From web series to voice-acting young and goal focused US based Kailyn Andrews has a virtual sit down and chat with us here at STG with about her career, dreams and work so far.

Kailyn started acting when she did plays in elementary school from 2012-2015. In December 2018, she made her modelling debut with her first runway show and photoshoot in Brentwood, TN when she was only 13 years old.

In April 2020, Kailyn started auditioning for film, TV, commercial, and voiceover roles and she eventually booked her first voiceover role in a web series. In July 2022, she made her acting debut as Hanna Stockton in The Intentionality Of Inclusion directed by Brandon Young and produced by Augustin Chiper (known for The Box in the Basement) and Jacob Salas.

Photographer: Music City Headshots

Shane: Hi Kailyn, thanks for chatting to us here at STG! Can you give us a run down of your acting and voice-over career so far?

Kailyn: I’ve been acting since 2013, and I started modeling and voice acting in December 2018 when I was 13 years old. In April 2020, I booked my first voiceover role for a cartoon web series. In December 2020, I booked a guest star role in the upcoming web series, Hero Battles. In March 2022, I filmed my first lead role in a short film (which became my most known role in a project). The project is called The Intentionality Of Inclusion directed by Brandon Young and Produced by Augustin Chiper (known for The Box in the Basement) and Jacob Salas.

The movie was released on CubeStream on July 27, 2022 and it was screened at the Festival of Rejects IV film festival on August 6, 2022 in Chattanooga, TN (US). And I’ve been booking and auditioning for roles since then.

Photographer: Kevin Andrews

Shane: Why acting and voice-over? What got you into it?

Kailyn: When I did plays in Elementary school, I fell in love with acting so I continued doing theatre until December 2018 when I started Acting for Film and tv, Modelling, and Voice Acting.

Photographer: Kevin Andrews

Shane: What has been your favourite role so far?

Kailyn: My favorite role was Hanna Stockton in The Intentionality Of Inclusion because when I portrayed Hanna, it felt like I got to be myself.

Shane: What would be your dream role?

Kailyn: To be in a major film series or to voice in a Disney/Pixar animated movie.

Shane: You’re still a young actress – what have you got planned for the near future?

Kailyn: I plan on going to College for Theatre and Business.

Shane: Finally what advice would you give to young actors out there who want to break into the industry?

Kailyn: Don’t listen to the negativity. You can do anything that you want to do in life, as long as you believe in yourself and work hard for it.

Thanks Kailyn for chatting with us. We guarantee that Kailyn Andrews is an actress and talent to watch. You can follow her on her official Insta here.

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16-year-old Filipina singer, dancer, and actress Frankie McNellis is the breakout star of Netflix’s musical feature film 13: THE MUSICAL, just released globally in over 190 countries to 220 MILLION subscribers.

Starring opposite Emmy Award-winning actresses Debra Messing and Rhea Perlman, as well as Josh Peck of “Drake & Josh” fame, the film is the screen adaptation of the groundbreaking Broadway musical 13 which was Ariana Grande and Elizabeth Gillies (“Victorious”) big debut.

13: THE MUSICAL centers on ‘Evan Goldman’ (Eli Golden), who, after his parent’s divorce, moves from NYC to small-town Indiana and must master the complex social circles of his new school and win friends by turning his Bar Mitzvah into the coolest party of the year.

McNellis plays ‘Lucy’, a popular and mischievous cheerleader who has a crush on the boy that her best friend ‘Kendra’ also likes. She plots an elaborate scheme to prevent them from kissing, roping in an unwitting ‘Evan’. The role, which originally starred Elizabeth Gillies on Broadway, also features one of the most elaborate and impressive musical numbers (“Opportunity”) of the whole film, with Frankie leading the song and dance routine.

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Super talented, the young Kiley Opsal may only be 11 going on 12 years old but already she has managed to get roles in blockbuster films such as Bad Boys for Life with Will Smith, TV mini-series Social Path and more.

Now Kiley has an up front starring role in the second season of sci-fi series ‘The End’ directed by Dave Siriano, currently in production and releasing exclusively on Amazon Prime.

We chat with Kiley on her stellar career so far and how she juggles production, school and family.

Kiley Opsal (photo credit: Nicole Mitchem)

Shane: Hi Kiley, thank you for chatting to us today at STG. You’ve been in film, TV and theatre starting at the age of 6. Can you tell us how you started out?

Kiley: My mother thought I had “an exotic look” so we signed with my first agent at age six.   From there, I went on to do several national print jobs, as well as commercials.  I didn’t realize I loved acting so much until I started doing musical theatre.  My first role was a lead role, playing Dr Doolittle in Dr. Doolittle Jr.   At that point, I knew I was capable of memorizing many lines and fell in love with the stage.  From there, numerous acting lessons led to landing acting roles.

