Why did you decide to pursue a career in acting?
I don’t remember ever wanting to do anything else other than the arts, since I was a kid. Movies and music had a huge effect on me growing up. I would be acting out films in my head, all day throughout school. It has always been ingrained in me.
Share with us the successes and downfalls you have encountered up until now.
Honestly, experiencing the downfalls has paved the way to most of my successes. You can’t really have one without the other. Downfalls aside, I think the biggest mistake someone can make, is not being true to themselves and taking the time to explore and learn who they are. Actors embody someone else’s journey, so we have to work to get to know who we are individually, without the character. But funny enough I think the key to getting into different roles, is unlocking and learning about who you really are. At least in my experience so far.
In what way is one of your biggest flaws also your best feature?
I’ve always edged on the more quiet/observant side. Working in the entertainment industry, I’ve definitely been pushed a bit to “play the game” more, but I’ve learned that being more introverted may be a good thing for me. I can genuinely act from the heart, as opposed to acting outside of myself. It’s hard to fake a connection with someone. It feels a lot better for me to connect with the right people from a truthful place. And if I don’t connect with someone, that is okay too.
Tell us more about your time filming “Girl In The Woods.” How did you prep for a thriller?
The prep for this show was one of the most enjoyable parts. I trained for three hours a day a few weeks before leaving for Portland with a stunt trainer, learning different martial arts and MMA techniques. I also trained and learned fight sequences over the weekends and on set. It took a ton of energy and stamina, but that’s what I loved about it. It felt so good to get home at the end of the night, or morning, (haha) and fall right asleep.
Any personal stories you would like to share about your time on set?
Some of the best moments were at video village with our head writer Casey Modderno and one of our producers, Jasmine Johnson. I think Casey might be one of the funniest people I’ve ever met. I feel so lucky to have worked with them both.
What was the cast like? Who did you connect with strongly on set?
We have such a talented cast on this show. Sofia (Bryant), Misha (Osherovich) and I definitely had fun. They’re hilarious. Will Yun Lee, who plays Arthur, is sort of like a father figure to Carrie (my character) in the show. We actually built a really great bond throughout the shoot. He’s an insanely talented martial artist in real life. I love Carrie and Arthur’s storyline.
What are your thoughts on film/ television and their role in the world (not just as a means of entertainment)?
Film and television are a time capsule of the technology used to make them at the time, the music and style of the era, as well as the political statements they intentionally or unintentionally make. Not to mention the means of connection. “The Sound of Music” came out long before I was born, but that movie and its music bonded my mom with her mom, and then me with them. I can’t wait to share that with my children someday, too.
Where do you hope your acting will take you?
One of my biggest driving factors in continuing to act, is the experiences that come with it. Learning new skillsets for certain jobs, traveling the world, experiencing different cultures, and living in different cities. Creating wonderful bonds and friendships with the people I work with. That’s what I experience in this line of work and I’m looking forward to more of it.
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Talent: Stefanie Scott @stefaniescott
Photographer: Brett Erickson @brettericksonphoto
Styling: Monty Jackson @mrmontyjackson
Hair: Dritan Vushaj @drtn
Glam: Melissa Hernandez @melissa.hernandez
Interview Alexandra Bonnet @alexbonnetwrites