JESSE KOVE: INTERVIEW

RAEGAN REVORD: INTERVIEW

November 26, 2022

by iliana calderon

photo by michelle monique
styling by jordan gross
hair by reagan link
makeup by kendal fedail

Up and coming actress, Raegan Revord, known for being on the hit show “Young Sheldon” tells us about her role as Missy Cooper in our new interview. Revord also talks about what it was like being on set, and also shared her exciting up and coming projects and some of her favorite hobbies.

Congratulations on all the success around "Young Sheldon!” What is it like being on the show?

Raegan: “Thank you! It’s crazy to think I’ve spent almost half of my life on this show. I wouldn’t change it for anything though. Our production has been so great about letting us be kids and not making us grow up too fast. They created a really fun, safe space. The bar has been set so high for us here. I’ve always felt heard and respected which I don’t think is very common for a child actor. The adults on the show have led by example. They treat everyone with respect, they are all very humble people. They’ve also been a great source of wisdom and guidance as I’ve grown up. They are always there to give advice, whether it’s about acting or just getting older.”

Now in Season 6, what do you think makes "Young Sheldon" so successful?

Raegan: “I think our show has been so successful because it’s relatable. We show the ups and downs of a family. Our writers have done an amazing job of having just enough comedy and just enough heart.”

What have you learned about your character Missy Cooper over all these years of playing her? Do you see any similarities between yourself and Missy?

Raegan: “When I started the show, I was so young! I would basically just come to work with my lines memorized. Now that I’m older and have spent years on a set I approach the scenes differently, by thinking about the camera setup, my timing, I just have a deeper understanding of what’s really going on.

I’m actually very different from Missy. I’m way more introverted and nerdier. Missy has so much confidence and I really admire her for that. I’m much more self-conscious. Playing her has pushed me out of my comfort zone and allowed me to see what it’s like being a middle schooler.”

Do you have any favorite memories from being on set?

Raegan: “Oh my gosh. Well, after six years I have a lot of great memories. But I think one of my favorite things is all the scaring and pranking we do on set. We are like a real family, and we are very comfortable with each other so we get a lot of joy from scaring each other. We have this creepy little demon doll, we call her DD, and she gets passed around a lot. One time I put her in Melissa Peterman’s (Brenda Sparks) bag and when she got home and opened her bag there she was! Then Mrs. Melissa started taking her around town to run errands with her. It was hilarious. We put her in one of our director’s cars and haven’t seen her since.”

We heard you're working on authoring a book. Can you share anything on what the book will be about?

Raegan: “I wish I could tell you all about it, but I can’t right now! I’m sorry! I can say it’s fantasy, which my favorite genre, and I’ve been working on it for about two years! Hopefully it’ll be out next year, I’m so excited and I can’t wait to share more!”

What got you interested in writing?

Raegan: “I started writing when I was about six years old, I started creating my own American Girl stories! I would also write little scripts and have my family and friends act them out! I love writing because you can create your own setting and characters, and the sky really is the limit when it comes to creating stories. You can do just about anything, whether it’s creating different galaxies or writing about somewhere you’ve been before that stuck with you. Writing is so different than acting, because with acting you are stepping into someone’s world that was created for you. But when you’re writing, you get to create their entire world. As a writer you are more in control, so it’s been really fun to have that freedom to create.”

What are some of your favorite books and why?

Raegan: “Since I’m writing a fantasy book, I’ve been reading a ton of fantasy lately. It’s so hard to pick, each author is so talented in world building and character development, but if I had to pick, I’d say Shadow and Bone by Leigh Bardugo. I’m almost done with all of her books and I’m just in awe of how talented she is. Every twist catches me off guard and it’s so inspiring to read her books and see how amazing they are! I hope one day I could get even halfway to her level of expertise.”

What more can we expect from you in the future?

Raegan: “Ah, so much! I have a ton of book ideas so hopefully releasing new books in the future. I optioned a book last year and finally have the pilot done for that and we’ve been shopping it around. That’s been a lot of fun, I would love to do more of that. Developing projects that I can produce and maybe star in if time allows. I want to do it all. I really love seeing all these young females become little Reese Witherspoons. I never really thought it was possible because of my age, then I read about Marsai Martin developing projects when she was my age and it really made me feel empowered.”

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RHOYLE IVY KING: INTERVIEW

September 26, 2022

by abby crabill

Rhoyle Ivy King is best known for his role as Nathaniel Hardin on the CW's, All American: Homecoming. Rhoyle also balances his love for acting with his love for fashion and fitness. With every creative project that he takes on, Rhoyle makes it clear that he is passionate about representation, expressing himself and the impact that he can make on his audience.

What originally inspired you to get involved in the industry?

Rhoyle: “It was the impact that theatre had on my life. If at any moment I can bring that impact to just one person then it was worth all the work.”

What are some of your favorite creative outlets? Why?

Rhoyle: “Other than acting, singing, and dancing, I would say creative directing shoots and video work are my favorite creative outlets! I really enjoy bringing the visions I have in my mind to reality.”

Can you tell me a little bit about the show, All American Homecoming? What about your character, Nathaniel?

Rhoyle: “All American: Homecoming is a spin off to All American, following Simone to Atlanta where she attends an HBCU. My character Nathaniel Hardin becomes her roommate and one of her best friends.”

What does Nathaniel represent for you?

Rhoyle: “For me she represents, the beauty and resilience that is the queer community. She reminds me how much strength love really is. How dealing with people who ‘other’ her is a daily task.”

With a busy schedule, what do you do to take some time for yourself?

Rhoyle: “For me, it’s my morning gym time. I make time for it every day. No matter how early I have to wake up for it. I think starting the day of prioritizing my health is always an early morning win.”

Why is fashion important to you?

Rhoyle: “For me, it allows me to say what I need to say without saying anything at all. Always making sure that I alway wear it, and it never wears me.”

What changes do you still hope to see when it comes to representation in the industry?

Rhoyle: “To continue having more queer people, women, and BIPOC creatives behind the table, in writers rooms, and heads of studios.”

What types of projects do you hope to still accomplish in the future?

Rhoyle: “Always projects that mean something. That touch on something that’s important to me. I think it circles back to the first question. Prioritizing projects that really mean something to me.”

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SANTIAGO CARRERA: INTERVIEW

May 18, 2022

by pankhuri bhutani

More commonly known as the fun-loving brainiac Gus among the millions of GenZ Chicken Girls fans, Santiago Carrera began his professional acting career when he was 12 years old after attending a global talent competition where he gained the attention from several leading agents and managers. Just six months into acting classes, Santiago was auditioning regularly for top network projects and landing callbacks with industry greats like Eva Longoria.

We recently had a chat with Carrera in order to know more about his acting journey.

Hi there, Santiago. So lovely to have you over at Unclear. How are you doing?

Santiago: “I’m doing great, thanks for asking!”

You started your journey merely at the age of 12. What was it initially that drew you closer to this field of profession?

Santiago: “I found school plays super fun but eventually wanted to get more into the TV and film stuff, so I started taking acting classes to get a feel for everything and I loved it!”

You have been a part of the highly successful series Chicken Girls. How was the experience like working with your co-stars such as Hayley LeBlanc?

Santiago: “I’ve loved working with everyone on set, Hayley and I are best friends now and I’m so glad we met through Chicken Girls.”

Did you face any kind of challenges while portraying your character?

Santiago: “Honestly, not really. I’d say Gus was a pretty easy character to portray!”

What sort of advice would you like to give to individuals currently trying to pursue a career in the field of entertainment?

Santiago: “To get used to rejection. As unfortunate as it is, there is so much rejection in the entertainment industry. It’s so hard at first, but you have to push past it and keep working towards your goals. Eventually the right role for you will come around! Just keep working and improving your skills!”

If given an opportunity, who would you absolutely love to work or collaborate with in the future?

Santiago: “I would absolutely love to work with Zendaya on a project someday. I think she’s so talented and I look up to her so much. I really do hope I get to work with her someday!”

Lastly, any message that you’d wish to convey to your fans reading this interview?

Santiago: “I’m so grateful for all of the support I’ve received and I can’t wait for everyone to see what projects I do in the future!”

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AVANTIKA VANDANAPU: INTERVIEW

September 23, 2021

by shelly decaigny

Strong, determined, and talented are all perfect words to describe Avantika Vandanapu, star of the Disney Original Movie Spin. She has pursued her love of creative expression through dance, acting, and other arts. Avantika has worked hard to make a name for herself through her many acting roles, and she is eager to expand to producing. Maintaining an acting career at such a young age has required dedication and sacrifice. She has been unable to attend regular school, due to the demands of travel and other scheduling conflicts. Instead she has dedicated herself to homeschooling. With the support of teachers, and of course family, Avantika has added this to her list of successes. Though her childhood experiences have not necessarily been typical, they have been overall joyful and fulfilling. It was an absolute pleasure learning more about Avantika Vandanapu during our recent interview.

You have such an interesting backstory. Tell us about your journey toward acting.

Avantika: “Since I was five years old, I have been a dancer. I was always drawn towards the creative arts and, especially, the expressional aspects of dancing. I was selected for a dance reality show when I was ten and the competition was being held in Mumbai, India. After experiencing the hub of Bollywood, I fell in love with the film industry. I moved to India soon after I booked my first Telugu film. It was quite a transition as I had grown up in America — but it was a leap I had to take for my passion. My parents were a big support — so I remain thankful to them forever. After three years of working in India, I decided to finally return back to America. I felt that opportunities for POC were growing in Hollywood and I wanted to take a shot at pursuing my dreams in my homeland. After returning to the US, I realized that Hollywood had more acting roles and movies I was drawn to working in. I was determined to make a career for myself — and here we are now!”

What types of roles have you played in the past?

A: “I have mostly played childhood character of older leads in films — which was predominantly my experience in India. However, after transitioning to the American film industry — I have found myself playing a varied spectrum of roles. I played a supportive ally in Diary of a Future President, an aspiring musician in Spin, and, now — I am playing a political cheerleader in Senior Year.”

Your latest project is “Spin,” a Disney Original Movie. Describe your role and what you love most about it.

A: “I play the character of Rhea — a bubbly, charming girl dedicated to music, family, and friends. She has been an extremely relatable character to me in the sense that she is struggling to find her own self and having difficulties in believing her own capabilities. I love the dedication Rhea has and the fiercely loyal person that she is. It curves out a charismatic dynamic of the character altogether.”

I understand that you began homeschooling at the age of five. What were your biggest challenges and favorite things about learning from home?

