Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Grace Mullen. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Grace, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on (so far) is a short film called The Rumination. It was a labor of love, with a teeny and wonderful crew, and amazing cast. I wrote it back in the early days of quarantine, directed it, and acted in it. But what makes it most meaningful is the wonderful group of artists I made it with. The creative problem solving of indie filmmakers is incredible, and I’m in awe and gratitude of everyone who was a part of it.
To be honest, one of the reasons I wanted to film it is to be a part of something that I’d want to be cast in and to cast my amazingly talented friends! Sometimes, you have to try to make the stuff you want to see. My partner, Derek, and I produced it through our studio, Fourshadows Studios. The idea for it came about during the earlier stages of the pandemic, and it took a couple years for me to even mention it to people that weren’t my partner or family. It was a challenge for me to think about making something and putting it out for people to judge, and the thought of “Who am I to do this?” coming up. But in time, I’ve learned that it’s okay to get caught trying, and my incredibly supportive family and friends make that less scary. Oftentimes with filmmaking, the big risks you take are so worth the reward of creating & sharing something that once was just a thought in your head.
The Rumination is a dramedy about a woman who’s anxious, awkward, and not great at giving herself a break. Looking back, I think it was inspired by my habit of taking myself too seriously, and trying to find the lightness in that. Essentially understanding that everyone else is also living for the first time, and sometimes it’s a relief to laugh at the things that make us amazingly flawed.
When I moved to LA with my partner and my dog in late 2016, I had no clue what was in store, and this industry can be hard on your self confidence, and push all the buttons. I just want to put out there that if you think you should be further along or know more by now, you’re not alone. For me, I used to think that being okay with where I am now can somehow halt “progress”, but it actually just makes the present better. You can want more for yourself and meet you where you’re at, ya know? Comparison can be a creativity killer, and when I’m not feeling great, I try to think about what Grace 5 years ago would think of where I am now, instead of comparing myself to others. Every single time I do, I think she’d be pretty proud.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
As a kid, I was pretty typical in that I loved playing pretend (shout-out to the dollhouse my grandpa built me, Polly Pockets, and Barbie). As I got older I did more advanced things like building massive forts in the basement with my sister, doing full performances of Fergie songs with my friends, and doing Blair Witch Project and Real World style videos on the family camcorder. I think the act of play and creating things is amazing and doesn’t have to stop. I was just obsessed with the aesthetics of films and watching movies. Whether watching Rear Window or Sound of Music with my mom, or amazing Sci-Fi/action movies with my dad, I was hooked. Seeing Jurassic Park at the drive-in literally changed my life (thank you, Laura Dern).
When I got to college, I remember seeing a Theater 100 class and signing up for it, “Just to see”. And thanks to Ashley Kobza for guiding me through that class with so much passion for the craft, I fell in love. My world instantly became so much more open, and I had a huge 3rd eye “A-ha!” moment. One of my favorite plays I did in college was part of a production called “InTransit Theater”, where we would act out the scenes in the front seat of a car while the audience sat in the back seat (ultimately performing it a bunch of times since no more than 3 people could see it at a time). It was so fun!
When I moved to LA, I found an amazing artistic community at About The Work Actors Studio. The techniques taught by Murisa Harba helped me get out of my head and into my body, and I learned how to break a scene down in 5 minutes and create nuance with the body’s energy centers. I recently completed the Authentic Branding Process with Murisa, which was so creatively fulfilling, and helped me own the characters I want to play. It’s such a supportive environment where we’re challenged to take big (informed) risks. I’ve been studying there for 7 years and became a Signature Technique Instructor last year. I enjoy sharing The Chakra Approach®, The Macro Method, and my passion for the craft with actors who crave effective & reliable techniques in a supportive environment. Check us out at about-the-work.com.
Along with acting, I love getting behind the camera (shout out to Cat Black for her directing class!) I was hired to direct 5 episodes of the series The Passion Project (produced by Nia Ketsdever) which was so exciting, and I met so many great filmmakers through that process. I also recently directed a music video for my incredibly talented friend Sasza’s song ‘you know that I would’ (her artist name is Ienne). The cast and crew got together and we filmed in the woods in the middle of nowhere, which was amazingly fun and rewarding. We got to play a lot with lighting, and being able to use the environment to support the darker tone of the video was awesome.
While in quarantine, I started studying Intimacy Coordinating, which was validating and empowering. Going through IC training programs (shout out TIE & IDC) has helped me with my own people pleasing habits, and my ability to stand by my own boundaries better. I learned so many amazing tools to make “spicy” scenes better, and how much craft and collaboration goes into choreographing them. This work is so important because as an actor on set, you already have to be vulnerable and take risks, so it helps to have at least one person there who can help you feel like you have a voice. There are major power imbalances on a film set so it’s essential to recognize that and do our best to protect those who are most vulnerable. I am passionate about implementing these vital tools to promote consensual sets that benefit the artist and the work.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Support independent filmmakers. If you see your friends, or someone from your high school, or your friend’s friend asking for support on their new project, something as simple as sharing a post goes a long way if you don’t have the resources to donate. Cheer on the artists in your life. I think we all have learned (especially during quarantine) that we would be lost without art, film, TV, and music. A little encouragement and recognition goes a long way. And when someone tells you they’re an actor, maybe ask something other than, “Been in anything I would’ve seen?” (And I say that with love!)
Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to support artists in telling their stories, whether in front of or behind the camera. I think storytelling is vital, and connecting with people is what moves me. If you haven’t quite noticed yet, I can be a bit of an over sharer, but I think there’s a lot of beauty in vulnerability. That’s why acting feels so amazing!
With what I’ve learned in my Intimacy Coordinating training, I am committed to doing my part in creating spaces where artists feel brave, supported, and that they have a voice. Those tools will forever be a part of what I’m involved in.
Contact Info:
- Website: gracekmullen.com
- Instagram: @graciesaurusrex
- Other: imdb.me/gracemullen @fourshadowsstudios https://about-the-work.com/
Image Credits