off to accomplish whatever lofty goal I have set for myself, she has always be so supportive and affirming in my endeavors. This career path is by no means normal or easy but having a mother who is as excited about your journey as you are is a real gift from God.

What tip or ideas can you give young actors
When I first moved to Los Angeles Jane Lynch gave me great advice, “Say yes to everything but porn.” I would add to that by saying “Make your own opportunities.”

What is it like working in the film business
This business ebbs and flows and only works out for people chocked full of persistence and determination. It feels almost abusive when you are faced with constant rejection but all it takes is one yes to change everything. You genuinely have to love the craft to get through the hard times. Otherwise, you are much better off finding something else to do.

What do you want to change about the film business
If I could change anything it would be the constant whitewashing Hollywood does of the stories of people of color. For example, Leonardo Dicaprio is set to play the poet Rumi who is Middle Eastern. There is no reason that should be happening when there are plenty of Middle Eastern actors who would be amazing in the role. Likewise with Scarlett Johansson cast as a character who, in the Ghost in the Shell source material, is of Asian decent. This practice is simply deplorable.

What do you want to be remembered for
It is always my goal both as a writer and an actor to cultivate empathy in our world. In this tumultuous time it is too easy to demonize and dehumanize people and cultures that you don’t understand. I want to be remembered as a creator who sought to bring humanity and understanding to cultures and communities that have been marginalized and ostracized by the status quo.