A: “Acting as a profession requires loads of travel and time. I enrolled in homeschooling due to unpredictable travel schedules for filming. So, it was quite impossible for me to attend regular school without having difficulties in time management and attendance. The online teachers were very cooperative but I definitely missed the environment of a regular school and the ability to attend classes with friends. However, my online teachers were extremely helpful and homeschooling has significantly improved my coping mechanism with stress and time management.”

What is one unique or interesting fact that you would like us to know about you?

A: “I love cooking, reading, and taking pictures of my friends in my free time!”

You aspire to become a producer, and you have a very important mission in mind for your future career. Please fill us in about your goals and dreams.

A: “There is something astonishingly beautiful about being part of a project from the start. I recently optioned the rights to a New York Times bestseller. I am currently in the initial stages of development in regards to producers and investors.”

It seems like you have learned a lot through your variety of life experiences. Please share a bit of advice with your fans.

A: “One thing I have learned is that youth is a time for experimentation. No one should put themselves in a box. It is important to experiment through trials and errors and young adults should be soaring and shooting for the stars. I hope that Spin inspires those who watch it and helps them pursue their dreams.”

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DÉJÀ MATTOX: INTERVIEW

April 16, 2021

intro by madden levin

interview by cami liberty

Starring in “Big Shot” on Disney+, Déjà Mattox is not new to the spotlight. With a pretty impressive roll call of past involvement, there are no doubts to why she has been as successful as she has. We were so excited to catch up with Déjà in an exclusive interview to get to know her and see how hyped she is for the release of “Big Shot.” You can catch “Big Shot” on Disney+ now! You won’t want to miss this new hit show.

For those that are not familiar with your work yet, please tell our readers one fun fact about yourself!

Déjà: “A fun fact about me is that I’m from a really small town. For some reason people assume I’m from a major city.”

You star in the new Disney+ series “Big Shot” as the role of Savannah. Can you tell us a bit about what we can expect from the show and your character?

D: “The show is relatable for everyone and there’s a diverse cast! Expect to want to pick up a basketball after watching. Savannah is that hooper who works extremely hard behind closed doors and she’s constantly praised for her skills. She is used to getting her way because of it, so anyone who plays sports has come across someone like that in some shape or form.”

Being that “Big Shot” is your breakout role, what was your reaction when you found out you landed the role?

D: “When I first found out I screamed and danced around for about four seconds and then I called my dad. He’s the one who taught me the game so I had to call him first. The best way to compare that moment to basketball would be that it felt like I hit a game winner!”

You also played basketball professionally overseas and for Indiana State University. What’s it like to have your two worlds collide like this for your role on “Big Shot?”

D: “It’s honestly a huge honor for me because I grew up watching Love & Basketball constantly. It was almost like a blueprint for me to follow for my life, but I didn’t know that my talent of playing the game would also be the key to spark my acting career as well. Playing overseas is a unique experience in itself because you really learn a lot about yourself, and I always wanted to pursue acting but basketball was always my first priority in the past. Seeing those worlds collide has been exciting. My coach in Lithuania had told me he couldn’t wait to watch me one day on the big screen and that truly motivated me to know someone that knew me only as a basketball player had faith in me as an actress as well.”

Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?

D: “In the near future you can expect to see me on more basketball courts! I’ve got a few things up my sleeve, so stay tuned!”

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SASCHA NASTASI: INTERVIEW

November 27, 2020

by demi marshall

Sascha Nastasi will star as Jennifer in the newly released Disney+ film Black Beauty. Though only 18 years old, Sascha has years of experience on stage and screen. After training at The Royal Ballet School in London and later moving to Manhattan to pursue stage productions, Sascha is now making her way to shining on screen as well. In this interview, Sacha discusses this transition between acting styles, her love of Shakespeare, and some of her favorite books and movies.

What was it like working on the new Disney+ film Black Beauty? What are some memorable moments from your time on set?

Sascha: “It was an incredible experience!! I had some of the most wonderful days of my life while working on Black Beauty. Being on set — whether it was filming a scene or talking for hours to fellow cast members — was very memorable. Specifically, Alex Jeaven who plays Jasmine, my partner in ‘crime,’ who I had lots of fun joking around with. There was great banter between cast members, and I very much enjoyed partaking in it.

My first two days on set we filmed the horse show (Earlshall Classic) scene and those were long but excellent days — getting to know everyone was absolutely lovely, the location was stunning, and the set decoration was so cool. There was a children’s area decorated with pastel colors and candy — I was obsessed with it. I kept saying to everyone, ‘Look at the children’s section!!! Look at the children’s section!! It’s sooo beautiful.’ I felt like a baby or a puppy, introduced to a new world for the first time and just in awe of it. A final memorable moment was when Max Raphael, who plays James, recommended Paul Thomas Anderson’s The Master to me. I watched it that night after the days filming and was absolutely floored by it. The Master is definitely one of my favorite movies; the acting in it is so phenomenally inspiring, it genuinely makes me tear up just to think about. I am very grateful to Max for this life changing (not hyperbole) introduction.”

Do you feel you relate to your role as Jennifer in Black Beauty? If not, what are some differences between you and your character?

S: “I think I relate to her in ways, though I hope to not be too much like her — she’s a bit rude and gossipy. However, I relate to her passion — hers being for horse riding, mine for acting. I definitely think that her nastiness stems from insecurity and jealousy, two universally human qualities I’ve certainly observed within myself.”

You grew up in England studying ballet at The Royal Ballet School in London. What was it like transitioning from performing through dance to acting on stage/film?

S: “My favorite part about ballet was always performing, putting on characters and metamorphosing into someone else. I think the transition felt natural to me, though it definitely took me a long time to give up ballet completely (I had an injury which took me out for a year, and when I returned I had lost a lot of my strength and skill). I phased out of ballet, and into acting — first just in school plays. Around three years ago I realized that it was what I wanted to do with my life.”

You’ve studied acting at a variety of places, and had a focus in Shakespeare studies. What made you choose Shakespeare specifically?

S: “I first read Midsummer Night’s Dream in seventh grade and have been hooked on Shakespeare pretty much ever since. I think that reading Macbeth in eighth grade sealed the deal for me. I love everything about that play. Lady Macbeth is my all-time dream role. I did an abridged version of Twelfth Night and played Olivia when I was fourteen, which was my first experience of acting in anything Shakespeare. I took a Shakespeare class at The Barrow Group about shortly after that. I am currently reading Hamlet in school and am loving it. My teacher is phenomenal and I relate so much (though my actual circumstances are so different) to the play and many of its characters. I really want to do an all-female film adaptation of the play (perhaps set at a boarding school). I loved the Michael Almereyda’s 2000 version of Hamlet, modernized and set in New York. When you see it like that, the timelessness of Shakespeare really shines. I am in awe every time I read one of his plays. There is so much there — in the plot, in the characters, in individual speeches. When I read a great book or play, I usually want to underline a sentence or so per page, but with Shakespeare, every line is wholly underlinable.”

I saw you used to shop at thrift stores as a pastime. Do you still enjoy going thrifting? What are some of your best thrift finds?

S: “I love thrifting. It’s sustainable and oftentimes more economical, and if you have the patience, you can find truly incredible stuff. My favorite items ever thrifted include an amazing pair of pink pants by Dolce & Gabbana, an Emilio Pucci turtleneck which I got incredible deals on. Recently, due to COVID-19, I have been using Depop to buy and to sell, and have found some incredible sustainable brands on there which print the coolest things onto thrifted pieces — two of my favorites are stomachofyourdeadsoulmate and Secret Sister.”

I saw some genres you enjoy are coming of age, magical realism, and dark comedy. Do you have a favorite book/film under these genres?

S: “I love this question! I have so so many favorites in all of these genres; I could never choose just one. I apologize in advance for the number of titles that I am about to list. I think dark comedy wise, Heathers is a classic. I also adored the TV show The End of The F***ing World. Book-wise, I can’t leave out The Basic Eight, by Daniel Handler, and Special Topics in Calamity Physics, by Marisha Pessl. Those fall under both coming of age and dark comedy, I think. A perfect combination! I also love Nicky Silver’s plays — Pterodactyls and The Food Chain especially, are hilarious and wonderfully, darkly twisted. Other coming of age favorites include The Girls by Emma Cline and The Idiot by Elif Batuman. Movie wise I love: A Nos Amours, Breathe (2014), Goodbye, First Love, Girlhood, Water Lilies, and Raw, which are all in French and are all spectacular (and very different) explorations of female adolescence. Other favorites include Jennifer’s Body, Madeline’s Madeline, The Holy Girl, and Adventureland. Within magical realism (maybe they are better defined as surrealist films), I love Charlie Kaufman’s work, as well as Yorgos Lanthimos’s. Synecdoche, New York, and The Killing of a Sacred Deer are two of my absolute favorites.”

Why is it important to you to shed light on mental health awareness, and educate others on anxiety/OCD? How do you use your platform to do this?

S: “I have had OCD since I was twelve, and it is a huge part of my daily life as my symptoms are frequent and often difficult to deal with. Over the years, I have learnt a lot about what works for me in helping lessen and control symptoms and anxiety. I have found acting — the ability to get out of my own head and be present — to be of immense help. I think education, as well as media representation of all forms of mental illness is hugely important. The stigma must be broken and misconceptions and stereotypes are harmful. With OCD specifically, the stereotype of everyone with OCD being super clean very much prevails and many will often say ‘I’m so OCD,’ when talking about cleanliness.

OCD is not an adjective, and there are so many different forms of OCD, most of which do not pertain to cleanliness or organization (though some experience it like this) but rather to rituals and intrusive thoughts. I hope to share educational resources, and am always willing to talk with anyone about my experiences with anxiety and OCD if it can help them, and perhaps share what helps me. I would like nothing more than to be a part of breaking the stigma and help others who struggle similarly to feel less alone. I encourage anyone who wants to, to message me on Instagram to do so — I am always willing to listen and hoping to help in any way possible.”

What can we expect from you in the future?

S: “An all female Hamlet film set at a boarding school! [laughs] Maybe one day. I am auditioning and writing a lot at the moment, so fingers crossed for some cool projects soon. My dream is to have a career with both writing and acting — Sam Shepard, Tracy Letts, Phoebe Waller Bridge, and Daniel Kaluuya are major long term inspirations to me in the actor/writer realm.”

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SYDNEY MEYER: INTERVIEW

November 2, 2020

by madden levin

Starring as Anna Delaney in Netflix’s newest hit series, “Grand Army,” Sydney Meyer should surely be on your radar! This Canada native surely showed a love for performing in front of an audience and acting from a very young age, making it no surprise that she’s already accomplished so much in her career. We were very excited to speak with Sydney in this exclusive interview, where she speaks on her first big TV appearance and how she has been staying safe, happy, and healthy throughout this trying year. Make sure to give Sydney a follow on social media to keep updated on any future projects!

