Continue to be the best actor that you can be, take criticism constructively and not personally.
To many, I am the over-achiever. To most I am the innovator, the creative, the perfectionist, but to all, I am Aryana Joy Roberts, a budding Television Producer and Filmmaker from the Bahamas who is currently freelancing and residing in the United States.
Growing up in the Bahamas was certainly a luxury. Yet, being the oldest of three and in taking after my philanthropic parents, I have always been active in the community. During my childhood and teenage years, the Bahamas was a hub for films and television shows and as I was no stranger to the industry, but I had never envisioned myself being apart of it. Although I enrolled in theatre and dance classes throughout elementary and high school, and was always the first one to pitch an idea for a script instead of a paper for school group exercises, I continued to ignore the passion that was set to ablaze within me. It was academics that always secured priority. Consequently, after graduating from high school, and in having a love for science and animals and naturally volunteering at Veterinary Clinics and a Humane Society on the Island, I travelled to France in pursuit of a Rotary Student exchange and to begin following my dreams as a Veterinarian.
While in France, I had the opportunity to complete three domestic animal surgeries – two neuters and a suture. Unfortunately, it was after these surgeries where my conscience hinted that Veterinary Medicine was not my calling. Being the adamant young woman as I was, and still can be, however, I ignored that hint and continued to pursue Veterinary Medicine. After my travels to France, I enrolled at The College of The Bahamas in 2007 and began my courses for Bio-Chemistry. Not long after a few lower than average grades did I consider that I may not have been cut out for this profession, but I still continued the pursuit.
It was not until I began modeling during my schooling at The College of the Bahamas and had the opportunity to host a National Television Show on Cable12 called Island Pulse, had I realized the passion which was always burning inside of me – to be apart of The Film and Television Industry. I then immediately changed my degree and graduated with distinction and outstanding achievement in Mass Communication from the College of The Bahamas.
During the moments of honing my skills and newly found passion, I had the privilege of being immersed into the Film and Television Industry as my father, and mentor works very closely with the Film and Television Industry of the Bahamas. Due to his relations, I was able to work on ABC’s “The Bachelorette” Season 4, Films such as the German Film”Der Seewolf”, National Geographic Segments and more. With gratitude, I can truly state that I owe the discovering of my passion to my father and my family’s support, as well as the Cable 12 Crew and Tessa Simone Lightbourne who pushed me out of my comfort zone to pursue a career that is beyond my wildest dreams.
Fast forwarding, after graduating from The College of The Bahamas in 2012, within a month I enrolled at Full Sail University to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree in Film Production. While studying at Full Sail University, I was able to work on many projects including RnB Singer Mario’s Concert BTS footage at the University of Central Florida; Interning with WWE NXT , WWE RAW, and Producing Winter Park Webisodes with the Mayor of Winter Park, and a Safi Life Foundation PSA. I was also Producer of two award winning short films at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival on location in Grand Bahama Island.
These opportunities opened up many doors for me after graduation from Full Sail in 2014. As a result, I earned an internship with the Elite SPARK Production Team at Full Sail University and was able to further embellish my Producing Skills. After a few months of interning, I moved to New York City at the end of 2014 to March 2015. The learning experience gained was very valuable. There, I was able to work on a commercial as UPM and 1st Assistant Director as well as land another internship with Stephanie Houser, Producer of America’s Next Top Model Cycle 20 and Owner of Launch Strategies – Launch Flix, as Producer’s Assistant while developing a television show and feature film which is still in pre-production.
To this day, I have travelled from Miami to L.A, networked with A listers such as Rick Fox, Denis Haysbert, Sidney Poitier, Cedric Scott, Jamaal Hepburn, Wayne Vaughn and more. I have since managed and worked on a few independent productions and music videos such as the King of Salsa, Oscar D’León’, and the Gaitanes’ music video “Me Cayo Del Cielo”, Derek Milano ft B. Smyth “Walls” Music Video, January May’s “Troublemade” Music Video, real estate videos, commercials, PSA’s and short films.
From the outside looking in, I have been very blessed and I am living a dream, but from my perspective, I have a lot more to do – television shows to produce and production companies to build. Hence, the dream is still being chased.
How would you describe your work as a producer or UPM
A Producer/UPM’s role is extensive. It requires a lot of research, paperwork, problem solving and manipulation. All things I adore about the job hahaha 😜 On a serious note, our responsibility is to make sure that the bigger picture – a successful production – is achieved.
