Rising Star Dijon Talton On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry

An Interview With Guernslye Honoré

Firstly, it’s all-encompassing, which means that it takes everything when you’re in production, especially if you’re at the top. Secondly, be clear on your perspective and your ‘why,’ even from a character standpoint. Thirdly, it’s not easy.ut God at the center of it because you’ll need to lean on Him for support. Fourthly, not to think that you can do everything by yourself. You need a team. And lastly, never lose the fun in it and never forget you prayed for it.

As a part of our series about pop culture’s rising stars, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Dijon Talton.

Dijon Talton is a multi-talented American artist recognized for his prowess in acting, singing, and dancing. His notable claim to fame is his portrayal of Matt Rutherford on the widely acclaimed FOX series “Glee.” Talton’s artistic journey commenced at the tender age of three when he embarked on his training at Debbie Allen’s Dance Academy in Los Angeles. Beyond his remarkable contribution to “Glee,” he has graced other prominent television productions such as “How to Get Away with Murder” and “American Crime Story,” while also leaving his mark in Ava Duvernay’s cinematic creation, “I Will Follow.” Not limited to the screen, Talton’s musical talents have found expression through his R&B/Pop singles “Wild Out” and “#Satisfy”. Dijon launched “The Talton Company” in 2020, a Multi-Media Studio/Production Company based in Los Angeles, CA. Focused on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. The company’s focus is giving a nuanced/non judgmental voice to the often unseen and underserved. Presently, he assumes the roles of Show-runner, Executive Producer and Director for the thriving series “A’ La Carte” on AMC’s streaming platform “AllBlk.” Beyond his creative endeavors, Talton is deeply committed to philanthropic causes, channeling his efforts towards empowering underprivileged youth and advancing education.

Thank you so much for joining us today. I’m very excited, and I hope you are too. Can you take us on a journey into your formative years and the experiences that have shaped you and your remarkable career?

Yeah. I started acting, dancing, and everything when I was about three. I was born into it since my mom was a talent manager. My cousins and siblings were already involved. I began going to auditions and landed roles because my brother wasn’t keen on it, to be honest. I kept at it but stopped at 13 due to concerns about my weight affecting my confidence and professionalism. After high school, I got back into it, and by 19, I booked Glee. That shifted my focus from studying entertainment law to pursuing a career in entertainment, building a company, directing, and creating opportunities for others.

That’s amazing. We’d love to hear the compelling narrative that led you down this path, from acting to singing, dancing, to filmmaking. How did you manage all of that?

The arts were always interconnected for me. I started at Debbie Allen Dance Academy, where acting was also part of the curriculum. I was in singing groups as a kid. Glee offered a chance for a solo opportunity. As for filmmaking, working with Ava Duvernay, Anthony Hemingway, and Leanna Wake on different projects as a young artist inspired me. They were successful and brought something special to the industry while being amazing individuals. Their influence gave me the drive to pursue directing and producing early on. I feel like my steps were guided, doors opened, and opportunities arose that I’m grateful for.

As you navigate your filmmaking journey, were there ever any moments of humor or intrigue you’d like to share with us? Anything funny or captivating?

I feel like every day brings its own unique moments. It’s a constant challenge, but I’ve had some spirited debates with networks or crew members for the betterment of the projects. I try to keep the atmosphere on set light and humorous. After all, we’re not curing cancer. It’s an opportunity to do what we love, bless our families, and work on something we’re passionate about. So, what’s the point of being overly serious?

One of my favorite questions I couldn’t wait to ask you. I’ve been watching your show, A La Carte, and oh my God — steamy! Could you share the inspiration or the driving force behind it? What led you and Meagan Good to create A La Carte? Are there any essential lessons or messages you hope to convey through the series?

We didn’t create it. It was created by a young woman named Brianna Hogan. It was somewhat autobiographical about her life when she decided to be a side chick for a gentleman. The first season was a bit autobiographical. The second season explores the world of the characters around them in more depth. There are many lessons. A big thing for me and Meagan was that it’s a cautionary tale without judgment. We’re both from Los Angeles and grew up in this industry. The people we see come and go, inform our decisions, and shape who we become as humans. With A La Carte, the message is that you get to be whoever you want to be and grow into the individual you want to be. You don’t have to be who people told you to be. If you’re flawed, that doesn’t mean you’re discounted. You can figure it out better next time. We’re in this together, and humanity is at the core. We all want to be loved and chosen. There are so many things.

When I first saw the trailer, one thing that grabbed me was the line, “sex is easy, relationships are hard.” This is very true, especially for our generation. It’s easy to make an initial connection, but in the long run, it’s challenging to move past physical attraction and infatuation. Your show seems very realistic, addressing the issues we face daily.

