I’ve been acting since the age of 4 and well, of course at that age I don’t remember jobs I’ve booked but my mom, who is also my manager, told me that I used to book commercials such as Playhouse Disney, Sesame Street and much much more. And from then on, is when I branched out to start doing print jobs, modeling, theatre, short films, feature films, TV shows, web series and any other thing that you can think of! On top of acting, I also LOVE working behind the camera. Specifically, I love to do cinematography, editing, producing, directing, writing and even being an acting coach!
indieactivity: Did you study what you do?
Tina: It wasn’t until a year ago that I started to look at filmmaking in a different way. Instead of just watching a movie or TV show I would start to look at the different camera angles and I would see why they did that camera angle to draw in the audience. It started to amaze me more and more. I still look at the movies that way while still enjoying what I’m watching of course!
indieactivity: What is your filmmaking process?
Tina: For filmmaking, when it comes to projects that I write, I make sure to make a detailed shortlist so that I can know which shots I want to do next so I’m not wasting time but sometimes when I’m on set, I’ll get a crazy idea for a weird camera angle and I’ll try it and see if it can work or not! But, I’m usually pretty open to my cast and crew since sometimes they can have an idea that I didn’t think about at the time. When it comes to projects that the person just wants me to film, I still do everything that I told you but I’m not, of course, as demanding, where I know my place. Will I give a suggestion if I feel like it can help the story? Yes. If they say no, will I still do my idea? No, because I’m not the director, just the filmmaker.
indieactivity: Tell us about the work you have produced?
Tina: I’ve produced a few of my own short films. The short film that I learned the most on was ‘The News.’ I learned from that because it showed me that every actor/actress is different. The actor, Christopher Sanchez, who did a great job on the film, he was different than the other actors I worked with. He was different because he was someone that had to talk out the scene in his own way in order to dive into the character role. I’ve never seen someone do that and I didn’t understand at first, until I eventually did and I worked with it.
Even though the day took a little longer than usual, it still was an amazing learning experience for me as a filmmaker, and it showed me that sometimes it’s best not to rush actors/actresses. A valuable lesson to learn in my opinion. But overall, every work that I’ve produced has been a good one; have I hit a new bump along the road? Of course, but regardless everything was a good learning experience.
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Tina: To be honest, I don’t. Now, everyone is different and I don’t discourage or look down upon people who do. But, for me, the best way that I can learn is when I’m actually having my own experiences from being on set and learning from my mistakes and overall growing.
indieactivity: How do you combine acting, and filmmaking?
Tina: It’s hard, I can tell you that. If anything the wiring part is the easiest since that’s the first part in it’s own step. But, acting and producing can be tricky. I recently finished my first feature film entitled ‘Saving You, Saving Me’ where I decided to act and produce. Man, when I say it was stressful, that would seriously be an understatement! Constantly having to act but to also make sure all the other actors were doing a good job was pretty much a full time job. If I could do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing. Yes, it was stressful, but it was still a learning experience from me and I’m glad I got to have it for sure!
indieactivity: How did you get into the film business?
Tina: I got into the film business on my bed. Let me explain. This was right after, I wrote my very first short film entitled ‘Am I Crazy?’ which got on to win some awards which I’m very proud of. As soon as I wrote it, did I think to myself, that I should just film this. It was a monologue, but I had the idea and the shots in my head. So, I got my high school graduation camera that my uncle bought em and I just started recording different angles, with the help of my sister how recorded me saying my monologue and before I knew it, I had everything done and then I just had to edit which was a puzzle of its’ own but it was still fun and I definitely don’t regret a thing! It’s a short, funny story but hey, it’s the truth!
indieactivity: How do you turn an idea into a screenplay?
Tina: My mind is very active. I think about random things at random times. It’s just a matter of if what I’m thinking is really resonating with me, and if I can’t get it out of my head, do I write it down on my phone, and then will I transfer it to my laptop and just keep detailing the scene out. Then, it’s just a matter of thinking hard if I’m done writing or if this story is just beginning. At times it can be one extremely hard process but in the end it’s always worth it.
indieactivity: Explain your writing process?
Tina: I absolutely have to be in a quiet environment, that way I have no possible distractions and can focus. That includes my phone being on silent. Then, from there, I start writing my idea out and before I know it, it just keeps broadening and broadening, until the whole screenplay is complete. It’s always a challenge, but its fun and something I love to do.
indieactivity: What writing tip can you give writers?