How did you get into producing
While achieving my Bachelor’s Degree in Film Production, I had an “ah-ha” moment. Before attending Full Sail, I was very interested in leading a career as an ‘auteur’ or ‘predator’, that is a Producer, Writer, Director, Editor and everything in between. However, within my first few months at Full Sail, I quickly realized that no man, or woman is an island. There are hundreds of names on the credit roll of a film and television show for a reason. As a result, I realized that I could use my love of problem solving and storytelling as a Producer and so quickly dodged the idea of aspiring to be an auteur.
Did you study producing? Where did you study?
I studied Film Production at Full Sail University in Orlando, Florida which had a few courses and opportunities that allowed me to receive a ‘real world’ learning experience regarding Producing. Previously to my attending Full Sail, I studied Mass Communication at The College of The Bahamas where I began to hone my research and organization skills.
How do you choose a project to produce
Most projects are introduced to me by recommendation, or by applying to certain jobs I am interested in via social media. Sometimes I will apply via Film Production Job platforms like Staff Me Up, Media Match, Mandy etc. To these recommended jobs, most times I say yes as unfortunately, unless I am extremely busy or if the project does not coincide with my brand and my standards, I can not afford and do not have the luxury of turning it down.
If and when I am able to afford to choose what I work on, however, I would choose the project based on: 1. The story / Purpose – Am I passionate about it? Is it marketable? Is it believable and can I make investors and other hired crew members believe in it as well? 2. The rate – is it worth what I am valued? Is it worth my time? 3. Who is working on the production – Who are the actors? Who wrote the script? Which Production Company is investing in this project? Do I want to be associated? And 4. Where is the film/production being filmed? – For How long? Do I have to relocate? Will the project be paying for my relocation? Is it worth the travel?
All of these would help to make my decision on producing a project, but at the moment everything I am receiving is a blessing and an experience that I can not afford to turn down – staying relevant and worth knowing is key.
Describe a few misconceptions about producing
I can not speak for actors, writers or directors as the one’s that I have worked with and know, are well versed on what Producing entails. Those that do not, however, perhaps believe that the Director or Actor heads the crew and production and that the Producer merely affords it. On the contrary, a Production entails many units and there are heads of each unit. While the Director is head of the Director’s/ Creative Unit, the Producer is head of the Production, hired by the Production Company unless the Producer was the Creator of the Production. The Producer reassures the Director, Crew and Investors that the show will go on despite any hurdles it may face, and is therefore apart of the entire project (Pre-Pro, Production and Post)
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I have not yet had the time to re-take courses to embellish my skills or my craft. But I do believe in real world experience and research, as a result I am always working and always learning – taking every loss or mistake as a lesson and rebuilding my craft. Full Sail luckily allows its alumni to audit classes, but I have not been able to partake in that opportunity as yet.
What books do you read
At the moment I am in between a few books: Hardback – “Inferno” by Dan Brown; Kindle – “Who Moved My Cheese” By Spencer Johnson M.D.; Kindle – “Always Know what to Say” By Peter W. Murphy; Kindle – “Lean In : Women, Work, And The Will to Lead” By Sheryl Sandberg. After I complete these books, my father challenged me in reading “Steve Jobs” By Walter Isaacson, so I’ll take him up on that.
How do you keep in shape as a producer
In terms of keeping in shape with your craft, continue to stay relevant. If you’re in a lull and not receiving any work at the moment, intern or work on a project as a volunteer. You should always try to remain working and relevant until you land THE gig that makes you renowned. In terms of keeping in shape physically, I try my best to exercise at the very least, twice a week – whether it be by jogging, swimming or going on a two month date with Shaun T (“Insanity”). I also try to eat clean by removing fast food and soda from my diet and having home cooked meals (although I have a weakness for sweets).
What do yo look out for when you choose an actor, writer, and or director
In choosing an Actor, Writer or Director, I look at their experience and quality of that experience. I also look at their personality and ability to fit the role. For example, if I am producing a dramatic show that details rape scenes and poverty, considering a director, actor or writer that has mainly worked on comedy would not be my first choice.
