Stephanie Lynn grew up in Vermont and was always performing – whether putting on plays for her parents as a child, or doing shows in high school, Stephanie was a natural actor. But when the time came for college, Stephanie took a detour: “I was avoiding the fact that I was an artist and went to a normal college instead of art school – I tried to be a doctor for a semester, a lawyer…” Through a Fine Art’s minor in painting, and various acting classes Stephanie attempted to remain true to herself.
When she graduated and moved to New York, Stephanie still felt attracted to law and ended up working as a legal aide in hopes of determining whether or not she wanted to sign her own “death sentence known as Law School,” while knowing that her true passion was art. Interestingly enough, Stephanie was attracted to law (specifically litigation) for many of the reasons that she is attracted to acting.
“Being a litigator is a lot like being an actor because it’s all about relating to people. It’s about understanding the art of manipulation – one way or another, for better or worse.”
And so, Stephanie came full circle and rediscovered her passion for art. “Coming from a family of artists, I've always had a lot of art in my life – I don’t think I could ever spend a day away from art.” One of her favorite quotes is ‘Life is short but Art is long’ because it begs the question: “what do we even matter in the grand scheme of things? Art is what people leave behind.”
To that end, Stephanie laughs about a friend who was mad at her for not following politics and election news and on a similar note Stephanie cites her disillusionment as a partial inspiration. “It's one of the cheesier reasons why I'm drawn to acting. I feel like if you really care about an issue, then making a film is what will change people. Voting doesn't do anything. In politics people don't know what to think.” She continues: “When art affects other people, it does what it's truly meant to do – and film is a great forum for that. Schindler's List is a great example of keeping the memory of Holocaust survivors alive.”
As for other inspirations, Stephanie references Kate Blanchett in the role of Bob Dylan. “You forget that she’s a woman. It’s amazing that she was able to pull that off.” Stephanie is also a fan of Julia Roberts for more reasons than one – one of which is that “Roberts kinda looks like my mom. My mom is also my inspiration.” She goes on to muse how she would love to play Julia Roberts’s daughter at some point in the future.
Regarding Stephanie’s recent projects she’s doing a web series called Sister's Grimm, about crime-fighting-fairy-tale women. Stephanie is Sleeping Beauty. She’s also been doing a lot of commercials and most recently an Indie feature entitled The Graduates which she looks forward to promoting in Ocean City.
As for theater or film, Stephanie prefers film although it’s a close call. “They’re not necessarily comparable. Film is all about ‘the experience’ in a very real way -- whereas with theater you have to magnify. With theater, there’s a totally different energy and experience and there’s nothing like the high of performing in front of people. With film the camera gets inside of you; it picks up every subtle little move. You're supposed to live out moments in front of the camera.”
On a final note, Stephanie states “I hate really preachy political films, but I do like documentaries and films that do things in a subtle way. I think it's important to see all the sides of different issues. On that note, people should be careful about what they put into films.”
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Monday, May 12, 2008
Interview with Natalie LaSpina
Natalie LaSpina was 10-years old when a theatre troupe came to the town of her childhood. Her mom had encouraged her to try out for the troupe's production of Annie and much to her surprise she was cast as none other than the title role. "After that I was always doing plays in my town, or the town over -- I loved it so much." And, because her dad is a musician, she was out in NYC quite often, always dreaming about pursuing acting -- knowing it was what she wanted to do.
As for theater or film, Natalie is attracted to film because "it has a certain realism that I like more than in theater. You can really accentuate the subtleties of a character in film acting -- especially as you become a character."
Further discussion of the nuances of film help shed light on Natalie's philosophy of acting as an art form. "In a way, acting is the art of psychology. Even if you're not like the character you're playing, you take on that role. You explore the different sides of your own personality. Being able to relate to character and story -- to really highlight the emotional aspect of a scene is an art in and of itself." For Natalie, acting is also a natural high. "When I'm running through a scene, it's a rush, especially when you're working with other talented people."
Natalie reveals that while working catering jobs she uses the opportunity to study those in attendance and learn about them through their actions. She cites an example where she was working a party "...and there was this really beautiful rich woman -- she was a vixen and had every man in the room in the palm of her hand. It was all about the little things... how she drank her wine, how she talked; the little subtlties of how people act.
