September 23, 2024 • 28 mins
Morgan Deer, now based in Los Angeles, shares a unique and inspiring perspective on her acting journey, rooted in her transition from a career as a news anchor in Humboldt County. Her dedication to the craft is palpable, as she immersed herself in various acting workshops, studios, and improvisation classes, all while living with epilepsy—a condition that has only fueled her determination. Despite facing self-doubt and uncertainty, Morgan draws inspiration from renowned actors like Natalie Portman and Anthony Hopkins, embracing every opportunity to bring memorable characters to life, including her role as a news reporter in the film "Fresh Air." Through her story, she hopes to inspire others, particularly those with disabilities, to pursue their dreams with unwavering confidence and persistence. Quick Outline(00:01:05) Empowering Actors with Epilepsy through Advocacy (00:05:48) From News Anchor to Hollywood: Morgan Deer's Transformation (00:13:04) Navigating Obstacles with Self-Belief (00:20:15) Overcoming Challenges Through Resilience and Dedication (00:24:34) Inspired Journey to Acting Success in LA (00:27:35) Acting Opportunities and Pursuing Dreams Key Takeaways - Morgan Deer advocates for individuals with disabilities in the acting industry and encourages them to pursue their dreams despite challenges. - Transitioning from news producer to news anchor and then to actor, Morgan highlights her journey from a small town to Los Angeles. - Morgan emphasizes the importance of self-belief and perseverance in overcoming self-doubt and navigating obstacles in Hollywood. - Morgan and Alya Lei stress the value of persistence and determination in achieving success and inspiring others to stay focused on their goals. - By attending acting classes and securing an agent, Morgan emphasizes the importance of taking action towards one's dreams despite fear and self-doubt. - Morgan Deer shares her experience in the film 'Fresh Air' as a news reporter, showcasing her dedication to learning lines and pursuing her acting dream. Actionable Insights - Believe in yourself and be your own biggest supporter to avoid self-doubt - Take inspired action towards your dreams even when faced with fear and self-doubt - Persistence and determination are crucial in pursuing your goals and overcoming challenges - Leverage your background and skills to create opportunities in your desired field - Stay focused on your goals and persist through adversity to achieve success - Do not let your identity be defined by any challenges or conditions you may face Socials: - Instagram:
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Alya Lei (00:01):
Welcome to conversations with Aliya lay. Tune
in for inspiration, information, and upliftment as
creatives and entrepreneurs share their journeys, challenges,
and successes. Today, our guest is Morgan
Deer, and we're gonna talk about how
she got started in the industry, in
the entertainment industry, how she became an
actor, where she is, and kind of
(00:24):
your quick journey of your life in,
like 20 to 30 minutes.
Morgan Deer (00:28):
Okay. Yeah, I think we can do
that.
Alya Lei (00:31):
Yeah. And also specifically that is special
about you is that you have epilepsy
as well. Is that right?
Morgan Deer (00:39):
Correct. Yes.
Alya Lei (00:40):
Awesome. I don't know if it's awesome,
but awesome that you. Awesome. I'm right,
I guess.
Morgan Deer (00:46):
No, no, it's totally. It's part of
me, you know, it's not my story,
but yeah, I have epilepsy and it
is what it is, and we go
from there.
Alya Lei (00:55):
Yeah, I think it's great. Not that
you have epilepsy, but that you're an
actor that has epilepsy. And I think
that that will be really inspiring as
well for.
Morgan Deer (01:05):
Yeah, like, kind of like an advocate
for, you know.
Alya Lei (01:08):
Yes, yes, exactly. Exactly. Yes. I'm going
to read your bio real quick to
introduce everyone. So Morgan Deer, who is
currently based in Los Angeles, California, is
a news anchor who turned into an
actor, as she likes to call it.
Morgan is a passionate and dedicated newcomer
to the acting world, known for her
(01:29):
enthusiasm and commitment to the craft. She
grew up in Ohio and is now
based in Los Angeles and is actively
pursuing acting through education and hands on
experience. Morgan's journey began in Humboldt county,
where she worked as the local news
broadcaster for Redwood News for two years
before moving to Los Angeles to pursue
(01:51):
a career in acting. She has gained
knowledge and experience through workshops and notable
acting studios and intensives, improvisation classes. Woohoo.
And on site experience. What makes Morgan
unique is the fact that she is
an actress living with epilepsy, although she
has never let this, quote, disability stop
(02:11):
her from achieving her dreams and growing
as a respected actor. Morgan is inspired
by the works of Natalie Portman and
Anthony Hopkins and strives to create memorable
characters that resonate with audiences. She is
excited to continue her journey in the
act world and welcomes opportunities to connect
(02:31):
with other creative, like minded individuals and
industry professionals. All right, cool. That was
great. We got connected because on my
previous podcast, which was called the Actors
resource with Aaliyah Le, I had interviewed
this amazing woman, Ruth Haney, fantastic makeup
(02:52):
artist, and she referred you to me
as being a fantastic guest. And we
were just talking about how you know
her daughter and that you met through
the news broadcasting. Can you just quickly
just start with, like, how you got
started as a news anchor and then
how you transitioned from news into being
an actor, for sure.
Morgan Deer (03:13):
So, as you were saying, with Ruth
Haney, she has a daughter, Brianna, and
I worked with her in reading, California,
at the news station KRCR, news Channel
Seven. She was a reporter then, and
I started out as a PA, you
know, not knowing what I was doing
at all. So I got really lucky
(03:35):
with that. And I started out, it
was like the audio tech and then
the floor director. I did the graphics
pop up on the screen for the
news. So that's how I started. And
eventually, with that same station, worked my
way to becoming a news producer. So
I would create the entire half hour
(03:55):
news broadcast, you know, each clock, put
it in and, yeah, cue. Cue the
reporters. So that is how. How I
started.
Alya Lei (04:05):
First of all, what is a Pa?
In case someone who's listening, you know,
doesn't know what a PA is in
this context?
Morgan Deer (04:11):
Sure. PA stands for production assistant. So
cool. Yeah. And you've got that on,
like, movie sets, pas, you know, production
assistants. So this is just a different
type of production assistant for a news
station.
Alya Lei (04:25):
Yeah. And I want to acknowledge you.
That's amazing that you started off as
a PA and then became a producer.
Like, you know, just kept moving up
and then became a producer, too.
Morgan Deer (04:35):
I snowballed into it. I was freaking
out at first. I'm like, oh, my
God, I don't think I can do
this. I don't think I can produce.
You know, I can't be a producer,
but, you know, never say never. And
that's what happened, so.
Alya Lei (04:46):
And you did it.
Morgan Deer (04:47):
I did it. I did it. I'm
scared to death, but I did it.
