Introduce Yourself : Hello from Austin, Actor here. by Benjamin Alany

Hi all, I've been here just long enough to have participated in one "Introduce Yourself" weekend prior to this (I joined during that weekend). I've been enjoying the discussions and network connections in various parts of the world, though sadly I haven't connected with as many here who are in my area (many of them seem to have inactive accounts, etc.). Still, it's all been pretty interesting, and it seems like a good place to discuss things with like-minded creative people. I have other avenues for networking and meeting with local people in the biz, such as the Network Austin Mixer, Austin Film Meet, and a mailing list or two, etc., so that end is covered well enough. I am still trying to make my "break" into the serious part of the business, get represented or gain an increased ability to find work without representation. I am very serious about my craft, and am always training. I came upon this later in life than many, and after a total reboot of my life following some severe physical trauma and other harsh times in general which prompted me to rediscover myself as I rebuilt myself physically, and to realize that I could follow my dreams while I still had some chance on this planet, rather than refusing to admit I even had those dreams at all. I was repressed for many years, and thought of myself in a completely different way. Five years ago, after getting strong enough, I moved away from my home state, family, and all that I knew, and came to Austin, Texas. I began learning to play music, and after taking the stage as a musical performer it was a natural step to rediscover my long-hidden dreams of acting in film or television, and I began training and working as an extra/background type in both independent and mainstream film and TV shows, starting with "Beatdown" in 2009, directed by Mike Gunther and starring Rudy Youngblood and Eric Balfour among others. I take classes whenever I can locally, currently I'm back at State Theater School of Acting after spending a few years studying in ACC's Drama Dept. with some excellent teachers and a good range of classes with different specialties/focus, from classical/Shakespeare to modern TV/Film. My look is unique, and it's been a double-edged sword currently. I'm perfect for some roles and genres, but it's difficult to find work in most conventional projects. Sometimes you just have to pick your battles with care. I am doing my best to continue training and seeking work in student and independent short and feature film, and other related projects which may be suitable, without being discouraged. I'm getting closer all the time, and they can't ignore me forever. I'm here, and I'm not leaving the industry without a fight, not when I have discovered what I want to do for the rest of my life. If things don't work for me in Austin, I'm also quite prepared and able to move elsewhere and start over yet again, though I would prefer to leave that as a last resort for now. I wish you all the best in your endeavors, and I hope we meet on set someday! Thanks for listening to me ramble.