For inspiration Natalie draws on her family, "especially my father because he's always believed in me since I was little. He always encouraged me to act, sing etc... my sister and brother as well." As for those on film, Angelina Jolie, in the film Gia, was a huge inspiration. "I loved that film, I would watch it all the time. In high school, I wrote a paper about it. Also, the fact that Gia is based on a real person is insane; all the layers that are part of that character. Basketball Diaries really got to me also..."
While it's hard for Natalie to put a label on the roles that she enjoys playing the most, she does enjoy roles where the characters must face their demons. "I enjoy playing light roles, but it's fun to really throw your mind into something and go after the deeper parts."
Speaking about Go Quietly, "I liked the improv type audition, because I was able to be the character when I walked in -- that was so much fun, and it teaches you more about how the actor interprets the role. I never had an audition like that before." She goes on to confess "I hate monologues, no one ever does a monologue in a film -- that's why I enjoy improv much more -- or doing a scene. Sure, sometimes monologues can be good, but interaction is better. It's great when you can feed off another character -- it allows you to relate to the other person and perform in a more real way."
Knowing that acting is what she always wanted Natalie jumped in with both feet: "I moved out of town when I was 18. I took parttime acting classes while supporting myself, but it gave me the acting/life experience I needed. I did it more on my own and even when I was in school I was always auditioning -- a more formal education is different whereas I learned more naturally that talent comes from within. "
As for theater or film, Natalie is attracted to film because "it has a certain realism that I like more than in theater. You can really accentuate the subtleties of a character in film acting -- especially as you become a character."
Further discussion of the nuances of film help shed light on Natalie's philosophy of acting as an art form. "In a way, acting is the art of psychology. Even if you're not like the character you're playing, you take on that role. You explore the different sides of your own personality. Being able to relate to character and story -- to really highlight the emotional aspect of a scene is an art in and of itself." For Natalie, acting is also a natural high. "When I'm running through a scene, it's a rush, especially when you're working with other talented people."
Natalie reveals that while working catering jobs she uses the opportunity to study those in attendance and learn about them through their actions. She cites an example where she was working a party "...and there was this really beautiful rich woman -- she was a vixen and had every man in the room in the palm of her hand. It was all about the little things... how she drank her wine, how she talked; the little subtlties of how people act.
For inspiration Natalie draws on her family, "especially my father because he's always believed in me since I was little. He always encouraged me to act, sing etc... my sister and brother as well." As for those on film, Angelina Jolie, in the film Gia, was a huge inspiration. "I loved that film, I would watch it all the time. In high school, I wrote a paper about it. Also, the fact that Gia is based on a real person is insane; all the layers that are part of that character. Basketball Diaries really got to me also..."
While it's hard for Natalie to put a label on the roles that she enjoys playing the most, she does enjoy roles where the characters must face their demons. "I enjoy playing light roles, but it's fun to really throw your mind into something and go after the deeper parts."
Speaking about Go Quietly, "I liked the improv type audition, because I was able to be the character when I walked in -- that was so much fun, and it teaches you more about how the actor interprets the role. I never had an audition like that before." She goes on to confess "I hate monologues, no one ever does a monologue in a film -- that's why I enjoy improv much more -- or doing a scene. Sure, sometimes monologues can be good, but interaction is better. It's great when you can feed off another character -- it allows you to relate to the other person and perform in a more real way."
Knowing that acting is what she always wanted Natalie jumped in with both feet: "I moved out of town when I was 18. I took parttime acting classes while supporting myself, but it gave me the acting/life experience I needed. I did it more on my own and even when I was in school I was always auditioning -- a more formal education is different whereas I learned more naturally that talent comes from within. "
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Interview with Christina Pazcoguin
Christina Pazcoguin, starring in Go Quietly, is playing the role of Emily. Christina attended the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in New York City where she studied film, televison and theater acting as well as other subjects. "Acting allows me to place myself in another life, time, and place. It takes me out of everyday circumstances. With acting, you become a storybook -- a lens through which people relate to the subject matter."
Before Christina found her passion for acting, which she has been doing for the past 5-years, she was primarily a dancer. "I was dancing since I was 3-years old. Mostly ballet, modern, jazz, tap -- pretty much everything. I was drawn to acting because dance is very structured and I wanted more out of performing, I wanted to be heard."