Kiley Opsal (photo credit: Kelley Opsal)

Shane: Now almost 12 years old you’ve already had some really impressive roles, including Bad Boys for Life. How would you describe the experience of being in a major blockbuster production?

Kiley: Landing a small, but big role to me, “Bad Boys for Life” was life changing and awe-inspiring.  Who wouldn’t want to spend the day with Will Smith, He’s such an awesome actor and so down to earth!  He kept me laughing all day and made sure we had lot’s of lollipops on set!

Kiley Opsal (photo credit: Nicole Mitchem)

Shane: Now that you’re career is taking you in to an Amazon Prime exclusive TV Series with a major role on ‘The End’, can you give us a run-down of your character that you are playing?

Kiley: Yes, I have had the pleasure of working with such talented Directors including Dominic Gianetti whom we are in post-production of the teen thriller called “Social Path”, hitting Amazon Prime later this year.  I am also very blessed to be currently working a talented Director, Dave Siriano, owner of three60TV, filming “The End”.   I am starring in “The End”, which is an intense post rapture end of time series, which follows a young girl, Gabriella, through six action packed thrilling episodes that will keep you on the edge of your seat!  You don’t want to miss this one hitting Amazon Prime July 31st.  Season two is in pre- production. I’m super stoked about this!

Kiley Opsal (photo credit: Three60TV)

Shane: You are so young and already gaining large success in major productions, how do you juggle school, friends and your acting career?

Kiley: I am such a down to earth kid.  My mom lets me enjoy my youth!  I never feel like I’m missing out.  I have got a close core group of friends, I’ve had most of my life and we never talk about the business, I am just like them.   We swim, bake, play soccer and dance a lot!  Since quarantine, and being an only child, I have gotten very creative and have started to write my own scripts. I always love when the Director asks my opinion on set and if I’d like try the scene a different way. My passion will always be acting but I think one day Directing and acting in a film would be so awesome too.

Kiley Opsal (photo credit: Nicole Mitchem)

Shane: Do you have any advice for young actors out there who dream of being in film and television?

Kiley: Don’t let the haters steal your happiness. Build one another up not break each other down.  Keep your self-esteem up and look ahead to all the great possibilities in your future.  If you are passionate about something, never give up!!  Full steam ahead!  Anything is possible!

Shane: Wow fantastic chatting with you Kiley – you’re young but have already achieved so much in your acting career to date, we look forward to seeing you in future major productions real soon!

You can catch Kiley Opsal in the second season of ‘The End’ on Amazon Prime when it begins on the 31st of July 2020 and follow Kiley on Instagram or check out her official website and Kiley’s IMDB profile.

To view the trailer for ‘The End’ go here.

*(Feature photo credit: Lane Smith photography)

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From Vampire Diaries to Creepshow and more, we were honored to be able to have a distance chat with the amazingly multi-talented Sydney Wease.

The young Sydney has already made her mark in both film and TV starring in mega hit TV Series’ aswell as taking the initiative of adapting to all sectors of the big and small screen industry.

Photo credit: penguinuhh.photo

Shane: Hey Sydney, thank you so much for chatting to us at STG. From being raised in Arizona, living in Japan at one time to going on to the small screen (TV) and big screen (Film), how did it all happen?

Sydney: I am a military brat so I am very fortunate to have lived in so many beautiful places. As for my acting career, it goes way back. I think I was 10 when I told my parents that I wanted to be an actor. My parents kind of brushed it off because they didn’t think I was very serious about it, so I got into theatre. I performed a lot of shows for this kid’s theatre company and then went on to taking drama classes at my middle school. After one particular performance, my mom realized how much I wanted to be an actor, and we both did research into it. I got my first agent at 13. I was living in Utah at the time, and I did so many indie short films I couldn’t even name all of them. In my freshman year of highschool, my dad retired from the military and was given the option to move anywhere and the military would move us for free. My mom and I wanted to go to Los Angeles and my dad said “Hell No”. So we did research and realized Atlanta had a great film industry; so that’s where we moved. There couldn’t have been a better place for me to build my acting career. A little less than a year after arriving in Atlanta, I signed with an agent and booked my first co-star on The Vampire Diaries. That show was the start of my career and now I can call myself a working actor. I am so beyond grateful for everything in my life, and all of the people who have guided me through this journey.

Photo credit: KW photography

Shane: You have starred in a few major TV series; Vampire Diaries and AMC’s Creepshow. Throughout your career which has been your most favourite experience so far?

