Gian Smith…..Actor, Screen Play Writer & Poet
From the HBO Treme’ Series...
“My Poetry was a Hit with HBO, but hits
home in NEW ORLEANS”
Q. Tell us a about yourself and where are you from?
A. I‟m Gian Smith, from the HBO series Treme‟ movie. Recently featured in Episode 5 of Season II and all of the Treme‟ commercials and trailers. A native of New
Orleans, although I was raised in the suburbs, I feel like I have a chemistry with all
of New Orleans. There‟s no area of town that I‟m more or less attached to. I like
everything about New Orleans!
Q. What is your career background ?
A. First and foremost, I‟m a writer of novels, screen plays, poetry. It‟s all
inclusive. I‟m a “Social preneur.” I host events as well. I try to be more of a personality in front of audiences . I mentor youths and adults, cultivating social awareness. My day job is coaching football, basketball and track. I‟m like the emotional
support for the minds of our youths.
Q. What or who inspired you to do write and do poetry?
A. The New Orleans poet and celebrity host, “Hollywood.” He‟s my greatest inspiration. One night, I witnessed him during and open mic segment. After watching
him and listening to his passionate art of poetry...I decided I wanted to do poetry as
well. I aspire to someday work with him in this genre. Another inspiration was Lionel King in African American Shakespeare. My mother and father too, both professionals, (one a principal and one professor)—I looked up to them as people of
leadership.
Q. What would you say your journey in the music industry has been like?
A. It hasn‟t been a difficult process for me like it‟s been for other artists.
Probably because of my outlook. I didn‟t get lots of acclaim, but I enjoyed it. It‟s a
building process. The whole process to me is all about the journey. The process is
just as venerable as the end result.
Q. What‟s the one thing you want everyone to know about the you?
A. I‟m always going to give positive energy. I‟m not going to thrive on anyone
else‟s sadness or sorrows . I want people to feel positive about themselves.
Q. Tell us about your previous and upcoming work as an actor, screen play writer
and poet? Acting Roles, Performances, Accomplishments & Affiliations.
A. I‟m going to be involved with Season IV of the HBO series Treme.‟ Although,
I‟m not sure of what my involvement will be exactly. I‟m going to try to get into
more on screen roles. Ideally I want to write screen plays. I currently have screen
plays written which were released July „2011. I host an open mic show at McKenzie
Museum in New Orleans as well.
18 Exxpose Magazine