Today we’d like to introduce you to James Achille.
James, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I originally was going to college to play football. I got injured (fractured and dislocated my pelvis / tore obliques). Athletic career ended. Felt very lost with life – went to a talent search for people interested in acting/modeling/theatre. I went for modeling because I never acted before. They liked me – brought me to a three days convention with a bunch of agents – Ended up doing a monologue from Sandlot on stage in front of about 1,000 people, which is the moment I fell in love with acting. Nine agents were interested in me and I ended up signing a contract with an NYC agent – Moved there while still completing my college degree – after a couple of years living there, it became very difficult. NY beat me into the ground. I couldn’t do it anymore. During my lunch break at work one day, I decided I’m going to Los Angeles. I put in my two weeks at work, bought a one way flight to LA, packed two suitcases, and landed with no place to stay. Luckily my dad came with me to help me get started – We hit the ground running – I’ve been here for six years and counting. Since I’ve been on multiple network television shows and a few films, have racked up 35 credits on IMDb and now starting to make my own films.
Knowing how hard it is to get started in this business, especially for people who have no background or training, I just started a business with a partner to help beginning actors (of any age) really get their careers started to give them a fighting chance. It is such a difficult business to get started in, so we put together packages to get actors all the tools they need to at least be seen. We provide demo reels, headshots, acting coaching, and many more services – I will attached our website at the end.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My injury that ended my athletic career. It wiped out my biggest dream since I was a kid of being a professional athlete. Living in NYC was the most isolated I’ve ever felt. I didn’t know anyone moving there. I had an hour and half commute on the subway to/from work. I wasn’t making any money and was in the negative every month so I wasn’t able to do anything. Looking back, this was the first time I really felt depression. NYC is such a busy and concentrated place with so many people, but it’s very easy to feel alone. I have a very strong bond with my family and being away from them has always been difficult.
Living in Los Angeles, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. Being across the country from her and my family during that time was… very difficult. She fought it and beat it, thank God – but that is a time period I will never forget.
I’ve realized in this industry, and life in general, just how important it is to always work on, and check in on, our mental health. It is so easy for our minds to play tricks on us and make us just say “everything’s fine” when you know d*mn well everything isn’t fine. It takes true strength and courage to be able to admit that you need help and to get help. Whether that is through a friend, family member, or professional help. Making the decision to open up maybe my biggest struggle – because all that does is build that problem onto the next one… until everything falls down. We do no good by holding onto our burdens. Let them go.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am an actor and filmmaker. I specialize in acting, that is my number 1, however I just produced/directed/starred in my first short film last summer that will be released soon. I’ve grown into loving art and stories. I got sick of waiting for gigs and figured – we all have stories to tell, so why not tell mine? A few things I’ve been in are S.W.A.T. on CBS with Shemar Moore; definitely something I am very proud of. He was one of my favorite actors binge-watching Criminal Minds.
The Rookie on ABC. 9-1-1 on FOX. I was the lead in a Lifetime movie – I booked this the first year living in LA. This was a great challenge for me and a great opportunity to see what it is like to be the lead of a movie. You are treated like a King: it was great don’t get me wrong but also very unsettling because I felt bad lol…
My most challenging role was an Israeli rockstar, lead singer of a band. It was the lead in a Pilot – I had to learn an Israeli accent and also how to sing.
What sets me apart is my love for people. The first thing I do on set is introduce myself to everyone who is working on the set and do my best to remember their names. I am very team-oriented – which comes from my athletic background. You are only as strong as your weakest player. With any set – you are one big team. Every single person’s job behind the camera is JUST as important, if not more important, than the people in front of the camera. I want all the sets that I have in the future for everyone to feel like one big supportive family.
What matters most to you? Why?
Faith / family / work –
Faith – If you have faith, you will have the strength to get through anything. That is what got me through all of my difficult times and made me grateful for all of my triumphant times.
Family – I am very blessed to have an incredible family and support system. I hope to spread that to everyone that I cross.
Work – Always do the best you can. I live by the mottos: “Be Great Today” – everyday be as great as you can. “Job’s not finished” – a quote by Kobe Bryant. No matter what, the job is never finished, there is always room for improvement. “You vs You” – your only competition is yourself. Always strive to be the best version of yourself.
Contact Info:
- Email: chille024@gmail.com
- Website: https://lkbara.com/demo-reel
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesxachille/
- Other: https://vimeo.com/610060689
Image Credits
HDJ Robot Photos
