We recently connected with Tony D. Head and have shared our conversation below.
Tony D., 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.
Well to be honest I haven’t fully gotten over it. When I came back to NY nine years ago I had been out of the business over 20 years. I made it my mission to get as much training as I possibly could. I enrolled in Ted Bardy school of acting and graduated from the Masters program. I had one on one coaches and countless classes in on camera technique and scene study. I had to convince myself that I was good enough and was putting in the work to be good. Despite that I sometimes feel that I need to do better and have to level up. Is that “Imposter Syndrome”? I don’t know.
Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?
I’m a professional actor by trade, but I also write and produce films. My most recent project “The Case” (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt11438086/?ref_=nm_flmg_t_6_act) is a film that I wrote, produced and starred in. It’s won over 50 awards worldwide. It’s currently being pitched for a series. My primary activity is acting for film and television. I enjoy film in particular because it allows far more freedom than episodic television.
I currently have numerous products in the hopper, three recurring characters on three major streaming services and an independent film slated for release later this year.
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?
I grew up traveling the world. My father worked for the Army so every two to three years we were on the move. I’ve lived in France,Germany,Okinowa and Japan as well as traveling to countless countries in each region. What that life instilled in me is the ability to adapt and the patience to be empathetic and understand another individual’s point of view.
My best advice for anyone interested in becoming an actor is to first of all understand that it will take MORE than 100% effort to succeed. It is not easy. It’s not just memorizing lines . It requires the ability to work hard, take lumps and keep going. Secondly…..training….training…..training. You need this to excel. I wish I had received more training when I first started. I truly believe I would be further along than I am.
Alright so to wrap up, who deserves credit for helping you overcome challenges or build some of the essential skills you’ve needed?
I want to to thank two people. First, my ex wife. Since our break up nine years ago she has been my biggest fan and supporter. Without her I wouldn’t be in the position I am today. Secondly(and I want to quote Snoop Dog) “I want to thank me”. I had to follow through and do the work. I had to weather the ups and downs, the disappointments.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @tony_D._head
- Facebook: Tony Head
- Linkedin: Tony D. Head
- Twitter: @tonydevonhead
- Other: imdb https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1179565/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_6_nm_2_q_tony%2520d.head
