Conversations with Gracelynn Cooper

Today we’d like to introduce you to Gracelynn Cooper.

Hi Gracelynn, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I grew up wanting to do something creative with my life. I was originally going to go to school for psychology or interior design because I was told by my teachers growing up that I wouldn’t make it in the industry because of my disabilities. My disabilities include me being deaf in one ear and I also have a processing disorder where it takes me a little longer to understand what I’m being told or learning than most people. I believed my teachers telling me I wouldn’t be able to go into the industry until I was accepted at AMDA for Acting and Content Creation. Being at AMDA has shown me what I truly want to do with my life, which is tell a story no one has told before. I have a lot of ideas and original stories to tell that the world hasn’t heard yet.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Growing up, my only really support system was my mom, close family, and my best friend Clara. Teachers would tell me I wouldn’t make it in life because of my disabilities holding me back. When I got accepted to AMDA, my mom and Clara were the people that supported me the most, that if I could do it then I should do it. For a while I thought my writing and acting wasn’t good enough because I was surrounded by so many other talented people. But I then realized I’m still good at what I do, I just have a different style.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I classify myself as a screenwriter and director. I’m most proud of my current works in progress of some feature films and plays I’m writing currently. I’ve already written, directed, and published two short films on my YouTube channel that I did during my second semester at AMDA. What I bring to the table is a sense of new to the industry. A lot of movies out currently are retellings of stories, while I bring originality into the concepts.

Do you any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My favorite childhood memory was going to Disneyland with my mom and family all the time. I was raised as a Disney kid and grew up with an immense love for these stories. I see these stories being told in new ways now in media and I find myself going towards that fantasy aspect where I can create a whole new world for people to hopefully love as much as I do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @astroplex.x
• Youtube: Astroplex Films