As for film versus theater, Christina is drawn to film because in many ways she finds it more personal than theater. With theater, it's tougher for an actor to showcase their abilities for a nuanced role whereas with film it's all about the nuance -- it's often been said that less is more. However, that's not to say that Christina isn't a showstopper. She is. Most recently, Christina spent 8 months at sea (August '07 through March '08) contracted by a Disney cruise line.
Regarding life at sea, Christina concludes that "Ship life is not for everyone, but it definitely made me stronger; I was prone to motion sickness and still managed to take a cruise line contract." She laughs as she recollects rough seas and 20-foot waves: "You'd be surprised at how much large ships actually rock. It was like being on a roller coaster."
In addition to Christina's varied experiences, she also draws inspiration from her family. "I come from a family of six and I'm the baby, but it's great because we're really close and everyone is supportive. In a career like this, it counts for a lot when you have people that believe in you."
As for outside inspirations, Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Depp, and Audrey Hepburn have set the mark and Christina hopes that one day she can have the same effect on people. "If I could have half the influence that any of them have, that would be surreal."
As for the importance of artists, Christina believes they have a responsibility to help use their influence to make positive changes in people's lives. "We have the power to be heard, to make differences and encourage people to step out of the ordinary and live life to the fullest; I love to entertain and think that using art is a great way to convey your message."
As for Go Quietly? Does Christina see any message lurking in the background? "I think Go Quietly is telling you to look at your life and look at the people you trust, and to look into your relationships -- it's about causing you to see if you really know who someone is. A lot of times we think we know someone, but Go Quietly invites the audience to find out what you really know."
Before Christina found her passion for acting, which she has been doing for the past 5-years, she was primarily a dancer. "I was dancing since I was 3-years old. Mostly ballet, modern, jazz, tap -- pretty much everything. I was drawn to acting because dance is very structured and I wanted more out of performing, I wanted to be heard."
As for film versus theater, Christina is drawn to film because in many ways she finds it more personal than theater. With theater, it's tougher for an actor to showcase their abilities for a nuanced role whereas with film it's all about the nuance -- it's often been said that less is more. However, that's not to say that Christina isn't a showstopper. She is. Most recently, Christina spent 8 months at sea (August '07 through March '08) contracted by a Disney cruise line.
Regarding life at sea, Christina concludes that "Ship life is not for everyone, but it definitely made me stronger; I was prone to motion sickness and still managed to take a cruise line contract." She laughs as she recollects rough seas and 20-foot waves: "You'd be surprised at how much large ships actually rock. It was like being on a roller coaster."
In addition to Christina's varied experiences, she also draws inspiration from her family. "I come from a family of six and I'm the baby, but it's great because we're really close and everyone is supportive. In a career like this, it counts for a lot when you have people that believe in you."
As for outside inspirations, Anthony Hopkins, Johnny Depp, and Audrey Hepburn have set the mark and Christina hopes that one day she can have the same effect on people. "If I could have half the influence that any of them have, that would be surreal."
As for the importance of artists, Christina believes they have a responsibility to help use their influence to make positive changes in people's lives. "We have the power to be heard, to make differences and encourage people to step out of the ordinary and live life to the fullest; I love to entertain and think that using art is a great way to convey your message."
As for Go Quietly? Does Christina see any message lurking in the background? "I think Go Quietly is telling you to look at your life and look at the people you trust, and to look into your relationships -- it's about causing you to see if you really know who someone is. A lot of times we think we know someone, but Go Quietly invites the audience to find out what you really know."
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Interview with Ray Soltani & Adam Weissman: PART II
Interviewer: RED
Ray's Answers: GREEN
Adam's Answers: GOLD
What attracts you to film?
R: The style of storytelling. The picture, the sound, the performances, the script, the editing; they're all so different yet equally integral, trying to control all of them at once can be chaotic at times. Then somehow, if you hang on, everything falls into place. I find that reassuring.
A: Life is too short to go quietly. Film is one of the few art forms where you can reach out and touch thousands of people. Sure, books do that too, perhaps more-so, but film is slightly more sociable than 'novelizing' which is a word I just made up.
Do you prefer writing or directing?
A: Writing.
