Gerald ‘Don’ Langiri; actor with a cause

Gerald Langiri: An actor with a cause

Even with Government calling for at least 40 per cent local and children’s content in overall TV programming, the local acting industry is yet to realise its full potential. But not if passionate individuals like, Gerald Langiri alias Don, 28, have their way. Thorn Mulli chronicles his amazing journey.

Who is Gerald Langiri?

I am an actor, casting agent, IT administrator and the brains behind actor.co.ke, an online platform that hosts the profiles of Kenyan actors for free.

Tell us a bit about your background?

My sister and I were born and raised in Mombasa. I attended MM Shah & MV Shah Academy before moving to Consolata School in the capital where I completed my primary education. I proceeded on to Secondary education back at the Coast but this time in Taita County, Kenyatta High School Mwatate. A true nomad, I would complete my studies in Ol Kejuado High School in Kajiado County. Later, on completion, I enrolled for an undergraduate programme in computing and Internet systems at the Institute of Advanced Technology (IAT). Upon graduating with second class honours from the University of Huddersfield, UK, I joined Future Kenya Limited as an IT technician and, later Flashcom Limited as a billing manager.

How did you get into acting?

I have to admit that my formative years laid the foundation for the actor I am today. I can remember getting involved in skits as far back as class five and more in Church plays in Mikindani Catholic Church. This passion carried on to my high school years, taking up roles in innumerable plays. Getting into professional acting was harder than anticipated, however, as the industry operated mysteriously. After a long break, a friend, Irene Ayimba, mentioned to me in 2011 of a possible acting role as a lawyer in a new court drama Mashtaka. My interest was rekindled and after several rehearsals, I bagged the part. It was daunting at first working alongside legendary actors like Joel Otuko of Siri fame, but with time, I eased into it. From then on, I been involved in many more acting roles, my most notable role being ‘Don’ a lawyer in soap opera Mali.

IT administrator and actor, how do you manage juggling the two?

I tried juggling the two for a while albeit successfully but after clinching the Mali role, whose rehearsals took up considerable time, I had to make a choice. Acting has always been my first love and after some soul searching, I went for it.

How was the transition like?

It was a bit unsettling considering acting jobs are hard to come by. But overall, it was a worthy challenge.

Tell us a bit about your online initiative

My torturous journey into acting due to lack of information coupled with my IT background led me to creating, with input from professionals of course, an online platform called actors.co.ke from which both aspiring and established actors could get industry related news like on coming auditions. Actors and actresses also lacked exposure and this site provided a platform to share their profiles, making them more visible not only to the public but to talent scouts as well.

How has the reception been?

The reception has been overwhelming to say the least. Our Facebook account, for instance, boasts over 12,000 fans, half a million visitors a month and 15,000 unique users daily. Starting out was not without hiccups, the main impediment being hate from a section of casting agents who felt posting actor’s profiles freely would interfere with their trade. I even got threatening calls urging me to quit or suffer consequences but rather than deter me, they strengthened my will. With the success of the initiative came more responsibility, the most notable being my involvement in setting up an actor’s guild to champion and protect actors interests. Apparently, the guild had been registered partly in 2007, filed but not processed. With the help of like-minded individuals, it was eventually registered on July 2012 under Peter King. A workshop last October educating actors about the guild paved way for elections to be held in May this year.

Do you think the government and learning institutions are doing enough to nature acting talent?

There has been progress but I believe that more could be done. I am saddened that subjects like arts and craft were scrapped from the curriculum. Very few, if any schools, staff specialised acting teachers and trainers critical in nurturing talent. On the same note, I would encourage teachers to develop a more serious attitude to acting as opposed to the present perception that acting is field for ‘jokers.’ Film industry policies, financing, taxes also need revising for the acting industry to reach the heights it should be at.

What next for the ‘Don?’

I am starring in a major production coming out soon. Also look out for In The Forest, a talk show comedy that looks at how celebrities react away from their comfort zones.