Actor Caiseen Warren Rated: NEXT!

Atlanta is at the center as one of the fastest growing regions for the film and television industry. In a few short years we have seen Tyler Perry studios establish itself as a respectable film studio. Screen Gems has added state of the art facilities that rival sets in Burbank; and in September Georgia will see the opening of its first film school in the Marietta area. Everyone has talked about the jobs skilled and technical that has arrived in the area. Few have mentioned the talented people both homegrown and transplanted; who are the very heartbeat of the industry. If Atlanta has been the recipient of all that’s good with this industry; then actor Caiseen Warren is its love child. I meet up with Warren at the Green Room a budding ground for young actors. At first glance Warren in warm, engaging, and his passion for the business leaps off him. You can tell he exudes that type of energy everywhere he goes which is probably why his career has taken off. Warren and I sit down and talk about the unbelievable opportunities he’s had in the past year, his tireless ambition, and why is focused on becoming the best actor he can be.

Caiseen how did you know that acting as career was for you?

I grew up in tough neighborhood in North Philadelphia so I am no stranger to things being tough or hard. I moved to Atlanta and attended Clark Atlanta University and majored in electrical engineering not the easiest of subjects, and then I went on to pursue my masters at Cornell University. I guess you can say I have always set the bar high for myself. Even with all the achievements I was able to take something positive from each experience that I still carry with me today.

Being an engineer and deciding to act are at opposite ends of the spectrum how did you prepare for the change?

I prepared by becoming a student of the industry. When I move back to Atlanta I immersed myself in the film culture. I got head shots, I took acting classes; I read for every role even those against type. Even now a typical day for me is working out, acting classes, and always checking my email for possible opportunities. I feel if there is an available job and I’m not on the set then I have missed my opportunity. I do all of this and I still work full time as an engineer.

Your passion and drive are evident; tell us about the opportunities that have come your way in one short year.

First of all I am happy to say that I am SAG eligible! So that means I can work SAG films as well as others. I have been fortunate enough to be cast in two feature films this year, “Before You See God” and “Echo at 11 Oak Drive.” I was very blessed to be a part of both films very important roles in both of them. I have done some TV and stage work but I film is my favorite.

Who do you want to work with or have worked with that has inspired you?

I have been fortunate enough to take classes with Greg Alan Williams and Alpha Tyler both industry veterans. The entire of cast of Echo is also who’s who in the industry from the producing, directing, and acting standpoint. The director is Crystle Clear who is phenomenal and her producing partner Dianne Ashford of Symmetry Entertainment. I received a lot of advice from Rockmond Dunbar of Soul Food and Prison Break. He was very humble and fun on the set.

What does the future hold for you?

I am very focused on being the best at acting that I can be. Many of my peers want to direct and produce and I’m not saying that those things won’t appeal to me someday. I really want to concentrate on perfecting my craft. If I continue to focus, put out good energy, and do great work then hopefully my future will be bright.

You can catch Caiseen Warren in the upcoming films “Echo at 11 Oak Drive” and “Before you see God”; also check out his website www.caiseenwarren.com to watch both trailers and to find out about upcoming projects.