Horseshoe to Hollywood
Horseshoe to Hollywood is
not a common path for USC
graduates. However, Brandon
Smith, a 2007 public relations
graduate, has taken on the
challenge of pursuing an acting
career, and has not looked
back since. "I am a big believer
in chasing dreams and putting
forth the effort to make
them come true," Smith said.
Upon graduating from the
university Smith auditioned
for enrollment in the American
Academy of Dramatic Arts in
Los Angeles, a move that led
to roles from commercials and
television shows to features in
movies.
InterCom's Sidney Little
spoke with Smith:
What has your experience
been like since
moving out to Los
Angeles?
It has definitely been a struggle, but I keep
faith and continue to see my hard work pay off. It also helps that I'm a pretty friendly person and that part of my personality has really helped me stand out in terms of auditions and interviews. As far as location, New York is more me; I spent a summer there and never wanted to leave, but LA is where the business is.
Would you say that
attending the university
of South Carolina
contributed to those likeable
traits? What are some of your
most memorable moments of
the university about?
Without a doubt, I
love Carolina! I took
a crisis communications
class with Randy Covington,
and that helped me
learn to think outside of the
box. But my freshman year was
amazing. I walked onto the
football team while Lou Holtz
was still here and that was an
experience in itself. Being able
to play in the spring game at
Williams-Brice Stadium is
unforgettable.
How have classes in
the Coliseum contributed
to success in
Hollywood?
I started as a broadcast
major, and I was
able to do a lot of
camera work, so I was comfortable
in that aspect.
That's a pretty cool
accomplishment,
what are some of
the other acting jobs you have
done?
Aside from "The
Green Hornet"
and "Guitar Hero"
recently, I was able to fulfill
a childhood dream after
meeting J.J. Abrams ("Lost,"
"Star Trek," "Cloverfield")
in a restaurant I worked at.
I simply told him my dream
of wanting to be in one of
his "Star Trek" films and he
handed me contact info immediately.
Next thing I knew,
they called me in, fitted me
for a space suit, and I was
going into battle with none
other than Captain Kirk and
Mr. Spock.
That's definitely
worth bragging
about! It can definitely
be said that you seem
to have quite the career ahead
of you Brandon; we here at
Carolina wish you the best of
luck in your future projects.
Thanks Sid, it was
great having this opportunity,
man.
Reprinted from InterCom, the college alumni magazine
Story By: Sidney Little & Design By: Chris Brown
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