Sydney: Ahhh! This is a great question but it’s so hard to answer. I think all of the things that I have done have been so amazing in their own unique way. Overall, I think Creepshow has been my favorite project that I have worked on so far. It is a horror anthology series on Shudder, but it is airing on AMC starting May 4th. I have always wanted to work on something in the horror genre because scary movies are my absolute favorite and this was the perfect project for that. I remember when I booked it and went to the table read for it, Tom Savini showed all of us the studio. We got to walk around our set and see the making of Champy, but we also got to look at the other sets that had been used or were still being built. It was so amazing to see how many different sets could be made in one studio. For this episode, I also got a taste of what a series regular is like and that was the absolute best feeling in the world. Not to mention, everyone on that set was so humble and so wickedly talented. Getting to work with Tom Savini and Greg Nicotero was a dream come true. They are both such sweet souls and I loved talking to them about how they got to where they were. It was just so inspiring being around them. The story of my episode was based off of Joe Hill’s story “By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain” and the teleplay was written by Jason Ciaramella. Joe Hill and Jason Ciaramella are both so amazing at what they do and I find them very inspirational as well. I just knew after this episode wrapped, that I wanted to be a series regular for the rest of my life. I always tell my parents and friends that I want to work like I did on Creepshow for another few months!

Sydney Wease – Creepshow Episode 6: By the Silver Water of Lake Champlain

Shane: You have also written, directed and filmed your own work aswell. How did you find the transition going from acting to doing almost the entire production?

Sydney: I’ve always wanted to do more with my career than just be an actor. Before I left for Atlanta I wanted to bring all of the people that I cared about into a film that we would all remember forever. So I actually cast all of the actors that were attending the same acting class as me in SLC, and we made a film together. It was very interesting since I wrote it, directed it, and produced at age 14, but it was a wonderful experience that I will never forget to this day. Being able to direct, produce, and write things have always been an interest of mine and I know that I want to do more of it in the future as well.

Shane: Currently with the pandemic and lockdowns everywhere, how are you fulfilling your time while keeping up with upcoming acting / production roles?

Sydney: This pandemic is something that I never would have thought would happen in my lifetime. It is such a strange time to be alive. However, I am grateful to be happy and healthy. I am surrounded by such lovely people who I love very much and that’s all I could ask for. As for the film industry, it is also unfortunately shut down. I have been keeping my creative energy through doing a lot of open calls. So many casting directors are giving actors a chance to get in front of them and I think that is so nice and helpful. I also have been attending Zoom classes and meetings with casting directors who are doing Q&A’s and that is also inspiring in it’s own way. It is wonderful seeing all of the industry folks being mindful of this quarantine, yet giving all of us creative individuals a chance to show our talent. I know after this quarantine, there is going to be a lot of amazing stories being told and I am so ready for it.

Photo credit: Anthony Paderewski

Shane: And finally, what advice would you give to others wanting to forge their own path in Film and TV?

Sydney: The advice that I would give to other creatives out there is to just go for it. You have this one life and you are the only person who can achieve your goals. You need to get out there into the world and you need to do what you feel is right for yourself. It is such a beautiful thing when someone can say that what they are doing is what they want to do for the rest of their lives. That their work, is something that they adore so much. You have to go for it, but don’t beat yourself up over it. Stay true to yourself and be happy please.

A huge thank you to the outstandingly talented Sydney Wease for taking the time to chat to us. You can check out all of Sydney’s past work at her official IMDB profile and follow her on Instagram.

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In our local actor spotlight for this month with Karen Kay Management, Shane from STG was able to have a chat with New Zealand’s international actress, author, writer and producer Kimberley Crossman.

Kimberley hails from Auckland, New Zealand and most known for her long role on NZ’s longest running drama TV series; Shortland Street as nurse, Sophie McKay.

Kimberley has been in film and theater aswell as recently being cast for the pilot of U.S. series ‘The Middle’.

Shane: Hi Kimberley, thanks for chatting to us here at STG. From the TV screen to the Big screen and more, you have become a familiar face in entertainment both here in New Zealand, Australia and the U.S. Can you tell us how that all came about?

Kimberley: Firstly, Thank YOU for the chat! I have been working full time as an Actor since I was 16, kicking things off in New Zealand on Shortland Street, then spreading my wings to try my luck in Hollywood. I chose an interesting career path, one in which, no matter how hard you work, that doesn’t guarantee employment but I really believe in myself and I love what I do so I enjoy putting in the hard work.

Shane: From an early age, growing up in Auckland, New Zealand, what set you on your path to acting?