Alya Lei (04:50):
So I think that that's so inspiring,
because sometimes I think it's great to
hear that people sometimes get scared, but
they still do it anyway. I think
that that's really inspiring. So if anybody's
listening is thinking, I'm scared, I can't
do it, you're not alone, but push
through it anyways. Right? Because you felt
that way, but you still did it.
Morgan Deer (05:10):
And it was nerves, butterflies. There were
so many times when I wanted to.
I wanted to quit. I was like,
I'm not good at this. But that
negative self talk is the devil, and
it will ruin you, and you have
to stay positive, especially in today's day
and age and living in LA and
(05:31):
news, you just go with it.
Alya Lei (05:35):
So thank you so much for backtracking
a little. And so now you're a
news producer. When did you transition into
being an actor? What made you decide
to do that? And then how does
epilepsy play into it at all?
Morgan Deer (05:48):
So I'll start with the news anchor
thing, because I went from producer to
news anchor, then acting. So that whole
transition, I moved to Humboldt. I wanted
to get my bachelor's in journalism and
started working at the news station there,
and I anchored for two years, so
I just wanted to get comfortable in
(06:10):
front of the camera. That was kind
of my main reasoning for getting into
it in the first place. So that
happened. And then, I don't know, I
guess how I got started into acting
that, you know, when I was younger,
I was in school plays, and I
was always very shy. I still am
(06:32):
definitely not the first person to speak
up in a room, you know, to
make a conversation. But I don't know,
when it came to performing and, like,
being on stage, it was just. It
was just different. And, you know, no
matter what the mean voices inside of
my head were telling me, you know,
(06:53):
I knew that I had to audition,
and I. And I just wanted to
be like, you know, kind of center
stage of that. I don't want it
to be like an ego thing, but,
you know, I just kind of wanted
to be seen, I guess.
Alya Lei (07:04):
So.
Morgan Deer (07:05):
Even though I didn't realize, like, what
I was doing at the time, I
think my heart knew what I wanted
before I even ever knew acting thing
or what I even wanted to do,
you know, it just knew. So I
believe that, like, every choice that I've
made up into this point, every decision,
(07:27):
you know, doing this podcast, like, everything
has brought me to where I am
right now, right in this very spot,
right with you, you know, being a
news anchor and, you know, moving from
Ohio, a small town in Ohio, to
Los Angeles, you know, I'm.
Alya Lei (07:46):
Wow.
Morgan Deer (07:47):
Taking acting classes in Hollywood.
Alya Lei (07:49):
Like, yeah.
Morgan Deer (07:51):
What? Yeah, you know, I'm doing auditions.
I have. I have an agent. Like,
it's crazy. It's just, like, things that
never a million years, I was just,
like, I always, you know, you always
hope, but you don't. You don't know
that it will come into fruition. And
I've been blessed, you know, I'm beyond
grateful in hearing.
Alya Lei (08:12):
I think that's so fantastic. How long
have you been in LA now?
Morgan Deer (08:16):
It's been about almost two. No, it'll
be three years in November. So not.
Not just after the, you know, you
know, not. Not very seasoned. Still figuring
this whole La life out.
Alya Lei (08:32):
Yeah. So just, like, you just moved
there, like, just shortly after the pandemic,
I.
Morgan Deer (08:37):
Feel like, yeah, it was, it was
like, right after. Right after the pandemic
was ending.
Alya Lei (08:42):
Yeah. What I'm hearing from you is
that you're taking action towards your dream.
You know what I mean? Like, even
though it's scary, you're just taking, like,
inspired action and just taking the next
step, which is, like, leading you. And
the fact that you have an agent
already is, like, you know, fantastic. Being
(09:03):
that you're new to. To acting.
Morgan Deer (09:05):
Yeah, I've been told where. It's just
like, yeah, you have an agent and
everything. Like, you know, a lot of
times I'll put myself down and in
doubt and whatnot, but, yeah, these things,
it's just like, little by little, it
happens. I'm grateful that that happened for
me, you know, all miss talent agency,
(09:27):
that's who I'm with, and it's great.
And I've been getting auditions, so, yeah,
definitely, definitely excited for that.
Alya Lei (09:36):
Do you have any advice for people
that might, quote unquote, have a disability
in terms of following their dreams or
the other kind of question which is
parallel to it is, like, any advice
on following your heart regardless? Like, even
if there's fear, even if there's negative
(09:57):
self talk or self doubt, how do
you continue to move forward without letting
that fear or self doubt or negative
self talk stop you? Or maybe you
pause, but you still continue moving forward.
How do you do that?
Morgan Deer (10:13):
Yeah, well, you know, there's so many
challenges when it comes to trying to
make your goals work in Hollywood. I
mean, so many struggles, and I face
them every day, you know? But I
think my biggest battle is the internal
struggle within myself. The negative self talk,
(10:36):
that self doubt, that mean voice in
your head telling you that, you know,
you're not good enough and you can't
do this, you know, but you can't
always believe what you think. Yes.
Alya Lei (10:51):
Don't believe what you think.
Morgan Deer (10:53):
Don't always believe what you think. I
actually have that as, like, a screen
saver on my phone. I'll open it,
because it's just like, that's, you know,
it's true. It's true. You know, you're
your biggest supporter, and. And I just
think that if you lose faith in
yourself, then, you know, I. It becomes
(11:15):
a downward spiral of self self doubt.
And, you know, if you're your biggest
supporter and if you don't believe in
yourself, then, you know, I mean, I
choose to believe in myself and see
the bigger picture, you know, and move
forward with what, you know, I'm doing
and because no one else is going
(11:36):
to do it for me, so. And
as far as the epilepsy, I guess
goes long story short, you know, it
hasn't affected my journey at all. Like,
at all.
Alya Lei (11:47):
Fantastic.
Morgan Deer (11:48):
I don't see it. I mean, yes,
I have epilepsy, but I don't see
it as a disability, per se, into
my decisions. Like, it's a part of
me, it's a part of my story,
but it's not who I am. Right.
(12:08):
And it certainly doesn't define me.
Alya Lei (12:11):
Yes, it's like an arm with any
leg.
Morgan Deer (12:14):
No, you just. Exactly. It's not going
to. It doesn't define me. You know,
it is. It is what it is.
Obviously, there's nuisances with it. You know,
I will have seizure from time to
time. The medicine I take, it makes
me tired a lot. You know, stress.
Stress is a big factor that can
(12:37):
trigger. Can and will. Will trigger seizures
for me. Everyone's different, you know, everyone
goes through different, you know, ways of
dealing, but that. That is one of
the triggers. And taking medicine twice a
day, every day for the rest of
my life, you know, is just a
real nuisance. But, yeah, you know, it's
(12:59):
all small road bumps in. In our
journey.
Alya Lei (13:02):
Right.
