What does it take to put together your favorite TV show or movie? How does the actor/actress prepare? What do they remember about a particular scene? What anxieties does a director have before releasing their project? Do they know how much their movie has impacted the industry and culture?
Many of us don’t know what goes on in the TV and film world but with “Scene It,” I’m bringing friends from that side of the industry to answer these questions. And Leon Thomas is the perfect first guest to do explain it all!
Thomas is a quadruple threat, and those architects rarely exist anymore; he can not only act but also sing, produce, play instruments and write.
The 24-year-old sat down with me to talk about his new role as Issa Rae’s “f— buddy” on HBO’s hit series “Insecure,” his stint on Nickelodeon’s “Victorious” where he played Andre Harris alongside another young music heavyweight, Ariana Grande.
Thomas discusses how crucial it was to be part of a groundbreaking film like “Detroit” and to work alongside a female Oscar-winning director within the #MeToo movement currently happening in Hollywood. But the best moment was when he shared a private moment he had with one of our beloved actors, the late legend Robin Williams during a scene on the film “August Rush.”
On the music end, he’s already won a Grammy, is part of a production team called The Rascals who helped produce Post Malone’s EP, co-produced and wrote songs for Ariana Grande’s monster debut album Yours Truly. He also has Babyface as a mentor and is now venturing into his own as a solo artist full speed ahead with his new single “Favorite.”
Sky’s the limit for Leon Thomas, and with acting under his belt and a strong reputation as a hitmaker, I’m sure more success isn’t far away.