Actors and Ancestors Joel D. Montgrand

Dr. Evan Adams is an accomplished actor-turned-doctor from Tla’amin Nation. His iconic portrayal of Thomas Builds-the-Fire in the 1998 movie “Smoke Signals” cemented him in Indigenous film history. Dr. Adams laughs with JD about just how many doctor roles he has played, explains how his traditional upbringing prepared him for the world of academia, and reveals how his acting life and the medical world can sometimes painfully clash. Join us in this exciting season finale with one of the most recognizable faces on the Indigenous acting scene!
A huge thank you to the Indigenous Screen Office for their support of the show.
We'd also like to thank our newest partner, Decolonial Clothing for providing each of our guests with a gift. They've also got a gift for you, dear listener! There's a discount code somewhere in this episode for 10% off your Decolonial Clothing orders. Keep an ear out for it or go to our website and find it on the episode page.
Actors and Ancestors is created, produced, and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.
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SFX Track: "Fiery Thunder"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://slip.stream/tracks/337b9163-74f2-435a-a7a5-e88eb1b418a0?utm_source=attribution

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D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai is an Oji-Cree-Anishinaabe actor born in Toronto whose people are from Big Trout Lake First Nation. On this episode, D’Pharaoh tells us how taking a chance and standing out in his audition scored him a lead role in the hit series, Reservation Dogs, how hard it is to accurately throw a Molotov, and how casting directors can do a better job casting Native roles across the industry.
D'Pharaoh's Red Red Carpet shout-out goes to Angelique Midthunder, casting director of Reservation Dogs.
Transcript available here. See more at www.actorsandancestors.com/episodes.
00:00:10 - Introduction to D'Pharaoh, his land, and who claims him
00:04:08 - How D'Pharaoh started acting and the movie "Beans", about the Oka Crisis
00:17:15 - Joel talks about how Beans shut down the Mercier Bridge in Montreal and the racism they experienced from the public
00:21:38 - D'Pharoah's experience throwing molotovs on set
00:25:28 - Reservation Dogs auditions process and how D'Pharaoh stood out
00:33:23 - How D'Pharaoh stays humble and grounded
00:43:50 - D'Pharaoh's advice to aspiring Indigenous actors
00:47:35 - Moving from nepotism to community
00:52:50 - The Red Red Carpet segment

CREDITS:
Actors and Ancestors is created, produced, and hosted by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.
Episode photograph by Kjohn, photo provided by D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai.
Actors and Ancestors is supported by a podcasting grant from the Indigenous Screen Office.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joel wanted to cast a wider net for roles and try to get work in the United States. But first, he needed to get a social security number. Follow Joel's journey over the border to get his SSN!
The Jay Treaty allows Indigenous Peoples in Canada to travel freely across the border to work, live, or study. The idea sounds easy but it was pretty challenging to find the right information and get the right documents. Hopefully Joel's experience will help you navigate the system if you're an Indigenous actor in the same boat! This information is not legal advice.
What Joel needed:
Signed letter from his bandLong form birth certificate Treaty cardOther ID (driver's license or passport)
More info:
USCIS Green Card for an American Indian Born in Canada (you don't need a green card to get an SSN but some useful information)Canadian-born Native Americans: Work or Green Card?Border Crossing Rights Under the Jay Treaty (this is an old post but still useful)
Actors and Ancestors is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand. Audio editing and production support by Daniella Barreto.
Music Credit at 01:41
Track: "Endless Summers"
Music provided by https://slip.stream
Download / Stream: https://get.slip.stream/K665Z0

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 5: Isabella Star LaBlanc is a Dakota actor living in Minnesota. She’s a lifelong theatre actor and self-described “bookstore girl” who got her start surrounded by stories and storytellers. Her breakout screen performance is happening right now as she plays Leah Danvers, alongside Jodie Foster (Liz Danvers) in True Detective. Listen to Isabella explain why she’s not moving to LA or New York– at least not permanently, what it’s like to play a character younger than you actually are, and why Indigenous mentors and peers are so important in an industry that doesn’t always support community. (Bonus- hear her hot take on the Frybread vs. Indian Taco war)
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Isabella's Red Red Carpet film recommendation is Long Line of Ladies by Shaandiin Tome. 
 
If you'd like this little indie show to keep going, please consider a donation on the website at www.actorsandancestors.com
Actors and Ancestors  is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 4: Navigating the Industry Wolves with Anna Lambe

Anna Lambe is an Inuk actor and filmmaker who’s a rising star to watch this coming year. Her breakout role was in The Grizzlies at just 18 years old, followed soon after by a part in the ill-fated CBC series, Trickster and, most recently, the lead on a soon-to-be-announced Arctic TV series. Despite her rocketing early career success, she admits the cutthroat nature of show business can be tough to navigate for sensitive souls. Tune in for the last episode of 2023 for tips about dealing with rejection in the industry, identity fraud and pretendians, strange encounters in Iceland, and what she and JD are considering for their first LA red carpet premiere!
Indigenous designers Anna mentions in the episode:  Lesley Hampton, Pam Baker, Helen Oro, and Victoria’s Arctic Fashions.
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Actors and Ancestors  is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Episode 3: Ditching Leathers and Feathers with Darrell Dennis
Darrell Dennis is a trailblazing veteran Secwépemc actor, comedian, and now– writer and director. Joel caught up with him on location in Cowichan Territory while they were filming Darrell’s new film, Sweet Summer Pow Wow in August.

You’ll hear about Darrell’s very first job as the lead on a CBC teen drama at 17, his narrow escape from a possible Starlight Tour in Winnipeg, and how the casting category of “ethnically ambiguous” opened up new kinds of roles for him. From the old stereotypes of “leather and feather” roles, he is only now starting to see stories written, produced, acted, and directed by Indigenous people. Listen to Darrell’s plans for upcoming productions and be excited for the future of Indigenous film! 
TRANSCRIPT HERE
Actors and Ancestors  is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.

Also, check out our friends, BIPOC Credits Podcast, they share a monthly newsletter full of opportunities in the film and TV industry. Here are links to their Newsletter, Podcast, and Instagram.
Actors and Ancestors  is created, hosted, and produced by Joel D. Montgrand with audio editing and production support from Daniella Barreto.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.