Morgan Deer (13:04):
But when it comes to the big,
bigger picture, it's, you know, like, I
don't think of that as, you know,
when I'm out here, I don't let
that boggle me down at all. As
for anyone else who. Who is going
through the same struggle or, you know,
mentally, emotionally, you know, you know, you
can't let that stuff get you down.
(13:26):
Otherwise you won't grow as a person.
You won't. You won't try new things
and.
Alya Lei (13:35):
Yeah, I love that so much.
Morgan Deer (13:38):
I don't know.
Alya Lei (13:40):
I love that so much because it's
like you're deciding how to define yourself.
You're not letting whatever it is, you
know, whatever anyone has, you know, mental,
emotional, physical, anything that you're defining yourself,
not letting whatever it is define you
for you and that you are. You're
(14:01):
always remembering the big picture and that
you stay focused on it. That is
so good.
Morgan Deer (14:06):
Yeah, I try to. You try to,
you know, remember the big picture and
why you're doing what you're doing and
why you're chasing the dreams that you're.
You are, you know, and everyone has
those. Those struggles. I certainly do. I.
I struggle with it. But, you know,
you have creative outlets. Like, I like
to draw and I like to color
(14:26):
and I create my own little characters
and, you know, I'm trying to write
up a story, and, like, I love
mysteries. I'm trying to write, like, a
mystery story with that. I draw and
create so little things like that to
get you out of, like, the whole,
like, you know, stressful situations of, oh,
(14:47):
when's my next audition? Or, like, when
there's downtime, you know, where it's just,
like, nothing's coming up for me. I'm
not getting anything. I'm not, you know,
like, these are things that I can
do to be at peace and continue
to move forward.
Alya Lei (15:01):
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It sounds like you
have lots of outlets as well, so
you don't get caught up in a
downward negative spiral, because we all have
the downtimes, right? As an actor or
as any creative person, there can be
those downtimes. And instead of getting caught
up in a negative spiral, which can
(15:22):
easily happen in no judgment, but it
doesn't serve any of us, and it
sounds like you have an outlet to
be creative that still feels good and
brings you joy until the auditions come
in again or until your next booking
or whatever the next step is.
Morgan Deer (15:37):
Oh, for sure.
Alya Lei (15:38):
Yeah. That's totally cool. What are you
are. So you're writing, like, little mysteries
and drawing? Are you getting ready to
do any kind of publishing with that
as a.
Morgan Deer (15:48):
No, I mean, for that. I don't
think so. For right now, it's just
what I do as a stress reliever.
I mean, like I said, you never
say never. I've done all these other
things up to this point. Why not?
You know, I like that.
Alya Lei (16:05):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (16:06):
Characters, and I do pop ups, and
I'll. And I'll send them to, like,
my family think, you know, like, those
cards where they have the pop ups
in it. Like, yes. My little creative.
Like, I have Afro Al and Trucker
Tucker and what are those?
Alya Lei (16:22):
What are those?
Morgan Deer (16:23):
My little characters that I draw up,
and that's their names and, you know,
bowtie, Barbara, a bunch of different ones.
And then I send them, and I'm
like, you know what? This is pretty
cool. Like, I'm gonna write up a
story based on these characters, and, you
know, maybe something will come of it.
(16:45):
We'll see.
Alya Lei (16:45):
You never know. Oh, my gosh. What
if it became a series that you
acted in as one of the characters?
Morgan Deer (16:51):
Wouldn't it be cool? Wouldn't that be
awesome? I mean, why not? Yeah.
Alya Lei (16:55):
Who knows? It could happen.
Morgan Deer (16:56):
I mean, I love, um, I've got
a. I also have a mannequin. I
don't tell. Like, I'm just like, what?
You have a mannequin.
Alya Lei (17:02):
Like, a full size.
Morgan Deer (17:03):
A full size. I bought her to
sell clothes on Poshmark, you know, because
why just, like, put out your clothes
on the bed and take pictures whenever
you could actually have, like, a visual
is what I was thinking, you know,
like, it looks good. Like, I see
that, you know?
Alya Lei (17:23):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (17:24):
Never sold any clothes. Never really did
anything like that. But I ended up.
I just love. She's my miss Maggie.
And we were on let's make a
deal together. Actually, no way. Yes. We
were on let's make a deal. We
were the donut duo. So, yeah, yeah.
I mean, I. Shirts. I make sure.
So we had our. So we. That's.
(17:46):
That's what we were. And we. We
played. We were on there with Wayne
Brady, and so, you know, little things
like that to keep me busy and
on the creative side and fun.
Alya Lei (17:57):
And fun.
Morgan Deer (17:58):
Yeah, it's fun. I really. I enjoy
it. Yeah.
Alya Lei (18:02):
Just randomly. I was on let's make
a deal, too.
Morgan Deer (18:06):
Oh, yeah.
Alya Lei (18:06):
Yeah. A little while ago. It was
during the pandemic, but it was. Oh,
my God, Wayne Brady, so amazing. They
were all so awesome. It was so
much fun. That's, like, the best game
show because there's, like, literally just luck.
Oh, my lord, please let me win.
(18:27):
That's like, oh, my gosh.
Morgan Deer (18:28):
I literally had nightmares about that. Like,
I was so upset. I played people.
Like, that's from what I heard, because
I went on Zonk redemption after. Okay,
whenever you play, but, like, you don't
win or you get a zonk or
whatever, then, yes, they bring you back.
And so that happened. But the producers
had been telling me, like, there's so
(18:50):
many people that are, like, they go
into, like, a depression state. Like, whenever
they play and they don't win or
something. Like, you know, it's upsetting. And
I felt that. I was like, I
can't believe I'm feeling this right now,
but I was pretty upset. I mean,
like, you know, it is what it
is, but, yeah, I spun for, like,
(19:12):
a car, and I either got to
pick, like, stop at four grand or
play for the car, and I was
like, you know what? I'm gonna go
big or go home. Like, I've thought
of this before I even was on
the show. But me personally, like, once
my mind is set, my mind is
set. Once I'm gonna do something. Like,
I said I was gonna do that.
(19:33):
I'm going to do that. Yeah. So
now I'm forgetting it a little bit
because I'm like, man, I needed that
money, but you know, there's nothing you
can do about it. And I had
fun, and it was. It was a
good time, so.
Alya Lei (19:45):
So you got zonked, which sucks. But,
you know, it's all chance, right? It
has. It's, like, literally, like, all chance.
Morgan Deer (19:53):
It really is.
Alya Lei (19:54):
It really is. Did you come back
for a zonk replay yet or.
Morgan Deer (19:59):
I did. Yeah, I did that. Washington.
Not sure when that was. A few
months ago. I didn't play then, so
I was just, like, kind of part
of the audience.
Alya Lei (20:09):
Okay.
Morgan Deer (20:11):
But, yeah, yeah. What an experience that
was.