What initially drew you towards becoming an actress? Was there something else that also caught your eye that made it hard to see clearly, or was it a previous obvious path?

Sydney: “I really loved the fact that I felt like acting helped me to understand more about myself and the people around me. I felt it made me a more compassionate person and a more emotionally intelligent person and that was massively appealing to me. I think I’ve always had interest in other things, but acting was something I could never shake. To me it isn’t acting and nothing else, I think I will still branch into other things. I love learning new things and I think at some point I would love to branch into investigative journalism as well.”

I see that your first TV appearance was in “Degrassi.” I know so many people who totally lived off of this show for years – what was it like appearing on such a successful show so early in your career?

S: “It was actually a really great experience because it just so happened that I was acting opposite Aislinn and I knew her from school at that point, so I felt really comfortable with her and she was so incredibly kind and welcoming, so it was a pretty wonderful and ideal first experience. I don’t think I could have asked for anything better.”

How does it feel to finally have people watching “Grand Army” on Netflix? What do you most relate to with your character Anna Delaney – what do you least relate to? Why do you think a show like this is so important right now?

S: “It’s odd to have it out there in the world, it feels like we shot it so long ago, and I’ve started working on other projects, so to have it come out is a flash of nostalgia. I think I relate most to Anna’s nurturing side and the part of her that wants to do well and be a good friend. I think the part I struggled with the most was partly just due to her age, but I struggled with her willingness to just choose a side and not ask any questions. I think I’m slightly less trusting than she is and I would dig a little but further for answers that she initially does in this season. I think this show is important because it shows young people failing, and being messy and honest and vulnerable, and I think everyone has felt that way at some point. It is discussing issues that are difficult and real and it’s doing so in a way that I think will open up conversations that are so necessary.”

Do you have any other future projects you are working on that you can tell us about?

S: “Right now I’m filming the lead in a series opposite my fiancé. I can’t say what it is just yet, but I’m so excited to be working with Alex in this capacity. He’s so talented and it’s just so special to work with someone that you trust completely and that knows you so intimately as an artist and a person. It’s also a new genre for both of us so it’s really fun to tread these new waters together.”

Most importantly… how have you been staying safe, happy, and healthy during such an unknown time? Any advice?

S: “I have been! My advice is to just be patient with yourself and with those around you. This is new for all of us. A moment of fresh air can help a lot. Ask for what you need and ask what the people around you need. Try to assume the best of intentions. Always remember what you’re grateful for and tell the people you love that you love them. Frequently.”

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DYLAN PLAYFAIR: INTERVIEW

October 6, 2020

by danielle holian

Dylan Playfair is a versatile entertainer experimenting with comedy, drama, and music. His first well-known act was in Netflix’s Some Assembly Required.

At the moment, he will have a recurring role in the Disney+ series The Mighty Ducks, directing and acting in an indie film Odd Man Rush that came out September 1st available digitally and on on-demand, and the highly-anticipated indie film Summerland released digitally on September 15.

Unclear Magazine caught up with Dylan Playfair to discuss his upcoming projects, entertainment roles, and much more below.

You began your film career at the age of 19, what drew you to entertainment in the first place?

Dylan: “Playing professional sports is hard, very hard. Few people do it and even fewer do it for many years in a row. My dad has been a professional hockey coach my whole life and he played pro hockey before I was born. I knew what ever job I wound up getting when I 'grew up' would need to be fulfilling in my eyes the same way my dad’s job was. Acting, like pro sports, is a difficult profession to secure success in. I had confidence I could learn the skills necessary to become a professional actor and applying the same principles to acting as I had to being an athlete, I was able to parlay the two successfully.”

Who inspires your creative side?

D: “I'm inspired by so many different elements of humanity and nature. Laughter is a huge driving force in what inspires me. I believe it's the best medicine and the best way to communicate difficult ideas. My fiancée Jen inspires me to be the best version of myself on a daily basis and my peers inspire me to be as comedically sharp as possible.”

How did your experience studying at Vancouver Acting School prepare you for your career in entertainment thus far?

D: “The ability to work on the craft of acting eight hours a day five days a week was an environment I was craving when I moved to Vancouver. I had been taking countless acting lessons, working on sets as a Production Assistant and taping auditions for my agent, however I needed a place to grow with peers on a regular basis. I also required the ability to audition as my agent was sending me out and I was getting success in the audition room. Vancouver Acting School allowed me to do everything I needed to grow my skills as an actor.”

You have a wide range of talents from comedy, drama, and music — how do you prepare for a certain role?

D: “I like to build a music playlist for every character I play. Richard Harmon taught me that. From there I immerse myself in films and television that fit the theme of the story and inspire the character. Researching the creative team behind the project gives me familiarity with the tone of stories they have told in the past. From that point on it’s putting myself in the circumstances of the character, reacting naturally to the other characters in the scenes and ensuring I've prepared myself to the absolute best of my abilities.”

And what types of roles really inspire you to keep acting?

D: “I have a deep understanding of comedy and that is something I wish to pursue my entire career. I also find great pleasure in nuance. I'm a Gemini so my dual personality fits nicely into the world of storytelling.”

We can currently see you in the independent film Odd Man Rush. What was it like working on the set?

D: “That set was great. It really felt like we were playing for a European ice hockey team which fit the bill for that script perfectly. The cast and crew were all staying in Hamilton, New York together during one of the coldest winters on record so the reality of the circumstances was very legitimate. I had the chance to work with the cast and develop some of the hockey elements of the show as well, which was a very cool part of that film.”

How does it feel to be working on a successful Hulu series, Letterkenny, that has won a number of awards, including Canadian Screen Awards, Writers Guild of Canada, and Leo Awards?

D: “Letterkenny is a dream role. We make the series with my best friends. The entire cast and crew. Every single one of them, I love them all, Jared Keeso, Jacob Tierney, Nate Dales, Michelle Mylette, K-Trevor Wilson, Andrew Herr, Tyler Johnston, Mark Forward, the list literally goes on and on. If you IMDB the cast of Letterkenny I can give you multiple examples for each actor that prove we have the greatest collection of people in film possibly ever assembled.”

You have a recurring role in the Disney+ series “The Mighty Ducks.” What can you tell us about your character in the upcoming series?

D: “It's so cool, what a childhood dream come true. In this series I get to coach the Ducks. Coach T VS. Bombay... maybe. I've already said too much!”

We can also soon see you as “Shawn” in the indie film Summerland. How did working on this film compare to your other projects?

D: “Summerland was such a labor of love, a film made by close friends about a personal story. It was genuinely like a paid vacation. I love independent film for that reason.”

What drives you forward working in the entertainment industry?

D: “The desire to improve every day, to become better than I was yesterday and to deliver the highest quality product I can... I guess you could say fans are what drive me. Without them, we wouldn't be able to do what we do.”

What has been a highlight in your career to date?

D: “When Jared Keeso took us out for supper to tell us that Letterkenny had been picked up by Bell and was going to series.”

And finally, what does the rest of 2020 hold in store for you?

D: “The last time I predicted what 2020 had in store literally everything planned got turned upside down and backwards, so instead of doing that I'll share with you my new daily mantra. One. Day. At. A. Time.”

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ALYSSA JIRRELS: INTERVIEW

September 8, 2020

by pankhuri bhutani

Currently seen in the Selena Gomez produced film This Is The Year (directed by David Henrie), Alyssa Jirrels can be seen bringing the character “Zoey” to life.

Starting to perform at just the age of six, Jirrels’s television debut was marked by Disney’s “Girl Meets World,” which was then followed by her first ever series regular role on Disney XD’s “Mech-X4.”

Jirrels’s inherent talent has also extended to her roles in Netflix comedy “Alexa and Katie,” ABC’s “Schooled,” “The Good Doctor,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” and FOX’s “The Mick.” She can also be seen in the short film “Under the Lights” with Greg Grunberg, sponsored by the National Epilepsy Foundation.

In our chat with Alyssa, she candidly talks about her acting journey, the experience working with David Henrie and her castmates from This is The Year, how it was like playing the role of Zoey in the film, and finally about her plans on upcoming projects!

Hello Alyssa! Thank you for joining us on Unclear. Having been in this industry for quite a while now, what was it that brought you closer to the field of acting?

Alyssa: “I started out doing theatre, that’s really my first love. I did that in the Bay Area until I was about 13 and then moved to LA when I got a manager and started auditioning. I’m much more comfortable with film now, but theatre will always be very special to me.”

You can currently be seen in Selena Gomez's produced film This is the Year as Zoey. How did you initially get involved with the movie and what can you tell us about your character?

A: “I actually did a self tape for Vanessa Marano’s character first and then was asked to tape for Zoey. It all happened pretty quick, I Skyped with David on like a Monday and he gave me some notes on the character, and then that Wednesday I was told I booked the role. Zoey is a gal who has defined herself by other people’s opinions of her and lived her life acting the way that she thinks she should based on her status and the way that she looks. Over the course of the film we get to see her wrestle with that and figure out that it's ultimately much more fulfilling to live your life based off of what you love and what your soul is drawn to.”

What was it like the first day that you walked onto the set of the movie and how did you initially react when you realized you were given an opportunity to portray this character?

A: “I was so stoked. I was at a coffeehouse when my agent told me and I got a lil’ teary and bought a celebratory donut. I think the first thing I did when I walked on set was meet David and Lorenzo and rehearse our most important scenes. It was nice because we got a short period of rehearsal time to really get acclimated with one another and become a family.”

In what ways has this character challenged you that’s been distinct from any other character that you’ve played in your journey as an actor?

A: “I think just trusting myself in a cast of people who were much older and more experienced than I was, was the main thing. I had to make sure that I wasn’t getting too caught up in proving myself and I just allowed myself to have fun. Thankfully David created such a wonderful environment on set that it became very easy to do that.”

This Is The Year is filled with an iconic cast. What did you enjoy most about watching your co-stars interpret their characters and bring them to life?

A: “Oh, so much. I could go on forever. Every one of them just has something very unique and captivating to bring to the table and they just knew exactly what to do, and how and when to do it.”

Was there anything that you added to the role while shooting which wasn’t originally described to you in the script?

A: “Vanessa and I riffed a lot during our scenes; some of our banter and dry sarcasm back and forth to one another was definitely just our personal dynamic coming out. Those are my favorite scenes to watch.”

