Building Your Career in Film & TV: SAGindie Discussion with Actor/Filmmaker Xavier Smalls

Join us live at First Entertainment Credit Union in Burbank, CA with actor and independent filmmaker, Xavier Smalls, for a conversation about acting, identity, and representation in Black Cinema. Drawing from his experiences across studio and independent projects, including Netflix and Tyler Perry Studios, Xavier will share insights on staying true to his values, making intentional career choices, and navigating how creative intention shapes his work as a performer and a storyteller.

Xaiver Smalls Actor/Filmmaker

About Xavier Smalls:

Xavier Smalls is an actor, model, and emerging creative voice whose work has captured national attention through his collaborations with Tyler Perry Studios. He made his feature film debut in Madea’s Destination Wedding and is featured in the hit Netflix series Beauty in Black, both of which showcase his charisma and versatility on screen.

A proud Sacramento native, Xavier discovered his passion for performance early and went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Theatre from Sacramento State University. He continued his training through an intensive conservatory program at the William Esper Studio in New York, where he studied the Meisner Technique. His dedication to craft has led to performances with the Sacramento State Theatre program, leading roles in independent films, and opportunities across both stage and screen.

In addition to acting and modeling, Xavier enjoys writing, producing, and directing short films, expanding his artistic expression beyond performance. Offstage, he remains grounded in his faith, often spending time with family, watching films, and reading his Bible to stay focused on his spiritual journey. Guided by an immense respect for the art of storytelling, Xavier’s ultimate goal is to inspire others and create meaningful work that connects across cultures and generations.

Darrien Michele Gipson SAGindie

About the moderator:

Darrien Michele Gipson is the Executive Director of SAGindie, an educational organization for independent filmmakers. Darrien is a graduate of UCLA, where she received her BA in English Literature; and USC, where she earned an MFA from the Peter Stark Producers Program. She was the Vice President of Development for DEF Pictures before joining SAGindie in 2002 as Festival Coordinator. Through SAGindie, she traveled extensively to film festivals, film schools, and conferences, hosting workshops and teaching filmmakers how to hire professional actors using SAG-AFTRA’s low budget contracts. Since becoming SAGindie’s Executive Director in 2006, Darrien has expanded the organization to reach more festivals and help even more creators on all platforms to bring their projects to fruition. She continues to travel around the world speaking on panels, mentoring writers and filmmakers, and championing diversity, equity, and inclusion in the entertainment industry.