When you’re offered a project, what do you do
When offered a project from a recommended source, I usually say yes and ask questions later as every opportunity is an experience and an added reference on your resume. If the project is coming from a source that I am not familiar with, the first thing I do is research the Project, the Production Company or Writer to see if I am a good fit before I say yes. If the rates are not included in the proposal, I then ask if the project is paid or for experience. If it is paid, I would send my rates or ask what the rates are. My next move would be to meet with the Director/Writer/Creator/Production Company and get more information on the project – dates, script, talent, budget, crewing and end goal.
What thing or situation helps you on a production
Teamwork, professionalism, positivity and a well fed crew helps during a production.
Explain a creative choice you took on set of a recent production
On my latest paid project, I encouraged the director to use the company’s mugs as product placement during a shot of brewing coffee. Although the cut did not make the final edit, the clients enjoyed having their logo directly within the shot.
How do you advice actors to find projects
My advice for actors in search of projects would be to never give up after rejection. Continue to look for auditions online, at your nearest Production Company and studios. I would also advise actors to network, network, network. Who you know and who knows you is very important – it never gets old and is your lifeline in this industry.
How can filmmakers finance their projects
Film is a very expensive and extensive industry, so, unless you are only interested in producing short films for film festivals, in my opinion, the best way to finance your project and have it mainstreamed is by hiring an agent and selling your script to a Production Company that can fully finance your film. Within the clauses, you should push for remaining within the creative or production unit so that you can stay active on your film. That’s where the money is. However, if you are interested in having a small production, with the hopes of making it mainstreamed by chance and great marketing, Investors and Angel Investors that believe in your project are key. There are also other platforms that work, such as Indiegogo, GoFundMe or Kickstarter. Of the three, Indiegogo is my choice, but you must prepare for receiving your funds a month or two after the deadline has been met. Crowdfunding, and creative strategies work as well.
What do you want from a director during production
I would prefer that a Director be creative and have the ability to hone his craft. A great Director is similar to a therapist, evoking the perfect on screen emotion from the talent. It is therefore imperative for a Director to be gentle and flexible with the talent, but focused on achieving the main feeling or goal of the story.
How do you prefer to work with a director during production
I prefer to allow the director to have full control of the set, and to have the ability to focus on the script and talent. My job is to make sure that everything else is taken care of, that the Director needs not to worry about anything outside of talent and script and that the remainder of the crew is doing their jobs to facilitate that.
Do you get offer from film industries: Hollywood, Bollywood, Nollywood?
I have not as yet, but depending on the offer, I would love to experience the culture of the Bollywood and Nollywood Industry – Bring it On!
How can an actor get into the film industry
Keep striving to be your best despite the countless “no’s” you may receive (you will receive more than one, so be prepared). Once your best showcases honest passion and skill, someone ought to give you a shot. Continue to practice your skill while taking criticism constructively and not personally. An aspiring actor should also network at every opportunity they can. Be sure to build a brand or look that best suits you. Remaining humble and patient is also key; if you’ve taken the right steps to build your network, find your niche and practice your skills, everything will fall into place as it should.
Who is your favorite producer
I do not have a specific Producer that I can call favorite, however I greatly admire James LaRosa, Shonda Rhimes and Lee Daniels.
Why
I admire these Writers/Producers as they have a great way in dramatizing a story while marketing it in a way that makes it relatable and as a result the ratings continue to skyrocket. I believe that they have found a rhythm that works for T.V ; I applaud them for that and would love to work with and learn from them one day.
What advice would you give actors around the world
If you are an international actor where the film industry has not yet evolved or mainstreamed and if you can not travel, I would advise you to take to social media and get yourself out there – get noticed; take online classes and research, research, research. For those that can travel, please do. Spend a year or more abroad at an acting school in a country, state or city that is heavily concentrated in your industry and be completely immersed in the industry.
Aryana Joy Roberts – Demo Reel from Aryana on Vimeo.
Briefly write about your career
From 2008 to the present date, I have worked on productions such as ABC’s the Bachelorette, WWE NXT, WWE RAW, WWE 2K15 Events, National Geographic, Free Run Pictures Commercials, Short Films, Music Videos, Hall of Fame Events, Concerts and real estate videos. Roles include Producer, Production Coordinator, Unit Production Manager, 1st Assistant Director, Director, Camera Operator, Editor, Makeup Artist and Production Assistant. I have certainly worked in many areas of a production, but my goal is to become an established Television Producer. My working in various positions within the industry, however, has allowed me the insight on how a full production works and who is needed to successfully produce it. It is an amazing journey and life lesson that I would suggest all aspiring producers to experience.