Alya Lei (20:15):
Yeah, yeah. And. But, you know, what
I'm hearing from you as well is
that you're really determined, and I don't
think you made a wrong decision. It
shows your character of persistence and I.
Determination, like, you know, what you're focused
on and you followed through. I think
that that's a Napoleon Hill, the author
(20:38):
of think and grow rich. He said
persistence. I'm paraphrasing. Persistence to a character
is like carbon to steel. So it's,
like, really a big deal, I think,
and probably helps with why you're successful.
Morgan Deer (20:58):
I think you hit the nail on
the head, really, with that one. It's
just like, the persistence, you know? I'm
definitely persistent whenever it comes to this
and that dedication, I like to pride
myself on that, for sure. And it's
just like, once I've decided I'm going
to do something, and that's kind of
what.
Alya Lei (21:18):
It's happening. It's happening.
Morgan Deer (21:20):
So, like, the acting, like, this is.
I'm. I'm doing this. This is what
it is, you know? So take one
day at a time and just enjoy
life while you're at it. Enjoy the
journey.
Alya Lei (21:33):
Yeah. I feel like you're so inspiring.
So when you move to LA, we
have a few more minutes. Yeah, we
have a few more minutes. When you
moved to LA, like, I. How did
you know which classes to go to
and how did you get started with
(21:54):
that? For people who are possibly listening,
that are thinking about moving to LA
or. Yeah, moving to LA as an
actor, like, since you had no previous
acting experience, you moved to LA, how
did you know where to go from
there? Like, which classes to take and
that kind of thing?
Morgan Deer (22:13):
Did.
Alya Lei (22:13):
If you want to share.
Morgan Deer (22:15):
Yeah, no, it's fine. Um, I didn't
know. I had no idea. I moved
here on faith. I I had no
job.
Alya Lei (22:23):
You're so brave.
Morgan Deer (22:25):
I I had no job.
Alya Lei (22:27):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (22:28):
Um, had no place to call home.
I lived in an extended stay hotel
for four months.
Alya Lei (22:34):
Wow.
Morgan Deer (22:34):
While I tried to figure out my
next move. But I swear, like, the
good Lord helped me, like, along the
way, I got a job as a
brand ambassador where you promote companies before.
Right before I moved out to LA.
Alya Lei (22:54):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (22:55):
What am I going to do? I
don't know what, you know, where to
get my income from. You know, I
have savings, but that can go so
quickly. So I was fortunate enough to
get a job working the Super bowl,
and that was a six week gig.
I was originally only supposed to be,
(23:15):
like, a wayfinder for the first day,
but I got picked out of 300
some people to work this six week
journey for the Super bowl, and that's
how I got my income. But basically,
I, you know, I didn't have anything.
(23:37):
I do a friend. So my boyfriend
had a friend who, he's an actor,
and he was with all men tallinn
agency, and he was.
Alya Lei (23:50):
Like, is that your agents right now?
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (23:52):
Who is my agent now? All men
talent agency. So he was showing Aurelian
my agent, like, my newsreel. My newsreel.
So he was like, oh, you know,
it's great. It looks good. So he
brought me on. But before he brought
me on, actually, he. He was like,
(24:13):
well, I need you to take some
classes to, like, get involved, you know?
And he gave me some references for
some really great acting classes and teachers.
And so I went to, I went
to Margie Haber. Her studio?
Alya Lei (24:34):
Yes. Yes.
Morgan Deer (24:36):
I started with her, and I did
a commercial class as well with joy.
I forget her last name.
Alya Lei (24:43):
I don't know that one.
Morgan Deer (24:44):
So that's how that all started. And
so I got. And I was like,
aurelian, you know, I'm in this. You
know, I'm in these classes. And then
he signed me on, and the rest
is history.
Alya Lei (24:55):
Yay. Yeah, it's so fantastic. Because your
life experience as a news anchor, news
reporter, that's gonna. Because there's so many
roles that ask for news reporters. You're
like, I got that one down. That's
what I keep getting.
Morgan Deer (25:10):
Like, I've got one, like, right after
this. For a news reporter, you know?
And I had. I just did a
promo trailer for an up and coming
director, Garrett Paul. He's creating a. A
feature film called Fresh Air, and I
got picked to be the news reporter.
Congratulations. So, yeah, I'm just like, this
(25:31):
is pretty awesome. Like, out of 30
people, he picked me to play the
news reporter. So I had to memorize,
like, two pages in three days and
do this in front of, like, 20
people. I drove out to, like, an
hour and 45 minutes away. Out to
this, like, mountain area to do this.
And it wasn't. It was like, this
(25:52):
has been, like, my first gig, and
it wasn't even, like a one liner,
you know, it was so good, a
two page thing that I was like,
you know what? I'm doing this. You
know? So, yeah, I don't know where.
How we got to that topic, but.
Alya Lei (26:07):
It'S because we were talking about how
your life skill as a news reporter
just helps you so much to book.
Cause there's so many roles for news
reporters.
Morgan Deer (26:16):
Yeah.
Alya Lei (26:17):
You know, and then.
Morgan Deer (26:18):
Yes, you're right.
Alya Lei (26:19):
Yes. Oh, my God. That's so good.
Cool. So that's something that we can
look for coming out. Probably in a
year.
Morgan Deer (26:28):
Probably. It's going to be at some
of the film festivals and whatnot, starting
out. And then he's pitching it to
a lot of producers. But, you know,
it's just so hard to get your
foot in the door with that, that
he didn't just want the script. He
wanted a trailer to go along with
it so that he could have visualization.
(26:49):
Right. So that's how it started. So,
you know, all the support and love
would be much appreciated for him in
this film as he works to promote
himself, you know, and helps me out,
too, you know?
Alya Lei (27:07):
Yes, yes. And that's what I was
going to say. So the last question,
and then also, we would love to
find out how to follow you and
whatnot, is what's coming up next for
you that you're working on next that
you'd love to accomplish or if you
want to share, to manifest your next
goal, if you believe in manifesting, if
(27:29):
you want to share that and then
how to stay in touch with you,
how to follow you, whatever.
Morgan Deer (27:35):
You can follow me. I don't really
have a TikTok, but. Instagram. Miss Morgan
four. You can follow me on Instagram.
Alya Lei (27:46):
Instagram.
Morgan Deer (27:47):
What?
Alya Lei (27:48):
I'm sorry.
Morgan Deer (27:48):
So it's miss, miss. And then underscore
Morgan.
Alya Lei (27:53):
Okay.
Morgan Deer (27:54):
Yeah. And then the number four. So
that's. That's that. And, you know, as
far as what I'm doing now, I'm
just taking it one day at a
time. You know, I'm doing these auditions
and whatnot. Like I said, I have
this one up right after this. It's
for SWAT. That shows.
