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Business & Tech

New Baltimore Actor Finds Drama in Film Industry

Hollywood values Michigan work ethic, says local thespian.

In the past year, New Baltimore native and untrained actor Didrik Davis has scored a slew of film roles in Michigan.

Through his work ethic, determination and martial arts training, the 39-year-old thespian earned jobs in a total of 13 independent films and the cable television show Lee Martin's The Midnight Hour.

“I went into the open casting call and two weeks later the director called me,” Davis said about his first break, the film Squire Bill.

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Having earned a black belt in judo, Davis said that his career as a professional wrestler primed him for the world of acting that involves dramatic physical movements. It was a natural move for him to leave wrestling for acting since he said the former had “lost its luster.”

“It was amazing,” Didrik said about his first film. “The best part was the friends that I made on that set. They were an amazing group to work with.”

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The film industry can be rewarding for aspiring actors. The key is to have patience during the audition process to obtain roles, according to Davis.

“You have to play make believe. It’s like being a kid again,” he said.

Redford resident Ryan Thompson, director of Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption, said that Davis was the first person to arrive on set when auditioning for a role in the film. Thompson said that Davis was beyond helpful with set up and tear down on site, even though he knew volunteering wouldn't get him a job.

Thompson said, “I picked him because of the combination of his talent, looks and enthusiasm. He’s not a one-upper; he believes in everything he works on.”

The next goal for Davis is landing a Hollywood gig. The challenge in this environment, he said, is that directors of large-scale films often have a predetermined idea of whom they are looking for. That's unlike smaller-scale directors who are more open to varying acting styles and physical appearance.

But Michigan natives have qualities industry insiders appreciate.

“I learned that Hollywood likes people from Michigan because we are so hard working and gracious,” Davis said.

Davis will star in Zombie Apocalypse: Redemption, available on DVD at local stores in October.

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