Meet Samantha Janco: Actor

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

Hi Samantha, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
I am a firm believer of “the bigger the risk, the bigger the reward.” However, I never jump into any decision without fully considering all options and outcomes. The way I see it…If something feels right or will get you closer to what you love, whether that be in your professional or personal life, it is worth the risk. When I moved to Atlanta, I didn’t necessarily want to come. I lived in Wilmington, by the beach. I had a life, friends, and a job. The comfortable choice would have been to stay. The riskier one was to move. I didn’t have a job lined up. I didn’t know anyone. I wasn’t even sure which area I should look to find an apartment. I knew one thing – there were tax incentives for the film industry here, which meant opportunity. I trusted that the rest would work itself out.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Easy? Absolutely not. I have a long way to go but I’m beyond grateful for how far I’ve come. The biggest challenge was to find a balance between work, training and life. When I moved to Atlanta, I was relentless to a fault. I’d tell myself that I moved for one reason and one reason only – to succeed. My time was spent only to work and train. I refused to, well, live. It wasn’t until one of my coaches pulled me aside and explained that acting comes from replicating life. The more experiences you have, the more you can pull from. It took some time, but I’ve tried my best to remember that.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Atlanta has so many hidden gems! As far as restaurants: 1. Il Localino – Located in Inman Park, this is one of my favorite restaurants in the city. It is authentic Italian. You can normally find the owner there every night. One Easter, when my dad was visiting, I took him to dinner there. The owner made us feel like family, took a picture with us, and it is still on the wall to this day. 2. Hal’s on Old Ivy – Located in Buckhead. Best steakhouse in the world (in my opinion). It feels like an upscale steakhouse version of cheers. 3. Fritti or Antico for Pizza Hangout/Visit 1. Ponce City Market 2. 57 Fighter Group Restaurant – Biplane Rides can be taken off their back patio. Definitely recommend! 3. Springs Cinema & Taphouse in Sandy Springs 4. The Fox Theatre – One of my favorite places in Atlanta! 5. The Botanical Gardens
Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to meet so many lovely and inspiring people throughout my years in Atlanta. I’ll do my best to name a few! When I got to Atlanta, the teachers and founders of Drama Inc. gave me a home and a place to train when I didn’t know anyone. I watched their hard work and dedication not only to their own craft but to the growth of their students’ as well. It only helped to fuel my own. A couple years later, I had the honor of meeting Susan G. Reed. At the time she was the head of Film and TV at Atlanta Models and Talent. Susan went from being my agent, to mentor, to someone I consider family. Currently, I am training with Jayson Warner Smith. His class was a new approach to acting for me. The new knowledge and challenges have pushed me to do better in all aspects of my life. I am represented by Houghton Talent. I met Mystic Buice years ago. I have always been touched by her kindness and ability to lead an agency. In the short time I’ve been a part of their team, I am completely blown away with the opportunities they have been able to throw my way. Their faith in me means the world. In addition, I’ve had the pleasure of working with many talented actors over the years, whether that be on-set, in-class, or working on auditions. Frat Pack Productions, Adrian Eppley, and Derick Kown are always there to help me turn in my best work.

Website: samanthajanco.com

Instagram: @samanthajanco

Image Credits
Curtis Bonds Baker, Dwayne Boyd, Kurt Yue, Gregory Phillips