Alya Lei (28:15):
Yeah, yeah.
Morgan Deer (28:16):
So. So fingers crossed. Yes. Good vibes,
you know, and, you know, manifesting things
in your life. I do. I definitely
believe in that, for sure. And like
I said, the trailer that's coming out
with the up and coming director, producer
Garrett Paul his story, fresh air, hopefully
(28:41):
that, you know, something happens with that.
And I. Yeah. But, you know, in
the. In the famous words of comedian
Dustin slay or Dusty slay, it's. We're
having a good time, so, yeah, we're
just living life and, you know, figuring
out one day at a time.
Alya Lei (29:00):
I love it. All right. Thank you
so much, Morgan. It was fantastic having
you here on my podcast.
Morgan Deer (29:08):
Oh, no, I love it. I'm so
excited. This is. This is awesome. So
thank you for the opportunity. I really.
I really appreciate it. And you and
having me on, so, yeah, thank you.
Alya Lei (29:18):
Thank you so much for listening to
conversations with Aaliyah lay. I'd love to
hear from you. Follow me on Instagram
at aaliyah Lay. A l y a
l e. I.
Welcome to conversations with Aliya lay. Tune
in for inspiration, information, and upliftment as
creatives and entrepreneurs share their journeys, challenges,
and successes. Today, our guest is Morgan
Deer, and we're gonna talk about how
she got started in the industry, in
the entertainment industry, how she became an
actor, where she is, and kind of
(00:24):
your quick journey of your life in,
like 20 to 30 minutes.
Morgan Deer (00:28):
Okay. Yeah, I think we can do
that.
Alya Lei (00:31):
Yeah. And also specifically that is special
about you is that you have epilepsy
as well. Is that right?
Morgan Deer (00:39):
Correct. Yes.
Alya Lei (00:40):
Awesome. I don't know if it's awesome,
but awesome that you. Awesome. I'm right,
I guess.
Morgan Deer (00:46):
No, no, it's totally. It's part of
me, you know, it's not my story,
but yeah, I have epilepsy and it
is what it is, and we go
from there.
Alya Lei (00:55):
Yeah, I think it's great. Not that
you have epilepsy, but that you're an
actor that has epilepsy. And I think
that that will be really inspiring as
well for.
Morgan Deer (01:05):
Yeah, like, kind of like an advocate
for, you know.
Alya Lei (01:08):
Yes, yes, exactly. Exactly. Yes. I'm going
to read your bio real quick to
introduce everyone. So Morgan Deer, who is
currently based in Los Angeles, California, is
a news anchor who turned into an
actor, as she likes to call it.
Morgan is a passionate and dedicated newcomer
to the acting world, known for her
(01:29):
enthusiasm and commitment to the craft. She
grew up in Ohio and is now
based in Los Angeles and is actively
pursuing acting through education and hands on
experience. Morgan's journey began in Humboldt county,
where she worked as the local news
broadcaster for Redwood News for two years
before moving to Los Angeles to pursue
(01:51):
a career in acting. She has gained
knowledge and experience through workshops and notable
acting studios and intensives, improvisation classes. Woohoo.
And on site experience. What makes Morgan
unique is the fact that she is
an actress living with epilepsy, although she
has never let this, quote, disability stop
(02:11):
her from achieving her dreams and growing
as a respected actor. Morgan is inspired
by the works of Natalie Portman and
Anthony Hopkins and strives to create memorable
characters that resonate with audiences. She is
excited to continue her journey in the
act world and welcomes opportunities to connect
(02:31):
with other creative, like minded individuals and
industry professionals. All right, cool. That was
great. We got connected because on my
previous podcast, which was called the Actors
resource with Aaliyah Le, I had interviewed
this amazing woman, Ruth Haney, fantastic makeup
(02:52):
artist, and she referred you to me
as being a fantastic guest. And we
were just talking about how you know
her daughter and that you met through
the news broadcasting. Can you just quickly
just start with, like, how you got
started as a news anchor and then
how you transitioned from news into being
an actor, for sure.
Morgan Deer (03:13):
So, as you were saying, with Ruth
Haney, she has a daughter, Brianna, and
I worked with her in reading, California,
at the news station KRCR, news Channel
Seven. She was a reporter then, and
I started out as a PA, you
know, not knowing what I was doing
at all. So I got really lucky
(03:35):
with that. And I started out, it
was like the audio tech and then
the floor director. I did the graphics
pop up on the screen for the
news. So that's how I started. And
eventually, with that same station, worked my
way to becoming a news producer. So
I would create the entire half hour
(03:55):
news broadcast, you know, each clock, put
it in and, yeah, cue. Cue the
reporters. So that is how. How I
started.
Alya Lei (04:05):
First of all, what is a Pa?
In case someone who's listening, you know,
doesn't know what a PA is in
this context?
Morgan Deer (04:11):
Sure. PA stands for production assistant. So
cool. Yeah. And you've got that on,
like, movie sets, pas, you know, production
assistants. So this is just a different
type of production assistant for a news
station.
Alya Lei (04:25):
Yeah. And I want to acknowledge you.
That's amazing that you started off as
a PA and then became a producer.
Like, you know, just kept moving up
and then became a producer, too.
Morgan Deer (04:35):
I snowballed into it. I was freaking
out at first. I'm like, oh, my
God, I don't think I can do
this. I don't think I can produce.
You know, I can't be a producer,
but, you know, never say never. And
that's what happened, so.
Alya Lei (04:46):
And you did it.
Morgan Deer (04:47):
I did it. I did it. I'm
scared to death, but I did it.
Alya Lei (04:50):
So I think that that's so inspiring,
because sometimes I think it's great to
hear that people sometimes get scared, but
they still do it anyway. I think
that that's really inspiring. So if anybody's
listening is thinking, I'm scared, I can't
do it, you're not alone, but push
through it anyways. Right? Because you felt
that way, but you still did it.
Morgan Deer (05:10):
And it was nerves, butterflies. There were
so many times when I wanted to.
I wanted to quit. I was like,
I'm not good at this. But that
negative self talk is the devil, and
it will ruin you, and you have
to stay positive, especially in today's day
and age and living in LA and
(05:31):
news, you just go with it.
Alya Lei (05:35):
So thank you so much for backtracking
a little. And so now you're a
news producer. When did you transition into
being an actor? What made you decide
to do that? And then how does
epilepsy play into it at all?