Tina: Make sure you’re in a quiet environment, even though for some being someplace public and loud does the trick, which of course is fine. Then, think of an idea, it could be something that’s already produces or your own idea entirely. Then, write out the scene that you’re thinking of, no matter how long it is, write it until you feel satisfied that there’s no way you can write more of the scene. Then, think to yourself if you want to write more or if it could be a potential one scene script.
Once you’re done, think of a title and synopsis. Then, once you’re done with that, send it to someone who you trust to read it for you, if you’re protective over your work, then get an NDA together to makes sure it stays between you two. Depending on what that person says, you can either do rewrites where you see necessary or if you feel confident, then keep it as it is!
indieactivity: Tell us about the directing work you’ve done?
Tina: I’ve directed all of my work that I write and I’m proud that I’m able to do that every single time. Being a director comes with a lot of responsibility because you have to make sure the camera angle looks good and make sure that your actors are acting well. It’s a challenge but a fun one. Like on, ‘Saving You, Saving Me’ I had to direct a bunch of people, but it was fun, hard work but still fun! I do love directing for sure.
indieactivity: What do you want to change about the film business?
Tina: I want to change the stereotypes. Gosh, do I hate them all. There have been so many times when I can do a great job at an audition but then I find out that I didn’t get it because I’m too short or don’t have flawless skin or because I don’t have that supermodel figure. It’s sad when you hear this and I know I’m not the only one. But, the worst for me is if I don’t get a role because of the color of my skin. African Americans tend to have it hard, because if it’s an open audition for example, they don’t know what you look like, but when they do, even if you’re perfect for the role, depending on the color of your skin, that could be the reason why you didn’t get the part. It’s so sad and I really do wish I could change this and more.
indieactivity: What do you want to be remembered for?
Tina: I want to be remembered for my hard work and perseverance. My hard work, because in everything hat I do, you better believe that I’m going to give 110%. My perseverance because no matter what obstacles have been thrown my way, I’ve never given up.
Saving You Saving Me Poster
indieactivity: What do you want from an actor in production?
Tina: I want an actor who takes their job seriously; someone who, even if their new, is open to suggestion and working with me as a director; someone who doesn’t play around on set, but will still walk in with a smile on their face and you know that it’s going to be a joy to have them on set.
indieactivity: How do you prefer to work with a producer during production?
Tina: I would say the exact same things that I would want from an actor. Someone who’ serious but is still a joy to have, and someone who is open t suggestions but of course can give suggestions as well. Someone who’s a joy to have on set.
indieactivity: What do you think a director can do to get into the film industry?
Tina: NETWORK! I emphasize it for a reason. If you don’t network then it’s going to be a 1% chance that you will start getting more and more work. I’m always on Facebook looking for new connections and potential jobs as a director, believe me there are many people who want a director, even if they’re new! So, network for sure.
indieactivity: Who is your favorite director?
Tina: I honestly don’t have one. But, in general my favorite is someone who is serious about their work but of course is not someone that’ll put you down as an actress. Just someone who is workable.
indieactivity: Why?
Tina: This kind of director is my favorite because it’ll more than likely be a memorable experience and will make me want to work with this kind of director again!
indieactivity: What advice would you give to directors around the world?
Tina: Keep on striving and never give up! People are going to put you down numerous amounts of times, there’s gonna be haters who are going to try to stop you because they know you’re good and chosen to do this; but it’s up to you to ignore all of that and just keep on doing what you love; because at the end of the day I do believe nothing is more important than doing what you love.
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Tina: I have been acting since I was 4 years old. From starring in Playhouse Disney Channel commercials to attending the prestigious American Musical and Dramatic Academy (AMDA); I am an experienced and professional actress with abundant credentials. I have appeared in numerous award winning productions. From playing the lead role in Mommy Loves Me directed by Joy Yang, Rivers Wash Over Me directed by John Young, and LoveTha’ Brotherhood: A George Tillman Jr. Story directed by Shaheed Shaheed Hooper.
To appearing in Law and Order, Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow and a couple of national commercials. My body of work has appeared in many productions around the globe as well. I now have a few upcoming projects in which I will play the lead role in films such as Secret Guilt directed by Lynda Hinder, A Sub in the City directed by Deniro Crystal Simmons, Kid Sister directed by Laine Zipoy and Phil Newsom and Friends of Rome directed by an Award winning director, Gaba Ado. I am a very hard worker, dedicated to my craft, and am looking forward to pursuing challenging roles. God Bless.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