When it comes to choosing a project to work on, what are the things that you look out for before finally saying yes to the project?

A: “I’m still at the point where I just get auditions for things and try to do what I can with them, so I’ll pretty much take what I can get as long as they will feed me and give me water! But in all seriousness, I think the people attached to the project make the biggest difference. You can have the best script in the world, but if it's not in good hands it won’t be good.”

What is the biggest lesson that you have taken away from your professional journey?

A: “Enjoy the process.”

What’s next for you Alyssa? Any projects, you’ll be working on soon that you would like to tell your fans about?

A: “I’ll be in the upcoming Saved by the Bell reboot on Peacock! And there’s a short film that I’m in called Under the Lights that’s coming out soon. It just won a Special Jury Prize at Rhode Island Film Festival (which is OSCAR QUALIFYING BABY!!) and has been killing it all together. Its purpose and goal is to fight the stigma of epilepsy through film, and the whole experience and cause is really close to my heart. I’m also looking to start my own production company, and I’ve got a project that I’ve been working on with some of my friends since the beginning of the quarantine that hopefully will be wrapping up soon. Hoping to start writing and directing my own stuff as well; that’s something that's really exciting to me right now.”

Lastly, what would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A: “Thank you and I appreciate you!! Stay hydrated and wear your mask!!”

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GENEVIEVE KANG: INTERVIEW

April 22, 2020

BY MARIAH ESTRAN

Actress Genevieve Kang is a seasoned player within the industry. Beginning her career as a teenager, she developed a relentless work ethic that gifted her spots on shows such as The Strain, Private Eyes, and, most recently, the Netflix series Locke & Key. Kang has found acting as a creative outlet, yet, she is still down-to-earth. Aware of the reality of staying afloat, she is also an entrepreneur who shares her holistic education through her website KIKAN BLVD.

Kang took the time to share more about her journey as an actress, what it was like working on Locke & Key, while sharing advice on how to stay optimistic in a competitive field, and during these ongoing uncertainties we are currently experiencing.

I know that your first theatre production was in high school, but what made you finally decide to pursue acting as a career?

Genevieve: “Truthfully, I’ve wanted to pursue acting as a career for a long time. It was after performing in that high school production when I signed with my first agent and within a few months, booked my first professional acting job. That was also the first time I saw any potential for acting as a career. However, I grew up in a very academic family, where I felt a lot of pressure to get an education and a job that provided clear financial stability (read: lawyer, teacher, doctor). So, instead of going after my dream of performing, I spent several years completing multiple degrees and trying on many hats with numerous hobbies and side hustles — ultimately, afraid to take the leap and try something that was different from how I was raised. A few years ago, I was working as a holistic nutritionist and literally woke up one morning and felt a void in my life. That void was not expressing myself creatively through acting and storytelling. It was then that I finally began to pursue acting full-time and haven’t looked back since.”

Your resume includes appearances in great series like The Strain, Private Eyes, and now Locke & Key. What was it like growing as an actress and moving yourself up to these roles?

G: “Each of these appearances and every role that I’ve had has taught me so much about myself as an actor and artist, but also and perhaps more importantly, as a person. Every opportunity has been gifted to me at the exact moment it was supposed to. Even these three projects that you mention — The Strain, Private Eyes, and Locke & Key. I booked each of these roles at such pivotal points in my life, let alone my career. As such, I’ve been able to bring very different personal experiences to each character and project. My growth as a human being impressed upon my growth as an actor. Additionally, with each role, I’ve gained more confidence not only for crafting more complex or dynamic characters but also for working on set. Because it’s only been a few years that I’ve been acting more steadily, I still consider myself a rookie in so many ways and I’m 100% that actor constantly asking questions about how things work.”

What are some of your major inspirations? Or what actors and films have inspired you over the years?

G: “I’m inspired by people and their relationships, to self and one another. I’m inspired by how people feel or don’t feel, their psychology, why people do the things they do, the motivation behind their actions. I’m inspired by nature. I’m inspired by people and their relationship to nature.”

With any creative field, it’s very easy to feel defeated at times. Regarding acting, how have you kept yourself moving forward?

G: “I’m a stubborn goat who has a difficult time giving up — it’s both a blessing and a curse. I’m extremely driven and ambitious, sometimes to a fault. If I want something, I’ll attain it. That said, it’s no secret that there’s an awful lot of uncertainty within such a creative field, let alone the rejection and superficiality of the industry. What has kept me grounded, while at the same time moving forward, is acknowledging all of these things but not letting any of them get the better of me. Consistency outside of the industry is important to me; having other interests and passions, other avenues for creativity like cooking and wellness. These other outlets enable me to let go of say, the rejection, and put my energy elsewhere. I’m also very selective about who I include in my social network and what relationships I choose to cultivate. A strong support system is invaluable; people who really understand and care about my well-being. Meditation helps, too.”

As mentioned earlier, you have a role in the recently released Netflix series Locke & Key. Can you tell us more about that? What was that experience like?

G: “I love every time that I’m asked this question, because I’m yet again reminded of our incredible cast and crew. Right from the very beginning, when we all came together for our first table read, I felt a real sense of cohesiveness. Even though at that stage we all had such a long road ahead of us in terms of getting to know one another and filming, there was this collective understanding that we were all a part of a really special project. Filming the show itself was a lot of fun, especially once the magic was revealed to my character Jackie, and I got to play in that world a bit more. I’m excited to return for a second season!”

If you could play any role or play in any genre of film, what would be your dream project?

G: “I’m most interested in playing roles that I’ve yet to touch, so any part that’s different than my last. I love anything character-driven with beautiful, natural aesthetics. One of my first favorite films is Before Sunrise with Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy, and anything within the same vein. I really like movies where people simply talk. It’s so captivating watching people communicate. I love Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, independently of one another but also together — Frances Ha is one of my favorite films, forever. Marriage Story breaks my heart and gives me hope every time I watch it, which is a lot. I would love to work with either or both of them. On the other end of the spectrum, I would also like to play a superhero or action star of some kind. I’m a very physical person, I’d love to be able to bring more of that physicality to my work.”

Aside from acting you’re also the founder of KIKAN BLVD., which focuses on holistic nutrition. Why did you decide to start a platform where you could share your education with others?

G: “I first became interested in holistic wellness after experiencing my own health struggles with an autoimmune condition. I was in between degrees when I was determining my next move — what kind of work could I do that was interesting, paid the bills, and was flexible enough to accommodate last minute auditions. See, I really wanted to continue to pursue acting but still needed to afford groceries. With my growing passion for holistic health and wellness, very much predicated on personal experience and self-education, I decided to become a certified holistic nutritionist. I could then start my own business and set my own hours, leaving lots of room for auditions. The truth is that I became a holistic nutritionist so that I could continue acting, but doing so has been one of the best and smartest things I’ve ever done. All of the knowledge that I acquired during that program is information that everyone should have access to.

KIKAN is near and dear to my heart. Evidently, this is the last of many side hustles I had before shifting into acting full-time. It was a welcome transition since acting is what I’ve always wanted to do, but I’m still very passionate about the holistic lifestyle. I’m not currently working with clients one-on-one, hosting wellness workshops and dinner events, or collaborating with brands on menu and recipe design — all things I used to do as a part of the brand, but this is not to say that I have moved on from the wellness sphere entirely. My philosophy in well-being remains unchanged and I am deeply passionate about this work, so there is always an opportunity for me to re-enter that space at a later date and on a greater scale. For now, I’m happy to share and help educate others about health and well-being via my social channels.”

Lastly, with the current situation that is taking place, a lot of our readers are at home. I’ve noticed on Instagram you are documenting your time as well. How are you staying creative, positive, and healthy while self-isolating? What advice would you give to others?

G: “Moving everyday. I’m getting my blood circulating and lymph moving by dancing in my kitchen, practicing yoga by The Sequence Project, taking complimentary classes with Limbus Movement (these are incredible!), or the rad workouts posted by Jason Walsh (also free, by the way). Staying hydrated with lots of herbal teas. My favorites are tulsi, which is a potent Ayurvedic herb known for its adaptogenic properties, helping the body adapt to and cope with stress. I’m also really loving pau d’arco, which is anti-viral. Broths are also on regular rotation in my home. They’re nutrient-dense and so easy to make, a great way to reduce food waste by using up vegetable scraps. Though it can be a bit more of a struggle, I’m trying to practice good sleep hygiene, which means reducing my caffeine intake overall, powering down my electronics well before bedtime, and winding down with a bath, stretching, and/or a good book, always clocking an adequate number of hours of deep sleep for maximum recovery.

This is a time of great uncertainty for all and I feel so privileged to be able to stay at home and to physically distance, for the health and safety of not just myself, but of everyone else, of everyone on the front lines. If you are also in a position of privilege, my advice would be, as best as you can during these stressful times, to move intuitively. Listen each morning to what your body needs that particular day or moment, be gentle with and take care of yourself. Move your body if you can, nourish your body with proper hydration and nutritious foods, and cultivate a sleep routine like your life depends on it.”

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OLIVIA SANABIA: INTERVIEW

November 25, 2019

BY DANIELLE HOLIAN

Hyping up to release original music, Olivia Sanabia has had a love for music since she was a child and says music is her therapy. She then branched out from music to entertainment once she discovered her love for acting, siting influences of Joey King. We discussed further topics like her current role in Coop & Cami Ask the World, being involved with charities and non-profit organizations, like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer, Make-A-Wish experience, and what the rest of 2019 holds for her, below.

For our readers, please tell us a bit about your background in music.

Olivia: “My love for music began at a young age. I started singing at the age of two and would sing the song ‘Tomorrow’ from Annie over and over again. As I got older, I discovered that I love piano and guitar. Music is so therapeutic to me. I'm so excited to release my first original!”

What got you into the entertainment industry? Then branching off into acting and singing?

O: “I got into this business after starting musical theater and discovering that I loved acting. Throughout the years, I have grown to love my craft even more.”

Who or what was your inspiration growing up?

O: “Growing up, I was always inspired by my older sister. I was also immensely inspired by Joey King. Seeing her in the movie Ramona and Beezus played a huge role in what inspired me to act.”

What drives you forward as an entertainer?

O: “What drives me as an entertainer is my goal to move people and affect them. Whether it is making people laugh or cry, there is nothing more satisfying than knowing you made an impact on someone.”

The second season of the Disney Channel series you star in, Coop & Cami Ask the World, premiered on October 5th — how does it feel to be a part of the Disney family?

O: “I am so happy that I get to be a part of the Disney Channel family. I grew up watching Disney Channel with my family so getting to bring joy to other families is such an honor.”

