Budding actor seizes opportunities

Oct 3

**Ian Bjorn Kramer, an actor and model, gets medieval in this shot. Photo by Nigel Boulton**

By Tom Victoria

Akin to swashbucklers of yore, Ian Bjorn Kramer steers the vessel in the raging storm.

Ian paints a staunch figure as Mattias in the trailer for the proposed period series “Ravengold.” This role is one of multiple projects the budding British thespian has become involved in the last couple of years.

He enjoys performing.

“I love the freedom of expression you get, the opportunity to travel and the people I meet,” Ian said.

He spent five days in Estonia for “Ravengold.”

“Whilst filming, I made sure to do my job perfectly, which was to act out my character,” Ian said. “And most people spoke English, so they could always translate any instructions to me. I also tried to learn a few words.”

Ian, who is into fitness and sports, had no problem taking to the physical aspects of the job, including horseback riding.

**Ian rides horseback for “Ravengold.” Photo by Mart Sander**

He also savored the acting side.

“I believe I was in all of the scenes,” Ian said.

His performance also impressed others. A fellow actor told the director that Ian, who was being used as a fill-in for the role, had made it his own.

“It’s the best feeling,” he said about being touted for his acting abilities. “I’ve also been told ‘You have a lot of potential.’”

But Ian isn’t resting on his laurels.

“I’m still learning,” Ian said. “I’m still taking lessons.”

One facet about performing he’s learned is subtlety for film, unlike theater where emoting is necessary to reach the entirety of a live audience.

“Less is more,” Ian said. “The less you do, the better. I don’t need to be excited. I can just relax.”

**Ian filmed “Ravengold” in Estonia. Photo by Mart Sander**

He said there’s no difficulty portraying emotions.

“I find the hardest emotion to convey is when you don't have an emotion,” Ian said. “Say for example, the scene is you asking someone what they want for breakfast. The hardest part is making a simple action sound and look natural.”

Among Ian’s other projects are series such as “BMT,” short films including “Dusk Falls,” commercials and stage productions.

His physical skills include screen combat, scuba diving and surfing.

The actor also models, being equally comfortable in a tuxedo or hoodie. He is signed by Atlantis Actors and Atlantis Modeling Agency.

Ian is taking a gap year in college to seize the opportunities presented to him.

“I quite like acting,” Ian said.

**Ian poses on a fashion runway in London. Photo submitted**

He relishes every project.

“I take it one day at a time,” Ian said. “It could be my last role.”

He understands the reality of not being suitable for every project.

“I have an athletic build,” Ian said.

When the Grid initially profiled Ian, he was building a social media audience with fitness and comedy content, foreshadowing his future as a performer. He later collaborated with a fellow creator to put out the short film “Love Hate Murder” before embarking on acting and modeling work.

Ian is always seeking new challenges, including taking up gymnastics and kickboxing.

“I wanted to try something else,” he said about the kickboxing. “I always thought it was quite cool.”

Ian’s athletic background includes playing European football, rugby and tennis. He started an online personal training business, Fitnessgoattraining.

The athlete also plays piano and ukulele.

**Ian displays his suave side as a dapper secret agent. Photo submitted**

Ian also took some time to explore other parts of the globe.

“I went traveling for a bit,” he said.

Ian went to Thailand to collect data for a coral reef conservation project.

“It was wonderful,” Ian said.

Along with working on a worthy cause, he took advantage of his free time to learn another culture, including Muay Thai lessons.

Ian has aspirations for his acting career.

“I just want people to respect me,” he said. “I would like to be known for an iconic role.”

Ian dispensed advice for aspiring actors.

“The first thing you do is get acting lessons,” he said.

Ian also suggested creating a show reel. His covers three different scenes — a psychopath terrorizing a woman, a husband coming home from the serving in the military and a robber suffering guilt from a shooting.

“Don’t waste opportunities,” he said. “Never stop learning.”

Ian said rejection for some roles is inevitable.

“Don’t take it personally,” he said.

Ian also advised to keep egos in check.

“Don’t forget where you came from,” he said.

Ian emphasized the need to be confident while pursuing dreams.

“You’ve got to believe in yourself,” he said.