Working in restaurants since he was 13, and also rapping and making music from the time he was in high school, Theodore “Ted” Holmes III says both of those areas of his life have informed who he is along with his creativity.
He moved to San Diego from Gettysburg, Penn., a little over 10 years ago and has continued working in bars and restaurants, while also getting involved in San Diego’s creative community through music, and television and film. He works as a production assistant with San Diego Productions, he’s been a contestant on the television game show “Pictionary,” hosted by Jerry O’Connell, and he’s used his decades of experience in the food service industry as material for his pilot, “Turn and Burn,” now available for purchase on Amazon Prime.
Holmes, 44, lives in Chula Vista and continues to work at local bars and restaurants and with his talent manager in furthering his creative pursuits in acting, producing, and writing. He took some time to talk about his experience taking something he saw in his mind and turning it into a reality on the small screen.
Q: Last year, you produced and released a pilot called “Turn and Burn.” What is this show about?
A: The show is about a couple of middle-aged guys working as servers/waiters in the restaurant industry. While doing this unforgiving job, that a lot of their peers somewhat look down upon, they’re trying to find love, as well. The inspiration for this show was literally working in restaurants. I mean, we’ve all seen possibly the “craziest things we’ve seen in life” as guests in one of our favorite places to eat.
Q: Can you talk about your transition from music to television/film?
A: My transition was complicated as it wasn’t if that makes sense. As much as I love music, the work it took to gain a buzz in the northeast region of the country was a lot of hard work. Moving from Pennsylvania to California, I knew the probability of me being a 40-plus dude new to the city trying to make his name as a rapper, wouldn’t be easily done, especially being this age. I didn’t want to give music up completely, but I needed another outlet that would resonate with a broader audience. I decided to take all of the invaluable circumstances you are a part of every day as a front-of-the-house worker in a restaurant, and make it for television.
What I love about Chula Vista…
It doesn’t matter the culture, there’s something about San Diego, particularly Chula Vista, where everyone appreciates everyone’s point of view, their differences, and it’s all love.
Q: What was your process for learning how to write, direct, act in, and produce your own television series?
A: I really don’t have an acting or directing background besides music videos. Writing has always been there; that’s how I’ve been able to rap, sing, and write and produce a television series. The production aspect was enhanced through creating the show, as well as producing music videos. I knew that I’d have to utilize all of my creative areas to make something that was worthy of television. I guess I went as a man blind to an entire world, but had to teach himself how to make his art relatable to the average person. I love John Grisham books, as well. The writing part in this particular arena is the easiest, ironically.
Q: What was the budget for “Turn and Burn”?
A: Yikes, the money. So, I was schooled by a woman named Camie Carpenter when I arrived in San Diego. One of the first questions she asked me when I came to her office was, “Do you have a million dollars?” My answer was an emphatic “no.” She told me, “Well, just so you know, a ‘low budget’ movie is a mil or less.” Let’s say this (project) has a ghetto budget.
Q: Were there lessons you were able to transfer from your music making into this format of television?
A: Patience. In a world where instant gratification is super prevalent, thinking you’ll be an “overnight superstar” isn’t real. I mean, it is for some, but you have to always appreciate and trust your process.
Q: What have you learned from the people and events in this local creative community that have helped you navigate working in television and film?
A: I’ve learned that if you’re dedicated and work hard, the people of this city will match it tenfold. You’ve always got to grind and put your heart in it.
Q: What’s been challenging about your work in music and television?
A: The most challenging thing is challenging yourself. I’ve written songs, ripped them up, started over, got upset at myself for the process, the whole nine. I love trusting myself. If I could tell myself to do everything again, I’d tell him to trust and believe in himself. Hopefully, betting on me works out.
Q: What’s been rewarding about this work?
A: Seeing a vision you created in your mind (come to fruition) is always a reward, seeing the characters you brought to life, on television! That, along with accomplishing the incredibly difficult task of having a pilot to your series available for the world to see.
Q: What has this work taught you about yourself?
A: It’s reminded me to keep that never-give-up state of mind. A mamba mentality—Kobe (Bryant). Word to Pennsylvania guys.
Q: What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
A: My dad told me that, in any situation, “ABC” (always be cool). As hard as that concept is, it applies to everything.
My high school coach told us to, “Play hard, play smart, and play together. Now, go have some fun.” I’ll use that for the rest of my life.
Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you?
A: Surprisingly, I’m good at tennis and ping pong.
Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend.
A: Sitting at a restaurant/bar on the beach that has a basketball court nearby so I can attempt to stay in shape.