And tell us about your role and storyline on Coop & Cami Ask the World.

O: “On Coop & Cami Ask the World, I play Charlotte who is the oldest of the four Wrather siblings. Since it is a single-parent home, Charlotte takes on a lot of responsibility and tries to look out for her siblings. She is also very passionate about everything she does and she loves to sing. This season, we see Charlotte singing a lot more and dealing with normal teenage situations.”

How is this project different from other roles you've played like Kelly Quinn in Amazon’s Just Add Magic?

O: “This project is different from Just Add Magic because it is more lighthearted and silly. The goal of our show is to make kids laugh!”

And what is the best part of your job?

O: “The best part of my job is, like I said, getting to impact people. If you are lucky enough to have a platform, I think it's important to use it to be a light. Getting to share information about my favorite charity, Cookies for Kids' Cancer, with my followers has been so awesome and important to me.”

What do you do in your spare time?

O: “In my spare time, I love hanging out with my family. They are my support system. I also love watching movies. I think it's fair to say, I'm a bit movie-obsessed!”

What does it mean to you to be involved with charities and non-profit organizations, like Cookies for Kids’ Cancer?

O: “The organization Cookies for Kids' Cancer is so close to my heart. What these kids have to go through is so awful. I think we should all get involved in the race to find a cure. I want to be able to share that message and encourage others to get involved.”

What has been a highlight in your career to date?

O: “I'm so grateful for both the good and hard times that I've had in my career. They all help you grow as a person. Getting to grant a little girl's wish through Make-A-Wish was such a rewarding moment and definitely a highlight.”

Lastly, What does the rest of 2019 hold in store for you?

O: “I'm so excited for the rest of this year. I am going to be releasing original music which I can't wait for everyone to hear! I am also going to be stepping back into musical theater. You guys can follow me on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook all @OliviaSanabia to stay posted on my journey!”

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ANDREW MATARAZZO: INTERVIEW

October 22, 2019

BY MEGHAN BRIANNA

Andrew Matarazzo has starred in MTV’s, Teen Wolf, as “Gabe” amongst stars like Tyler Posey and Dylan O’Brien. He’s also made appearances on TV shows like Jane The Virgin, and Speechless. Recently, Matarazzo has been working on some musical covers of hit songs like “Señorita,” by Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello and “Eastside” by Khalid, Halsey, and Benny Blanco. We got a chance to sit down and chat with Andrew about the two year anniversary of the final Teen Wolf episode and time spent on set, as well as what else he’s been working on since then.

This past September marked two years since the final episode of Teen Wolf. What is one moment you wish you could relive from that time?

Andrew: “The feeling I had when I learned that I was cast. The show had been on my radar for a long time because my younger siblings were fans. I wanted to audition for a long time, so when the opportunity came around I felt like I manifested it. Landing the role in the end and getting to be a part of that family was a cloud nine moment.”

Your character on Teen Wolf was initially casted for a two-episode arc. What was your reaction when you found out that your character would stick around longer than anticipated?

A: “As an actor, hearing that the creator of the show feels you should stick around longer than you were initially written for is the biggest honor. It gave me way more confidence when I had his approval in that way. Come to think of it, it was actually as if I got to relive getting cast in the first place, over and over.”

Who was your favorite cast member to work with?

A: “One of my favorite parts of Teen Wolf is was how wonderful the entire cast was and how much fun getting scenes with different actors was. I do think Sibongile Mlambo was so under appreciated by viewers because her character was so hard to like, but she was an incredible actor and I loved her character. All my scenes with her made me step my game up. They stick out in my head.”

Your character was a villain in the series. Do you enjoy playing villains?

A: “Definitely, because one of my greatest interests as an actor is getting in the heads of people who are opposite of me. Villains are always challenging and fun because you can’t judge them and play their ‘evil.’ You have to justify their actions and figure out what would make me, as Andrew, do something like this. I find that part intriguing.”

What was the most difficult obstacle you faced while working for that production?

A: “Shooting the guns was terrifying and something I had never trained in prior. They were real weapons that shot blanks, so the sound, the kick, the power behind the guns was real and I never expected that. We wear earplugs when shooting those scenes and I found it really difficult to deliver lines with earplugs in my ears. Not being able to hear myself and the volume I was speaking at, it got messy. I think half the lines had to be redone in ADR.”

Did you watch Teen Wolf before getting casted for the final season?

A: “As I said before, my siblings were fans, so it was always on in the house growing up. I caught glimpses here and there but it was more the name that was familiar to me. I did watch all the episodes from season 1 onwards before I started filming to understand the mythology and tone better.”

Besides your character, who is your favorite villain from the series?

A: “Void Stiles was a really cool twist. I loved seeing Dylan O’Brien play such an opposite version of his character. That’s an actors dream.”

What is your favorite memory from set?

A: “My mom had come to visit on a day I had some major scenes. Jeff Davis was so kind to her, giving her a tour of all of the sets, and showing her some footage of my scenes in prior episodes that even I hadn’t seen yet! It was the first time my mom had seen me at work on a TV set and it was really cool to have her there on a big day.”

Besides being an actor, you’re also a singer, what made you pursue want to pursue that?

A: “Acting has always been my main passion and path but singing has always been there. I did a lot of musicals growing up and in recent years found my voice and style through doing covers for fun. The feedback and reactions from people after posting them online has been the main boost in me considering it more of a potential avenue. I’ve always had an immense love for music but it takes time to hone, and as I get more comfortable with it I want to keep making music and exploring.”

You’ve recently covered Shawn Mendes and Camila Cabello’s, “Señorita,” as well as Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy,” what made you choose those songs?

A: “I have a very strong sense of self and I just react instantly when I hear a song, regardless of the artist, that resonates with my core and what I want my own music to eventually sound like. I think it’s been part of my success with what I put out; that I focus on songs that ring true to me instead of just covering a song for the sake of views or whats current. The next cover I’m putting out is a major throwback and it’s because that’s what I feel I want to say right now.”

Can we expect any original music from you some time in the near future?

A: “I’ve started to plant the seeds, but for near future I’m fully invested in acting and music is another way of expression. I’m still finding my avenues in music through covers for now, but I definitely want to do original songs when I have the need to say something.”

Are there any other projects that you have currently in the works?

A: “Yes! I’m filming a feature currently in pre-production. I have a music cover in the works. Working on a book I’ll be publishing chapter-by-chapter on Wattpad called Bedlam. Also, got to star in a 1960s themed music video by ARTY coming out in a few weeks. And some time in October my first ever magazine cover will be released for the October issue of Vulkan Magazine.”

Finally, do you have a message for your fans, and do you have a message for people who have yet to know who you are?

A: “For my fans, I really do love you guys. The love and daily interactions I have with you all keep me so motivated. Seeing hundreds of you show up to events I do in countries I’ve never been to will never stop blowing my mind. I’m so grateful for you all. I can’t wait to grow together.”

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JAKE HUNTER: INTERVIEW

September 26, 2019

When did you first realize that you wanted to get into acting?

Jake: “I realized I wanted to get into acting towards the tail end of my baseball career. All I wanted to do was play professional baseball for the New York Mets, but I had a bunch of injuries and it didn't work out. I knew I loved performing and that a lot of athletes transitioned into acting after their playing careers ended. So I jumped into an acting class recommended to me by a friend and right away I knew it was what I wanted to do.”

You currently star as Stephano Luciano in the Amazon Prime Series “Class Act”. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character?

J: “The show is a dramedy about an out of the box acting class in Hollywood. Eric Roberts plays our teacher and tries to help us become better actors but teaches life lessons as well. My character is a bit of a loner type. Stephano starts out as the starving artist, living in his car, trying to work his was up. Similar to my own experience when I arrived in LA.”

You also wrote and produced this series. How did you first get the idea for it and decide to pursue it?

J: “I got the idea for Class Act because I'm constantly trying to create projects. One of the first things I did when I got to Hollywood, was join an acting class. So parts of the the show are actually true. I had previously acted and produced on another Amazon Show as well, so I had gained experience of working on a project like this. I was lucky to have a great team around me, and to have Amazon involved as well.”

What’s it like working on the set? Do you have a favorite episode that you filmed of the show?

J: “Set was a lot of fun because a lot of the cast had worked together before, so we were all friends. Also because the show has a lot of comedic elements to it, the vibe on set was really light. In between setups Eric Roberts was telling us stories, cracking jokes, so we had a lot of fun.

My favorite episode of the show was the last one of the season, which was the Christmas episode. I had a few fun scenes with Eric and at that point, our chemistry as an ensemble was at its highest I'd say. It was also one of the only episodes that had almost every character in it.”

In 2018 you won a Daytime Emmy for “Outstanding Digital Daytime Drama Series” as a producer. How did you feel when that happened?

J: “I was extremely grateful to win such a prestigious award. I had a goal to win an Emmy or an Oscar by the age of 30. So I was able to hit that by 26, but I also learned something about myself after hitting that goal.

I got to bring my mom to the Emmys, go up on stage and see a lot of people I watched on TV in the audience, but I felt exactly the same. When I feel the most inspired and fulfilled is when I am acting or creating. For me, the gratification comes in the doing, not the result.”

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

J: “I just had a small role in a movie called The Comeback Trail, that stars Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Tommy Lee Jones which I believe is coming out over the winter. We are also starting pre-production for season 2 of Class Act, so we should have new episodes out around Spring of next year.”

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MICHAEL NARDELLI: INTERVIEW

September 9, 2019

When was the moment that you knew that you wanted to be an actor?

Michael: “I truly knew when I was two years old or less that I wanted to perform. That seems ridiculous, but I vividly remember watching things like THE WIZARD OF OZ, STAR WARS, and INDIANA JONES and just knew I wanted take on those roles and tell stories like that. I wanted to help people escape and feel all those soaring emotions I felt as a kid watching movies and TV and reading books and playing video games.”

How did you get into producing? Did it come along with acting or did it come later?

Michael: “I studied cinema and television at USC while I was also getting a degree in theater. It sort of just comes with the package for me. Even when I was young, I’d write and produce and direct short films with my friends or for class. Back then it meant organizing six friends and filming in the CVS parking lot. Now it’s a little more complicated, but truly, at its heart – no matter what size project you’re doing or whether it’s on film or on stage – you sort of run into the same types of complications. There are just more people around, now. And the stakes you feel for your livelihood are greater.”

We can currently see you in the series "Dark/Web” on Amazon Prime. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character?