R: That's a rough one. Writing is fun because you don't need anyone. It's kind of like jerking off in that way. Now, you might think well, if Directing is like sex then that must be much better; but think of all the bullshit that comes along with sex. Think of how happy you were before puberty.
A: Also, keep in mind the competition is too fierce to be a one trick pony, if you're not a writer/director or graphic artist/director, there's only so much you can do, you're more expendable in that way.
R: Plus there are so many hacks and bullshit artists inundating this business with their nonsense that it's hard to get your stuff read or even seen sometimes, but if you're well versed structurally and aesthetically, add to that the ability to generate un-contrived content and then maybe you won't be a joke.
So, do you think film school should be more vocational?
R: I was a Dramatic Writing major at SUNY Purchase, after my first year I decided to apply to the film program which was more 'prestigous' and closely guarded. The guy who rejected me, the interviewer, asked me why I wanted to make films, and I, like an asshole, actually had the audacity to say "to entertain people", well, he just kind of threw up his hands in exasperation. He couldn't believe it. "Then what're we making films for!?" he says. He actually wanted me to say to change the world. These are the types of idiots you have in charge of film programs.
Don't blame the studios for destroying independent film, blame the independent filmmaker. Great art is indestructible, it permeates souls.
So, you guys think Go Quietly will permeate souls?
A: I don't know about all that -- at the very least, I would hope it causes people to think twice about their own psychiatrist -- their own 'Doctor Trevor.'
R: Haha.
Do you think that's dangerous, if people are scared of their psychiatrist?
A: Not at all. I think psychiatrists are what's dangerous. Who do they think they are telling people how to live? Dispensing 'wisdom' like some sort of witch doctor. It's one of the few fields in science where a majority of its practitioners will admit that they don't exactly know how or why the drugs they give people work the way they do.
R: Adam's got some personal issues.
Were you ever in therapy?
A: No. Not me.
((awkward silence))
How did Go Quietly come about?
R: Adam and I had been discussing making a film for awhile, the phrase “new boyfriend, dead friends” stuck in my head. That eventually turned into the logline above, thanks to Adam. I wanted to do something having to do with mind games and relationships, I thought the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with new relationships was something I could exploit. I was pushing for horror because I knew we couldn’t get any names, but at least with horror we would have a shot at an audience. Plus I wanted to do something raw, edgy -- something gritty, something that would grab people by the throat.
It was Adam’s idea to make the villain a psychiatrist – something we both loved because we knew we could turn meds, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, behavioral analysis and therapy into weapons.
Why a psychiatrist?
A: People put a lot of trust in this stranger -- the psychiatrist. A psychiatrist isn't your friend -- he (or she) is someone you 'work with' based upon who your insurer is. That said, if your insurance changes you're forced to switch caregivers... nothing personal, just business. To me, I think that's pretty creepy, especially because unlike someone that's a heart surgeon, general practitioner, allergist etcetera, the problem and solution (in psychiatry) are thoroughly subjective.
In a nutshell, psychiatry seems one part science, two parts faith -- but not in a good way. If psychiatrists had a fantasy equivalent, it wouldn't be a priest, it would be a warlock.
What are your minimum expectations for Go Quietly?
R: My minimum expectations for Go Quietly are that it’ll do for the careers of everyone involved what steroids did for Barry Bonds.
A: Make back my money and make a follow up film with Ray.
What are your maximum hopes for Go Quietly?
R: It’s probably too late to say this, but I don’t wanna sound like an idiot, so I’ll pass on that one.
A: Haha, what Ray said for minimum expectations.
Where do you see pitfalls in this project?
R: It’s impossible for anything to go wrong. Not even God can stop us.
A: No comment, but I'll skip on the blasphemy.
Who are your inspirations if any?
R: Audie Murphy and Alexander The Great -- conquered the known world at 25, can't beat that, right?
A: Ayn Rand and L. Ron Hubbard (just kidding about L. Ron).
Ray's Answers: GREEN
Adam's Answers: GOLD
What attracts you to film?
R: The style of storytelling. The picture, the sound, the performances, the script, the editing; they're all so different yet equally integral, trying to control all of them at once can be chaotic at times. Then somehow, if you hang on, everything falls into place. I find that reassuring.