Morgan Deer (05:48):
So I'll start with the news anchor
thing, because I went from producer to
news anchor, then acting. So that whole
transition, I moved to Humboldt. I wanted
to get my bachelor's in journalism and
started working at the news station there,
and I anchored for two years, so
I just wanted to get comfortable in
(06:10):
front of the camera. That was kind
of my main reasoning for getting into
it in the first place. So that
happened. And then, I don't know, I
guess how I got started into acting
that, you know, when I was younger,
I was in school plays, and I
was always very shy. I still am
(06:32):
definitely not the first person to speak
up in a room, you know, to
make a conversation. But I don't know,
when it came to performing and, like,
being on stage, it was just. It
was just different. And, you know, no
matter what the mean voices inside of
my head were telling me, you know,
(06:53):
I knew that I had to audition,
and I. And I just wanted to
be like, you know, kind of center
stage of that. I don't want it
to be like an ego thing, but,
you know, I just kind of wanted
to be seen, I guess.
Alya Lei (07:04):
So.
Morgan Deer (07:05):
Even though I didn't realize, like, what
I was doing at the time, I
think my heart knew what I wanted
before I even ever knew acting thing
or what I even wanted to do,
you know, it just knew. So I
believe that, like, every choice that I've
made up into this point, every decision,
(07:27):
you know, doing this podcast, like, everything
has brought me to where I am
right now, right in this very spot,
right with you, you know, being a
news anchor and, you know, moving from
Ohio, a small town in Ohio, to
Los Angeles, you know, I'm.
Alya Lei (07:46):
Wow.
Morgan Deer (07:47):
Taking acting classes in Hollywood.
Alya Lei (07:49):
Like, yeah.
Morgan Deer (07:51):
What? Yeah, you know, I'm doing auditions.
I have. I have an agent. Like,
it's crazy. It's just, like, things that
never a million years, I was just,
like, I always, you know, you always
hope, but you don't. You don't know
that it will come into fruition. And
I've been blessed, you know, I'm beyond
grateful in hearing.
Alya Lei (08:12):
I think that's so fantastic. How long
have you been in LA now?
Morgan Deer (08:16):
It's been about almost two. No, it'll
be three years in November. So not.
Not just after the, you know, you
know, not. Not very seasoned. Still figuring
this whole La life out.
Alya Lei (08:32):
Yeah. So just, like, you just moved
there, like, just shortly after the pandemic,
I.
Morgan Deer (08:37):
Feel like, yeah, it was, it was
like, right after. Right after the pandemic
was ending.
Alya Lei (08:42):
Yeah. What I'm hearing from you is
that you're taking action towards your dream.
You know what I mean? Like, even
though it's scary, you're just taking, like,
inspired action and just taking the next
step, which is, like, leading you. And
the fact that you have an agent
already is, like, you know, fantastic. Being
(09:03):
that you're new to. To acting.
Morgan Deer (09:05):
Yeah, I've been told where. It's just
like, yeah, you have an agent and
everything. Like, you know, a lot of
times I'll put myself down and in
doubt and whatnot, but, yeah, these things,
it's just like, little by little, it
happens. I'm grateful that that happened for
me, you know, all miss talent agency,
(09:27):
that's who I'm with, and it's great.
And I've been getting auditions, so, yeah,
definitely, definitely excited for that.
Alya Lei (09:36):
Do you have any advice for people
that might, quote unquote, have a disability
in terms of following their dreams or
the other kind of question which is
parallel to it is, like, any advice
on following your heart regardless? Like, even
if there's fear, even if there's negative
(09:57):
self talk or self doubt, how do
you continue to move forward without letting
that fear or self doubt or negative
self talk stop you? Or maybe you
pause, but you still continue moving forward.
How do you do that?
Morgan Deer (10:13):
Yeah, well, you know, there's so many
challenges when it comes to trying to
make your goals work in Hollywood. I
mean, so many struggles, and I face
them every day, you know? But I
think my biggest battle is the internal
struggle within myself. The negative self talk,
(10:36):
that self doubt, that mean voice in
your head telling you that, you know,
you're not good enough and you can't
do this, you know, but you can't
always believe what you think. Yes.
Alya Lei (10:51):
Don't believe what you think.
Morgan Deer (10:53):
Don't always believe what you think. I
actually have that as, like, a screen
saver on my phone. I'll open it,
because it's just like, that's, you know,
it's true. It's true. You know, you're
your biggest supporter, and. And I just
think that if you lose faith in
yourself, then, you know, I. It becomes
(11:15):
a downward spiral of self self doubt.
And, you know, if you're your biggest
supporter and if you don't believe in
yourself, then, you know, I mean, I
choose to believe in myself and see
the bigger picture, you know, and move
forward with what, you know, I'm doing
and because no one else is going
(11:36):
to do it for me, so. And
as far as the epilepsy, I guess
goes long story short, you know, it
hasn't affected my journey at all. Like,
at all.
Alya Lei (11:47):
Fantastic.
Morgan Deer (11:48):
I don't see it. I mean, yes,
I have epilepsy, but I don't see
it as a disability, per se, into
my decisions. Like, it's a part of
me, it's a part of my story,
but it's not who I am. Right.
(12:08):
And it certainly doesn't define me.
Alya Lei (12:11):
Yes, it's like an arm with any
leg.
Morgan Deer (12:14):
No, you just. Exactly. It's not going
to. It doesn't define me. You know,
it is. It is what it is.
Obviously, there's nuisances with it. You know,
I will have seizure from time to
time. The medicine I take, it makes
me tired a lot. You know, stress.
Stress is a big factor that can
(12:37):
trigger. Can and will. Will trigger seizures
for me. Everyone's different, you know, everyone
goes through different, you know, ways of
dealing, but that. That is one of
the triggers. And taking medicine twice a
day, every day for the rest of
my life, you know, is just a
real nuisance. But, yeah, you know, it's
(12:59):
all small road bumps in. In our
journey.
Alya Lei (13:02):
Right.
Morgan Deer (13:04):
But when it comes to the big,
bigger picture, it's, you know, like, I
don't think of that as, you know,
when I'm out here, I don't let
that boggle me down at all. As
for anyone else who. Who is going
through the same struggle or, you know,
mentally, emotionally, you know, you know, you
can't let that stuff get you down.
(13:26):
Otherwise you won't grow as a person.
You won't. You won't try new things
and.
Alya Lei (13:35):
Yeah, I love that so much.
Morgan Deer (13:38):
I don't know.
Alya Lei (13:40):
I love that so much because it's
like you're deciding how to define yourself.
You're not letting whatever it is, you
know, whatever anyone has, you know, mental,
emotional, physical, anything that you're defining yourself,
not letting whatever it is define you
for you and that you are. You're
(14:01):
always remembering the big picture and that
you stay focused on it. That is
so good.
Morgan Deer (14:06):
Yeah, I try to. You try to,
you know, remember the big picture and
why you're doing what you're doing and
why you're chasing the dreams that you're.
You are, you know, and everyone has
those. Those struggles. I certainly do. I.