Michael: “DARK/WEB is an episode anthology series that is connected by one great mystery. The more you watch, the more you see that each individual story is connected to that bigger mystery. It’s sort of having your cake and eating it too in terms of anthology. You get your one-off weirdo genre social commentary segments, but there’s more of a payoff if you like to binge a series and get that sense of closure like a lot of audiences do nowadays.

On DARK/WEB, I play James. He’s sort of your typical older millennial in a lot of ways. He grew up without the internet and technology, and now he’s trying to catch up in this modern social media – always on – always connected – world that we live in. Like a lot of us, he grew up thinking he’d sort of take on the world and make a big difference, but the realities and circumstances of his life have brought him back to his hometown where he’s a substitute teacher at his old grade school. We liked the idea of taking characters you wouldn’t normally associate with a sci-fi thriller/adventure and tossing them into the mix! James is also a bit goofy, despite it all. I like him a lot.”

What’s your favorite memory from working on the set?

Michael: “You know, I like to think to matter how far I get or anyone gets when working in entertainment – there is just this special moment when you see words on a page that you’ve toiled over for months or even years, suddenly become a reality. It’s just such this surreal moment where for once second in the process you think “whoa! We did it! We’re doing it! This is real! And it kinda looks how I imagined it! And it could possibly exist forever now!” As someone who grew up fanatical about film and television, that is just such a cool cool COOL moment for me! And even when I’ve just shot a two-day short or something – not a movie or series or whatever – it gives me the same momentarily feeling of accomplishment.”

When you aren’t acting, what can we find you doing?

Michael: “I don’t have too many hobbies. I love reading books and watching movies. Seeing friends and family – which includes my dogs, of course. Exercise, travel, and philanthropy are my other passions.”

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

Michael: “I just finished a play here in LA and I’m writing a new feature. And I’m shooting a role in my friend Siobhan Fallon’s movie FRAT HAZE next month. I met Siobhan while filming ANOTHER HAPPY DAY. She also has a role in DARK/WEB, and she’s writing and starring in FRAT HAZE, so I’m grateful she’s letting me come play!”

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CATHERINE LIDSTONE: INTERVIEW

April 23, 2019

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE LEVINEMAKEUP: COURTNEY HARTHAIR: CAITLIN KRENZSTYLIST: FAIRFAX COPENHAGEN — PHOTOGRAPHER: KATIE LEVINE
MAKEUP: COURTNEY HART
HAIR: CAITLIN KRENZ
STYLIST: FAIRFAX COPENHAGEN

Catherine Lidstone is a triple threat. She’s a singer, actress, and songwriter. She stars on the FOX legal drama series Proven Innocent as Isabel Sanchez, a law school graduate, who is hoping to make a career for herself in criminal law. Catherine stars alongside Kelsey Grammar, Rachelle Lefevre, Laurie Holden, and Elaine Hendrix. Her other new projects include starring in the new media series @AliceInPhotoLand, a fantasy adventure series entitled Dwight in Shining Armor, and a musical comedy series on YouTube called Super Single. In an interview with Unclear Mag, we got to know more about Catherine’s TV roles as well as her music!

When was the moment that you realized you wanted to be an actress?

CATHERINE: “According to my mom, I was three years old and a scene came on TV where several lawyers were conferencing in a boardroom, and I pointed at the television determinedly and told her, I’’m gonna be in there one day.’ In my own memory (since, God love me, I can't remember that far into my history) as a kid growing up in New England, I remember the alluring sound of such a thing as community theater. I auditioned for my first production of The Wizard of Oz singing Julie Andrews' The Sound of Music and found my passion. Coming from an academic family, acting and the arts were viewed more as hobbies than as a career path, so I focused on mathematics and sciences until I realized in my later college years just how much I enjoyed performing.”

You currently star as Isabel Sanchez in FOX’s Proven Innocent. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character?

CATHERINE: “Proven Innocent is a legal drama set in the world of wrongful convictions. My character Isabel Sanchez comes on as a new hire at the State's Attorney's office of Illinois, working for Gore Bellows (played by Kelsey Grammer) who is determined to get to the bottom of our lead Madeleine Scott's (played by Rachelle Lefevre) involvement in a cold murder case. Isabel is a fresh-faced, driven, smart Northwestern Law graduate who is about to enter into a world of politics and intrigue.”

Do you feel that you relate to Isabel in any way?

CATHERINE: “I certainly relate to Isabel's drive and passion. In her world, she learns quickly that everyone around her is expendable to a certain degree, and she uses the faculty of her mind to orchestrate herself into a more powerful position in the office. I courted the idea of pursuing law while in high school and in college, and Shawshank Redemption will always be one of my favorite films, so having the opportunity to play a young attorney fully immersed in the litigation involved in exonerating the wrongfully convicted is inspiring.”

What’s your favorite memory from working on the set?

CATHERINE: “I think I'll always remember the first scene I ever shot for Proven Innocent. I walked into a gorgeously designed office one-on-one with Kelsey Grammer and had to deliver. As a freshman actor sitting across from a legend of sorts, I was rather nerve-wracked. Fortunately he was one of the most humble, welcoming, warm and funny actors I've had the privilege of working with, not to mention incredibly talented, so he made the whole experience effortless. At the end of the scene, our seasoned director Howie Deutch came up into a group hug and said, ‘Well Catherine, first scene shot with Kelsey Grammer! How do you feel?’ and I just remember thinking, thank God the hardest part is over!”

We can also soon see you in @AliceInPhotoLand. What can we expect from this project?

CATHERINE: “@AliceInPhotoLand is a comedy lifting the veil off of social media stars and revealing the truth behind their wildly successful accounts. The audience watches Alice's journey from failed broke millennial to in-demand photographer for some of the most successful social media legends of the day. Ending up a little too far into their inner psyche's circles, my character Alice becomes privy to their egos, bravado, insecurities and business savvy tactics in a hilarious sequence of emotional highs and lows as she moves from amateur to professional.”

Of the roles you have done, which would you say has been your favorite and why?

CATHERINE: “The experience of playing an intellectual young professional like Isabel and witnessing the growth of her character and the show itself over the course of a full season is one of my favorite adventures. I also had a blast guest starring as a mythical creature in the new modern-meets-medieval fantasy series Dwight in Shining Armor by BYUtv which airs on Mondays at 7:30 PM. I got to invent my own language called Wyvernese!”

Is there a type of role you haven’t gotten to play yet that you would love to in the future?

CATHERINE: “I would love to play the role of any powerful figure of history or legend. Indira Gandhi, Cleopatra, Joan of Arc, Queen Medb, Wonder Woman, Captain Marvel, Empress Zoë of Byzantium. I also hope to follow in the footsteps of someone like Sandra Bullock, who has taken roles written expressly for men and adapted them compellingly. It's exhilarating to write, produce and direct your own work, and that is something I intend to continue as I grow in my career.”

Can you tell us about your new music video "Benefactor"? Can we expect new music from you soon?

CATHERINE: "‘Benefactor’ was the first project I put together myself from concept creation to the final product. It was my breakout music video and I got to work with some extremely talented players, namely my powerhouse DP Thanasis Petrakis of Fresh Focus and my creative stylist Asia Lee. When I wrote ‘Benefactor’, I was feeling aimless and unfulfilled as an artist and a human. My life was complex, tumultuous and had brought me to a long lonely period of struggle and waiting, and it came out as a spiritual letter seeking a deus ex machina to pull me out of my doldrums. When we began filming, I had recently lost a dear friend from college, and I wanted to portray the yearning many of us have for divine explanation of tragedies in our lives. I ended up with an army of friends who came and supported my vision and made it tangible. The car featured in the video is a '64 Ford Galaxie Country Wagon lent to me by a friend whose grandfather purchased it new 55 years ago. Little did I know it was a stick shift until we were already on location, so I had about 5 minutes in a DTLA parking lot to learn how to drive it!”

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

CATHERINE: “I'm currently in studio recording two more singles for release this spring. Very excited to share those with the world, along with the accompanying music videos. And tune in for my appearance as ‘Winnie the Wyvern’ on BYUtv's 7th episode of Dwight in Shining Armor!”

FIND CATHERINE ONLINE

SCARLET GRACE: INTERVIEW

January 17, 2019

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Scarlet Grace, an English actress and singer, is making her debut on the big screen. She’s playing the role of Pickle in the new movie Holmes and Watson which is a funny take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “Sherlock Holmes and Doctor Watson.” Scarlet gets to play a major supporting role alongside actors Will Ferrell, Ralph Fiennes, and Lauren Lupkus. Scarlet’s resume also includes films like Paddington 2 and Milk as well as making her professional theater debut at the age of ten playing a young Eponine in Les Miserables in London.

How did you first get your start in acting?

SCARLET: “When I was five years old I took dance lessons at my Grandma’s stage school Ridgeway Studios! After dancing for about a year, I really wanted to join the acting classes, I have had a passion for anything to do with acting ever since!”

You recently made your big screen debut in the film Holmes and Watson. Can you tell us a little about the film and your character Pickle?

SCARLET: “Well, ‘Holmes and Watson; is a comedic take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s ‘Sherlock Holmes’! Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly play the iconic duo, using their brilliant minds to stop the evil genius James Moriarty from assassinating the Queen of England!

I play an Urchin called Pickle, alongside Noah Jupe, Bella Ramsey, Billy Jenkins and Colby Mulgrew! Pickle is a cheeky and mischievous Street Urchin who pick pockets and fights villains!”

What was it like working alongside actors like Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Ralph Fiennes, and Kelly MacDonald in the film?

SCARLET: “Working alongside Will Ferrell, John C Reilly, Ralph Fiennes and Kelly MacDonald was absolutely incredible! They are all such lovely and inspiring people! I loved every moment of filming with them and I’m so excited to share the big screen with them!”

What are some of your favorite memories from working on the set?

SCARLET: “I have tons of amazing memories from set! There was laughter to be heard everyday! We kids all got along really well so we had a lot of fun on and off set together! Sometimes even John and Will would come and have lunch with us! The whole experience was hilarious, exciting and exhilarating! I loved every minute of it and I know that I’ve made some friends for life!”

Of the roles you have portrayed, which would you say has been your favorite and why?

SCARLET: “Pickle is definitely my favorite role I’ve played so far! I had to learn Street Combat, pick pocket and speak in a cockney accent when I was preparing for the role! All of the scenes we filmed are super hilarious! I think everyone will LOVE this comical take in the classic Sherlock Holmes!!!”

Are there any goals that you hope to achieve as an actor?

