When did you start working at Createscape?

I started working at Createscape on April 1, 2019.  Keller and I have been close friends for many years and it has been awesome to have the opportunity to help manage and grow his business alongside him and Riki this year.

What is your title and job description? 

When Keller and I discussed this originally, he said my title could be whatever I wanted it to be – so, I decided on Community Development Manager.  

What does Community Development Manager mean?

My goal is to continue growing the amazing community we have at Createscape by applying various skills from my business background and beyond, like project management, marketing, and data analytics. I also help with the day-to-day operations, such as making coffee, restocking supplies and snacks, helping members, answering emails, assisting with weekend and evening events, and maintenance.   

What did you do before you started working here?

My previous job, which I had for over 13 years, was an Information Security Analyst/Project Manager for the Legal department at Applied Materials, the largest semiconductor equipment manufacturer in the world.  It would take many paragraphs to list everything I did there, as there really is no accurate job title for everything I did.  

When I started there fresh out of college, I was brought on to help design and implement a global program to protect the company’s most valuable intellectual property.  This also consisted of designing and instructing training programs and writing policy. As time went on, I also managed a good number of software development projects to support this effort, data security, and support the legal department.  Furthermore, I helped with investigative/forensic analysis and evidence-gathering for the Global Investigations team and designed Tableau charts, metrics, and many, MANY presentations for the Legal department, some even for the VPs of the company.  I was the only person who did this for the entire company, so there was always a lot of pressure. Aside from that job, I have been designing, building, and marketing websites, most music related, since I was about 14 years old and have enjoyed being heavily involved in the music community in Austin since living here.  Back in 2009, I even managed a local band for about a year.

What was it like going from a corporate job to a PT gig at a coworking office?

I’ll keep this answer short – a BREATH OF FRESH AIR!

When you’re not at Createscape what else do you do?

As of this year, I have been working very hard on pursuing an acting career.  When not at Createscape, I’m either on a set, auditioning, or in a training class/workshop (or sleeping…maybe).  I have landed several principal roles this year in short films that will be coming out next year, including Life on the Outside (my first lead role!), Christmas Slasher, and Rock Bottom.  

 I have been working as much as possible on commercials, films, and TV shows in the area, such as Fear the Walking Dead, Panic, and We Can Be Heroes, to name a few.  

Lately, I have been doing a lot of stand-in work (standing in for the principal cast as the cameras/lighting are set up) on bigger shows, which has been a priceless learning experience when it comes to the technical aspects of a production. It has also been great to get to observe some top-notch actors and directors at work.  With Fear the Walking Dead’s production gearing up this month, I’m likely to continue moonlighting as a zombie on occasion as well.  Actually, today was my first day back as a “walker” this season! It’s always a blast and the film community in Austin consists of some of the nicest and most passionate people I’ve ever met, which is why I think I’m drawn to it so much.  Aside from all that, I enjoy composing (mostly) instrumental music on my synthesizers/keyboards when I get the chance and have been working on a six-song EP for quite some time now. I would love to score a short film if I ever had time to do so.  I did compose a song for my good friend Ray Allen’s stop-motion animation project, Call Of The Naagloshii, a couple months ago, which I am proud of. Finally, I love hanging out with my friends, trying new restaurants and craft beers, as well as road biking when I get a chance.

What was it like being in Fear the Walking Dead?

For me, it has been a delightfully unexpected experience which has ended up changing my life in so many positive ways.

If anyone here is interested in being an extra on a TV show or movie being filmed in Austin, how can they go about it, starting with how do they find out about production, to applying?

I would say the best way is to follow all of the casting groups on Facebook and submit to as much as possible.  It is not that hard to get selected for extra work as long as you (1) look like what they need and (2) have extremely open availability.  Extra work is a great first step if you’re interested in getting your foot into the door and have little acting experience. The networking and educational opportunities it can bring are invaluable.  If you’re interested in taking the next step toward actually obtaining a speaking (principal) part, you’ll need to take a lot of classes, attend networking events, get an agent, and build your brand/website and reel (that’s what I am currently working on).  After that, it is a bit of “right place at the right time.” And a lot of luck. The great thing about Austin is that there are a lot of job opportunities in the tv/film industry here no matter what you’re looking to do.

You’re only at Createscape P/T and unlike members, you work here. But I’m sure your membership here has been advantageous in other ways. Do you ever need to book the conference room? Do you go to any events — like Skill Taco?

Absolutely.  I try to attend as many of the Createscape events as I can.  I love meeting our members and hearing their stories. Often times, I am submitting to casting calls or working on memorizing lines for a role at the front desk, which I actually find to be a very productive spot.  I also love the soft green chairs in the Howdy Room lounge and occasionally will work over there. The Studio Space has been great for booking rehearsals with other actors as well as for headshots.

Have you collaborated with any Createscape members that you met here?

Yes, Harold Fisch did my headshots which I am very pleased with.  Be sure to read the recent Q&A with him and hit him up if you ever need headshots!  Additionally, I played a small part on Joshua Jackson’s commercial for his app Prestige by The Corporate Pimp.  I got a chance to try on shoes and provide feedback for the SUAVS team and participated in Smart Trips Austin’s urban farm bike ride (highly recommended!).  I hope to collaborate with more members in the future!

Who is your favorite Createscape dog? And don’t forget that Ellie will bite you if you don’t say she is.

Did Ellie threaten you into asking me this question? :-D  

Article by Riki Markowitz