Published: September 6, 2010 2:26 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA (Juniorscave.com)
JC Interview Exclusive (Celebrity Interview with Actress/Prodcer, The Christina Marie) September 2010 Edition
Christina Marie
Our Webzine spoke to a wonderful and talented Actress/Producer, Christina Marie, who has had a successful film career that spans over two decades. She is a classically trained Method actress who is not afraid to take on more of the challenging “ugly” roles. She is also taking charge of her career with the creation of her own production company, Cow Town Film Productions, LLC. In this spotlight with Christina Marie, the famed actress/producer talks about her love for acting, her immediate and future plans, and other cool & fun stuff from the world of Christina Marie.
Isaac: Hi Christina, it is a pleasure to meet you in this format. I know you are very busy so I will get right at the interview. 2010 has been an amazing year so far for me; what are you most thankful for 2010 so far?
Christina: So far, I am grateful for the ability to stay in the film business! The Recession has really hurt many filmmakers and media professionals, so I am grateful for each new gig that I get.
Isaac: What is the main reason why you are pursing a career in acting? What draws you to want to become an actor/actress?
Christina: I think acting is just something genetic. Ever since I can remember being alive, I have always wanted to perform on stage or on camera. I am pursuing a career in acting because I think I should share the gift of storytelling with others. It doesn’t come from narcissism or pride. I think you will find from my demo reel that I am not a diva. I am among the few actresses who are willing to play “ugly” roles. What really draws me to being an actor is a chance to be a part of a collective effort and an organic art form. It’s amazing how many people it takes to make a film and each person is just as important as the next.
Isaac: Elaborate a little about your background and training for being an actor/actress.
Christina: I have a BA in Theater Arts with a minor in Music. I have trained with several acting coaches and continue to take classes all the time. I am a classically trained Method actress, but I also draw from the Mosaic Acting system for lighter roles. I was also a competitive dancer and gymnast for over 10 years. I think movement and dance backgrounds are very important to acting.
Isaac: You have been working in Hollywood since the mid-eighties. What do you contribute to your successful long career with acting?
Christina: I think if you want success in Hollywood, you have to be persistent and have realistic goals. Also network like the be-Jesus! Acting classes are your gateway to intros to great people.
Isaac: What is the one aspect that you enjoy about working in films?
Christina: I love transforming into someone else. To try on somebody else’s skin-even if they are fictitious- is so freeing. I have the best job in the world! It also teaches me perspective and understanding of others. How many opportunities do we really have to explore the minds of others in an effort of becoming them?
Isaac: Let’s talk about your production company, Cow Town Film Productions, LLC. What inspired you to start this production company and what type of projects are you producing from this company?
Christina: Cow Town Film Productions, LLC was started to help balance the material available for female actors. I was playing a LOT of crack addicted, abused, undesirable types of women. I wanted to get away from the exploitation and move into the human perspective. I noticed that I, as a demographic, was not alone. Black Males are horribly portrayed in media and traditionally have been cast as drug dealers, rappers, and dead-beat-dads. So, while I still have movies in genres that include horror, drama, and thriller, you will not see the black guy die first or the woman take her top off just because she needed to “change her clothes”. We take advantage of the SAG Diversity In Casting incentives and strive to cast the right person for the role-NOT the right stereotype. For instance: in UNBROKEN we are casting the male lead, a ballet dancer, as a straight, black man. In PHYSICAL THERAPY, we are looking for an “obviously Irish” Black man to play the role of an honest cop. We shoot in 4k high definition or better with the RED Camera Product line. Our projects all have a message and a mission for charity. UNBROKEN will benefit AXIS Dance Company located in Oakland, CA and has already benefited Grace Ranch located in El Dorado Hills, CA. To really understand what we are all about, please check out the website at http://www.cowtownfilmproductions.com
The Christina Marie
Isaac: You recently ran for a board position with the Capitol Film Arts Alliance. What was the outcome of this election and what was the motivation behind you wanting to run for this board position?