SCARLET: “My future goals as an actor are to keep working as hard as I can and to follow my dreams! The motto which I like to follow is, ‘When one door closes, another door opens’! Because the business I’m in can be hard and tiring, but it’s what I love! And I’m going to keep working hard and achieve my dreams!”

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MELISSA CARCACHE: INTERVIEW

September 14, 2018

INTRO BY SARA SANTORA

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Photographer: Birdie Thompson Make-up: JaeLynn Schneider Represented by Michelle Q Beauty — Photographer: Birdie Thompson
Make-up: JaeLynn Schneider Represented by Michelle Q Beauty

Actress, producer and traveling podcaster: Melissa Carcache does it all. Best known for her recurring role as Lily on Nickelodeon’s hit series Every Witch Way, Carcache’s acting career is only beginning. She recently joined former Nickelodeon star Carlos PenaVega, and former spy kid Alexa PenaVega, in the Hallmark original movie Lost at Sea. She is also the co-creator, executive producer and star of soon-to-air comedy series Hialeah. Alongside her acting career, she and her sister run their own multimedia company, Millennial Women, and are currently on their mini tour for the company’s hit podcast Millennial Women Talk. With so much in the works, we sat down with her to talk about her career, past projects and future plans.

How did you first get your start in acting?

MELISSA: “I’ve always wanted to act but my mom wouldn’t allow me until I was older. My dance coach told my mom about an acting school she was going to and my mom finally gave me the chance I was praying for! I was 14 at the time and I auditioned for the school, got accepted and began taking classes. They also had an agency division which allowed me to train and go out on auditions.”

What do you remember from your first audition?

MELISSA: “I can’t even remember! It was so long ago but auditioning is so hard I’m sure it wasn’t my best work lol.”

You star in the new Hallmark move, Love at Sea. Can you tell us a little about the film and your character Alexandra?

MELISSA: “The film is about a young woman named Olivia who is trying to make something of herself and prove to the world she can be successful on her own but what she doesn’t know is she’s about to fall in love with a man who will change her life forever in the best way. My character Alexandra is Olivia’s best friend and a successful YouTuber. She’s having a major event on board the world’s biggest cruise ship Royal Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas but when things don’t turn out the way she planned, Olivia is there to save the day! It’s a film about being true to who you are and open to the magic of life because sometimes it leads you to the most unexpected places.”

What was it like working alongside Alexa and Carlos PenaVega on the film?

MELISSA: “It was amazing! They are such a joy to work with and we truly had a great time on set. I love how freeing they are on set. They make you feel comfortable to improv and be in the moment. It was an honor working with them.”

Most people know you from your role as Lily on Every Witch Way. What are some of your favorite memories from working on the show?

MELISSA: “I have so many but definitely my first table read was such a highlight. They kept so much info regarding the show so low key I didn’t realize how big the project was until my first day and I couldn’t believe I was a part of it. I waited 10 years for an opportunity like this and I was so excited!”

Do you find that you favor a specific genre of film?

MELISSA: “I don’t actually. I focus more on the story that’s what drives me. I have to be invested in the story and the characters.”

Of the roles you have done, which would you say has been your favorite and why?

MELISSA: “I simply can’t choose lol I love them all the same and they have all come at the perfect time in my life. I’m grateful just to call acting my career.”

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

MELISSA: “Yes! I have my multimedia company Millennial Women founded and created by my sister Stephanie and me. The heartbeat of the company is our traveling podcast Millennial Women Talk where we interview an inspiring thought leader in front of a live audience in a meet up setting. We are currently on our mini tour and head to Nashville October 2nd. I also have my comedy series Hialeah in which I co created, executive produce and star in that launches soon!”

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KIMMY SHIELDS: INTERVIEW

September 13, 2018

INTRO BY SARA SANTORA

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Born into a family of entertainers, Kimmy Shields has always had a natural bent toward acting. Beginning with a performance in Children’s Theatre at the age of six, Shields pursued her passion for entertainment throughout her teenage years and found herself in some of TV’s most talk about shows, including G.L.O.W. and Big Little Lies. Now, Shields stars alongside Debby Ryan and Alyssa Milano is Netflix’s Insatiable, giving her a whole new platform on which to define herself. We sat down with Shields and discussed her career and her role in Insatiable.

When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actress?

KIMMY: “I did my first play when I was six and next thing I knew I applied to a Performing Arts College.”

What was your first ever audition like?

KIMMY: “I’ve made a new habit of completely flushing every audition down the brain toilet once it’s done, but I’m sure the first one ever was bad and overconfident.”

Do you have a certain method you use when you get into character?

KIMMY: “I like to get into their thought pattern so the dialogue flows more naturally. Music and character shoes are the quickest way to start integrating everything.”

You star in the Netflix series Insatiable. Can you tell us a little about the show and your character Nonnie?

KIMMY: “Insatiable is a dark comedy for the underdog. It follows Patty’s journey from being a bullied teen to a vengeful beauty queen. Nonnie is a smart, artistic, eclectic best friend to Patty who is working through conflicts in her sexual identity.”

Do you have any favorite memories from working on set?

KIMMY: “The people. I have never fallen in love with so many people at one time.”

What is your dream role to play?

KIMMY: “Any role that allows me to play.”

Is there anything else we can expect from you in the near future?

KIMMY: “Keep your eyes peeled for Charlie Says and Ad Astra, both due out next year!”

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EVAN DAIGLE: INTERVIEW

August 1, 2018

BY TÉA VAN ACKEN

The talented Evan Daigle found his love for acting in his second year of college. During that year, he had to leave his theatre and communications class at Loyola University to film TNT’s Claws. Claws premiered on June 11th of this year, in which Evan took on the role of Toby -- a former bartender, and a loving partner to ‘Uncle Daddy.’ Daigle attended university in New Orleans, and knew the acting profession was calling his name, after taking a basic scene study class. Before all of this, Evan Daigle grew up in southern Louisiana where he started expressing his artistic abilities as an oil painter. Not only this, Daigle also supports multiple charities, and the promotion of art education in public schools; a talented and giving person, he is. Evan’s artistic abilities surely pulled through, as Claws takes off, and Toby’s appearances are frequent, and well done.

Did you receive support from your family in the event of having to leave in your final semester at Loyola University New Orleans to film season 1 of Claws?

EVAN: "I did! My parents were both very supportive of me having to leave school early to begin working. They know how competitive this business is and so they understood how I couldn't pass up the opportunity to work on Claws."

You take on the role of Toby, who is in a relationship situation one doesn’t hear about everyday -- how do you feel to be representing such a dissentient relationship status, as you play Toby, especially considering Toby’s partner, Uncle Daddy, being deemed as a ‘bad guy’? Do you think society has a misconception of how these relationships can play out?

EVAN: "I think society has a narrow idea of what a romantic relationship should be. The heteronormative relationship structure simply doesn't work for everyone. I think Toby and Uncle Daddy's relationship works well for them. When Juanda was alive, I imagine they all were in a relationship together. I think it's really cool of the writers to show this sort of nonconformist relationship on Claws. It exists a lot more than what is represented on TV."

Do you find pieces of yourself in Toby’s disposition? If Toby was a real-life person, do you think you would be friends with Toby?

EVAN: "Toby and I are very different. Toby does hard drugs, lives with an extremely dangerous gangster, and doesn't have strong plans for the future. I don't think I'd be friends with Toby just because I'd be too scared to be around all the Dixie Mafia folks. They're dropping like flies!"

How do you feel you have grown as an actor and artist, having started being apart of Claws?

EVAN: "Before Claws, I thought I had a pretty good idea of what being a full-time working actor meant. Claws has helped me really understand what this career is and what goes into it and that I was wrong in many of my assumptions. I've grown in ways I didn't know I needed improvement in. I have a lot more confidence in my self and in my craft. I also am finding out I enjoy the business side of acting almost as much as the actual acting it's self."

Having first read what Claws was going to be about, and reading the scripts, what did you initially take away from the show? What is your hope that viewers take away from it?

EVAN: "My first impression was that the tone of the show seemed truly unique and I was very curious how they were going to pull it off. I really loved the female characters being central to the story. I hope that viewers take away that diversity in all forms is important to dynamic storytelling and that women over forty are still sexy and badass."

You discovered your passion for acting when you were in your second year of college, do you ever wish that you had gotten involved with acting earlier? What would you have done differently?

EVAN: "I go back and forth with myself on this question a lot. I sometimes do wish I would of gotten into acting a lot sooner. The way I feel about it now though is no, I don't wish I would of gotten into it sooner. I don't think I was ready to be an actor until it happened for me. I needed the time to try a ton of different art mediums and eventually find acting. It's hard for me to want to have done anything differently because I feel like I'm in a great spot for where I am in my life and in my growth as a person."

Being a hobbyist oil painter, you express your artistic talents visually; what sparked your interest in showcasing your talents in such a way as an actor?

EVAN: "I've always been interested in art in all forms. I grew up experimenting with pottery, jewelry making, stained glass, and all the while painting and drawing. Acting seemed like a far away concept that only people who somehow had access to it or were born into it could be actors. I'd always been interested in performing but never let the thought really come to the front of my mind frame until college. I went to college to study painting and drawing. While in school, I thought I wanted to be a production designer, to be able to bring my love of film and art together. I eventually realized I was really attracted to the film industry because I have had an urge to act since childhood. Allowing that urge to rise to the surface and take over, was the best thing I've ever done for myself. After a year studying art I switched schools and began studying acting. Three years later I was cast in Claws."

Where do you visualize and dream of yourself being, as an artist and actor, in 5 years?

EVAN: "In this business it's really difficult to say where I will be in five years or five months due to the unpredictability that is being an actor. But if I could have my ideal situation, I would have spent the last five years working consistently, playing a variety of parts and working with great actors and directors. In five years, I'd like to be on my way to establishing myself as a real force in the industry. I'm in it for the long haul. I really love my work, and I know if I continue to work hard, I"ll get the results I want out of it, regardless of how long things may take."

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MOLLEE GRAY: INTERVIEW

July 26, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Mollee Gray has starred in Disney's Teen Beach Movie, as 'Giggles' alongside Maia Mitchell and Ross Lynch. She's also known for being a top 8 finalist on So You Think You Can Dance and made her mark on the big screen playing 'Sari' in No Strings Attached with Ashton Kutcher and Natalie Portman. More recently, Mollee stars in newly released Lifetime movie, A Night to Regret, as college student Chelsea Bilson. In an interview with Mollee we got the inside scoop on her role as Chelsea and what she's working on in the future!

When was the moment that you knew you wanted to pursue acting seriously?

