We had the good fortune of connecting with Byron Franco and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Byron, why did you pursue a creative career?
Acting was a childhood passion, but I only made the leap about 3 years ago. I was working as an office furniture salesman, and we had a contest to make the best video for a new software. I made up a slick character who promoted his vegan leather and had so much fun I knew I had to jump back into acting. I started taking classes and went from there!
Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
It’s a difficult industry and I’ve thought about quitting many times, but I can’t think of anything else I’d want to do! It’s still a struggle, but slowly I’ve started getting more work and am costarring in a full length Western film coming out next year. Starting off without any roles or connections it feels almost impossible, but staying dedicated to go for every audition I can has opened up a lot of doors. I’ve met people from unpaid student films that got me big professional roles, so every job counts!
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’d go to the Museum District and the Menil, then do some thrift shopping in Montrose. I become a bit of a golf addict during covid so a round at Memorial Course. Luckily for my career and sanity I dropped the habit. Old Town Spring is also a favorite of mine for a day trip.
As far as restaurants my favorite spots are Mala Sichuan, Aga’s, and Pho Danh in the Hong Kong City Mall.
The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I’d like to shoutout my acting coaches: Sara Gaston, Lee Stringer, and Trisha Ray. Without them I wouldn’t have the skills on both acting technique and the business side of the industry
I’d also like to shoutout my group that I film shorts and sketches with regularly: “In The House”
Website: linktr.ee/byronfr
Instagram: byronfranco33
Youtube: @In_the_House
Image Credits
Robert Campitelli Kevin Trinidad David Nguyen Brandon James Adam Lupiani