Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Alexander Ray. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alexander, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I think almost everyone in the industry deals with imposter syndrome at times. I’ve been guilty at times of not charging clients enough for freelance filmmaking gigs, because I don’t feel like I deserve more. As a result, I’ll end up doing way more work than the money justifies, and later regret it. To curb this habit, I try to remind myself that my talents deserve the market-level rate, and to not be afraid to charge clients a high, but fair amount. Therefore, I’ll do research on the rate other professional freelancers are charging for the same type of work.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I’m an actor and freelance filmmaker originally from Detroit, Michigan. I try to be on set as an actor as much as possible, but when I’m not doing that, I’m usually working on filmmaking gigs on my computer. This usually takes the form of freelance editing, but can also include screenwriting and producing. I recently directed and edited multiple music videos and online training courses. I’m currently editing a short film for a client, while pumping out acting auditions on the side. Acting-wise, I’ve appeared in multiple true crime TV shows, a handful of independent films, and just as many web-series as films. I love the creative arts, and enjoy both being in front of the camera and behind it.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
In film school, the parting advice our directing teacher told us was to be self-aware of our strengths and weaknesses. It can be easy in the industry to have a false self-assessment of our abilities due to the lack of objectivity. However, not being honest with our shortcomings can prevent us from honest about where we need to grow. Other than self-awareness, I think it’s important to be resilient, due to all the rejections, and to be driven, putting in consistent, long hours of work.
Is there a particular challenge you are currently facing?
Like a lot of people, the WGA and SAG strikes were hard on me, resulting in a big hit on my income. They lasted longer than anticipated, and so I had to cut back a number of my expenses, which included weekly acting and guitar lessons. I’m hoping things pick back up, but I know IATSE might strike in the spring as well. I’m trying to be more ambitious with freelance filmmaking gigs, as well as my asking price going forward.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @AlexanderTheRay
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCiLuCFUFdWVvAmYaORabJIg
Image Credits
Headshot photographer is Jackson Davis; umbrella photographer is Daryana Fly
