Meet CHRIS CHATMON | Actor, Producer, Editor,Writer & All Around Creative

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

Hi CHRIS, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
The answer to that is simple I love the arts 100%, Growing up music was the catalyst that eventually directed the career path I chose . I could remember riding in the car with my grandpa who I miss dearly on the weekends I would turn up the radio and sing my little heart out i had such a passion for music, and before bed I would listen to the radio shows just for the different feature segments they would do, I even remember sitting hours in front of the radio with my best friend Kerry listening and writing down the lyrics to different songs to learn the verses. Going to the movies with my mom , or at home watching the great shows on TGIF Fridays, visiting my dad who used to have the biggest movie collection i ever seen. I was always a fan of the arts in some way from my childhood to now as an adult. I would breakdown a song in so many ways from the production to the verses to the everything about or on a Tv show or movie just in my mind always analyzing how the actor did a certain thing or moved a certain way. I had such an imagination and in my household i was required to read so many books a week before I could even watch Tv/movie , play games or anything and so I would get lost in a book and I could see the stories come to life. I pursued this career because I love it and Im passionate about it, always have been and always will be.

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.
I’ve always had a creative mind, thinking outside the box was the norm for me. Growing up in a rough part of town, my mom never wanted me to become a product of my environment but she made sure to expose me to people, places and things beyond my neighborhood. Doing so kept me well rounded and helped shape my creative mind. In my household I could remember going to the library every week and picking up several books and when I finished my homework, I loved movies but before I could watch any Tv, movie or play any games I had to read. With a kids imagination and theater of the mind I could remember every night getting lost in a story where I saw the pages of those books come to life. As I got older I began creating and writing my own stories, music , poetry, etc. I eventually pursued a radio career where I was able to really fine tune my creative process, whether that’s creating fun segments and ideas to engage listeners, produce develop and write scripts for the on air talent and even contributing on air myself, the creative space that radio gave me along with several mentors who took me under their wing really helped me grow as a creator. But after 14 years in radio, during the pandemic I decided it was time to leave and pursue other ventures as I had nothing left to give the industry. I entered into corporate America which good financially but without any creative outlet I was miserable. One thing thing I never stopped doing was writing and writing stories, and always remained a fan of great story telling . With the internet growing as a platform and podcast emerging left and right I saw the opportunity to creating but had no clue as to what. But let me tell you God has a plan for us all, his timing is everything. I just so happen to have a good friend of mine Mike who was looking to get into acting and long story short we connected met another good friend of mine James who was an upcoming actor himself and we got together and created our own platform ” The Just Acting Up Show” for the acting community, but what makes us stand out from other podcasts is it’s like a radio show, so its just not one straight talk show on one thing, Our show is built like a radio show with several segments to lightly touch on current events sports music but at its core its all about the acting community, On our platform we spotlight those in the acting industry and its allowed us to talk to other upcoming coming actors, producers, writers etc. That are in this industry pursing their dreams both on an independent and major level, as you can see some of our guest are on your favorite tv shows and movies. Building this platform has allowed for me to use my creative gifts through production of the show, segment creation, skits and more. Also joining myself Mike and James was Tashay who is an upcoming model/actress/music artist, everyone on my team they all inspired me so much, through watching them all pursue and grow in their own acting careers but also creatively. we all have several projects that we’ve have written and/or worked on together that we hope to soon bring to the big or small screen. They have even encouraged me to step from behind the scenes to in front of the camera as well, something I never thought I would do, having now been in several projects that can be seen on Lifetime, VH1, Tubi and soon Netflix, i even did my 1st commercial at the end of last year for a burger chain that is currently running. And Im still growing creatively under the umbrella of the Just Acting Up Show by developing, producing and creating other podcasts and shows to also give a stage for others to find their own way in this industry. What keeps me going down this path is watching a story, idea, or thought in my head come to life and grow and develop into something great. Being able to be in position to help others along their path as well as they grow and to see all those around me win in the end.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh for sure 1st on the list for me I would be Tyler Perry Studios, take the tour of that place is amazing, I love great artwork so would definitely take a walk to the Atlanta’s Black street art scene, the trap museum is a must go, Busy Bee Cafe and Fox Bros BBQ for some good food , stone mountain , Atlanta aquarium and the MLK museum

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?
I’d like to take the time to thank my tribe. I already mentioned my mom but it’s momma so she deserves another shoutout lol. Growing up in a blended family I was blessed, So 1st to my parents Lula, Tracy, and Robert (R.I.H.)who were truly amazing parents thank you all for your guidance and support through the years. My Big Momma for her the long talks we would have and the wisdom she would and still does bless me with every time. Growing up in this crazy world thank God for the church I grew up in Lighthouse MBC, alongside my family, the leadership of Pastor Holiday, they all worked together to instill a foundation that I still carry with me to this day.To my radio mentors, there’s so many I can only name a few but shoutout to Rasheezy, Triple Ex, Terry M. Mike C (R.I.H.), My News 92.1, CBS, Salem and Radio One family I learned so much in my time working with the people at those companies. And Especially I have to shoutout and thank my team, without you guys none of this is possible, I thank you for lending your talents and trusting my skills to make something special, So to Mike, Tashay, Joffy thank you and as our team grows we have new things coming , I d like to thank Marsha, Tabitha and Davionne even before they joined the team they have always been so supportive and encouraging of the Just Acting Up Brand and im excited for what the future will bring for our platform.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justactingupshow/?hl=en

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@justactingupshow

Image Credits
Magna Street Media