Christina: I have served the CFAA as a temporary board member for the last year or so, and I participate regularly in developing the film community in Northern CA. The election hasn’t happened yet, but I expect I will serve CFAA for many more years to come. I have a strong sense of giving back to the community that fosters my talent. CFAA is a phenomenal group with great resources.
Isaac: You also enjoy Photography. What is the inspiration behind your work? Have you ever considered going professional with your photography?
Christina: I love photography. Love it to death! I have worked professionally as a photographer, but it really is just a hobby for me. I call myself a talented hack with great equipment. I love capturing the essence of a moment. There is nothing like an unexpected portrait. I am so busy with my company and other stuff that it falls onto the back burner more often than not. Because it is not my primary passion, it can feel like work when I am getting paid to do it. It adds stress to the shooting and as you may know-that kills the creativity. I’d rather leave the snappies to the pros I work with.
Isaac: What has been some of the negative aspects about the entertainment industry you have experienced that you would like to warn others about?
Christina: There are a lot of nay-sayers out there and the competition is tough. People will fill your head with total crap, just to keep you down. I got the best advice from Charlie Holiday, an acting coach of mine, “Don’t listen to the drunk in the room.” Follow your heart, follow your gut, but don’t follow the crowd.
Isaac: When you are in character, where do you get your emotions from to add life to the role you are playing?
Christina: It depends on how deep I have to go down the “Rabbit hole” so to speak. I can go to a very dark place to play some of the characters I play. I worked in the Emergency Room for ten years straight out of High School. At eighteen years old, I saw stuff that most adults ever have to see. I’ve learned a TON from observing others in that environment. For my lighter roles, I just try not to “act” as much. I rely on my inner goofiness to shine through.
Isaac: If you could just act for the rest of your life but never become a household name, would you be happy (why or why not)?
Christina: I would be the happiest person alive because my passion is acting. Not fame. Not fortune. Acting. I think most actors just want to be gainfully employed and not get told to, “get a day job”. If acting paid the mortgage and I didn’t get harangued by the paparazzi, that would be heaven!
Isaac: Do you feel you have the support from your family and friends?
Christina: That is a tough question. I noticed the more popular I get, the more people aren’t truly my friends. I have also noticed that the more financially successful I get, the more my family likes that I am in media. It’s sort of sad, really. I think a lot of actors have to deal with this in any arena. There is a balance between, “When are you going to get over this acting phase?” and , “You have to meet by CLOSE friend, THE Christina Marie!.....what do you mean you don’t know my last name??” I don’t blame people so much. It’s the human condition. We are drawn to popular, successful people. I just wish everyone was a little more genuine. I am really glad to have the undying support of family members who have been encouraging me since kindergarten and the true friendship of a few loyal BFF’s that have seen me through the good times and bad.
Isaac: You have a fantastic website. How has having an official website helped you professionally?
Christina: First of thank you! That is too kind! I guess the website has done a lot for me networking-wise, but Facebooking and other social media has really done more. Social Media really helps drive the traffic to the website so others can see what I have to offer. The official site alone doesn’t do much. It really is a full-time job to monitor the site and drive the traffic that way. I am very grateful for the compliment!
Isaac: What is next for Christina Marie? What are some up and coming projects that you are working on currently?
Christina: Well, recently, the President of Jameson Media Group, Inc, out of LA, hired me to develop business in Northern CA and NV. They saw our award-winning music video for a local musician that we did as a charity project and thought I had what it takes to develop more business in our neck of the woods. (http://www.cowtownproductions.org/15.html) We also have 5 features in development. It’s been trying in this economy, but everyday we get closer. I have also been approached to direct more music videos and develop some green screen FX projects. So things are going pretty well up here. :-) I would really love it if your readers stopped by and added me on Facebook and Twitter-there’s a button on my site. Thank you very much for the interview! I wish you the best of luck!
