Rising Star Amanda Kallander: “Let’s start a movement to restore integrity and honor to the entertainment industry”
As a part of my interview series with popular culture stars, I had the pleasure of interviewing Amanda Kallander. Amanda is an actor and indie producer. Three years ago, she got started in the industry learning what she could from her market industry mentors. She began with acting, but also grew to love other roles behind the camera.
Thank you so much for joining us! Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?
It all started with a soldier and a car accident… My brother-in-law at the time was active duty Army and he tragically took his life. Because he did though something beautiful happened. My life was directionless and I was drifting with no clue where to start. I was in contact with the former AMTC program, which trained and gave new talent a chance to audition in front of casting directors and talent agencies. I couldn’t do their amazing program because of finances. After Ben died, I was then able to attend (family received a grievance settlement). When I got back home from AMTC’s auditioning finale, my life was already spiraling out of control with anxiety, panic attacks and exhaustion. On my way to work I was in a car accident. I had an audition for a talent agent that day. Well I did exactly what I do best…faced my obstacles. The woman I hit later gave me a new job after we exchanged information. I got a rental car, showered, and went to my audition and was accepted. I began with knowing I had what it takes to face obstacles and keep going. Ben helped make it happen and the Lord guided me through the rest.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?
It’s difficult to isolate any one story because I have a lot of good ones. I’ve met many awesome people along the way and kept many people as good friends too. My second ever set experience was with Robert Redford and Jane Fonda. I was an extra dancing alongside them, and it was really special watching them create their natural on-screen chemistry.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
Can’t share that sorry!! HA!
What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?
My two biggest projects I have going on is my indie project Replicant Terminus: Revelation (the tv series version of the feature film). It’s a sci-fi concept based on Philip K Dick’s “Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep?” I’d say it’s a cross between Blade Runner and Star Wars. I also have an acting role inside the project as a military chaplain. Secondly, I am also an actress with The Ascendant Studios’ Vice Squad Franchise, which will also be a really fantastic crime drama saga.
Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?
I have had exchanges with various talent and high-profile producers. Everyone is just human no matter their status and want to be treated as such. I see everyone equally because we all started someplace at the bottom. We all had to put in our time and hard work to get where we are ☺.
Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?
Remember that obstacles can be overcome. Also, it’s important to be honest, hard-working, and have integrity while networking. You will stand out then before you ever enter the audition room.
You are a person of great influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger. 🙂
To restore integrity and honor to the entertainment industry.
What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why. Please share a story or example for each.
- To be intentional with who you give your time to. Some people are just full of poo.
- My market is not at the same standard as everyone else. I need to learn from industry mentors not people who don’t know what they are doing.
- Don’t compare my success with others. We all go at our own pace and I would rather be slow and steady.
- You will need to know how to play the game. Welcome to the Hunger Games.
- You will have your own path. Don’t copy others in everything you do, do what your instincts and gut tell you. Everything small is important.
Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?
“All you needed was to find your voice” I didn’t know I could defend my leadership until I spoke up.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
I am thankful to Benjamin Kallander for his sacrifice, my ex-husband Andy Kallander for his belief in me, Sir Greg Coots for his wisdom and guidance, and to many others for their support and wisdom. I also have new friends that are training, guiding, and pushing me in all the right ways.
Some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might see this. 🙂
I would absolutely love to have breakfast with James McAvoy. He just seems really down to earth and sweet. I’d also like to pick his brain about acting…☺
How can our readers follow you on social media?
I have a Facebook page Amanda Kallander and IG Aheart89. To follow the projects I’ve mentioned, Replicant Terminus: Revelation and Vice Squad have a Facebook Page as well.
Thank you so much for joining us. This was very inspirational!