Hustle is an LA native, who lives and works in Los Angeles, California. The American actor is a professional DJ (Disc Jockey), and also a host. He’s screen performing credits include Body Politic (2012), Doubting Thomas (2016), and Two Faced (2017). He mentored under Rick Walters – Theatrecraft. He is also well-known for national commercials such as Chevy, BigLots, and Phillips 66.
The first acting experience for Hustle happened back at high school, and then while studying in college. Hustle started off performing in stage plays since these were the quickest gigs to come by. But, while working on plays, dance caught his eye and he gradually gravitated towards dancing. At some point much later, he ended up on Soul Train and loved performing in front of the camera. While he pursued acting, Hustle took up music and started working as a “DJ” which he still does today.
The Official Trailer for “A Familiar Lie” starring Hustle
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Hustle: I prefer “Method acting”, I trained under Rick Walter’s Theater CraX in Hollywood, CA.
indieactivity: How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Hustle: I was contacted by the director, we spoke on phone about the role.
indieactivity: How did you prepare for your role: the cast, the physicality the terrain, the climate, weather, and the demands of the project?
Hustle: I rehearsed several times, first alone, then mostly with the cast and we bounce our performances off each other.
indieactivity: As one of the cast on the project, how did the ‘choice’ above work for you?
Hustle: If you’re referring to the role, it worked out well. It was a good fit and I was able to deliver my part for the film.
indieactivity: How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Hustle: I reflected on real individuals that were similar to the role I had to play.
indieactivity: What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Hustle: The role required, I play a “drug addict”, and playing a drug addict was quite a different challenge from anything I had done previously. Since I don’t have first hand experience, I researched the role, reading everything I could find, everything that was available to the general public to help me portray the character.
indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took at the onset of this production?
Hustle: I introduced more gestures to the role, it increased the animation or body movement of the character.
indieactivity: You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Hustle: I mostly challenge myself with the new roles, characters, and environments. There are so many people involved to make a project come to life. I always enjoy networking, connecting, and working with other actors. We usually have crossed paths at auditions and while working on other films. These include the crew: the “camera unit”, “make-up”, and “wardrobe”. It’s a pretty small community. It’s always nice and refreshing to see familiar faces and realize that we’re all still doing what we love in entertainment.
indieactivity: Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Hustle: He asked me to ‘dig down deep into my gangsta’. I believe I followed through with his direction for the role.
indieactivity: How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
Hustle: We table read the script and encouraged each other. Usually, the cast can build a working bond knowing we all need to pull together on the day of the shoot.
indieactivity: As the main cast on the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Where you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
Hustle: I definitely was fired up and focused to do a good job for the role. The excitement overcomes any fears or doubts. Once negativity enters it affects performance, so I make it a point to be prepared for my role and always stay positive.
indieactivity: What did you take away from the film production?
Hustle: Everyone had the common goal of performing well and contributing to a great film. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, life, in general, has been challenging. Looking back on the day we shot this film we didn’t have to think about social distancing and testing. There’s definitely a lot more to think about today. This brings so much appreciation for the “freedom” we had that allowed us to just focus on our lines as actors.
(Hustle Actor) Acting Reel “It’s Going Next Level”
indieactivity: What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Hustle: He was knowledgeable about the script and had a vision of the film’s outcome. I knew exactly what he wanted from each of us.
indieactivity: What is next for you?
Hustle: I completed filming several commercials for the Holiday season. Allied Security is airing now, Etsy is coming soon. I’m also working on another project.
indieactivity: What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
Hustle: Always arrive to set early, prepared, and focused.
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