Meet Durell Bowes

Today we’d like to introduce you to Durell Bowes.

Durell, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
Since I was a kid, I’ve always been into the visual arts, specifically film and television. There’s so much that goes into the making of a film and tv series but I knew from an early age that the writing step in the process was the most intriguing to me. Writing has also been a strong suit of mine. My interest really sparked once I became a teenager and started creatively writing short stories.

The feedback I received made me realize that writing was something that I’m good at and could possibly make a career out of it. I enrolled in college as a FILM major where I learned how to really write for film and television. One of the best experiences I’ve ever had. After graduation, I relocated to Atlanta, Georgia and that was where I was first introduced to the Acting side of the film and television industry. In addition to trying to make industry connections, I wanted to challenge myself so that I wouldn’t be placed in a box. For that reason, I enrolled in acting classes before landing an agent. From there, the auditions started to flow and the bookings started to come. After three years of being in Atlanta, I made the challenging decision to migrate back to LA to fully immerse myself in the film capital. Today, I’m currently signed to two agencies YJB TALENT and ENVY TALENT (Los Angeles), still creating and writing projects while working toward maneuvering through the industry.

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?
My philosophy has always been that anything rewarding doesn’t come with ease but your passion will help you maneuver through any challenge placed before you. While this journey has been rewarding, there have been many challenges. Some of these challenges include keeping a flexible schedule while generating additional income, enrolling in the appropriate classes so that I can continue to perfect my craft, staying positive through industry adversities and being a good parent.

Being a Writer and Actor is more than a job, it’s a lifestyle, a lifestyle full of sacrifices. Until you become a writer and/or actor that is consistently booking work, you must find ways to continue to generate additional income. The challenge with this is dedicating time to whatever it is that will generate income but also being flexible and available to audition and submit to various projects. In addition to the flexibility, you must always be willing to perfect your craft and enhance your network. This is done by continuously taking the appropriate classes as well as going to social events to develop and manage relationships. Balance is key!

To truly be successful in this industry, learning to stay positive is a skill that you must develop early in your career. This journey can get really tough and cause you to feel certain emotions that are just roadblocks to your success. Going on 50 auditions and not booking any will cause you to think that this industry is not for you or maybe you’re in the wrong field. Having faith and NOT GIVING up is what’s going to get you to the next level!

Working in the film/tv industry and being a parent is one of the biggest challenges that I currently face. Being away from my eight-year-old son, Bryce is an added layer of stress in addition to the many challenges that I face as a writer and actor. I had to make the sacrifice to move away to pursue my career goals so that he could have a bright future and not endure some of the childhood challenges that I did. He is the fuel to the motivation that keeps me going. One of the greatest feelings in the world is hearing him say “my daddy did that” after seeing a project that I was involved in.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I am a Writer and Actor. Some of the projects I’ve been involved in include: Step Up: High Water; ATL: Homicide; Four Loko commercial; Fatal Attraction. I’m currently working toward securing more projects that will allow me to utilize my writing skills. What I’m most proud of as an actor is being able to step into the shoes of another person and creatively tell their story. It’s therapeutic to step away from my own life but still use my life experiences to drive a story. I’m also grateful to be able to consistently audition, even during the times we’re in as of today.

As a writer, I’m most proud of a project I created, THE MISHAPS. Writing is a talent that no one can take away from you. You can write anywhere, anytime, any place. Being able to sit, create and brainstorm about life experiences, things you saw that day or just fabricating something in your head, the process is very enjoyable and for me. Honestly, without writers, there would be no film industry. We’re the ones creating the work so actors and all crew members of a project can work. I truly feel writing is among one of the best, if not the best job in the industry.

Everyone has something about them that makes them unique but I believe there’s a combination of things that make me very different. I have the ability to quickly adapt to change or any situation. I have developed a great deal of resilience when it comes to going after the things I want in life. I have been told that I possess a natural ability to constantly inspire others. In this industry, you must develop thick skin and for that reason, I handle constructive criticism very well and know how to differentiate between what is just business and what is personal. I am very confident about who I am and what I want out of life. My optimism, strong work ethic, possessing empathy and self-awareness. How receptive I am to always wanting to learn new things and the way I can multitask. All of these things are what give me the superpower to survive in this industry.

Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in good luck or bad luck. Denzel Washington said it best, “In this industry, luck is when preparation meets opportunity”. I can honestly say, I firmly stand by that.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/durellkbowes/
• Facebook: facebook.com/RellyRell91

Image Credit:
Headshots were done by Michael Justice, the owner of Hollywood Headshots.
https://www.hollywoodheadshots.info/, https://www.instagram.com/hollywoodheadshots/

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.