YouSaid · the spoken record

David Ajala

lines on the record: 32
sittings or episodes: 1
sources: podcast

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“It's all good another time. That was all good. We enjoyed it. And I know we used the word authentic came up a lot of the times in conversation. And I think I'm really going to hold on to that because I think authenticity is very, very important. And everyone's perception of authenticity can be different. But I think what you have within yourself, protect it, and share it at the same time and invest in it.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Kind much appreciated. Thank you so much, I was really appreciate that. And just before Conclude this interview, I want to know if you're going to jump on the piano and play a little tune because you can't have a piano like that there and not play a little tune for us. Even a happy birthday, a twinkle, twinkle little star.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Advice would I give to my children Kids managed to get into a really good school. And I know if my parents were able to, they would have definitely Enabled us as much as possible to go to the kind of school that my kids go to. It's really cool that my kids are in an environment where they're surrounded by a lot of other kids that are very clever, very curious, intelligent, hardworking. Because I believe with the right kind of guidance, it will always inspire greatness. My advice to my children would be to always know that you are more than enough. To allow yourself Develop Every area of your life so that no matter what room you go into, you'll always have something to offer. Yeah, that would be my advice.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“What advice? And I often think about this sometimes, and sometimes I'm able to articulate it, sometimes I'm not. What advice would you give? To your younger self at whatever stage, whatever age? And what is one of the things that you've learned that has made you a better human being?”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“That's the thing. And I think it's like the coronavirus, it is an invisible threat. It's an invisible illness. But the more we're able to shine a light on it, To alleviate as much of that stigma as possible, that's healing in itself. It's to normalize having the freedom to say, you know what, I don't actually feel great here today, but I'm working on me. That's really important. Another question for you We were talking about Younger generation when you said the generation coming up, I just automatically thought younger generation because there's something always exciting about the younger generation finding their identity, their sense of purpose and bringing about real change. I believe that the development of society and the prosperity of society is dependent on the next generation. Pass on the baton, as it were”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Yeah, for sure. I mean, I'm looking at your badges and the ribbon specifically. And yeah, especially as during lockdown, it's been challenging for many, many people, me included. And the importance of mental health. Is so important, and I think during this time it's really been exasperated. Whatever issues people had have been magnified a lot because it's really intense trying times. Why do you wear that ribbon and why is that important to you?”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Doesn't just survive but thrives because now we need it to thrive when we return back. And I'm really hopeful, really, really hopeful for that.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“I think one of the most important things is Government to understand the importance of theat Elliot, and how necessary it is During COVID-19 and the pandemic, we've all been encouraged to stay at home and to avoid traveling unnecessarily. And one of our main outlets has been streaming services and entertainment. It's a form of escapism That's the next best thing to live entertainment and being in that room and seeing that performance, seeing that person singing, seeing that instrument being played live. We are so blessed in the UK and London specifically with the amount of theatre that we have. And I really, really, really hope that the powers that be will see the importance of it and inject the right support, finances. Infrastructure to make sure that theatre.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“And they said, Best gift you can give yourself is to remind yourself that you're more than enough. And I think no matter walk of life, no matter what walk of life one comes from, someone comes from a walk of life with just by nature of the proximity, just by nature of the circumstances that they're born into, they have a lot more opportunities and privilege. It is what it is. With someone else, just as deserving as the other person, but they're not born into the same kind of fortunate circumstances. But if they can both embrace and understand the idea that come what may irrespective of my circumstances working for or against me, I am more than enough. That's one of the best bits of advice that I've received. And I think it's given me the freedom personally to really be able to charge at every opportunity that's been presented to me without getting in my own way. And not only is it liberating, it's very empowering.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“America, their foundation was so solid that the timing of that opportunity worked out because they had done theater. They had worked in an industry which had really, really celebrated. Craft where your craft is celebrated and your talent is celebrated. I don't think we have much of a star system in the UK. Of course we do, but in compared to America, we don't really have much of a star system. So by default, for us, it's all about the work. And I know this may sound like a blanket statement, but I think that mindset really helps when transitioning and working in America because you're just rooted with the work. And I too have benefited from that and specifically from my theatre background. I think when we say the word authenticity, I remember someone giving me a bit of advice. It's one of the best bits of advice I've ever received.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Think what Advantageous for me. And I think it's a bit of a sensitive subject because there is this whole perceived idea in the America that Actors from the UK are well trained because they do theatre and they're exposed to material like Chekhov and Ibsen and Shakespeare and what have you. So they can do the American accent. So it's like I was stock in the market is higher. And this is a privilege that one can lean into or go against. But in actuality, it works in our favor. So it's been very advantageous for a lot of actors from the UK black, white, East Asian, South Asian. The list goes on who have gone over to America and who've really been able to carve out careers. And I think it's because of that perceived perception. But then also, I think there are a lot more opportunities out in the States for actors. So with the names that you've mentioned, these are all actors who have been building a career here in the UK that when they were given an opportunity to work in”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“David, we really liked you for this role, but we gave it to this guy because he's a bit taller, or he's a bit prettier, or he's a bit shorter, or he's got a better CV, always done more theater. There are certain things that you can't control. Things that you can control, you should really invest in them. Can control your attitude towards the Can control how invested you are in learning and building your skill set. You can control how you respond to when you're rejected. And I think that's where you should really put your energy in. And if it does work out and if you do become successful, that's a cherry on top. Don't be so focused on the success that you miss out on the journey because the journey is everything.