Today we’d like to introduce you to Dawson Roebig.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Michael Chekov once wrote, “All true artists bear within themselves a deeply rooted and often unconscious desire for transformation.” The first time I stumbled across that quote, something about it resonated in me. As a thespian in my high school’s drama program, I had the opportunity to portray a soldier confronting the final hours of his life. The play recounted his views on love, family, service, and death. Tackling the role proved to be one of the greatest challenges of my acting career. The night of the performance, I gazed out into the audience. I wondered if somewhere out in the darkness, there was a veteran struggling with trauma. I asked myself if there was anyone with loved ones in the armed services. The thought I could comfort just one person, even for one night, made me feel grateful. The creative not only transforms the lives of others but is themselves transformed by the experience.
In 2017, I studied at the American Academy of Arts. It was an honor to study with talented students from all over the world, many of whom have become great friends. At AADA, our teachers revealed that acting is more than the recitation of lines. You need to be present. You need to be committed. Most importantly, you need the courage to live truthfully. These classes not only helped me grow as a performer but as a person.
After my conservatory at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, I came back home to Florida. My adventures in New York had fueled the creative flame. They inspired me to take work wherever I could find it. Thanks to my agents at UMMI and Level Talent Group, I continue to enjoy my journey as an actor.
As much as I was enjoy acting, I felt the need to explore another creative outlet. When I was younger, I had always dreamed of writing and producing my own projects. So, in the summer of 2019, I founded Antrim Road Productions.
The name of our company is a tribute to my great-grandfather, a dedicated entrepreneur and community leader from Belfast, Ireland. Like him, I believe a business’s true worth isn’t always measured in profits. It’s reflected in its principles. Antrim Road Productions is committed to the values of diversity, inclusiveness, and aesthetic freedom. We believe that the filmmaking community thrives when every artist is empowered and involved in the creative process.
We shot our first film, “Jericho Road”, with a remarkable crew of Orlando filmmakers and Tampa-Bay actors. As a darkly comedic thriller, “Jericho Road” enjoyed a successful debut on the festival circuit. That first project taught me that filmmaking is a collaborative effort. A production is a rich tapestry in which every member contributes something special to the overall vision. Working together as a team, we weave these threads together to create a cinematic experience.
Antrim Road Productions is taking the next step. The industry is evolving, and we want to play a role in that transformation. Over the last year, we’ve traveled across the nation, fostering relationships with a new generation of artists. Their courage, humility, and passion for storytelling continue to inspire me. Our team is also looking to produce two feature-length projects: “Crispy” and “False Shepherd.” Both of these stories address issues that are close to my heart. It’s my hope that they’ll spark important conversations that pave a path toward change. I’m proud of what Antrim Road Productions has accomplished, and I can’t wait to see where we go next.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It hasn’t always been easy. This industry demands so much from all of us. Every artist is presented with challenges that test them. The late-night film shoots, the last-minute-auditions, and the constant traveling eventually take it’s toll. You start to question yourself. What am I doing? What if this doesn’t work? What if I fail? In those moments, you need to take a step back and reassess. Remember why you fell in love with the craft. Feed your creativity. Give yourself time to rediscover your passion.
Our culture wants us to believe that burnout is a badge of honor. That couldn’t be farther from the truth. There’s beauty in silence. There’s great power in stillness. As creatives, we need to give ourselves permission to engage in quiet self-reflection.
There are times where you’re going to feel alone. You pour your heart and soul into your craft, yet, you still find yourself disconnected from the work. So many artists quit for this very reason. If you find yourself feeling this way, know that we’re all out here rooting for you. The moment you decided to become an artist, you became a part of our community. We need you and your talents. We want your voice to be heard.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
No two films are ever alike. You and I can read the same script and produce two radically different movies. This is why cinema endures. Every frame reveals something unique about that particular team of filmmakers. We, as an audience, come together to experience another person’s story. Looking up at the big screen, we also carry this silent hope that maybe we’ll see traces of our own. It all starts with empathy.
As a filmmaker and an actor, I’m looking to empathize with the character as much as possible. I want to know what drives them. What are they thinking? Why do they act this way? How do they talk and carry themselves? The more I work, the more I discover the connections between myself and the character.
I’m also drawn to projects that challenge the way we look at ourselves and the world. The artists I’ve always admired the most weren’t afraid to stand out. The best productions are those that give you the freedom to explore and try something new.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Every person you meet is a mentor. Both the experienced film investor and the first-time production assistant can teach you something. You just have been open to the lesson. In a creative community, everyone is both a student and a mentor. I’m grateful to have met so many wonderful people in this industry. These professionals have shared insights that can only come from a lifetime of unique experiences. Their wisdom reminds me that I’m always in the process of learning my craft.
It’s an exciting time in the entertainment industry. The business is changing. More filmmakers and actors of all backgrounds are finally getting the opportunity to share their work. Film festivals, social media, and networking events are helping us find and connect with one another.
Many artists can feel intimidated by the idea of networking. The word itself tends to conjure feelings of awkwardness and forced insincerity. But, at its heart, networking is just creating friendships. Every time we shake someone’s hand, we open the door to future collaboration. Networking isn’t “selling yourself.” You’re simply letting the other person know that if they have a problem, you can be a part of the solution. If the filmmaking community continues to embrace this sense of togetherness, I believe all of us will have the chance to be a part of something truly special.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawsonroebig/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dawson.roebig/
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9594260/
Image Credits
Antrim Road Productions
Brian Petersen
Joe Leonard
Noah Donadio