I struggle with it. But, you know,
you have creative outlets. Like, I like
to draw and I like to color
(14:26):
and I create my own little characters
and, you know, I'm trying to write
up a story, and, like, I love
mysteries. I'm trying to write, like, a
mystery story with that. I draw and
create so little things like that to
get you out of, like, the whole,
like, you know, stressful situations of, oh,
(14:47):
when's my next audition? Or, like, when
there's downtime, you know, where it's just,
like, nothing's coming up for me. I'm
not getting anything. I'm not, you know,
like, these are things that I can
do to be at peace and continue
to move forward.
Alya Lei (15:01):
Yeah, yeah, yeah. It sounds like you
have lots of outlets as well, so
you don't get caught up in a
downward negative spiral, because we all have
the downtimes, right? As an actor or
as any creative person, there can be
those downtimes. And instead of getting caught
up in a negative spiral, which can
(15:22):
easily happen in no judgment, but it
doesn't serve any of us, and it
sounds like you have an outlet to
be creative that still feels good and
brings you joy until the auditions come
in again or until your next booking
or whatever the next step is.
Morgan Deer (15:37):
Oh, for sure.
Alya Lei (15:38):
Yeah. That's totally cool. What are you
are. So you're writing, like, little mysteries
and drawing? Are you getting ready to
do any kind of publishing with that
as a.
Morgan Deer (15:48):
No, I mean, for that. I don't
think so. For right now, it's just
what I do as a stress reliever.
I mean, like I said, you never
say never. I've done all these other
things up to this point. Why not?
You know, I like that.
Alya Lei (16:05):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (16:06):
Characters, and I do pop ups, and
I'll. And I'll send them to, like,
my family think, you know, like, those
cards where they have the pop ups
in it. Like, yes. My little creative.
Like, I have Afro Al and Trucker
Tucker and what are those?
Alya Lei (16:22):
What are those?
Morgan Deer (16:23):
My little characters that I draw up,
and that's their names and, you know,
bowtie, Barbara, a bunch of different ones.
And then I send them, and I'm
like, you know what? This is pretty
cool. Like, I'm gonna write up a
story based on these characters, and, you
know, maybe something will come of it.
(16:45):
We'll see.
Alya Lei (16:45):
You never know. Oh, my gosh. What
if it became a series that you
acted in as one of the characters?
Morgan Deer (16:51):
Wouldn't it be cool? Wouldn't that be
awesome? I mean, why not? Yeah.
Alya Lei (16:55):
Who knows? It could happen.
Morgan Deer (16:56):
I mean, I love, um, I've got
a. I also have a mannequin. I
don't tell. Like, I'm just like, what?
You have a mannequin.
Alya Lei (17:02):
Like, a full size.
Morgan Deer (17:03):
A full size. I bought her to
sell clothes on Poshmark, you know, because
why just, like, put out your clothes
on the bed and take pictures whenever
you could actually have, like, a visual
is what I was thinking, you know,
like, it looks good. Like, I see
that, you know?
Alya Lei (17:23):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (17:24):
Never sold any clothes. Never really did
anything like that. But I ended up.
I just love. She's my miss Maggie.
And we were on let's make a
deal together. Actually, no way. Yes. We
were on let's make a deal. We
were the donut duo. So, yeah, yeah.
I mean, I. Shirts. I make sure.
So we had our. So we. That's.
(17:46):
That's what we were. And we. We
played. We were on there with Wayne
Brady, and so, you know, little things
like that to keep me busy and
on the creative side and fun.
Alya Lei (17:57):
And fun.
Morgan Deer (17:58):
Yeah, it's fun. I really. I enjoy
it. Yeah.
Alya Lei (18:02):
Just randomly. I was on let's make
a deal, too.
Morgan Deer (18:06):
Oh, yeah.
Alya Lei (18:06):
Yeah. A little while ago. It was
during the pandemic, but it was. Oh,
my God, Wayne Brady, so amazing. They
were all so awesome. It was so
much fun. That's, like, the best game
show because there's, like, literally just luck.
Oh, my lord, please let me win.
(18:27):
That's like, oh, my gosh.
Morgan Deer (18:28):
I literally had nightmares about that. Like,
I was so upset. I played people.
Like, that's from what I heard, because
I went on Zonk redemption after. Okay,
whenever you play, but, like, you don't
win or you get a zonk or
whatever, then, yes, they bring you back.
And so that happened. But the producers
had been telling me, like, there's so
(18:50):
many people that are, like, they go
into, like, a depression state. Like, whenever
they play and they don't win or
something. Like, you know, it's upsetting. And
I felt that. I was like, I
can't believe I'm feeling this right now,
but I was pretty upset. I mean,
like, you know, it is what it
is, but, yeah, I spun for, like,
(19:12):
a car, and I either got to
pick, like, stop at four grand or
play for the car, and I was
like, you know what? I'm gonna go
big or go home. Like, I've thought
of this before I even was on
the show. But me personally, like, once
my mind is set, my mind is
set. Once I'm gonna do something. Like,
I said I was gonna do that.
(19:33):
I'm going to do that. Yeah. So
now I'm forgetting it a little bit
because I'm like, man, I needed that
money, but you know, there's nothing you
can do about it. And I had
fun, and it was. It was a
good time, so.
Alya Lei (19:45):
So you got zonked, which sucks. But,
you know, it's all chance, right? It
has. It's, like, literally, like, all chance.
Morgan Deer (19:53):
It really is.
Alya Lei (19:54):
It really is. Did you come back
for a zonk replay yet or.
Morgan Deer (19:59):
I did. Yeah, I did that. Washington.
Not sure when that was. A few
months ago. I didn't play then, so
I was just, like, kind of part
of the audience.
Alya Lei (20:09):
Okay.
Morgan Deer (20:11):
But, yeah, yeah. What an experience that
was.
Alya Lei (20:15):
Yeah, yeah. And. But, you know, what
I'm hearing from you as well is
that you're really determined, and I don't
think you made a wrong decision. It
shows your character of persistence and I.
Determination, like, you know, what you're focused
on and you followed through. I think
that that's a Napoleon Hill, the author
(20:38):
of think and grow rich. He said
persistence. I'm paraphrasing. Persistence to a character
is like carbon to steel. So it's,
like, really a big deal, I think,
and probably helps with why you're successful.
Morgan Deer (20:58):
I think you hit the nail on
the head, really, with that one. It's
just like, the persistence, you know? I'm
definitely persistent whenever it comes to this
and that dedication, I like to pride
myself on that, for sure. And it's
just like, once I've decided I'm going
to do something, and that's kind of
what.
Alya Lei (21:18):
It's happening. It's happening.
Morgan Deer (21:20):
So, like, the acting, like, this is.
I'm. I'm doing this. This is what
it is, you know? So take one
day at a time and just enjoy
life while you're at it. Enjoy the
journey.
Alya Lei (21:33):
Yeah. I feel like you're so inspiring.
