42. Akie Kotabe - Realities of a working actor. Silo, The Batman, Mad Men

Akie Kotabe is a Japanese-American actor known for The Batman, Andor, Silo, Gran Turismo and Mad Men.In this episode, we talk about growing up in America with Japanese roots, how he got into acting, and what it takes to build a long career in the industry.

Akie shares his experience of living in Los Angeles as a working actor, dealing with rejection, casting, and how an acting career often means constant hustle and a lot of sacrifice. We also talk about theatre, his experience working with Michael Shannon and Ruth Wilson, as well as voice work and screen acting.

We also get into working on projects like Cyberpunk 2077, Andor, Silo and The Batman — including his experience working with Common on Silo, what those sets were like, how certain roles came about, and which projects stayed with him the most.

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If you enjoy this, you’ll love our friends at LIFE IN FILM PODCAST:

https://open.spotify.com/show/2w4hoE5UgPBKEOpgM0CY7A?si=41ab5c6d74964e2

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Website: https://www.akie-kotabe.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akiekotabe/

YouTube channel: @AkieKotabe 

CHAPTERS:

00:00 - Coming up

01:50 - Intro

02:46 - Youth in America. Japanese roots.

06:39 - Getting into acting

11:33 - Success and survival as an actor

23:52 - LIFE IN FILM ad

25:06 - Living in Los Angeles as an actor

31:49 - Working on MAD MEN

34:16 - Authenticity in casting / Tokyo Vice

38:43 - Small world

40:24 - Theatre

42:00 - Moon for the Misbegotten

56:42 - Voice Over

1:02:12 - Working on (and playing) Cyberpunk 2077

1:09:39 - Rejection

1:15:56 - Casting type

1:18:18 - Working on THE BATMAN

1:23:08 - Working on ANDOR

1:26:58 - Costumes/suits in films

1:31:42 - Working on SILO

1:39:37 - Apple TV

1:42:27 - 1883

1:46:30 - Favorite projects

1:49:00 - Working on Gran Turismo

1:52:43 - Midgets VS Mascots

1:55:42 - Dream projects

1:56:15 - Best people to work with

2:02:05 - Mission in life

2:05:56 - Universal advice

2:07:29 - Lasting Words

2:10:40 - Japanese culture

2:14:14 - America

2:17:11 - Anything in the pipeline?

2:18:18 - Contact information

Beyond Reel Talk is a podcast where I invite entertainment industry professionals to ask them about their journey, their professions, challenges and motivation.

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