The Reel Women

Category: Uncategorized

  • @Banzii_Mavuso_: What’s a defining moment in your life?

    Dropping out of studying I.T affirmed to me that I do not need to pursue dreams that are not mine and as much as this was a difficult choice and I got disowned for years. This made me see my dreams for what they are and the pushback I received from family made me stand firm in myself and believe that film/storytelling is my purpose. I believe that pain is fear leaving one’s body and through years of enduring and overcoming – I have managed to make nothing out of something in my career and I am extremely proud of myself for that.

  • @Banzii_Mavuso_: Why did you decide to get into this industry?

    I am from a big family and growing up, we used to watch TV shows together every evening and critique them and I saw that film shaped my life in so many ways as a child: I learned languages, how to be social and I learned about some skills I could use in the world and after dropping out from my I.T diploma in 2010 I decided to pursue a Film Diploma instead to share the stories I had in my heart.

  • @kathleensimmo: What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

    I am currently writing a TV show with my very close friend and collaborator Nicola Quinn. I am also Line Producing projects for HBOMax, Sundance, History and Discovery. 

    http://www.kathleensimmonds.com OR https://www.facebook.com/kathleensimmondsactor/

    IG: @kathleensimmo

    Twitter: @kathleensimmo

    Photo: Jessica Osber

  • @kathleensimmo: What, if anything, do you collect?

    Four leaf clovers (I press them) and Theatre Programs / Playbills. Oh and I keep all of my birthday cards!!

    Photo: Marco Vacchi

  • @kathleensimmo: What advice do you have for other women in the industry?

    @kathleensimmo: What advice do you have for other women in the industry? Learn to listen to AND THEN FOLLOW your gut. It is rarely wrong. Women’s intuition is real. I admit that in this business one of the most difficult things to do is say “No”. We are often scared that we won’t get another opportunity, or ruin our reputation, or be seen as demanding. But on reflection, there hasn’t been a time where I have said “No” and regretted it. There have, however, been PLENTY of times I have said “Yes” and regretted not following my initial instinct to say “No”.

    Photo: Birdy Peacock

  • @kathleensimmo: What is a successful moment in your career so far?

    It was pretty special to have a documentary I Line Produced nominated for two Emmy’s! Reversing Roe is still on Netflix if you haven’t seen it yet. I have also been Lucky enough to attend the Oscars twice! In 2018, it was with a short I helped produce on the #MeToo and #OscarsSoWhite movements.

    Photo: At the 90th Oscars in 2018

  • @kathleensimmo: What is your biggest concern with the future?

    I have a hard time with the fact that people are just binge-watching content now. I know it creates more opportunities for filmmakers and actors (yay to more work!), but it also means that the content isn’t necessarily savored or appreciated. I remember growing up and anxiously waiting for Wednesday at 7.30pm to come around so we could watch our favorite TV show with the family. Now, everyone just watches on their own and all at once. I miss the anticipation and the fact that everyone was watching (and taking about) the same shows.. 

    Photo: One of my first jobs where I had my own trailer!

  • @kathleensimmo: What’s a defining moment in your life?

    One of the most life-affirming moments I have had is the day that I was made a Lifetime Member of The Actors Studio headed by Ellen Burstyn, Al Pacino and Alec Baldwin. Just two weeks before, Mr Pacino and Ms Burstyn praised my scene work from Richard III and I was pretty speechless. It was definitely an out-of-body moment, but also a confirmation that I had made the right decision in starting a new life and that my dreams could come true. I try to tap into that feeling on my down days. 

    Photo: Outside my church – The Actors Studio in NYC

  • @kathleensimmo: Why did you decide to get into this industry?

    I was an Attorney for a top firm in Australia. One day I woke up and couldn’t get out of bed. It was the moment I realized I needed to change my life. So in the space of 3 months, I quit my job, packed my bags and got on a plane to NYC to be an actress. That was 8 years ago and I haven’t looked back.

    Photo: Rachel Giddens

  • @angelicamariemedia: What are you working on next? In addition, if people want to find out more about you, where can they find you on social media?

    If you want to find out more about me you can find me at Angelicamarie24g or at @angelicamariemedia on Instagram. I’m pretty much on every single social media platform. But yes follow me on these platforms or shoot me a message. I’m always down to connect and talk. What’s next in my career? I’m working on a docu series that’s related to my hometown of Milwaukee,WI. More details to come soon but I’m very excited for it, we’ll be crowdfunding as well. So if you know in your hearts of hearts you’re trying to sponsor or contribute in some way shoot me a message about that as well. 

    Photo: Donradical_