Meet Brad Banacka

Today we’d like to introduce you to Brad Banacka.

Brad, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Back in 2012, I was living in Green Valley, a sleepy suburb of Tucson, Arizona. I had lost my job and had always wanted to try my hand as an actor for the big screen. I spent many years doing community theater back in South Bend Indiana. So on a whim, I drove to LA and stayed in Hollywood just off of the boulevard. I made my way around town with a homemade headshot and resume. I was looking through Craiglist and found an ad for background work on a film called “The Shift”. I played background Doctor and one day I was in actor holding reading one of the scripts lying around. There was a young gentleman sitting in the corner with scrubs on and as I finished it, I stated this is award winning and he said “thank you”. I was a little confused but he told me he wrote the screenplay and was the lead. Meeting Leo Oliva changed my life forever. Not only, background work, I became the 2^nd 2^nd AD onset. Then they needed someone to play the role of a Doctor in a flashback scene and offer me the opportunity to audition. It was my first speaking part in a feature film.

After that I went back to the Tucson area for about eight months but that couldn’t hold me back. I decided to make the plunge and move to LA area to pursue my career at 42.

I have had my ups and downs as many do in this business, but through sheer dedication and fortitude, I have beat the odds. My shining achievement was being part of the feature film “Angels Never Cry” shot entirely in Iceland. Acting and as the Unit Production Manager have been one of the highlights of my life. Iceland is a beautiful but cold country, if you have a chance go visit I highly recommend.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Getting into the business is a hard road especially having a full time day job and being over the age of 40. The key is keeping your instrument fine tuned by way of training.. Above all, this business is built on relationships, working my way through this industry is knowing how to approach people and build those connections.

One of the first things I learned in the business was having the right headshot and a resume with the proper credits and training. I started auditioning for school films and started writing and filming my own demo reels. As I tell my younger counterparts, you are never too old to continue learning and honing your craft. This is the age of cinema, as the availability to film your own productions has never been easier.

However, nothing is just handed to you, you have to do the work and continue to grow as an actor. Proper professional headshots will get you in the door, but what you do after, well that is totally up to you.

Sure there have been ups and downs for me. Rejection is never easy, but I use it as a learning curve. So there were times I wanted to give up and go home, but my passion for the the craft has never faltered. I now look for those projects that have depth and meaning with a great character study. It is important for me to find those stories that make you think and cause conversations. I may never become famous and that’s okay, I just want to continue to grow as an actor each and every day.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
My sheer determination, passion and drive to succeed have made me the man that I am today. I bring to the table years of experience and try to help those that are new to Hollywood understand that it is not personal it is just a business. That everyone here including Casting Directors want to see you succeed. Also help nurture and guide others in the craft, it is important to me to know that I have helped someone, just like others have helped me, pay it forward. I have always stated that as one door closes another one opens and it is up to us to make that choice to walk through.

At this moment, I have three films available on Amazon Prime. “Angels Never Cry”, “Loqueesha” and “The Shift”

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have started a production company called Brad B Entertainment and have a producing partner. We are actually filming a pilot called “Twist of Fate”. About two bumbling old timers trying to make in this industry, and not to give to much away there is a big twist. We are always looking to collaborate and find new and exciting ways to continue this journey.

Suggest a story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.