Tavond Francis: From Athlete to Actor

Want to connect with Tj & Plaideau? Send us a text message.

Ever wondered what it’s like to leap from the world of football to the realm of film? That's exactly what Tavond Francis did, and he's here to share his riveting story. As an actor and former college athlete, Tavond was encouraged by his parents towards theater from a young age. Ignoring it for sports, he'd eventually stumble upon acting during a break from school and it soon took center stage. His journey is filled with excitement, including a background stint in AMC’s Into the Badlands that set the wheels of his acting career in motion.
But Tavond's story is more than a rookie-to-actor transformation. He peels back the curtain on the technical side of his craft, offering valuable nuggets on script breakdown, character embodiment, and adding a personal touch to roles. The guys talk about how techniques learned from Jim Gleason and Sanford Meisner acting schools have shaped their approach to crafting characters. Tavond has a growing interest in stunt work and would love to add that layer to his craft. What's more, he shares delightful anecdotes about working with Peyton and Eli Manning, and his thoughts on work-life balance are refreshingly candid.
Tavond is not one to sugarcoat. He delves into the highs and lows of the industry, stressing the significance of a positive attitude amidst challenges and tough decisions. With tales of switching agencies and sacrifices, he underscores the need for focus and staying grounded. His dream of working in a Tarantino movie and his top five actors he’d love to work with hints at his aspirations. If you're keen on grasping the intricate dynamics of the film industry, this conversation with Tavond is a must-listen. Hear about his journey, acting techniques, and much more, in a conversation that is as inspiring as it is informative.

Support the show

Follow us on IG @nolafilmscene, @kodaksbykojack, and @tjsebastianofficial. Check out our 48 Hour Film Project short film Waiting for Gateaux: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z5pFvn4cd1U . & check out our website: nolafilmscene.com