text: This week, Atlanta Film and TV had a chance to interview thirteen-year-old Atlanta Actress Lindsey Blackwell!
  When did you know you were interested in acting?
  If I could pick a moment that I can remember, it is probably when I was about 6 or 7-years-old, when I booked my first lead role in a Florida State University student film called“PAYNE” byRonin Lee. We filmed around my birthday, and I remember getting picked up from the airport and Ronin having a birthday gift for me. It made me feel special, and when I got to set everyone was friendly and made being on set fun for me. I think that’s why I became interested in acting. It is fun for me to meet new people and play different roles.
  When did you get your first taste of acting and how old were you?
  I started acting when I was 3 ½ years old at AMTC, Actors, Model, and Talent for Christ. I started in their talent development program and progressed into the Summer 2010 SHINE event, which started my acting career. There I performed a monologue called, “I Need A Job” which gifted me with the honor of winning the Best Overall Actress for my category. Because of AMTC, I met my agentsJ Pervis Talent Agency in Atlanta andAbrams Artists Agency in LA.
  How do you balance school, friends, extracurricular activities and your acting career?
  The way I balance all of these things is just to remember my priorities. Education always comes first, and I am so glad my school has been able to work with me throughout the bulk of my acting career. I just recently started playing flag football and that takes up time as well, but I just have to work efficiently and not waste any time. My friends and family have always been supportive and are always cheering me on!
  What is one piece of advice you would give someone your age, desiring an on-camera acting career?
  One piece of advice I would give to an aspiring actor/actress is to stay on your grind and don’t ever say you can’t do something. Practice makes progress and the progress will show in everything that you do. Also, I believe that whatever you speak will come into existence. So, if you say you can’t then you can’t and if you say you can then you can.
  Could you tell us about the current role on David Makes Man?
  I play Marissa onDavid Makes Man who is David and Seren’s classmate and friend at Galvin Magnet Middle School. Marissa is wisecracking, smart as a whip, and takes no foolishness. She excels in school and isn’t afraid to speak her mind.
  How was it working alongside Phylicia Rashad?
  Working alongside Ms.Phylicia Rashad was unbelievable! It’s crazy because I look up to her as a legend in this industry, and to be able to work with her has been a dream come true! Ms. Phylicia is kind and inspiring, and she is so down to earth. She would sit and talk with us in between takes and over lunch and even crack a few jokes. She is amazing!
  Can you speak a little bit about some of the other projects you have on the horizon?
  Well, I’m super excited to share that I will be on a new TV series called Council of Dads which can be expected sometime in midseason on NBC.
  Want more information on Lindsey Blackwell? Check out herwebsite andIMDB.