HM #020 - Crystal Lee Brown

Retrouvez l'interview VF dans HypnoMag#20, pages 42 à 46.

Between 2017 and 2018, you played the role of Tamera in the web-series, Giants and was nominated by the Television Academy, for a Daytime Emmy® Award, for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Digital Drama Series. Congratulations! Can you tell us how this role has impacted your career? 

Giants chronicles the trials and tribulations of three African American friends as they approach their thirties, each battling their own inner "giants" as they navigate adulthood. I'm grateful to be a part of a show created and produced by Black creatives and to be recognized by the Television Academy for my work is an honor. Its impact has helped me garner fans and cultivate relationships in the industry. And having Emmy® Nominated Actress in front of my name isn't bad at all!

Giants raconte les épreuves vécues par trois amis afro-américains alors qu’ils approchent de la trentaine, luttant chacun contre leurs propres "géants" intérieurs alors qu’ils naviguent à l’âge adulte. Je suis reconnaissante de faire partie d’une série créée et produite par des créateurs noirs et d’être reconnue par l’Académie de la télévision pour mon travail est un honneur. Son impact m’a aidé à attirer des fans et à cultiver des relations dans l’industrie. De plus, avoir “actrice nommée par EmmyMD” devant mon nom n’est pas mal du tout !

The series, created by James Bland, was broadcast on the YouTube channel of actress and producer Issa Rae and both seasons were funded by crowdfunding campaigns, before being broadcast on BET+. What do you think about this new way of producing series on digital platforms? 

Firstly, what James Bland and his producing team created with Giants is a masterpiece for Black culture. Being able to work with creatives such as Issa Rae just levels the playing field when it comes to creating your own content. I think crowdfunding campaigns are essential to creatives in the digital space as its outreach generates a larger audience with the help of social media. It allows a platform for people to support a vision to further one's artistic expression.

In  2019, you played the role of Sibonia on  Showtime's, The Good Lord Bird, starring Academy Award Nominee, Ethan Hawke. Can you tell us about a memory from filming? 

Playing Sibonia allowed me to tell the story of one of my beloved ancestors, to give a voice to the voiceless, and authentically portray her grace and humanity.  It has been the most transformative role and rewarding project thus far in my career.  A favorite memory about filming was working with Ethan Hawke. Being able to watch and learn from a veteran in this business whose work I admire was priceless. His work ethic, professionalism, and commitment to his craft is unmatched, and I'm grateful I had the opportunity to create art with him and to be the vessel that brought Sibonia's story to the screen. She will forever live in my heart. 

In 2021, you played the character of Darlene in the Academy Award winning film Judas and the Black Messiah, which was an indisputable success. What did you like about this movie? How did the filming go? 

Judas and the Black Messiah, a biographical crime drama, has cemented itself as a historic film that tells the story of the late great Chairman Fred Hampton and his contributions to Black history. His story is one of many that isn't taught, so I love that this film was created to educate people on his life, accomplishments, and his untimely death due to his commitment to fight for the injustices of his people and community.  Filming this work of art was amazing! 

You also recently recurred in Season 2 of Starz's, Hightown series. Can you introduce your character Janelle, a Physical Therapist in a prison? 

In season two, I play Janelle, a smart, no-nonsense Physical Therapist in a correctional facility that gains trust with her patients and forms a romantic relationship with Osito (played by Atkins Estimond). She's tough, confident, and assertive. I connected with the story and grateful for the opportunity to bring her to life.

In addition to acting, you are also an audition coach with your company ITAPE LA. Can you tell us what this work actually consists of? Why did you want to start this company?

I own and operate ITAPE LA, an audition coaching and self-tape company located in Los Angeles, CA. I specialize in self-tapes, and in-person and virtual audition coaching for television, film, and commercial castings for actors.  My clients have an increased callback and booking ratio, and I'm highly recommended by industry agents and managers.  ITAPE LA was created eight years ago. After helping many of my actor friends with their self-tape auditions, I noticed there weren't many self-tapes businesses in Los Angeles that catered to the core actor need, to have a safe space to gain control of their auditions by releasing fear and having fun. It has grown immensely over the years through referrals and results as my clients have booked huge roles in both television and film. 

What advice would you give to a young person wishing to embark on an acting career?

• Study Your Craft: The craft of acting is essential to approaching the work. Enroll in acting classes, study the greats, perfect your technique. Learn the different acting methods from the likes of Stanislavski, Meisner, and Chevkov. Build your actor tool belt with skills such as audition technique, character building, emotional prep, and self-taping. Remember preparation is key!

• Learn the Business: This industry is the business of show. In this industry you are a brand, so it's imperative that you treat yourself as a business. This allows longevity in your career.

• Lead with Confidence Not Fear: Leading with and having confidence in your talent and what you authentically bring to the table, will take you further in this industry. Don't allow fear and doubt to stop you from living your dreams.

• Surround Yourself with Positive People: Who you choose to share, dream, and grow with is essential to your wellbeing as an artist. Surrounding yourself with a core tribe that listens, loves, and supports you makes all the difference. 

• Enjoy The Journey: Go out and live your life! The journey as an artist is only rewarding if you bring your full self to it. 

Would you also like to continue in other activities behind the camera like creating or producing your own projects?

Yes! I'm so excited about my future. I've been riding the momentum of booking incredible roles these last few years, coupled with working behind the camera as an on-set dialogue/acting coach for several comedy television shows. My next goal behind the camera is to direct, as I'm often told I'm an actor's director. 

________

Credits :
Photographer : Bobby Quillard Photography