A Manager's Dream

Talent is a key ingredient that catches the eye of many managers in the entertainment business, but this has proven not to be enough. Oftentimes, managers are looking for those artists who possess many talents that ultimately bring in multiple streams of income. With the recording industry experiencing a decline in CD sales, record labels are only interested in 360 artists where the label is able to make money from CD sales, touring, merchandising, and other aspects of the artist’s career.  

        Simeon Henderson is an artist who understands the importance of being multi-talented in the theater/film industries. He holds the title as an actor, director, producer, and author. In our conversation with him, he began to explain the importance of management and hard work to reach your dreams.

Mr. Simeon, could you talk about what you do in the entertainment industry?

In the entertainment industry, I am an actor, producer, director, and now I’m an author.

What are some of the shows you’ve been apart of?

I’ve associate produced several films which includes Tactical that went to Redbox and Blockbuster.  Also, Caught in the Game, Party Line and Comatose are among my other roles. I also produced several stage plays, and I’ve made appearances in Barbershop 2, Toured with Tyler Perry’s The Marriage Counselor, and I just recently filmed an episode for Season Two of Kelsey Grammar’s T.V. Series Boss. I’ve just been working and grinding.

In production, that is similar to being a manager. Oftentimes, people see the show but don’t see what goes on behind the scenes; can you tell us about being the producer?

I love being a producer; you have to make things happen. Pretty much, you’re making your dreams come true. It’s cool because you are directly involved in the creative process. I should say it’s like a woman being pregnant because she has to nurture the baby while in the stomach and when the baby grows up, she has to raise it up. Producing a project you get to watch it from conception, to birth, to growth, and I love being behind the scenes and making things happen. I love helping people make their dreams come true by working with music, acting in a movie, or stage plays. It’s also a must that you stay professional, you don’t have to be a jerk, but you have to be PROFESSIONAL.

In this industry, how important is it to have management?

It’s a necessary evil. When I say this, no one should be able to promote you better than you. You have to push your product and what you do. You need a manager because he or she can be the buffer. The people you don’t want to talk to, they can do it. It gives you a sense of relief because you don’t have to do everything yourself. Even I have a manager now, but I am still very hands on. If you don’t have a manager, you can work hard for yourself, and that makes people want to work with you.

You spoke about necessary evil, what tips do you give aspiring artists because there are some sneaky people in this industry?

Listen, find somebody that you can talk to, someone who can help, someone who has your best interest at heart. YOU MUST LISTEN and be willing to work hard. A lot of people are not willing to do that because they think they know everything. Listen to the people that have been there. I know you have to open your mind and work hard to persevere and you must have that tenacity and drive to be the best. But when you’re striving to be the best, you have to be humble, focused, grounded, and you have to keep your ears open. I remember when I was working on Barbershop II and I was a stand in. I got to do everything Kenan did first before he came on set. The director told me I was good and asked if I auditioned for this. The thing was is that I was so in tune and dedicated to it that it stood out.

You recently wrote a book, and it’s a manager’s dream to manage someone who has multiple talents. Can you tell me more about the book?

The book is out. It is called the Truth Series. I’ve always wanted to write a book and I wrote it. This one was for the people, but the next one will be for me. People often talk around things and talk about things to one another, but they don’t say it out loud. I wanted to give people an outlet and voice to say it, and do it anonymously. My pseudo name is William Truth, and they can go to www.williamtruth.com. You can see video trailers and voice over trailers to see how it’s done. It’s just one of those things that if you want to do something, you have to go for it and DO IT!