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“And he said, David, when I saw you on stage, I saw good acting. So I'm going to send you up for everything. What Oliver Slinger did for me in that moment was reminded me not to limit myself. So for the next generation of actors, artists, musicians, the best thing you can do for yourself is to not limit yourself. It's to expose yourself to as much material, to have such a curiosity that doing acting or doing art, doing music comes from a place of necessity and a place of discovery. Because this the kind of industry where you have to have a passion which goes beyond Rationale to a degree because you're told no so many times. I've heard no more times than I've heard yes.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Think Really important is a bit of advice that my agent gave me. I'm with independent talent agent is Mr. Oliver Slinger. I remember when I signed with him, he came, I was already with a different agent, and then he came to see me doing a play at the National Theatre. And then after the show, there was a little party, and then he came up to me and he said, he really enjoyed what I did. He gave me his card. And he said, if you want to discuss anything at all, just give me a shout. So I did, reached out to him, said I was interested in continuing the conversation, cut to a week later, I'm in his office and we were talking and he was just telling me what he does and you know the kind of work and scripts that he reads and the kind of work he gets for his clients. And I said to him, What kind of roles will you send me up for?”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Would love to see or have access to a spore drive because to be able to have access to a spore drive and to be able to, oh man, I mean, the opportunities are endless, absolutely endless. And I don't want to give too much away because especially in this new season, there are some new bits of technology which are very impressive and really, really cool. And I'm really excited to see how fans are going to respond to seeing these new bits of technology because we are a thousand years into the future. a lot of it is imaginative.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“So I'll answer the first part of that question. We have, I say we, the creators behind Star Trek Discovery. They have a team of consultants that they liaise with. And I'm talking about from the biggest detail to the tiniest detail. Star Trek Discovery and the powers that be, the creatives involved, they really take pride in keeping us consistent and authentic as possible, especially when it comes to the through line. Of all the things that make Star Trek Star Trek, which is a large part of all the things that make Star Trek Star Trek and a large part of it is the scientific specificities. So whenever we are given dialogue and we have to discuss X, Y, and Z, you best believe the creatives involved have such a profound deep understanding of it just by default we learn so much more and understand so much more In terms of technology,”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“It is happening. But again, it's about how much authenticity are the powers that be comfortable with. Is trying to find that balance because for me personally, I have no, like, carry on, for example. I don't watch Carry On and think, oh man, where are the Indian people? Where are the black people? It's a very specific story within that world. I'm like, cool, it works. That's authentic in that time. Watching downtown Abbey, it might be a similar thing. Authenticity is the most important thing, and it just depends on how comfortable the powers that be are with authenticity. But I think the people, and when I say the people, it's audience members and people who consume content. I think they're craving it.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Example, if I'm working on a project that's about inner city London life and growing up in the UK being, I don't know, I can be as specific as a school in East London and it's about these secondary school people in year 11 all deciding whether they're going to go to college or if they're all going to become entrepreneurs and do their own thing. In my writing room with my writing staff, I'm going to have every shade and race of the rainbow and walk of life. Reason why is because I'm assuming that I don't know everything and I need authenticity. So I want that to be reflected in my room. And I'll always go with best idea wins because no matter how informed I may think I am when it comes to inner city London life or whatever, there's people's, there are other people who have completely different experiences because of their perceptive and the way that they have walked their life. That too needs to be included.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“See, that's the thing. Think when it comes to Sometimes within the infrastructure of the UK when it comes to the entertainment that they produce, there is a default brand and style of work which is always going to sell. I liken it to Marvel movies. It's always going to have an audience, it's always going to sell. But the danger is by always going to the default, you're just recycling ideas that we've already seen. I think what's going to be really important going forward is the people who are telling the stories. So like you said, Charles, in the writing room,”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Courageous, adventurous is great because there's going to be a lot of young girls, a lot of black girls, mixed race girls, and girls in general, irrespective of race, that's going to see her. Aesthetically are going to be able to connect, but then also character-wise are going to be able to connect. And I think it's really important that we see ourselves reflected on screen.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“And celebrating our differences. It allows us to collectively be reliant on each other to know that our strength comes from working together. Think there's a school of thought of some people when they say, I don't see color. It's the wrong way of thinking. I think you should see color. There's nothing wrong with seeing colour. It's good to see the differences. We should just allow ourselves to be able to embrace the differences and work together. Because I think by working together brings out the best in us. So the fact that Star Trek Discovery at the moment now has a black female lead who is super talented.