On June 28th , the World Poetry Café Radio Show at 1:30 PM PST on CFRO 100.5 FM , welcomed the lovely and amazing actress Niketa Calame calling in from LA. In a fascinating interview, Niketa described her life as a child actress and her coping with child diabetes. She is now an a project ambassador for the American Diabetes Association and co-founder and creative director of IV I II Studios which produces Impact Documentaries.
Niketa was kind enough to give a young, upcoming Nigerian actor some tips on dealing with keeping on despite some setbacks. She said: “Make rejection your friend.” Do not let it get you down. Believe in yourself and branch out in your field.” He contacted me after the show and said to tell her his heartfelt thanks.
I think that the making “Rejection Your Friend” statement could also apply to all types of creative endeavors.
Niketa also answered a question from me about the Me Too movement. She replied that is has raised awareness. Her advice to young actors is to “never meet anyone in a private space such as an apartment or a hotel room.” Also “To think about your standards and make them clear to others.”
This was one of the most fascinating interviews that I have done in 20 years and I want to thank both Niketa and also Osiris Munir media 15 minutes for recommending such a wonderful guest.
Biography:
Niketa Calame (AEA, SAG/AFTRA) was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is most noted as the voice of “Young Nala” in Disney’s Animated Feature “The Lion King:”. She received her Masters of Fine Arts from The Actors Studio Drama School at New School University in New York City and her BA from University of California, Santa Cruz. She studied theater for a year abroad at The University of Exeter in England, UK. Some of her theater credits include: Squeak in Celebration Theaters Ovation Award production of The Color Purple, International City Theaters acclaimed production of Ain’t Misbehaving and Center Theater Groups workshop production of This Land. Niketa’ s tv/film credits have allowed her to work on NBC, FOX, MTVu, Warner Brothers and Disney. Niketa is a project ambassador for the American Diabetes Association and co-founder and creative director of IV I II Studios which produces Impact Documentaries. Niketa is delighted to return to the cast of This Land. Niketa Calame was born in Los Angeles, California to Theodora Lamond of Los Angeles, California and Norman Calame of Kingston, Jamaica. She is most noted for her role as the voice of “Young Nala” in Disney’s 32nd Animated Feature Film, “The Lion King”.
She has always loved her craft and is someone to look out for with her upcoming news.
Additional Questions:
1. “As the co-founder and creative director of IV I II Studios which produces Impact Documentaries, what do you do?
I deal with assisting of all operations and procedure brainstorming and implementation as co founder.
As creative director I handle and assist the CEO with social media, branding and making sure that visuals
and talent picked align with the mission vision on and off set.”
2. How do you pick the documentaries?
“Some stories are brought to us that know what we do or have heard of what we do. Some are referrals from folks who have worked with us in the past. Some stories we have seen and have researched.”
3. What is the most interesting part?
“The most interesting part is the passion and innovation that these people are pursuing to change their communities and the world around them. With all the negativity out there it feels good to highlight folks that are really making a difference.
4. “As the project ambassador for the American Diabetes Association, do you have some tips for those with juvenile diabetes?
“Yes, I have type 1 diabetes which used to be called juvenile diabetes. The JDRF and The ADA are great resources to get involved with .
You can find out about what is going on in science in insurance in management tools and most importantly, you start to network and make friends with people and families that are going through exactly what you are going through.”
5. In coaching youth actors, do you work with their parents also?
“Yes I work with many age levels but most of the child actors I work with I also coach their parents on what to get set up to launch their kids acting careers beyond coaching them in the craft of acting. It’s a business at the end of the day and attention has to be spent on both concepts.”
6. What are your plans and hopes for the future?
“Well I always wanted to be in an Oscar nominated film and the Lion King has made that dream come true. So now know that I want to play dynamic roles that would take me back as a nominee. I also want to keep working with kids and their parents to help them make their dreams come true. I would love to travel the world and discover the amazing culture and food through my own show with the hubby.”
7. Is there any message that you would like to send to the world?
“Discover what you love and pursue it The only thing that can stop you is your own mind’s fear of stepping out on Faith. Create a support system around you because we were meant to do life with people and not in solitude.”
Sources: Osiris Munir , 15 minutes, interview and photos with permission from Niketa Calame, World Poetry Café Radio Show, World Poetry Website.
