From Army Ranger to the Silver Screen: Acting Journey | Billy Dunston
Episode Summary
What this episode is about
In this episode of the Dirt to Sky Business Podcast, host Jordan Hill sits down with actor and Army Ranger veteran Billy Dunston. Billy shares his unique transition from 13 years of military service to a flourishing career in film and television. From booking big commercials to recurring roles on Apple TV and Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Billy discusses the grit, education, and "non-negotiable" discipline required to succeed in a competitive industry. Whether he’s training jiu-jitsu, writing screenplays, or preparing for his next role, Billy's journey is a masterclass in persistence and authenticity. 00:15 – Introduction and how the host discovered Billy on Apple TV. 01:22 – Choosing between a 20-year military career and acting. 02:45 – Early life in the DC area and working at movie theaters. 04:22 – Falling into acting through fashion modeling and extra work. 05:07 – The shift in 2019: Jiu-jitsu, military exit, and intensive study. 06:56 – Why Billy started writing his own stories and screenplays. 08:34 – The impact of the film Blackhawk Down on his life and military service. 09:12 – Experience as an Army Ranger and five deployments. 09:58 – Being typecast as a police officer and working on Tyler Perry’s Sistas. 12:15 – The intense 15-day filming schedule for a 22-episode season. 16:03 – The reality of hundreds of "nos" and the audition process. 18:46 – Protecting your time and advocating for yourself in a small market. 22:21 – Using 48-hour film festivals to build a network and footage. 25:04 – How jiu-jitsu provided a vital community in Oregon. 28:19 – Future goals: Upcoming films and a children's book for his son. 29:28 – Killer Man's Sons: A deep dive into Billy’s screenplay about modern warfare. 32:03 – The steps to getting a screenplay produced: Pitch decks and film festivals. 35:33 – Why professional acting classes are essential for success. 41:26 – Learning lines and managing high-stress environments on set. 47:23 – Advice for entrepreneurs: Identifying your "non-negotiables". Develop a greater vision with Jordan Hill on the Dirt to Sky Podcast. Bringing on a powerful aray of guest that exclusively features their talents and respective position in their work and community. FOLLOW OUR SOCIALS! IG AND TIKTOK: DIRTTOSKYPODCAST #Business #BusinessPodcast #SmallBusiness #BusinessGrowth