Behind the Camera: Actor's Edition

Kiah Clingman @kiahtheactress                            

This is the first installment of my new monthly series on my blog where I will be zeroing in on someone to interview in the entertainment industry. Anyone who is behind a camera on either side is being interviewed who can be viewed as an influence. 

If you have any suggestions on who I should pick next, feel free to email me at sherdellbaker@icloud.com or DM me on my Instagram @curlyblanco. 

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I had the pleasure of interviewing the amazing Kiah Clingman. The Ohio native had her start with acting when she would work on different short films and videos with her friends from college. All of which were great starts to her now even more blossoming career. She also comes from a creative background because her father, James Clingman, is an author of various economic books and black empowerment books. Her resume includes working with production companies such as DamnWriteOriginals and the Cincinnati Black Theatre. As well as, co-starring in the hit series Black Lightning and the film Undercover Brother 2. She graduated from Howard University in 2015 with her degree in both Theater and History.

"Acting is the hardest but most rewarding job to do." She stated when referring to the will and resilience needed in an industry that is very critical, and sometimes even rejecting various things you may want to bring to the table or ideals you may have.

At one point, it was even hard for her to get bookings because of her natural hair. Sometimes your appearance, especially in the entertainment industry, can be a make or break deal for your next job offer. Kiah explained how she had to learn to be "okay with herself" and understand that it is not always personal in brands that have a certain look they're trying to uphold. Additionally, rooting for others when you don't get the part. It can be very discouraging, especially in an industry that is so competitive, when you don't get a role that you feel like was made for you.

Kiah pictured above with her castmates from the web series,
Outlandish. 

With God being the head of her life, not only does she go to Him in prayer for a lot of her decision making, but she also prides herself on having your intentions align with your overall perspective in life. One role in a major movie she turned down because the role included her going up to another male character and wearing minimal clothing-- as if to be one of his "women". Turning this down said a lot to me about her character and her as a woman because she didn't wanna be presented in a way that would "downplay" her.

When asked about what advice she would give to someone who is looking to break into the industry, she exclaimed about one's perception. One's perception of their circumstances is what can affect their decisions & how they carry themselves on a daily basis.

Behind the Camera, Kiah still struggles with family issues like the next person. Along with balancing all of the different hats that she wears daily. Nonetheless, she does it gracefully with the way she chooses to live her life. Releasing positive energy out onto others is one way she does this along with seeking counseling. Yes, as we all know it can be scary venting to someone that you don't know about topics that you may not feel comfortable talking about. However, speaking to someone that has no previous background about you helps them to be objective and unbiased to ways they can advise you to go about different circumstances. This is something that she suggested for those wanting to get into the industry for clarity.

What's coming next from Kiah? Some of the projects she's working on she couldn't disclose all of the information due to The project she just recently finished, Undercover Brother 2, will be on Netflix in November. Also, she's producing two different short films that should have release dates on the horizon.


"Know what you want, and what you want can't be temporary." - Kiah Clingman, 2019



If you're interested in contacting or working with Kiah, her social media handles on Instagram and Twitter are @kiahtheactress, as listed above.

Her website is listed here... https://www.kiahclingman.com/

Her LinkedIn is listed here... https://www.linkedin.com/in/kiahclingman



Always a pleasure sharing with you, thank you.