This week I interview a down-to-earth personality and a truly thoughtful actress in Tykime Davis. I liked her attitude to work – I was inspired by her professionalism. Read further…
Tykime Davis (TD): I’ve been dancing since I opened my eyes to the world. But professionally I started dancing since I was 7 years old. I’ve had training in dance for Jazz, ballet, tap African and Modern in places such as Cathy Dance Studio and etc. I stopped going to dance school at 3 years old I started to do some choreography in high school. Towards the end of my school years my brother introduced me to fashion and I started run way modeling for urban designers like Moshood, PELA and other upcoming designers to name a few.
The fashion industry opened a lot of good doors for me which allowed me to meet different people who could further my career as an model it but also opened my eyes to the world of film. That’s when I meet my first manger Linda Strobert who would give me gigs as an extra in films. I was okay with being an extra until I realized every film that I was doing as an extra they would bump my role up.
Seeing this made me understand that God had bigger plans for my life besides being an extra. That’s when I left the fashion modelling and pursued acting. I went to acting seminars, acting workshops just so I could study the art of acting and to perfect what I already knew I had inside.
indieactivity: How would you describe your acting?
Tykime Davis (TD): I can describe my acting as believable and serious that people who watch can actually feel the character I portray.
How did you get into acting?
Tykime Davis (TD): I got into acting by being around models who also acted.
Did you study acting?
Tykime Davis (TD): I went to acting workshops such as Directing Actors Gym with Miles Maker, I watched a lot of movies, T.V everywhere there was an actor I made sure to pay extra attention to how they acted, I still do it. I can’t even watch anything without observing a little bit more than just watching for enjoyment. I studied with an acting coach she is amazing. She helped me understand my character by observing and acknowledging my surroundings.
Do you operate on instincts when acting?
Tykime Davis (TD): Do I… I think it’s just something that happens automatically because you get so deep into your character it just comes out.
What acting techniquw do you use?
Tykime Davis (TD): I read the script several times then just cover my lines while going over it. I ALWAYSSSSS PRAY. I always try to see myself in the character’s situation, I observe his world, circumstance, situation and needs.
Describe a few wrong impressions actors have about acting?
Tykime Davis (TD): This one is easy. Most people who get into acting think that they will be a star overnight. Acting is something you better love more than breathing, or you might end up with asthma.
Do you often take courses to improve your craft?
Tykime Davis (TD): Yes I definitely do.
What books do you read?
Tykime Davis (TD): I started out reading horror books like Interview with the Vampire by Anne Rice, Then it went to Coldest Winter Ever by Sister Soulijah and now Piece Of Cake by Cupcake Brown an Autobiography.
How do you keep in shape as an actor?
Tykime Davis (TD): I don’t eat meat. This gives me the urge to eat healthier and drink water.
What phyical exercises do you do to keep fit?
Tykime Davis (TD): I dance, dance and dance
When you are offered a role, how do you prepare?
Tykime Davis (TD): I say OWWWWWW!!!! Then I look over the script to see if I even want to be a part of the project. I study the script. I always have it with me even in the restroom.
How do you take a character in a script to a honest, believable, and breathing person?
Tykime Davis (TD): I put myself in the characters shoes and actually make myself believe that I’m actually that character.
How do you remain fresh on a film production set?
Tykime Davis (TD): I remain fresh on the set by getting comfortable with the other actors and my surroundings.
What helps you during a production?
Tykime Davis (TD): The mood I’m in helps a little; like if I’m playing a mean lawyer and I just so happen to have a argument with the cab driver or someone that can bring my character out a little bit more.
Explain a creative choice you took on a recent production?
Tykime Davis (TD): I did a short film called “The Pride” and I had to choreograph my own African piece LOVEEEEE It!!!!!! and I wasn’t my original character.
What is the most memorable screen chcracter you have played?
Tykime Davis (TD): I can say “ The Pride” July 2011 by Uhura because I was acting but with no words just my body and emotions.
What do you want most from a director?
Tykime Davis (TD): I want to help the director so I can bring out the character in me just as the writer intended.
How do you prefer to work with a director during a production?
Tykime Davis (TD): I like to be comfortable with a director, I also want my self respect
Do you get offers from fillm industries like hollywood?
Tykime Davis (TD): I’ve gotten an offer for Nollywood. Hollywood, no yet but they will.
What do you think an actor can do to get inito the film industry?
Tykime Davis (TD): Believe in yourselves, so that others can believe in you.
Who is your favourite actor?
Tykime Davis (TD): My favorite actress is Whoopi Goldberg.
Why?
Tykime Davis (TD): She didn’t let the industry change who she was, plus every film she did was a hit.
What advice do you give to actors?
Tykime Davis (TD): Amateur! Wow I don’t think anyone is amateur. Everyone wants to be an actor but not everyone is willing to make the sacrifice to be the actor so if you want to do this you have to be willing to sacrifice. Acting isn’t an overnight success it’s a lot of hard work, determination and belief in yourself.
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