The Acting Podcast

Ep. 8: Josiah Akinyele: The Hardest Working Agent in Show Business

Show Notes: Season 1!

Show Notes: Season 2!

Show Notes: Season 3!

In our recent BGB class, “The Business of Acting,” Risa had the opportunity to sit down with Josiah Akinyele, an agent at Innovative Artists. Listen in as they discuss the agent/client relationship, how to “make it,”along with Josiah’s unique journey from a challenging upbringing in Africa and the U.S.- to working at Banana Republic- to discovering his path and passion as a Hollywood agent. Josiah talks about what he needs from his clients (and potential clients), why the Industry is more competitive than ever right now, and what it takes for actors to be seen and find real success in our business.

“Everybody wants to find someone with a unique voice, and I think we all have unique voices. You have a story that you can tell. Tell it with boldness. You don’t need somebody to give you money to do it. Get a bunch of friends together. We all have friends who are trying to make it in the industry. Get together with your creative selves and MAKE SOMETHING!”‍

“I just grew up at a time where I couldn’t name one female director…or not a single woman would get on stage to accept a producer award at the Oscars…representation matters because if you don’t see it, you don’t know that you can do it. Being a woman on the other side of the camera was not something that I ever saw.”
-Ellyn Jameson

“Then the desperation went away and I had an ease in audition rooms that I’d never had before because I had a life outside of wanting someone to pick me.”
-Dominic Burgess

“It happened entirely because I was following the path that was put in front of me without a tremendous amount of judgment around it. And I’m a judgy motherfucker…if I can do this, anyone can.”
-Johnathan McClain

“Walk into every room, and everything you ever write, and everything you create, and just make it you, just authentically you. And most of the time, the people who’ll respond to it will love it because you’re being yourself and there’s only one of you in the world. And it feels amazing when you put yourself forward and people reward you for it.”
-Caroline Lindy

Guests & Resources:

Josiah Akinyele

Credits:

Producer:
Erin McIntosh
Tech + Design:
Andy Abelow
Music:
Sam Dewees
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