So when you move to LA, we
have a few more minutes. Yeah, we
have a few more minutes. When you
moved to LA, like, I. How did
you know which classes to go to
and how did you get started with
(21:54):
that? For people who are possibly listening,
that are thinking about moving to LA
or. Yeah, moving to LA as an
actor, like, since you had no previous
acting experience, you moved to LA, how
did you know where to go from
there? Like, which classes to take and
that kind of thing?
Morgan Deer (22:13):
Did.
Alya Lei (22:13):
If you want to share.
Morgan Deer (22:15):
Yeah, no, it's fine. Um, I didn't
know. I had no idea. I moved
here on faith. I I had no
job.
Alya Lei (22:23):
You're so brave.
Morgan Deer (22:25):
I I had no job.
Alya Lei (22:27):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (22:28):
Um, had no place to call home.
I lived in an extended stay hotel
for four months.
Alya Lei (22:34):
Wow.
Morgan Deer (22:34):
While I tried to figure out my
next move. But I swear, like, the
good Lord helped me, like, along the
way, I got a job as a
brand ambassador where you promote companies before.
Right before I moved out to LA.
Alya Lei (22:54):
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (22:55):
What am I going to do? I
don't know what, you know, where to
get my income from. You know, I
have savings, but that can go so
quickly. So I was fortunate enough to
get a job working the Super bowl,
and that was a six week gig.
I was originally only supposed to be,
(23:15):
like, a wayfinder for the first day,
but I got picked out of 300
some people to work this six week
journey for the Super bowl, and that's
how I got my income. But basically,
I, you know, I didn't have anything.
(23:37):
I do a friend. So my boyfriend
had a friend who, he's an actor,
and he was with all men tallinn
agency, and he was.
Alya Lei (23:50):
Like, is that your agents right now?
Yeah.
Morgan Deer (23:52):
Who is my agent now? All men
talent agency. So he was showing Aurelian
my agent, like, my newsreel. My newsreel.
So he was like, oh, you know,
it's great. It looks good. So he
brought me on. But before he brought
me on, actually, he. He was like,
(24:13):
well, I need you to take some
classes to, like, get involved, you know?
And he gave me some references for
some really great acting classes and teachers.
And so I went to, I went
to Margie Haber. Her studio?
Alya Lei (24:34):
Yes. Yes.
Morgan Deer (24:36):
I started with her, and I did
a commercial class as well with joy.
I forget her last name.
Alya Lei (24:43):
I don't know that one.
Morgan Deer (24:44):
So that's how that all started. And
so I got. And I was like,
aurelian, you know, I'm in this. You
know, I'm in these classes. And then
he signed me on, and the rest
is history.
Alya Lei (24:55):
Yay. Yeah, it's so fantastic. Because your
life experience as a news anchor, news
reporter, that's gonna. Because there's so many
roles that ask for news reporters. You're
like, I got that one down. That's
what I keep getting.
Morgan Deer (25:10):
Like, I've got one, like, right after
this. For a news reporter, you know?
And I had. I just did a
promo trailer for an up and coming
director, Garrett Paul. He's creating a. A
feature film called Fresh Air, and I
got picked to be the news reporter.
Congratulations. So, yeah, I'm just like, this
(25:31):
is pretty awesome. Like, out of 30
people, he picked me to play the
news reporter. So I had to memorize,
like, two pages in three days and
do this in front of, like, 20
people. I drove out to, like, an
hour and 45 minutes away. Out to
this, like, mountain area to do this.
And it wasn't. It was like, this
(25:52):
has been, like, my first gig, and
it wasn't even, like a one liner,
you know, it was so good, a
two page thing that I was like,
you know what? I'm doing this. You
know? So, yeah, I don't know where.
How we got to that topic, but.
Alya Lei (26:07):
It'S because we were talking about how
your life skill as a news reporter
just helps you so much to book.
Cause there's so many roles for news
reporters.
Morgan Deer (26:16):
Yeah.
Alya Lei (26:17):
You know, and then.
Morgan Deer (26:18):
Yes, you're right.
Alya Lei (26:19):
Yes. Oh, my God. That's so good.
Cool. So that's something that we can
look for coming out. Probably in a
year.
Morgan Deer (26:28):
Probably. It's going to be at some
of the film festivals and whatnot, starting
out. And then he's pitching it to
a lot of producers. But, you know,
it's just so hard to get your
foot in the door with that, that
he didn't just want the script. He
wanted a trailer to go along with
it so that he could have visualization.
(26:49):
Right. So that's how it started. So,
you know, all the support and love
would be much appreciated for him in
this film as he works to promote
himself, you know, and helps me out,
too, you know?
Alya Lei (27:07):
Yes, yes. And that's what I was
going to say. So the last question,
and then also, we would love to
find out how to follow you and
whatnot, is what's coming up next for
you that you're working on next that
you'd love to accomplish or if you
want to share, to manifest your next
goal, if you believe in manifesting, if
(27:29):
you want to share that and then
how to stay in touch with you,
how to follow you, whatever.
Morgan Deer (27:35):
You can follow me. I don't really
have a TikTok, but. Instagram. Miss Morgan
four. You can follow me on Instagram.
Alya Lei (27:46):
Instagram.
Morgan Deer (27:47):
What?
Alya Lei (27:48):
I'm sorry.
Morgan Deer (27:48):
So it's miss, miss. And then underscore
Morgan.
Alya Lei (27:53):
Okay.
Morgan Deer (27:54):
Yeah. And then the number four. So
that's. That's that. And, you know, as
far as what I'm doing now, I'm
just taking it one day at a
time. You know, I'm doing these auditions
and whatnot. Like I said, I have
this one up right after this. It's
for SWAT. That shows.
Alya Lei (28:15):
Yeah, yeah.
Morgan Deer (28:16):
So. So fingers crossed. Yes. Good vibes,
you know, and, you know, manifesting things
in your life. I do. I definitely
believe in that, for sure. And like
I said, the trailer that's coming out
with the up and coming director, producer
Garrett Paul his story, fresh air, hopefully
(28:41):
that, you know, something happens with that.
And I. Yeah. But, you know, in
the. In the famous words of comedian
Dustin slay or Dusty slay, it's. We're
having a good time, so, yeah, we're
just living life and, you know, figuring
out one day at a time.
Alya Lei (29:00):
I love it. All right. Thank you
so much, Morgan. It was fantastic having
you here on my podcast.
Morgan Deer (29:08):
Oh, no, I love it. I'm so
excited. This is. This is awesome. So
thank you for the opportunity. I really.
I really appreciate it. And you and
having me on, so, yeah, thank you.
Alya Lei (29:18):
Thank you so much for listening to
conversations with Aaliyah lay. I'd love to
hear from you. Follow me on Instagram
at aaliyah Lay. A l y a
l e. I.
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