What is it about being in love or loving something that intrigues us? Everybody wants it and can’t live with out it. Al Green wanted Love and Happiness, Pat Benetar said its a battlefield, it also had Beyonce drunk for a spell dancing on the beach at night with a trophy. I don’t know about you reading this, but myself and about 3.6 billion ladies in this world obviously want to know what this love thing is about!! Someone has some explaining to do!
The only person I know with the answers besides Kanye & Sway lives 2000 miles away in LA to be exact.
Who is fine enough to walk to LA to see or take a 49 hour drive, has skin that women would catch a life sentence for, is incredibly talented, has an equally talented just as handsome bestie, and to top it off is a Mt Vernon native???? ( Jeopardy music )
Well, before I give it up let’s get to his background. Starting in 1992 and picking up In 1994, while I was somewhere rocking overalls listening to Pete Rock and Nirvana, our mystery man was already molding his career. He studied with the Black Filmmakers Foundation and HB Studios. He got an incredible opportunity to play Stan in his mentor Spike Lee’s classic film Clockers in 1995. He’s had countless roles in TV series such as ER, New York Undercover and NYPD Blue. In 2008 he launched his own production company, Synergy Pictures, LLC having evolved into an amazingly clever producer and writer. His first film “The Love Section” in 2013 where he himself was bitten by this love bug.
His affinity for the craft of acting took him over 2000 miles from his Westchester County residence to LA to pursue his dream. Not alone though, he was fortunate enough to move with his bestie. Guess who? The one and only Mr. Mekhi Phifer!!! Talk about double trouble! Since Mr. Adisa knows a thing or two about having love for something, let’s get down to it with the incredibly masterful Mr. Lawrence Adisa.
My first question is why acting? And what triggered you to pursue this as a full-time career?
I chose acting when I was working a dead-end job at a bank delivering mail in New York. One day, at work, during my lunch break, I saw a TV commercial about taking acting classes. Since I was tired of working at the bank, I decided to give acting a try!
I then decided to pursue it as a full-time career during my first year of acting classes. During this time, I was able to book small roles in music videos and off-broadway plays. The confidence I gained from these experiences inspired me to pursue it full-time.
How did you feel the very first time you were in front of a camera?
The first time I was in front of a camera was a joyful experience. I wasn’t nervous nor scared; I was excited. The first time experience gave me a positive rush.
What did you do to bring your craft to the next level?
I took my craft to the next level by taking more intensive acting classes and doing more theater. Being on stage is the best training. (In my opinion.)
If you could pick the perfect cast who would it be and what would the movie be called?
The perfect cast would be Regina King, Mehki Phifer, and Malik Whitfield. The movie would be called “Dear Momma.” “Dear Momma” is movie about my mother and my experiences growing up in Mount Vernon, New York.
Many people may not know but Mekai Phifer is your best friend and moved to LA together.. Did you both ever audition for the same roles?
Mehki and I both auditioned for the lead role in the Spike Lee film, “Clockers.” Mehki booked the leading role and I booked the supporting role. My character’s name was Stan. Working on this film was an exciting time in my life because I was able to work with Spike Lee, who I am a huge fan of. It was a dream come true to be a part of this film.
If you could wave a wand and have an opportunity to play any character who would it be and why?
A life changing role for me would be to play a character from the sixties era, someone like Huey P Newton or any other person who was took part in the Black Panthers Movement.
If I could play any character it would be the famous R&B singer, Marvin Gaye. The reason I would play his character is because through out all his success, he was a troubled man, who had a lot of demons.
What’s your all time favorite movie?
My all time favorite movie is “The Five Heartbeats” and “Love Jones.”
What advice could you give to the younger generation that wants to act but maybe can’t afford acting school, how can they go about breaking into the industry?
For the younger generation who may not be able afford acting classes or acting school, I suggest doing lots of plays. Plays are free and you can gain an invaluable experience.
What future projects are you currently working on?
I just produced a horror film called “Crash Pad” that will be coming out in either late 2015 or early 2016. I also have a suspense thriller that we are planning to shoot this year called “Canoga Park.” Lastly, I have a clothing line that is launching this year called the “Adisa Collection” by Fashion Designer, Emily Wasonga.
Mr Adisa sure does not disappoint on or off-screen! He is proof hard work and determination can take you anywhere in the world you want to go! Talking with him you get a clear idea of what it’s about, whatever you love; go for it!! Ladies, Not only is he easy on the eyes he has an incredible personality to match his killer talent and business savvy! He had the answers! We at Black Westchester are proud of his success and look forward to all his future endeavors!
