The Entrepreneur Series: Modeling and Acting

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Hello everyone. Happy September. I hope that you are doing well. What better way to start the month off than with the next installment of the Entrepreneur Series? This series features an entrepreneur or side hustler if you’re new here. I give them a chance to tell their story.

Today, you will be learning more about Darryl Chambers. Male Model, Actor, and Host Darryl Chambers is a native of Valley, AL, and has been in the entertainment industry since 2009. At the age of 30, Darryl has been fortunate enough to work throughout the industry, landing minor feature roles and even doing behind-the-scenes stand-in work on popular shows such as BET’s “The Game” as a San Diego Saber, Jumanji, BET’s “The Quad,” and “Star” on FOX.

Some of his bigger acting gigs include the Independent film “XXI O’Day,” where he plays the role of “Ronald,” the opposite of Jonica “BLU” Boothe from Bad Girls Club.

How did you get into modeling and acting?

I initially got into modeling when one of my mother’s co-workers (who later became an adopted Aunt, in my words) saw my senior prom photo back in 2008. After seeing my prom photo, she suggested that I try modeling; although it was never anything I wanted to try at all, I gave it a shot, and it went from there.

After modeling for a couple of years, I decided I wanted to try something else in entertainment, so acting was next on my list. Acting was nothing on my radar to do either, but I knew it would be a challenging, wild adventure to tackle, so I went for it. I began doing background work strictly to see how the industry, being on set, and behind the scenes worked. Once learning a lot of different things about the acting world, I began working on a few indie films, which led to some commercials, music videos, etc.

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How long have you been doing it?

I’ve been doing entertainment altogether for 12 years.

What has been your favorite role or shoot?

My favorite role thus far has been on TV One’s “For My Man.” “For My Man” is a reenactment crime show of actual crimes that have occurred with real people. I had the opportunity of playing the lead role in that particular episode. This was my first national television appearance, so that’s why it’s my favorite role thus far.

My favorite shoot to date would be my Kontrol Magazine shoot with model, host, and actress Toccata Jones. This is my favorite shoot because it was very unexpected. I received a random email from the good people at Kontrol Magazine asking if I would be interested in the feature, and the rest was history. This particular magazine surfaced and allowed me to expand my modeling career drastically because it was so early on in my modeling career.

How do you find opportunities?

The majority of my gigs come from previous networking that I’ve done. I’ve built relationships with people to the point where they will reach out to me now without having to reach out first. Social media also plays a major part with me booking gigs because it’s a way for me to promote myself and reach out to certain people in certain positions who cast for certain things.

Describe an audition process.

An audition process is a process that calls for a lot of preparation. In most cases, you or your agent will submit you to a project. If there’s any interest, you will receive a script to read from the casting director, and you tape your audition. Next, you send it in, and you will receive a call back to come in for an in-person audition which will put you in the position to book the gig. After you audition, it’s all about waiting on the call that all actors want, saying you landed the role.

How has your industry been affected because of COVID?

My industry has been affected by COVID. All production shut down, besides a few music video productions. Things are slowly trying to get back on track, but several major shows are still at a halt.

Do you have any tips for anyone wanting to get into the industry?

The tip I have for anyone looking to get into the industry is to know that there are no shortcuts. Secondly, research anything that you do, as well as anyone that you deal with. There’s a lot that comes with this industry and many false perceptions of the business and people in it. Lastly, I advise anyone wanting to do this to study the craft and network like crazy.

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Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself having major roles on several of our favorite shows, owning a few businesses, and being mentioned in several households around the globe.

How can people get in contact with you?

Instagram: Onenonlydc
Facebook: Darryl Chambers
Twitter: Onenonlydc
Below are some previous Side Hustle/Entrepreneur Series Interviews
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Jason Butler is the owner of My Money Chronicles, a website where he discusses personal finance, side hustles, travel, and more. Jason is from Atlanta, Georgia. He graduated from Savannah State University with his BA in Marketing. Jason has been featured in Forbes, Discover, and Investopedia.