You are unapologetic about being black, young, and human in the moment. Everyone’s on their own journey. To that point, seeking connection and relationships in our mid-twenties is influenced by our healing, brokenness, openness, and life goals. There’s no right or wrong way to seek connection. It’s about growing and understanding the kind of connection you want through the challenges.

Absolutely, that statement holds significant validity. While avoiding any major spoilers, could you offer a sneak peek into the thrilling and crucial moments that viewers can look forward to in season 2? Additionally, is there ongoing work on the development of season 3?

Yes, it’s a journey. Episode seven of ten in season two was released today. There’s a lot in the episodes. The show portrays life with love, loss, sex, romance, heartbreak, breakups, rekindles, and family drama. It’s like watching them live their lives in front of your eyes. Sometimes it’s good, sometimes it’s bad. They’re not perfect, but they’re private moments. Often in life, we see people’s highlight reels on Instagram or other social media platforms, but we don’t know what it took to get there. The show is a look at the real person behind the picture, living out their life to get to that picture. There’s a lot more coming up. I could go on and on.

Yes, watching it, I feel like it’s just as down-to-earth as it gets because life can be really messy. We often show what we want the world to see on social media, but behind the scenes, it can get pretty hectic. Comparing our unfinished lives to someone’s highlight reel can be misleading.

Absolutely. Usually, the prettier the picture, the more it took to get there. No one is going to tell you the number of hours it took to get the photo or to edit it, they just want you to see the photo. But sometimes, especially in this generation of comparing our stories, it’s, “Why doesn’t my life look that way?” Neither do theirs. You’re comparing your work in progress to their finished product.

Absolutely. I tend to compare myself to others as well, especially on Instagram. Comparing ourselves is a human thing to do, but we need to remind ourselves that what’s portrayed on social media is only what they want us to see. I once didn’t think I was beautiful or talented enough to pursue acting. Then I thought, “Well, someone was brave enough to step up, so why can’t I?” I remember coming across a meme once. It was an apple looking in the mirror. It was half bitten on one side, labeled “real life.” And the perfect, non-bitten side, facing the mirror, was labeled, “life on social media.” It was a real eye opener for me.

Sometimes we need to put boundaries and blinders on to put things in perspective. Life is meant to be lived. We can only offer as much as we’ve experienced and can only go as deep as we’ve been ourselves. It’s not always pretty, but it’s necessary to experience it.

Yes, thank you so much. Your show will be speaking to a lot of people; me included. Now, your work in the entertainment industry has undoubtedly brought you into contact with fascinating individuals. Are there any encounters or connections that left a lasting impression on you that you would like us to know about?

Yeah, I met Barack Obama. That was incredibly life-changing. And I was on the Oprah Winfrey show when I was on Glee, and she knew every cast member’s name when we walked out; not even before the show was on, and it was 12. She remembered everybody’s name, was so gracious, and it showed me that success isn’t loud. It’s just excellent. It isn’t the person who needs to take up the most space in the room. It’s the person that serves the room the best. It just left such an impression. You encounter so many people in life and in industries that purport to be something. You almost feel like a lot of times you have to purport to be that, to be it. Or the people who are actually aren’t reporting at all because they’re just existing, they are there.

Wow. Thank you for dropping in the gospel. So, in line with that, are there any mentors or supporters that you feel played a pivotal role in your journey from your singing career to your acting and filmmaking career?

Yeah, I think a huge one is God, to be honest. I think he’s my biggest motivator and my center for sure. But my parents have been great. My family is really supportive. My friends. I had great mentors in Anthony, Hemingway, Lena, Ava, everybody. I think everyone on my journey, I’ve been grateful for, because they’ve left something with me that’s pushed me in the right direction or the wrong; even the darkness is a blessing. So, yeah, everyone on the journey I’m grateful. In the words of Maya Angelou, “Wouldn’t take nothing for my journey now.”

Yes, that’s very nice. Could you share a life lesson quote that you think resonates with you and has been guiding you through this journey?

I wouldn’t say all that, but a quote I just realized I liked was, “Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’re going to get.”. Because you never know what tomorrow is going to bring, and we can’t decide what happens to us, so we can decide how we respond to it. Just showing up as the best version of ourselves in every situation. It’s a biblical saying, “In all seasons, I’ve learned to be content.” It doesn’t mean that I’ve liked it. It doesn’t mean that I’ve chosen it. It doesn’t mean that I’ve rejoiced in it. But in all seasons, I’ve learned to be content, you know? Which means that, this way or that way, God’s still God and I’m still fine with His choices.

Certainly. So diversity in the entertainment industry seems to be a significant issue. Can you share with us if there is any way you try to incorporate diversity in your film and television projects? I mean, do you do your own casting? Do you use somebody else? But then do you still find a way to promote diversity? How do you go about that when you’re working on your productions?

