So exactly how do you get the attention of one of the top filmmakers in Hollywood? If you have an extra $1500 you can do what New Jersey actress Racquel Bailey did to get Tyler Perry’s attention. Desperate to work with Tyler Perry she bought space on a billboard 2 miles from his studio that features her photo and the message,“Attention top film maker in ATL. Let me be your next leading lady.”
Racquel is getting a lot of visibility from the billboard and told Atlanta’s NBC affiliate “I hoped he [Tyler Perry] would see it while he was driving to work, or on his way home from work, or that someone would see it, It’s my last money for the year.”
Racquel recently spoke with Essence.com about Tyler Perry and why she spent her last $1500 on the billboard.
ESSENCE.com: First of all, you’re a brave woman for putting up a billboard of yourself trying to get an acting gig from Tyler Perry. Tell us about it.
RACQUEL BAILEY:I wanted Tyler Perry to see me. These directors get hundreds of headshots everyday, so what sets me apart? I constantly send out headshots and go to auditions where I’m told, “You’re fantastic,” but then I don’t get the role. So I’m like, “What’s happening here?” This business is all about who you know, and I just got tired of putting my fate in everybody else’s hands.
ESSENCE.com: What’s been the response so far? Have you heard from Tyler Perry’s camp?
RACQUEL: I think everyone is kinda rooting me on and commending me for taking such a risk. I haven’t heard from Tyler Perry yet. The last I heard, his office gave no comment.
ESSENCE.com: You spent your last your last $1500 on the billboard.
RACQUEL:Yes, I did. I started a theater company a few years ago and we were hired by Newark public schools to teach ballet in after-school programs. The summertime is coming up, and the program is drawing to an end. So that $1500 was my last paycheck.
Although there has been no comment from Tyler Perry’s camp, it would be great to see something beneficial come out of this bold move from a desperate actress!
Take a look at her demo reel, do you think she has “leading lady” potential?
