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We recently had the incredible privilege of hosting actor and activist Fehinti Balogun for a inspiring workshop and an intimate Q&A. Known for his roles in Dune: Part One, A Gentleman in Moscow, and the hugely popular Apple TV+ series Down Cemetery Road, Fehinti brought a wealth of industry experience and a powerful, grounded perspective to our space.
The session was more than just a technical workshop; it was an introspective conversation about identity, resilience, and the power of being heard.
The Journey: Key Takeaways
During the Q&A, Fehinti touched on the pivotal moments and challenges of his career:
- We All Start Somewhere: He spoke fondly of his time singing in his local church choir before being accepted into the National Youth Theatre, describing it as a transformative experience that helped shape the person he is today, and encouraged all budding performers to get involved.
- Stage vs. Screen: On the technical side, Fehinti broke down the nuances of performance. While theatre acting requires a larger-than-life energy to reach the back of the house, screen acting is about the “economy of movement” and letting the camera find the truth in your eyes.
- Overcoming Barriers: He didn’t shy away from the difficult questions, discussing whether he had ever missed out on roles because of his race. His insights into navigating the industry as a person of colour were both sobering and empowering for the students.
I don’t want you to dismiss me, I want you to hear me
Redefining the Industry: The Green Rider Movement
Fehinti spoke on the importance of being an “active citizen” and his journey as a climate activist, advocating for climate justice and social change.
Beyond his performances on screen, Fehinti is a founding member of The Green Rider, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at transforming the environmental and social culture of film and TV production. The movement launched in August 2023 in collaboration with Equity, and seeks to replace outdated, carbon-heavy “diva” demands with sustainable practices.
The Green Rider isn’t just about the environment; it’s about dismantling unnecessary hierarchies. By opting for communal transport, shared trailers, or plant-based catering, high-profile actors help shift the power dynamics on set, making the industry a fairer and more inclusive place for everyone. This is a vital lesson in how “star power” can be used to influence policy and reduce the industry’s carbon footprint from the very first day on a set.
Who was my inspiration growing up? A future version of myself who achieves all the things I want to achieve
It was a powerful reminder to our students that the best person to be inspired by is the person you are becoming, and never to forget your own potential, and power to change the industry from within!
Thank you to Fehinti for your time, your wisdom, and for reminding us all that acting is not just about “playing a part,” but about the courage to be seen and heard.
It was a pleasure to come to RMS and work with curious and creative students
- Fehinti Balogun