Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Valeri Bates. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Alright, Valeri thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?
The most meaningful and personal project I’ve worked on to date is Finding Joy, a feature length art film which I am producing, directing, editing and wearing so many other hats to make a reality.
This thriller/drama follows Roni Gingrich, an aspiring artist in her 20’s whose buried memories from childhood come back to haunt her on a visceral level in the form of sleep paralysis. Although Roni suffers from PTSD, she tries to venture out and overcome her fears to prove to herself that she is capable of getting close to someone other than her best friend and roommate, Trish Collins (Heather Elaine), whose been by her side since before the tragic death of her mother at age eleven. Roni begins to uncover the dark truth of her past with the help of lucid dreaming, therapy sessions and a sleep study. As a result of what Roni learns through her sleep psychology sessions with Dr. Barbara Williams (Deborah Madick), Roni’s relationship with Trish is tested and begins to unravel. As she works her way through the weekly therapy sessions, she sparks a connection with Sleep Technologist Kyle Murphy (Davis DeRock) and is ultimately challenged to face her true inner desires.
This film is incredibly personal to me as I struggled with sleep paralysis for the better part of two years between 2017-2019.
The plot takes place in 2018. Many of the paralysis experiences depicted in the film happened to me or to friends/family close to me. I realized after posting about my then-mysterious condition that sleep paralysis and night terrors are fairly common among my network. But then when I would talk about my experiences in conversation outside of social media, the majority of individuals I spoke with did not know that was a real thing and had never experienced it themselves. I was inspired to create a piece of art that would not only generate a cathartic response from audiences, but would also educate them on the horrors of sleep paralysis and the real life struggles that this phenomena that is scientifically classified as a mental condition can afflict on someone. I revisited a short film script I had written after film school and rewrote it into the feature-length version we are producing today.
The film is set to release in 2023. You can follow progress on production on Facebook and Instagram @findingjoyfilm
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I auditioned for a few plays in high school, but I never became a theater kid like I always thought I would. I was engrossed in music during those times and thought for a while that I may pursue a musical career track. I actually played in a few bands back in those days (you can still follow one of them @thesoundness on Facebook).
Throughout my time in school dreaming of college, I always pictured myself going to art school. I dabbled in sketching, painting, and even clothing design before I tapped back into my roots and realized that acting was where my passion truly lie. I signed with my first agent in 2010 and began film school right around the same time, so it was really beneficial having opportunities to work on set as talent and observe the crew and all aspects of production while I was studying the craft. I fell in love with the industry early on and quickly found which categories I enjoyed working in, and which were my strengths.
I came out of The Art Institutes International – Kansas City with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Digital Filmmaking & Video Production. I most enjoy working as an actor, director and editor, but I’m always learning more about the hard work it takes to be a good producer. It is challenging and I’ve always said I never wanted to do it, but I think there is something to be said about having the skill it takes to produce your own material how you want it produced as an independent artist.
I am an actor professionally trained in Sanford Meisner’s technique under the coveted instruction of Katherine Gately and Richard Poole of Gately/Poole Acting Studio (formerly Conservatory).
There are so many works in which I am extremely proud of, but one of my favorites currently available for viewing is Vincent’s Vow, streaming on Amazon Prime, PureFlix and YouTube. Quite a few short films I have worked on over the past couple years are making appearances in the festival circuit, including works in the horror genre “They’re Here” by Ty Jones/Jerry Rapp/Patrick Rea, “Post Credit Scene” by David M. Watson/Tyler Foreman/Valeri Bates/Thomas Turbyeville/Mike Strain, and “Silencing Fear” by DuMore Films/Valley High Pictures. Works can be found via @findiingjoyfilm @valgalbates @valleyhighpictures
Are there any books, videos or other content that you feel have meaningfully impacted your thinking?
“The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up” and “Spark Joy” by Marie Kondo have both absolutely transformed my way of living and have aided my ability to function as efficiently as possible both in my personal life and professional life simply by getting my belongings in order. These books instill ideals dubbed as the KonMari Method and educate on how to take on the proper way of organization, whether it be for your home, business or any other space you occupy frequently. Essentially, the method is broken down into categories–clothing, books, movies, sentimental items, papers, etc. The idea is to individually sort through each item within each category in order to downsize and to surround yourself only with things that bring you true happiness. For example, you are in the thick of this organizational turnover and you pick up an item. As you hold it in your hands and think about what it means to you, ask yourself the question, “does this spark joy?” If the answer is yes, keep it. If the answer it no, thank it for all it has done for you. I am a firm believer just from personal experience that clutter can keep one from being competent and cloud the ability to reach one’s full potential in a creative capacity. The title of her first book is absolutely on point–it is truly life changing. I recommend this book to people all the time and I hope that it helps some individuals out there who may be in need of pressing the reset button.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
The most rewarding part for me being an artist is to be able to have creative control over my own content and to share my work with other artists who will appreciate it. It is so liberating to be able to put a unique work out for audiences to view that is essentially brought to life by a band of artists who not only believe in me as a creator the concept of what we are creating together, but who also share a similar vision for the project and will do anything they can to help it succeed. The only feeling that tops sitting in the theater for a premiere screening of a film I’ve worked so hard on, is the pride I feel when someone tells me how my performance has deeply affected them. The reward of creating an end product that will go on to touch lives even in a small way, even for a moment, is invaluable.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7113240/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0
- Instagram: @valgalbates
- Facebook: @valgalbates
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeEgOwqfJ3_OjI6t2FU16OQ
Image Credits
Jae Feinberg Ryan Stadlman David Watson