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“That's a good question Think what's really special about sci-fi is sci-fi is able to do storytelling in different algorithms. And because we're talking about a time zone or time period which we haven't yet been to, it leaves a lot of room for imagination, for discovery and for interpretation. And I think because of that distance and detachment from time, we're, of course, in 2021 Star Trek is set in... Thousand years into the future, so it would be like the year. 30, 20 or so. We don't know how things would be. It's all down to our imagination. So when it comes to being able to Normalize diversity Something very fulfilling about it, and it's not something that's hugely celebrated on the show, though it is, but it's something that Star Trek really aims towards normalizing. Because I feel that by normalizing”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“What she said to me, and that instantly changed the game for me. So, my mindset has always been diverse and to allow myself to have multiple opportunities. So it kind of prepared me and gave me the right foundation to dabble with the American market where I just found they're definitely a lot more receptive of sharing diverse stories. The UK is definitely getting a lot better than it's really, really, really great and encouraging to see.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Think it's healing. And I actually think it's exciting to have a mixture of diversity. Certainly for myself, I'm very, very fortunate because when I went to drama school, my principal in drama school said two things to me when she took me on board. She said, David, we're going to work on your stage speech, just to equip you with the skills so that whatever text comes your way, you're able to do it tripping me off the tongue. And then she said also being 100% frank, and this is why I love this lady. She said, David, I want to make sure that when it comes to acting and working in the industry, your roles aren't limited to being on crime watch. She said, I want to make sure that you have as many opportunities as possible because that's the way it should be.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Absolutely. I think it's a really exciting time and I think this change has been happening for a few years, but I think during the past like two, three years, I think it's really accelerated. And I just feel that in the world now, People crave authenticity. And I think if you're being authentic. A byproduct will experience diversity. I think diversity comes about because of the need and also the lack of authenticity. If we're talking about reflecting stories within the world of which we live in, we want to see multifaceted stories of peoples from different walks of life, races, religions, sexual orientation. The list goes on. You want to see people reflected on screen. I think it's important”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Push the needle forward a little more was doing more American TV and getting into that world of doing stuff. So, yeah, there's been a lot of incremental moments that have kind of led towards more opportunities”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“That's a good question. And I suppose for myself that there isn't. Think there's a lot of incremental defining moments that collectively make the defining moment. And I think one was definitely doing long stints on the theatre scene or in the theatre scene with Royal Shakespeare Company, the National Theatre. That just really solidified my foundation as an actor to understand the craft and the discipline and Stamina required for storytelling. You know, I think in its truest essence, an actor's craft is really realized on stage. TV and film are different avenues. And of course, you know, you still require a certain level of skill, but I feel that you're really able to embody the craftsmanship of an actor on stage. So my defining moments came from doing theatre. But I think what kind of”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Okay, just okay because I was surrounded by a lot of people who were super talented and they were my main source of inspiration. And then it got to a stage where I really had to prove to myself and to my parents that this was my chosen career path. And I think from the age of 16, that's after leaving secondary school, I had the tunnel vision to just really pursue it. There was no guarantee that would work out, but I just felt like... Enjoyed it.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Characters on screen that just really captured my attention. So cut to being in secondary school, I was always seen as the guy in class who was very talkative, mischievous, but entertaining. And I think I happily wore the class clown hat because I enjoyed entertaining people. So my maths teacher. He suggested that I should join or do GCSC in drama because you have to choose between music, drama, and arts. So he said, David, I recommend you should try and do some acting because then you can use that excessive energy that you have. So I did it. And then from then, I kind of just. Kept acting. After school clubs, improvisation clubs, it was any way to just immerse myself in it because it just felt Right, it felt fulfilling and it was fun. And then maybe a year after doing acting, it actually felt like something that I was.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“So I think it all started off with my parents' love for In no particular order. James Bond, Eddie Murphy, and Carry On Movies. It just felt like, you know, parents come from Nigeria. They came to the UK in the 70s. And I think they wanted to kind of immerse their children in British culture. But the British culture that they too really enjoyed, so it was in the form of entertainment. It was James Bond. It was Carry On. And then it was Eddie Murphy. Course, American culture. And I think there was just something about being exposed to really cool movies and seeing a character like James Bond and then humor with like Carry On. And I know what's funny about Carry On now is when I watch it now, there's a lot of innuendos that at the time went way over my head, but a lot more funnier now. And I think there was just something about.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Different, but look, we're all turning lemmas into lemonade as best we can, you know, and I know it's a different kind of Christmas, but I think kind of me personally gave me the perspective to just really be grateful and to count my blessings however small and big. I'm sure it was the same for yourself as well.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source
“Sure, thank you for the introduction, Charles. Much appreciated. I fly to Toronto this weekend, currently working on Star Trek Discovery season four. We started shooting the new season in October, had a break for Christmas, and then of course I fly back out to continue it. It's a wonderful, wonderful project to be working on. And I think there's something really timely about Star Trek, especially because of recent events as of last year and then into this year. Star Trek Discovery and Star Trek as a whole has always had a really unique way of being effective with social commentary. I always like to work on Projects which have something to say. I think is very, very important. Of course, it could be entertaining, but it has to have something to say. So that's what I'm doing at the moment. Christmas. Christmas was called different.”
undated · Off The Agenda · David Ajala: Star Trek Discovery & Stories That Reflect the World | Off The Agenda | OTA Media · IDENTIFIED FROM THE TRANSCRIPT · source