We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Reyna Rios-starr. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Reyna below.

Hi Reyna, thanks for joining us today. Did you always know you wanted to pursue a creative or artistic career? When did you first know?

I suppose, I’m like every other person that goes into acting “it all started when I was a child…” you know, that bit. I have enjoyed performing in front of others ever since I can remember, from doing plays and singing in a choir at a creative arts elementary school to high school acting electives, I focused on trying to stay involved in some creative part of Acting, it fed a part of me that brought me joy. But it wasn’t until my early 20’s after a slight life detour that it sought acting once again and I haven’t looked back. I am now a decade into this career and I honestly don’t know who I would be without it. It’s the one thing that continues to bring me joy, I feel fulfilled. It fulfills me…even when things aren’t going so great, or I get stuck in a rut because of what it demands of you, and sometimes it really demands that you put on your business, admin, marketing hat on, and that can get a little stressful and doesn’t feel all that great…But that’s part of the process of being an actor. During these past ten years establishing myself as an actor, I am now growing a career in film producing and headshot photography and other avenues that tie into the film & tv community. Acting has played such a huge role in how it shapes my life, it’s probably one of the biggest roles I’ve had. I’m very fortunate to do this, however small, medium or big the project is, not a lot of people do what we do or dare pursue it, if you do and you’re reading this…you get it.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

My name is Reyna Rios-Starr, Mexican Born and Minnesota Raised! I am an actor, writer, producer, headshot photographer, founder of Independent Film Minnesota and I serve on the board of the Minnesota Women in Film and Television. A lot won’t know that I started doing freelance modeling first before I re-started my acting journey, I guess you can include it in my acting journey. I used the modeling to help me become more comfortable with myself in front of the camera. This included a lot of collaborations and access to photographers who could helped become more confident being in front of a camera. The next step was getting my headshots and after that submitting myself to small student projects, short films, taking acting classes until I had some credits behind me where I could submit to an agency.

After 10 years acting in front of the camera I started to find my foot holding with other creative avenues and in 2021 I started producing short films, which I find I have a knack for. It blends my creative, logistical and organizational skills. Did I tell you I’m also really good at communicating?! Now, I haven’t planned too much ahead in my producing journey and not sure where it will take me but I continue to pursue that along with balancing my acting and curious to see where that takes me.

During that same time during the pandemic I learned a lot about headshot photography and it’s been cool to offer those services to my acting friends and the community most recently. It’s funny how photography came back full circle to me after all, that’s how it got me involved back in acting! I’m still developing those skills as well as all the other skills I need in order to do what I do. With that said I really enjoy learning, giving back and being involved. I think that’s why I started Independent Film Minnesota; it’s a place to help local filmmakers navigate the local market and help shine a light on the indie community. My time also includes volunteering with our local chapter of Minnesota Women in Film and Television, a non profit organization committed to empowering, educating and supporting women in film and television. I am so proud of myself and all that I’ve been able to do within our local film & tv community. I think If I went back in time and told younger me what all I’d be accomplishing, I wouldn’t believe it. Again, not sure where this journey will land me, but I’ll enjoy the ride!

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

In full transparancy….it used to be that my goal was to be a better actor to be able to carry a movie as a lead and fulfill my lifelong dream of “making it” and all that jazz…now adays it’s more around growing, learning and doing the work and figuring out how to move up to the next level of my own personal “standard of excellence” in all creative avenues that I’m currently involved in.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

I’ll say it again, for me the first part is the learning that happens throughout your journey. and second to that is the people, the community and relationships you build. I don’t know how many people I’ve physically met over my decade into this but it’s a lot and I know there’s more people I have yet to meet. I wouldn’t have been able to know such a vastly diverse group of human beings if it weren’t for my involvement in film and tv. Like how many can say that?! Now for those reading, If you find yourself in a community where it looks a little bland and you’re looking for more colorful conversations, people and experiences, film and tv…that’s where it’s at!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.reynarios.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reynariosstarr/

Image Credits

Image credits for headshots are photos taken by me; Reyna Rios-Starr and other images are published on social media for public use used as behind the scenes.