Phil Lamé's Epic Year
Posted on February 22, 2016
BDS Student Phil Lamé has been on a wicked streak these past several months, scoring commercial and narrative roles left and right. So, we wanted to share some of his experiences and the lessons he’s learned with our community. Here it is—a Q&A with Phil Lamé...
BDS: You’ve had an awesome year! What kinds of roles are you getting?
Phil: The roles I’ve had in 2015 were furniture store customer, bank employee, construction worker, cowboy, truck driver, brother, mentor, soccer coach and parent.
BDS: Any favorite experiences?
Phil: I’ve had several favorite experiences. I had my first experience working with an animal, a 1-ton Longhorn steer with a seven foot span from tip-to-tip, while playing a cowboy in a Colorado commercial. I had my first experience riding in a semi-truck while playing a truck driver in a short film called ‘The Invitation’. I had to pretend to drive the truck (I’m not a commercial truck driver) from the passenger seat. I also loved the joy and emotion in the scenes with the entire cast. I was originally cast as an extra in the Investigation Discovery Channel show ‘Unraveled’. Just prior to shooting my scene, I was offered a more significant role as the brother of the victim so I ended up with more screen time than originally planned in a national television show.
“I don’t know what I was anxious about all my life but that’s not important. What is important is that I tried something new and took risks to which I was frequently resistant and I inadvertently found my comfort zone.”
BDS: What have you learned about auditioning and working in the local industry?
Phil: In terms of auditioning, I’ve learned that you have to be prepared for anything. I’ve auditioned in different ways this past year. Not only have I gone to casting agencies but I’ve also submitted my own videos or photos. Sometimes just my headshot is submitted without a formal audition. I’ve also auditioned for one role and then been asked to audition for a different one for the same project. In terms of working in the local industry, I’ve found it’s unusual to not work with either other actors or crew members with whom I’ve worked before. I greatly value the relationships I’ve built in the short time I’ve been an actor. These relationships have helped me expand my network and therefore my opportunities.
BDS: How has your training at BDS helped you?
Phil: My training at BDS has really helped me in profound ways both personally and professionally. When I took my first class with Benjy at the DCPA in 2009, I had no expectations that I would even take another class. For someone who historically hates to speak in front of people, I found that portraying a character in front of an audience was challenging as well as very satisfying. It was like my creative side had awakened in ways I never thought possible. The most profound effect on me happened after my first class. I realized that a life-long anxiety was gone and along with it my habit of biting my nails. I don’t know what I was anxious about all my life but that’s not important. What is important is that I tried something new and took risks to which I was frequently resistant and I inadvertently found my comfort zone. I want to thank Benjy and everyone in the BDS family for welcoming me with open arms and encouraging me to be vulnerable and take risks. Much love to you all!
Phil Lamé is represented by Big Fish Talent. To learn more, visit his Big Fish profile page.