MOLLEE: "After my first acting role as “Sari” in Paramount’s ‘No Strings Attached.’ Getting that incredible feeling of filming my very first scene as an actor really pushed me to train harder and work more so I could do this for the rest of my life! "

You star in the recently released Lifetime movie A Night to Regret. Can you tell us a little about the movie and your role?

MOLLEE: "My role, Chelsea Bilson, is a law student with a love for film making! She reunites under a sad circumstance with her childhood friend, Milla, who then (per usual) gets her into some mischief that causes her to get a dangerous stalker, and puts her life in danger."

What are some of your favorite memories from working on the set?

MOLLEE: "Gigi Zumbado plays “Sara” .. “Chelsea’s” best friend, and we had so much fun on set together. We are now best friends in real life!"

Do you find that you favor a specific genre of film?

MOLLEE: "I absolutely love drama films, but my new favorite to work on is an action set :)"

Of the roles that you have portrayed, which would you say has challenged you the most as an actress?

MOLLEE: "I think that my role of “Chelsea” in A Night to Regret was pretty tough at times! Being put in such a scary position and realizing that some young women go through what Chelsea does, is just awful!"

If you could give one piece of advice to aspiring actors what would it be?

MOLLEE: "Remember to embrace and respect the rejection! It only helps you fight harder and feel even more proud of yourself when you finally accomplish your goal!"

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

MOLLEE: "Yes!! I have two more movies coming out this year! The Reliant and The Favorite! STAY TUNED!"

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CHARMAINE BINGWA: INTERVIEW

July 9, 2018

INTRO BY KATARZYNA MONIKA SKŁADANOWSKA

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Charmaine Bingwa is an award-winning actress, as well as a musician. She was awarded a scholarship (the 2018 Equity Award) at the very prestigious Atlantic Acting School in New York City by the Equity Foundation.

The young, talented filmmaker wrote, starred and co-directed the series Little Sista. The show received the award for Best Screenplay at the LGBT Toronto Film Festival and was selected in the Web Series Festival Global.

In addition, she recently appeared in the Australian film The Pitch, Boys Will Be Boys, Waiting For God, and Can You Dig It.

We can’t forget about her theatre experience. She has performed for 79 times so far in 5 productions at some of the most renowned, distinguished venues such as Mame at Hayes Theatre, American Beauty Shop at Kings Cross Theatre, Birdland at New Theatre and The Seagull at The Depot Theatre.

A very gifted artist, she is also a singer and guitarist who has earned a Bachelor's degree in music. She has played with artists like Demi Lovato, Rachel Platten, and Fifth Harmony on their Australian tours.

We sat down with Charmaine to talk about Little Sista, her road to acting, and future projects.

When/how did you first get your start in acting?

CHARMAINE: "I was at University studying music, as I always imagined I’d be a professional singer. I nearly completed my degree with just a few electives remaining – so I thought acting looked ok. But as soon as I started, I was surprisingly drawn to it and had an unexplainable knack for it. When I realized I would spend the rest of my week just longing for the next class, I knew acting was meant for me."

What do you remember from your first audition?

CHARMAINE: "Oh wow, not a whole lot as it wasn’t that memorable! With auditions, I try to be cool, relaxed and just be truthful in the moment. There is so much that is outside of your control, so I don’t obsess over them. I think I’m a lot better at them now than when I first started though!"

You star in the web series “Little Sista”, which you also wrote, produced, and directed. What was it like doing all of these different jobs for the same show?

CHARMAINE: "Insanity ha-ha. No, it was ok actually. I’m super organized and really diligent, so it wasn’t really a problem. The biggest difficulty was remembering when it was time for me to act, that was the only thing I had to do. Also, setting up interaction expectations with the cast and crew – so when it was time for my emotional close up, they weren’t asking me what’s for lunch!"

Can you tell us a little about the show?

CHARMAINE: "Little Sista is about a commitment phobia who must learn to grow up when she is paired with an at-risk youth in a Big Brother, Big Sister program. Charmaine, (a thirty-something black lesbian played by myself) is self-absorbed, terrified of commitment and oblivious to the needs of others (I swear I’m different in real life!). But when a Judge with a sense of irony orders her to mentor Lucy, she identifies with her difficult childhood and attempts to teach the life lessons her own parents failed to.

I was compelled to make this story as I want to create something super funny with a lot of heart. I’m proud that it normalizes ethnic diversity, LGBTQ+ relationships, substitute families, and advocates for harmony rather than difference. Little Sista isn’t just about telling ‘gay stories’ and putting ‘minorities’ on screen. It’s about exploring human stories that we can all connect to on some level, with a main character who just happens to dig other chicks. It’s a boundary pushing rollercoaster ride about dysfunctional people who have depth."

What are some of your favorite memories from working on the project?

CHARMAINE: "My favorite times on set would be the improvised takes that we’d usually sneak in before we changed shot set ups. Lots of them made it into the final edit too!"

The show won the award for Best Screenplay at the LGBT Toronto Film Festival – how did it feel to win this award?

CHARMAINE: "So great! Little Sista was only at script stage at this point, so it was so encouraging to have someone else recognize the vision I had for the show. It gave me the inspiration I needed to take it from script to production stage. It was incredible to hear it read by Canadian actors too."

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

CHARMAINE: "I’m working on a brilliant LGBTI short called Cairos written by Zach Paul Brown, that has already won Best Screenplay awards. I’m excited to be playing the role of Lee and to be part of something I think will be spectacular.

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BRENT POPE: INTERVIEW

June 16, 2018

INTRO BY KAT VISTI

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Actor, writer, and comedian Brent Pope does it all! He's appeared on HBO's Sillicon Valley, CBS' Living Biblically, and FX's TheAssassination Of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story plus more. He's also created, wrote, and starred in two award winning web-series entitled Common Beauties and Table for Two. Brent does stand-up comedy and improv as well. In an interview with Brent we got more details on his roles, the causes he supports, and much more!

When did you first become interested in acting and when did you know it was what you wanted to pursue as a career?

"As a kid, I was always driving my parents crazy, imitating characters like George Jefferson, Fred Sanford, and J.J Walker, all what you might call lovable jerks. I guess the fact that they could be rude but still manage to be liked seemed like a mind-blowing concept. So I guess I knew when I was very young, but I didn’t really go after it until after I had tried a lot of other things. I worked at a newspaper, a TV station, and a radio station, but none of them were as satisfying as the response you get in front of a live audience."

You created, wrote, and starred in the comedic web series “Table for Two” and “Common Beauties”. Can you tell us a little about these projects?

"Both Table for Two and Common Beauties were created, in part, out of the needs that actors/writers/creators have to create personal projects that inspire them. What the two endeavors have in common is finding comedy in everyday normal people that sort of hide in plain sight, whether it be meter maids, movie ushers, or restaurant hosts. My collaborators on both of those projects, Julia Addis and Jeff Luppino Esposito, we are such a great creative team, and we can’t wait to make more episodes of both. The hope is that we can find a platform to do one or both of them on a larger scale, that’s the dream."

We know that you and your wife have many special needs dogs and cats that you have rescued. Have you always loved animals and been interested in rescuing them?

"I have always been around a bunch of animals, partly because I grew up on a dairy farm in Nebraska. In addition to all of the farm animals, we were always taking in cats and dogs that needed homes, so I guess it’s a family tradition. When I moved away from the farm, I started rescuing animals from the local shelters, and I’ve never stopped. Right now we have 2 dogs and 2 cats, all from shelters or animal rescues."

We also know that you are a huge supporter of animal rights and education for all children. What do both of these causes mean to you?

"Both of them are near and dear to my heart. I have worked with students with special needs for almost 20 years now. One thing that they have taught me, without a doubt, is that they share the same thirst for knowledge and new experiences as every other child. Not giving them these opportunities is just wrong in my book. Way wrong.

As far as basic animal rights go, I just don’t understand people sometimes. Our dog Dufresne (named after the Shawshank character) was rescued after someone left him tied up in their back yard when they moved. Human decency would dictate that at the very least you take him to the shelter, not left tied to a tree. We have to be better than that as a society."

Are there any projects we can expect from you in the near future?

"I will be appearing on the HULU show Casual when season 4 drops in late July. I am also working on more episodes of both Table for Two and Common Beauties, as well as a couple pilots that will be ready to shop around later in the year."

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CHELSEA RENDON: INTERVIEW

June 13, 2018

INTRO BY SERA SNYDER

INTERVIEW BY CAMI LIBERTY

Working as an actress from the time she was seven years old, California native, Chelsea Rendon, is the main character on STARZ’s most recent drama Vida. The series premiered on May 6th, and Rendon’s character is a “woke” activist who is all about sticking it to the man. Chelsea has performed many other roles, her earliest playing Cristina in the feature film No Turning Back. Most recently she has appeared in Netflix’s original show, Bright, as well as Freeform’s The Fosters. In this interview, Chelsea discusses what some of her favorite memories from the set of Vida are, as well as what inspired her to get into acting. To find out more about Chelsea read on below!

Who/what first inspired you to get into acting?

"I feel like I came out of the womb ready for acting, but I would have to say watching Selena at the drive-in definitely solidified it."

What do you remember from your first audition?

"Honestly I don’t remember my first audition because I was only 6! My mom tells me when I was younger I thought going to an audition was a job."

You currently star as Mari on STARZ’s upcoming series “Vida” – can you tell us a little about the show and your character?

"The show is about two sisters coming home to East LA, finding out family secrets, dealing with a changing neighborhood and finding yourself.

My character Mari “La Chinche” is a young, woke activist from the neighborhood. She is a badass. She is totally against the gentrification that’s going on and hates the Hernandez sisters!"

What’s your favorite memory from working on the set?

"The food! Just kidding. My favorite memory was my very first day and just getting to set and seeing my trailer. Just knowing it was really happening is a feeling I can’t even describe."

Of the roles you have played, which would you say is your favorite and why?

"Definitely Mari because she’s such an interesting character. She’s like an onion that you have to peel back each layer, and in real life I’m so similar to her."

Is there a type of role you haven’t gotten to play yet that you would love to in the future?

"I definitely want to play a serial killer and a cop! Those are my two dream parts!"

What are some goals you hope to achieve in the future?

"I want to have my own production company and create my own content. I also want to direct and of course win an Oscar one day!"

Are there any other projects we can expect from you soon?

"A feature film called Murder in the Woods is a slasher I worked on and was an Associate Producer for. I got to work with Danny Trejo and my friends Jose Julian and Catherine Toribio!

A series, High & Mighty, which is my first comedic project ever! Super fun show! I got to work with my friends Jorge Diaz and JR Villarreal. Both of these should be out later this year."

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