Kimberley: I have always been a bit of a show off and love entertaining others and making people laugh. My Mother is a Ballet teacher so I grew up around very talented dancers and actors. I was training for acting in the weekends at a school called AYA and when I booked my role on Shortland Street, I realised that I didn’t want the fun to ever end so I committed to making this dream a reality and my career path.

Shane: Which actors or entertainers inspired you?

Kimberley: I have always admired Reece Witherspoon’s career and how she has made some great movies, comedy and drama and has her own production company and is an advocate for women and passionate about great stories.

Shane: How was the role of Sophie McKay from Shortland Street pivotal to your career to date and, how are you finding the transition from NZ drama series to your various roles in the US?

Kimberley: Working on Shortland Street was an absolute joy – the fast pace and the environment forces you to step up and work hard which I have loved and the lessons I learnt there I use every day on any set that I step on to. Working in the US they often comment on how great the NZ and Auzzie actors are that have worked on Soap Opera’s – we hit our marks and take direction well. I have extremely appreciative of my time on Shorty and the great training it gave me!

Shane: What advice would you give to young aspiring actors in New Zealand and Australia?

Kimberley: To work hard, yes some people make it because of luck and timing but at the end of they day you have to be able to do the work and be versatile and to not buckle under pressure so my advice would be to constantly stretch and push yourself so when you are put on the spot or that big moment comes where you are in an audition room with 15 people and Network Executives, you don’t choke.. you Shine! x

Shane: Thank you, so much again for having a chat with us here at STG.

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Thanks to our good mates at Sky TV NZ and New Zealand actress Frankie Adams (best known for her role on NZ’s drama series Shortland Street) STG is able to publish this interview with Frankie on her role on SciFi series; The Expanse.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your character, Bobbie.

Frankie: She is a Martian marine dedicated to protecting and serving Mars. She is resilient, strong, persistent, extremely capable and incredibly handsome. 

Q: What do you like most about your character?

Frankie: She never hesitates to stand up for what she believes in.  

Q: How has your character developed/changed since season one now that we’re up to season three?

Frankie: She a lot more layered now. She can be vulnerable, funny, curious, unsure. I like that we get to see her as more of a human with flaws. 

THE EXPANSE — “Fight or Flight” Episode 301 — Pictured: Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper — (Photo by: Rafy/Syfy)

Q: If you could be any other character in The Expanse, who would you be?

Frankie: I’ve thought about this and I honestly don’t think I could play anyone else. We have such a talented cast and everyone does their part perfectly. I’ll always have a soft spot for my girl Avasarala though.  

Q: What can the audience look forward to experiencing in season three?

Frankie: Character interaction, the universe expanding, introducing new elements and of course some awesome battle scenes.  

Q: What has been your favourite moment filming the series so far?

Frankie: I’m so fortunate to play the typical, badass hero and all the scenes I’ve done have been challenging but so enjoyable but my absolute favourite thing would be shooting with the cast and crew who have become family. I’m always excited to go to work and there’s never a dull day on set. 

THE EXPANSE — “Iff” Episode 302 — Pictured: Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper — (Photo by: Rafy/Syfy)

Q: Do you have fans in the US? Do people ever recognise you out and about?

Frankie: Every now and then. The fans of The Expanse are so wonderful and polite and really appreciative of the work. 

Q: How has life in LA been? Do you miss New Zealand when you’re filming?

Frankie: Of course. My friends and family live in NZ and it’ll always be home for me. However, LA does have better weather.  

Q: If you could fast-forward 200 years and live the rest of your life in the distant future, would you? [Why/why not?]

Frankie: Mmm no. I’m pretty content with being here right now and not looking too far into the future.  

THE EXPANSE — “Triple Point” Episode 305 — Pictured: (l-r) Steven Strait as Earther James Holden, Cas Anvar as Alex Kamal, Frankie Adams as Bobbie Draper — (Photo by: Rafy/Syfy)

Q: Have you read any of The Expanse novels?

Frankie: Yes! I like to do bit of research before I start a job. I read the first two books as Bobbie is introduced in the second book. It was fascinating to see how the authors had written her. I bring a different element to the character for sure but most of my inspiration comes from the woman they created in the books.  

Q: Are you a SciFi fan? [If so] what are some of your favourite shows/movies?

Frankie: The Expanse has been a wonderful way for me really get into science fiction as I didn’t have much experience with it prior to being on the show. Now I’m a big Star Wars fan and have seen every single film. I love Guardians of the Galaxy. If I’m being totally honest I am also a fan of The Expanse! It really is a well-written and produced show.

The Expanse (S3)

SKY BOX SETS

Thursday 2 August 2018, from 7.30pm

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