KENDAL MURRAY

Next Level

When did you first get involved in the film industry?

I’ve been involved in television and film since I was about 8. My first television experience was on NBC’s Parenthood. I spent a couple of seasons as one of Max’s classmates. I started in theatre at the age of 4, with the Missoula Children’s Theatre.

Who or What inspired you to pursue a career as an actor?

My mother has always encouraged me to pursue what I have a passion for, and I have a passion for the arts. I’ve also had a number of great mentors along the way who encouraged me to pursue this career path.

What have been your biggest achievements in Film, TV, Voiceover, and/or Theater?

Frankly, I think every achievement is noteworthy. This is a tough business and to hang in there and do it on a professional scale is “big.” A lot of people still remember me from Nickelodeon’s Sam and Cat, while others remember me from Hairspray as Seaweed. I brought some flair to both roles. I also think graduating from the New York Film Academy is a noteworthy achievement in my career because it has been a key to open many doors.

How has your acting evolved since you first became involved in the film industry?

I’ve evolved from the cute kid next door type to being able to portray other sorts of characters who are more fully developed in their hero’s journey. I’ve also evolved from a kid just having fun to an adult actor who understands this is a business, so you have to embrace THAT and still be able to have fun.

If you were forced to choose only one, which emotion, more than any other, drives you to stay in this tough business? Is it joy, anger, desire, passion or pride and why?

The emotion that most drives me is joy. Working on a set gives me joy. My soul is at its best when I am on a set. I also love the joy I can help bring to the lives of people who watch my performances.

Which ingredient do you think makes you special and unique as a performing artist in an industry overflowing with new faces and ideas?

Let’s face it. No one is truly unique in this business. It comes down to this: “Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.”

What has been your biggest challenge as an actor? Have you been able to overcome that challenge? If so, how?

My biggest challenge as an actor is the uncertainty. Will you be selected in an audition? What happens when this tv show is over? etc etc I have overcome that by not being afraid to make my own work. I have an undergraduate degree in Entertainment Business and a Master degree in Media Design. I use my skills in these areas to collaborate with others in a meaningful way so that we may monetize our skillsets while doing what we love.

A common phrase in the industry is, “you must suffer for your art”. Do you agree with this statement? If so, how have you suffered for your art?

Suffer? No way. Do your homework and work hard? Absolutely. Hard work beats talent when talent fails to work hard.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the film business?

The internet has absolutely impacted the film business in a number of drastic ways. Distribution, for example, has been greatly impacted. Virtually anyone with a camera can get their work in front of an audience now. Revenue models have changed. Simultaneous release is a direct result of the internet. Bottom line, though, is access to opportunity has been greatly impacted by the internet. The way we network in this business has been impacted and changed forever by the internet. Meaning, a career in film is much more accessible than it used to be. Want an agent? Google it. Want to enter a film festival? Google it. Want to know what it takes to make it in this business, simply search the internet.

If you could change anything about the film industry, what would it be?

For indie film, I’d encourage more pathways that allow people to realize this is a professional, multi-trillion dollar industry and must be treated as such if you truly want to make a living at this thing called Entertainment. I actually co-operate a professional development academy where we teach coach and mentor creatives. For major markets, I’d develop my pathways for creatives who might be interested in storytelling beyond the traditional TV or movie options.

What projects are you currently working on... that you can talk about?

I just wrapped something that I’m pretty excited about with one of the major networks, but that’s all I can say about that. I’m also looking forward to a feature film with a longstanding favorite actor, and that’s all I can say about that. I am, however, set to film a feature that I will both act and co-executive produce in Florida. I portray an attorney and I’ll just leave it at I’m looking for a killer and some comedy ensues. It’s called Mendacity.

What’s next for you? Please explain.

Further exploration of this career field is next for me. What I mean by that is: continued acting and working to improve and develop my craft. In addition to acting, I plan to do some producing. I will also continue to run KMP Entertainment and assist new talent with access to opportunities through our education, mentorship and collaboration opportunities.

How can fans-to-be follow your career?

Fans can find me on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063700180328 but I’m most active on the KMP Entertainment Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/KMPEntertainment or visit the KMP Entertainment website and there are links to my projects, IMDb, etc. https:// www.kmpentertainment.org/Meet-Kendal-Murray.php