About this episodeCitric shares his journey from East LA public access television and underground hip-hop to Hollywood acting, h…AI summary
Citric shares his journey from East LA public access television and underground hip-hop to Hollywood acting, highlighting key roles in 'Idiocracy', 'King of the Hill', and 'Grand Theft Auto V'. He emphasizes the importance of independent content creation, seizing unexpected opportunities, and prioritizing family after a traumatic event involving his son.
Key takeaways 5
Public Access TV as a Launchpad: Citric started his career on public access TV (Buen Vision) in the mid-90s with minimal equipment (two VCRs in a pump quarter). This grassroots experience led to him being hired by LATV to produce a hip-hop show because they saw his existing following and ability to secure interviews independently.
The Value of Independent Production: Citric advocates for creating independent content (like his 'High and Hungry' food blog) rather than relying solely on major studios. He notes that independent platforms like Tubi allow creators to own their audience and revenue streams, providing stability during industry strikes or downturns.
Serendipity in Casting: His role in 'Idiocracy' was not premeditated; he attended an audition for a different project, was recommended by a friend, and got the part simply by showing up and being himself without reading the full script. This highlights the importance of being prepared and available when opportunities arise unexpectedly.
Family as a Priority Shift: After his son was shot in the head in 2018, Citric shifted his focus from the 'hustle' to family. He now prioritizes time with his grandchildren and views life events as 'warning shots' to appreciate loved ones before it's too late.
Industry Realities for Latino Actors: Citric discusses how Manny Jimenez's agency helped break barriers for authentic Latino casting in films like 'Blood In Blood Out' and 'Training Day', moving away from stereotypical roles to more nuanced parts, though he notes the industry is still evolving.
Notable quotes 4AI-generated: wording and quote attribution may be wrong. Use the play link to verify.
“If you sound too fancy for certain folks they're not going to go... People just like see funny stupid [__] man you know what I'm saying people like to be entertained bro that's it.”
▶ 8:12Citric explaining why his public access show 'Underground Flavor' and later 'Ghetto Busters' resonated with audiences by keeping it authentic and accessible rather than overly polished.
“I didn't even [__] read the script bro... I totally forgot about it I was like oh [__] that's crazy... Mike Judge saw your audition tape and he was [__] rolling.”
▶ 28:36Citric recounting how he landed the role of Secretary of Defense in 'Idiocracy' without preparation, simply by being himself during an audition he almost skipped.
“You never know when or when it was not going to pop off... if you're producing your own content then you got your own accounts... you don't have to [__] rely on the majors.”
▶ 1:19:47Citric advising creators to build independent platforms and audiences so they aren't solely dependent on traditional studio systems which can be unstable.
“Life is short... don't wait to tell them in the hospital... make sure you do that before it's too late.”
Citric sharing advice on family relationships after his son's shooting and his mother's passing, urging people to resolve conflicts and express love while their loved ones are still alive.
Chapters & Sections (93)▼
2:07Winter Fashion and Exclusive Patreon Giftschapter4
2:07Winter Fashion and Exclusive Patreon Gifts
3:54Early Life and East LA History
5:16Celebrating Loyalty and Dedication to Sports Teams
6:41Casting for a Show with a Specific Demographic
8:30Early Days of Public Access Televisionchapter4
8:30Early Days of Show Business and Entertainment
9:57Origins of Underground Hip Hop Media
11:22Early Days of Public Access Television
12:43Early Days of a Music and TV Show
14:24Early Days of Underground Music Distributionchapter2
14:24Early Days of Underground Music Distribution
16:22Early Days of Rapping and Music Industry
18:53Family Influence on Musical Backgroundchapter2
18:53Family Influence on Musical Background
21:05Growing Up on a Ranch with a Musical Background
23:16Evolution of Hip-Hop and Changing Expectationschapter2
23:16Evolution of Hip-Hop and Music Industry
25:26Transitioning from Music to Acting Career
27:37Audition Experience for a Film Rolechapter2
27:37Audition Experience for a Film Role
30:28Securing a Role in a Mike Judge Movie
32:51Preparing for a Film Role and Overcoming Initial Confusionchapter2
32:51Preparing for a Film Role and Overcoming Initial Confusion
35:23Working in a Special Effects Studio
36:51Idiocracy Movie Set and Pop Culture Memorieschapter3
36:51Popularity of Crocs as Fashionable Footwear
38:27Breaking into Music and TV Career Opportunities
40:00Career Reflections and Early Film Experiences
41:32Voice Over Experience in Animation Projectschapter3
41:32Voice Over Experience and Recording Process
42:49Collaboration on Comic Book Animation Projects
44:29Psychedelic Experiences and Tripping on Mushrooms
45:51Dislike for Windows 95 Style Animationchapter3
45:51Working with George Lopez on TV Show
47:33Audition Process for Television Pilot
48:50Reuniting with a Co-Star After Years Apart
50:03TV Pilot Presentation Audition Experiencechapter4
50:03Audition Process for TV Show Pilot
51:45Audition Process for TV Show Role
52:57TV Production and Industry Challenges
55:07Childhood Experiences and Video Game Influences
57:20Breaking into Hollywood through Authentic Representationchapter2
57:20Breaking into Hollywood through Authentic Representation
59:07Casting and Authenticity in Film Productions
1:01:41Lifestyle of a Biker Gang Memberchapter3
1:01:41Lifestyle of a Biker or Cholo
1:02:56Biker Lifestyle and Illicit Activities
1:04:19Favorite Career Experiences and Personal Growth
1:06:42King of the Hill Reboot Discussion and Speculationchapter1
1:06:42King of the Hill Reboot Discussion and Speculation
1:11:00Theorizing Character Death in a Popular TV Showchapter3
1:11:00Theorizing Character Death in a Popular TV Show
1:12:25Multiverse Storyline and Writing Process
1:14:28The Challenges of Working in the Film Industry
1:16:27Post-Production Plans and Independent Content Creationchapter2
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