Meet Sean Manvell | Actor/Writer/Producer

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

Hi Sean, we’d love for you to start things off by telling us something about your industry that we and others not in the industry might be unaware of?
That it’s a hard industry to break into. Until you build a name for yourself. There’s very little pay. You’ll sleep on friend’s sofas, sleep in your vehicle and spend your own money just to be in a film. This can last for years and lots of times you ask yourself why I’m I doing this? Also, the film industry is small, especially in Atlanta. So, it’s imperative that you show up on the time, be professional and treat people right., because your reputation will follow you.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
What sets me apart from other actors and filmmakers is my uniqueness in growing up in the deep south in Mississippi a place where the opportunity for me to become an actor or filmmaker was slim to none. Therefore, I had to leave there when I graduated from high school if I wanted to obtain success at the level that I desired. I’m proud to have traveled the world and lived in many other cities and states around the country. It gave me a vast imagination and knowledge of different communities and cultures.. I started my film career in Washington, DC. getting a part in “A Raisin In The Sun” in a Howard University’s student film, but Atlanta gave me and continue to give me great opportunities as an actor and filmmaker..Even though I filmed in a couple different states, the majority of my work is in Georgia where I’m based. It wasn’t easy because in the beginning I didn’t have any training. I knew nothing about headshots, film reels , cold reading etc. I started doing background acting in order to learn the ropes. I joined Central Casting. While on set I used to listen to the actors conversations and asked them questions about how they got to where they were. Little by little I started figuring it out. I started taking acting classes to really learn the kraft. I had to have a deep passion for acting and filmmaking. because , I probably would have stopped years ago. Doing my passion is good, but most of the time the monetary rewards are few in between.
I want the world to know that I’m a real person who overcame and still overcoming major barriers and will not let them stop me. I love this art and sacrifice sleep, money and lots of opportunities in order to pursue it.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If you’re in the Atlanta area you should not miss the opportunity to walk up Stone Mountain, walk the belt line and when you get hungry you should check out the delicious Ethiopian and Indian restaurants in the city. If you’re on a strict vegan diet there’s plenty of vegan spots around the city to explore. For nightlife entertainment I recommend the Caribbean, African lounges or The Cigar Bar off Panola Rd and Lex Entertainment Network at Vybez Lounge in Stone Crest,

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I would like to thank all the filmmakers who I’ve worked with for believing in my talent and giving me the opportunity to showcase it on film. Since the competition is so strong, I don’t take any of it for granted. Also, I’ll like to thank my private coaches and the acting classes I attended. throughout the years in the Atlanta area. I’ll like to thank and acknowledge Lex Entertainment Network for supporting my first short film “Cousin” and for continuing to support me and all independent artists around the city. I thank all the people who watched any of my film and theatre performances.

Facebook: Gahdiliel Sean Armstrong

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