We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Quinn Vasileva a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Quinn , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

One of my favourite and most meaningful projects is a proof-of-concept short film called “Welcome to the industry.” It’s a short film about the journey of an actress who is just starting out in the entertainment industry, and how far she goes to get her dream role. I wrote, produced, and directed it.

My inspiration for the film came from my personal experience, as well as stories I’ve been told by others about their journey as actors. Starting out, it is often difficult to break into the industry, especially if you have no connections. A new actor who struggles to get roles is a prime target for people who have influence.

A lot of actors, and not only, are ready to do anything to break into the industry. Sometimes, they go too far. “Welcome to the industry” is a thriller about an actress who gets an opportunity to land her dream role after years of no success. Pair that eagerness with an eccentric director, and the end result is a cautionary tale.

I wanted to make a proof-of-concept film that delved into the dark side of the industry, and what lengths people are willing to go to. As a lover of horror, I knew that I wanted to make my film something more than just a drama. I wanted tension and complex character arcs, I needed an edge. I wanted to tell the stories of my fellow creatives, as well as my own. I combined all that with a horror element, and that’s how “Welcome to the industry” was born.

Quinn , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Before I started acting, I worked mainly behind the camera. I did photography and videography. I have always been a lover of cinematography, and I started learning about it as I worked behind the camera.

I have been a writer since I was young, and I wrote primarily short stories. I still do, but now I focus on writing novels and screenplays. I love creating intricate worlds that people could find a home in. Writing is one of my favourite ways to be a storyteller.

Besides writing, acting has always been my biggest passion, but I never dared to pursue it. However, when the pandemic started, I figured that it is never too late to do what I love.

I applied to film school and a few months later, I flied out to Los Angeles. It wasn’t easy, especially with the pandemic, but I worked hard and learned a lot. Four years later, I’m grateful that I took the risk and pursued my dreams.

As I grew as an actor, I wanted to learn more about the different jobs in the industry, and started working as a producer. It was very insightful, and it helped me be a more well-rounded artist. I understand more about how things came together before a film was made.

I have never wanted to be the type of artist that could only do one thing. I like wearing many hats.

I am an avid lover of horror, and I am working towards becoming a staple name in that genre. I am originally from Bulgaria, and we have extensive culture and mythology. I want to incorporate them in my storytelling. I am working on making a series of horror short films that have bits and pieces of Bulgarian mythology.

Something that I am set on doing differently is change the way that female characters are treated in horror films. They are often brutalized for no reason, or they are constantly sexualised. Female characters are either a victim, or just serve as sexual appeal. Luckily, that narrative is slowly changing. That is what I am aiming for as an artist. To change the stereotypes and introduce fresh perspective.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

I think something that non-creatives struggle to understand is that there’s not really an outline for how to be an artist. Everyone has a different path, and different goals. It takes a while to find out what you want to do in the creative field. There is nothing concrete. You can wear many hats. For some people, that is difficult to do.

There is constant growth and experimentation, you have to be willing to try new things and see what works out.
Being an artist means being comfortable to explore and discover yourself. It means being willing to learn and grow, to change.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is being able to create worlds that people can find a home in. What I mean is, people connect to stories. They find themselves through storytelling, in one way or another. I love creating intricate worlds, and being an artist gives me an endless blank canvas.

I grew up with stories all around me, and they helped shape me as a person. Storytelling is a huge part of my life, and I want to inspire other people through my stories, whether they are on paper or on the screen. Imagination is a powerful thing, and it is the best tool that an artist can have.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @quinnofhearts
• Other: IMDB – https://m.imdb.com/name/nm15330547/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_2_nm_6_q_quinn%2520vas

Image Credits
Kushagra Jain, Deverill Weekes, Gabriel Acosta