Ours is kind of like, all black. It’s on ALLBLK. So everyone’s black. So, the cool part is we don’t have to worry about that with the cast. As far as the heads of the departments, I look for black and brown people, often women when I can because it’s a woman’s story. We did the pilot the first time; every head of the department was a woman other than me and the DP. A black woman was something that we were really proud of. So I think it’s servicing the talent on the screen that’s black and brown, but also allowing people behind the scenes. The PA, the wardrobe stylist, the production designer, the editors, the music supervisor, all of whom are black and brown people and then women when they can be.

OK. That’s amazing. Thank you for sharing that. So, now you’re working on A La Carte. But do you have any upcoming projects that you’re already working on? Do you have anything lined up for when this is over?

My family and I have a show that’s coming out soon. I’m just developing and creating other shows and projects and putting my head in doing work and just excited to have my feet in other arenas.

That’s very nice. So in your multifaceted career, are there any achievements or contributions that you feel you’re most proud of? Is there anything that exemplifies pride for you?

I was proud when we won the Screen Actors Guild for Glee. My mom was there. I think it was meant for me to share the experience with her, for her to be next to me when they called us up there and see that; that’s a really proud moment for me. Also, because I feel like it was a proud moment for her, you know, like she felt like she did a good job with me, and that makes me cry.

That’s awesome. So now is the key question of our interview. Could you share five invaluable insights? You wish someone had told you before you started your filmmaking journey?

Firstly, it’s all-encompassing, which means that it takes everything when you’re in production, especially if you’re at the top. Secondly, be clear on your perspective and your ‘why,’ even from a character standpoint. Thirdly, it’s not easy.ut God at the center of it because you’ll need to lean on Him for support. Fourthly, not to think that you can do everything by yourself. You need a team. And lastly, never lose the fun in it and never forget you prayed for it.

Amen. That’s great. Thank you for sharing that. When you’re working on a project as a filmmaker, you make numerous artistic and cinematic decisions. Do you feel like your most significant influence is the audience, the critics, the financiers, or is it more of your own personal artistic vision?

I think it’s a mixture. I walk into projects with an idea of what I wanna do, what I wanna say, and how it’s different. I did think about this, the platform and the audience that we’re servicing and how they’ll receive the message and/or be entertained. I don’t often think about the critics because opinions are like a**holes; everyone has one. But yeah, I think about all-encompassing how to best serve the story and the ‘why’ of the story. Why are we telling it? Who is it for? Who can it touch? Where does the authenticity lie? And then everything lands on top of that.

Thank you. That’s amazing. You possess a great deal of influence, and if you could initiate a movement that you feel would bring the most good to the most people, what would it be?

I think that the movement would be self-love and then love for your neighbor. I think that there’s a problem that we’ve always had, that people we don’t understand or that aren’t like us, we villainize and then victimize. And if we can see humanity in each other, we can see God in each other. And that usually starts by seeing God in ourselves, by healing ourselves, by not judging ourselves, by not thinking we’re inadequate first. Then we can really live in harmony, a harmony that we haven’t seen yet, or at least a tolerance where I don’t have to like your decision. But it’s not for me to like it. It’s not my life. It’s for me to respect it and respect you as a human.

Thank you for sharing that. In our readership, we have influential figures from various domains who read our column. Is there any person in the US or on the globe that if you had the opportunity to have a private lunch or breakfast with that she would want to do it with? And what would you want to tell them?

Beyoncé because she’s also very good. Or it would have been Michael Jackson if he was still alive. Well, I wouldn’t want to tell her anything, but I would want to ask about some of her greatest lessons. I think she has a spirit of excellence and a drive that I haven’t seen before. She works her butt off. So I think I’d want to absorb as much knowledge of leadership that she’s encompassed and just any tidbits I can. I think just being around excellence rips off.

So OK, thank you. Our last question is how can our readers follow up with you if they want to follow you on social media? What is your account? What is your handle? How would they be able to follow you?

So all my accounts are my name Dijon Talton, and Dijon is spelled like the mustard. And the show’s accounts are A La Carte All Black on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, TikTok, and the show’s actual platform that it streams on, Watch All Black. That can be found on Prime Video, Roku, Apple, anywhere that they sell, or you can download an app, you can find A La Carte Season One and Two.

All right. Thank you so much for sharing your insights and your experiences with us. We anticipate continued success in your endeavors. Until then.

Thank you. Same to you.

About the interviewer: Guernslye Honoré, affectionately known as “Gee-Gee”, is an amalgamation of creativity, vision, and endless enthusiasm. She has elegantly twined the worlds of writing, acting, and digital marketing into an inspiring tapestry of achievement. As the creative genius at the heart of Esma Marketing & Publishing, she leads her team to unprecedented heights with her comprehensive understanding of the industry and her innate flair for innovation. Her boundless passion and sense of purpose radiate from every endeavor she undertakes, turning ideas into reality and creating a realm of infinite possibilities. A true dynamo, Gee-Gee’s name has become synonymous with inspirational leadership and the art of creating success.