We were lucky to catch up with Draper Wynston recently and have shared our conversation below.
Draper, looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic stems from my parents and my core values from Grambling, LA. I have always believed success has come from working hard while enjoying the process. In this process, it is when you learn who you are as a person and find your strength. The more you win, the easier it becomes going through the journey. Also, I have a family that I want to make proud, and I want to be an inspiration to others.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
I am an Actor, Director, Producer with a passion to make amazing films. I truly enjoy bringing different characters to life. I pour myself into the characters so they will resonate with the audience. I live to be impactful through the arts. I am very excited about my recent release of “Secrets Beneath The Floorboards” which is now streaming on Lifetime Movie Network. Its a great story, very suspenseful and captivating. I truly enjoyed my character in the film. I also have a film called “Curves Under the Mistletoe that has been released as well. It’s a great love story that everyone can relate to. A project I was able to Direct for the first time is being released as well called, Thicker the Berry, Sweeter the Juice. I am truly excited about the titles(Bid for Love 2, Promiscuously Toxic, King of Dallas,Kingsmen, Beautiful Struggle, and more) that are going to be released in 2024.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Being respectful has been one key to my longevity. I am very easy to work with on and off set. Being an actor is a gift that I don’t take lightly and I am very appreciative of each and every opportunity. Being professional and taking the “Craft” of acting very serious while having fun at the same time. Professionalism can take you a long way. Also being a student of the craft and more. I study and train, I want to constantly get better. I want to show growth in every project that I attach myself to. If there was any advice I would give to someone early in their journey, it would be give your self time to grow and get better. I started off doing background work in the game so that I could learn. I watched the director. I watched the lead actor/actress. I then applied what i saw and learned and kept going forward to become the actor you see today. I am still hungry to learn and just getting started.
Okay, so before we go, is there anyone you’d like to shoutout for the role they’ve played in helping you develop the essential skills or overcome challenges along the way?
My acting coaches are extremely helpful and beneficial in my development. Jim Nieb from the Margie Haber Acting Studio in Los Angeles and Calvin Walker from Actors Unlocked Studios in Dallas. When you get in these high level acting classes, you have to be vulnerable. You will have off nights and then you will amazing sessions. All of it is to build your toolbox as an actor. So you spend weeks with your coach and you end up talking about life and more. Both of these gentlemen helped me to open up and be more free with my character building and intentions. What we talked about in class, I ended up applying some of the lessons in my personal life.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.draperwynston.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/iamdwynston
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/iamdwynston
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@iamdwynston
Image Credits
Kevin Allen Lawainna Patterson Otis Clayborne Justin Rhodes