A: Life is too short to go quietly. Film is one of the few art forms where you can reach out and touch thousands of people. Sure, books do that too, perhaps more-so, but film is slightly more sociable than 'novelizing' which is a word I just made up.
Do you prefer writing or directing?
A: Writing.
R: That's a rough one. Writing is fun because you don't need anyone. It's kind of like jerking off in that way. Now, you might think well, if Directing is like sex then that must be much better; but think of all the bullshit that comes along with sex. Think of how happy you were before puberty.
A: Also, keep in mind the competition is too fierce to be a one trick pony, if you're not a writer/director or graphic artist/director, there's only so much you can do, you're more expendable in that way.
R: Plus there are so many hacks and bullshit artists inundating this business with their nonsense that it's hard to get your stuff read or even seen sometimes, but if you're well versed structurally and aesthetically, add to that the ability to generate un-contrived content and then maybe you won't be a joke.
So, do you think film school should be more vocational?
R: I was a Dramatic Writing major at SUNY Purchase, after my first year I decided to apply to the film program which was more 'prestigous' and closely guarded. The guy who rejected me, the interviewer, asked me why I wanted to make films, and I, like an asshole, actually had the audacity to say "to entertain people", well, he just kind of threw up his hands in exasperation. He couldn't believe it. "Then what're we making films for!?" he says. He actually wanted me to say to change the world. These are the types of idiots you have in charge of film programs.
Don't blame the studios for destroying independent film, blame the independent filmmaker. Great art is indestructible, it permeates souls.
So, you guys think Go Quietly will permeate souls?
A: I don't know about all that -- at the very least, I would hope it causes people to think twice about their own psychiatrist -- their own 'Doctor Trevor.'
R: Haha.
Do you think that's dangerous, if people are scared of their psychiatrist?
A: Not at all. I think psychiatrists are what's dangerous. Who do they think they are telling people how to live? Dispensing 'wisdom' like some sort of witch doctor. It's one of the few fields in science where a majority of its practitioners will admit that they don't exactly know how or why the drugs they give people work the way they do.
R: Adam's got some personal issues.
Were you ever in therapy?
A: No. Not me.
((awkward silence))
How did Go Quietly come about?
R: Adam and I had been discussing making a film for awhile, the phrase “new boyfriend, dead friends” stuck in my head. That eventually turned into the logline above, thanks to Adam. I wanted to do something having to do with mind games and relationships, I thought the uncertainty and anxiety that comes with new relationships was something I could exploit. I was pushing for horror because I knew we couldn’t get any names, but at least with horror we would have a shot at an audience. Plus I wanted to do something raw, edgy -- something gritty, something that would grab people by the throat.
It was Adam’s idea to make the villain a psychiatrist – something we both loved because we knew we could turn meds, hypnosis, psychoanalysis, behavioral analysis and therapy into weapons.
Why a psychiatrist?
A: People put a lot of trust in this stranger -- the psychiatrist. A psychiatrist isn't your friend -- he (or she) is someone you 'work with' based upon who your insurer is. That said, if your insurance changes you're forced to switch caregivers... nothing personal, just business. To me, I think that's pretty creepy, especially because unlike someone that's a heart surgeon, general practitioner, allergist etcetera, the problem and solution (in psychiatry) are thoroughly subjective.
In a nutshell, psychiatry seems one part science, two parts faith -- but not in a good way. If psychiatrists had a fantasy equivalent, it wouldn't be a priest, it would be a warlock.
What are your minimum expectations for Go Quietly?
R: My minimum expectations for Go Quietly are that it’ll do for the careers of everyone involved what steroids did for Barry Bonds.
A: Make back my money and make a follow up film with Ray.
What are your maximum hopes for Go Quietly?
R: It’s probably too late to say this, but I don’t wanna sound like an idiot, so I’ll pass on that one.
A: Haha, what Ray said for minimum expectations.
Where do you see pitfalls in this project?
R: It’s impossible for anything to go wrong. Not even God can stop us.
A: No comment, but I'll skip on the blasphemy.
Who are your inspirations if any?
R: Audie Murphy and Alexander The Great -- conquered the known world at 25, can't beat that, right?
A: Ayn Rand and L. Ron Hubbard (just kidding about L. Ron).
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