Meet Brandon Root | Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Brandon Root and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Brandon, do you have some perspective or insight you can share with us on the question of when someone should give up versus when they should keep going?
I don’t think it’s a decision to be made emotionally, and I think it’s a constant conversation most every artist experiences. First I would probably reframe it in that “keep going” and “give up” are two wild opposite ends of a spectrum, that suggest a sort of all or nothing approach. Is there a grey area? Many of us artists tend to be extremely romantic people, it’s what drew us to our passions. But this extreme black or white view of our life choices can prove paralyzing and emotionally painful. Trying to answer a question like “Should I give up or keep going?” is hard for our brains to answer because its actually very general. Like what does “keep going” mean? How can I practically implement “keep going”? I know when I’ve “taken one acting class”. But I don’t know when I’ve “kept going”.

A better question might be, is my current approach to life in line with my true and honest values? Am I happy working 80 hours a week or am I a person who loves my friends and family deeply, and to work so much would make me terribly unhappy? What is it that’s currently making me question whether I should give up. Are these doubts based in evidence or feelings? Because feelings are strong, but they don’t always tell us the truth. Do I want to give up totally, or am I burned out and need to change my approach? What evidence and feedback am I getting from my community and peers and most importantly, experts who have the skill and experience to tell me.

When I am facing my doubt demons, questions usually calm them down. They help me calm my emotions and see more clearly. If looking at the facts calmly and clearly, you decide to “move on” congratulations, and if you decide to “keep on” also congratulations. There is so much nuance inside of anyone’s life and pursuit, and there is so much complexity to the world, if you ever find yourself facing a black and white situation, it might be one you’ve set up in your own head.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I think the thing that sets me apart is I’m just better than other people. KIDDING!

I started acting when I was 5 years old, and by the time I graduated high school, I had performed in over 50 productions. I’ve always been a bit of a nerd about stories. I spent hours in rehearsals of musicals sitting in the dark auditorium watching and analyzing the actors on the stage, listening to the words. What makes this scene effective? What do I like? What do I not like? How does the actor use his whole being to communicate the experience of a human being?

That analytical geeking-out combined with a childlike-playfulness that never really left because I kept playing. I never really stopped dressing up and playing pretend, it was only a matter of time before I found someone to pay me for it.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’re going surfing. I’ve been teaching myself out by the Santa Monica pier. I have a 9′ board that’s super long and wide, and I fanatically believe I could get anyone standing on a wave on that thing. Then we’d follow up by getting some oysters on the shell from Blue Plate Oysterette, because MAN if I don’t love some good oysters. You GOTTA put lemon juice on top though! It has to happen.

Once we finishing shooting back oysters faster than the kitchen could shuck them, we’d definitely do a jet-ski tour up to Malibu. I’ve never gone but it sounds amazing and this is my shameless plug for someone to buy me a ticket for a jet-ski tour up to Malibu.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Honestly in pure hours put in my parents. They really deserve time cards and salaries for all the raw hours they sit and listen to me talk out my ideas or plans… Don’t tell anyone but my dad has actually read for a couple of my self-taped auditions, like he’s spoken the other characters lines off camera… And a few of those auditions I’ve booked. Sometimes my mom will pipe in with a directorial adjustment, so yeah, we’re a real family business I guess. I don’t recommend reading romantic scenes with your parents though…

Website: www.brandonroot.com

Instagram: @thebrandonroot

Image Credits
Jonny Marlow, Brittany Elamparo