INTERVIEW: Kevin Craig West Producer and Actor of Bumpin Uglies
Kevin Craig West
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An actor becoming a producer is not an uncommon venture, but being a successful one may be a challenge with so many big producers already flooding the market. How does a producer, on the lower spectrum, manage to do so well and become an award winner? Kevin Craig West found his niche, became an award winning actor/filmmaker, and a member of SAG-AFTRA and AEA.
Writing is a vital part of producing, so how does Kevin Craig West come up with screen writings? He is a very busy producer/actor that has mastered writing any where and location doesn't usually effect him. Coming up with a story line is an awesome task.
"I'm mostly excited by stories that have clever twists or that have a psychologically stimulating element to them", he said.
Kevin has produced several films, which include: The Deal, the Dance and the Devil (executive producer) (post-production) 2017; Bumpin Uglies (producer) 2015; I Hate Being Black (Short) (producer) 2013; Bottle Service (TV Mini-Series) (executive producer) 2013; Un baiser (Short) (executive producer) / (producer) 2012; Her Telling Heart (Short) (associate producer) 2012; Infatuation (Short) (producer) 2012; Off Limits (Short) (associate producer) 2011; Orphaned (producer) 2011; Chicken Feed (Short) (producer) 2011; The Beauty Inside (Short) (producer) 2011; Virgin Alexander (associate producer) 2011; Whisper Me a Lullaby (associate producer) 2010; Another Game (Short) (executive producer) 2010; Greatest Man Alive (Short) (executive producer) / (co-producer) 2008; Distractions (Short) (executive producer) / (producer) 2007; The Assassin (producer).
The Bumpin Uglies has been re-introduced and produced by Kevin and Susie Griswold. When asked the importance of building a character, Kevin said he believes great characters have relatable flaws. TV shows that have inspired Kevin West are This is Us, Thirty Something, Modern Family, because they have a fair representation of life that he can relate to. The first theater show that inspired him was NYSTI's production of Big River, "Pure magic", he said.
Kevin has this piece of advice to screenwriters just starting out, "Believe in order to achieve".
How does a screen writer start the writing process? For Kevin, "It was a pure desire to employ myself. I wrote Distractions in two minutes on a napkin while in the green room of an acting gig".
To get pass the mental blocks that can happen to most writers, Kevin suggests that you free the mind and get rid of the things that may bottle up all creative thoughts.
According to Kevin West, "the most enjoyable thing about screenwriting is the creative flow, as well as seeing the collaborative magic after it's been acted, edited and scored"
In five years from now, Kevin sees himself as a writer, continuing to write and grow in his creativity. Off the set, Kevin West feels he is too stubborn to believe that he can't do something. Kevin's tenacious personality has brought him to an up-and-coming career as a productive producer. He has a kind, considerate personality that shows in his work, but he also displays his seriousness to perfecting his craft.
Standing as a detective, Kevin stands out among his peers. His appearance is strong and polished. The Bumpin Uglies is a funny film that kept my attention. Kevin's cop role was to help solve a crime. He plays an undercover agent that comes across a prostitute, who he thinks is working for the bigger fish, a corrupt mayoral candidate. It turns out that he and the prostitute are both under cover agents with strong personalities that finally have to work together to solve the crime.
For more on the film visit: https://www.facebook.com/BumpinUgliesthemovie/
As with any film maker/actor, free time is far and few, but outside the set Kevin said he is "shy, introverted and at times overly self conscious". It was hard for me to believe Kevin was introverted and self conscious, because he is incredibly handsome, standing at around 6"1 and physically fit, he captivates his audience.
If you would like to read more about Kevin Craig West acting career, visit: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0922183/
