Today we’d like to introduce you to Sarah French.
Sarah, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I guess you could say it all started when I was a teenager. My friends and I would make short films and super cheesy music videos together. Most of it was horror related because that was my favorite genre. I’d write the “script” and we’d take turns filming each other. Every time I’d see my friends, I’d want to film something. I think after a while they’d get sick of it but I was always the go-getter when it came down to it. I’ve always loved being in front of the camera. When I graduated high school, I went to college for criminal justice. I was always interested in the criminal mind and what makes them tick. Looking back, I think it was more interesting to me than actually wanting to work in the field. I was destined for something else. While in college, I took a few theater classes. That’s where my confidence started to grow. While taking those classes in college I was at a metal concert, my favorite genre of music, and a photographer came up to me. He loved my “gothic” look and wanted to shoot with me and he gave me his card.
At the time, I thought he was crazy and brushed it off. A few months go by and I find the business card. I checked out his work online and decided “what the hell”. I contacted him, we set up a photoshoot and spent the day shooting together. I’ve always been quiet, shy, and more of an introvert than anything. Doing this photoshoot was a huge step for me. It really helped me break out of my shell. After the shoot, I wanted more. It was like a whole new world for me. I wanted to be in front of the camera more and more. From there on, I worked with multiple photographers, started modeling various band merchandise, clothing, and more. I loved it! About six months go by and one day I was scrolling online on various horror movie blogs. There was a casting call for a short horror film being shot in St. Paul, MN and I fit what they were looking for so I decided to try it out and went for an audition. They loved my look, attitude, excitement, and basically hired me on the spot. That’s where it all started… “You’re Next 3: Pajama Party Massacre”, in 2006. From then on, I worked on various features, shorts, music videos, and local commercials. I was able to grow my acting resume in Minnesota, but also other states as well. I made lots of connections throughout the years and was very grateful for all of the opportunities. In 2015 my boyfriend Joe Knetter and I decided to take the leap and relocate to Los Angeles, CA.
Since moving to LA, I’ve focused on being positive and healthy. When I’m not working on set, I’m focusing on bettering myself. I cross train regularly and find time to hike and be one with nature. This is a tough industry so you need make time to center yourself and be able to focus on the positive and not dwell on things you can’t control. Since adopting this kind of mindset after moving here, I’ve really grown as an actress and have become more confident. This year alone I’ve completed three feature films where I play the lead character (Blind, Desert Moon and The Special) and have 2+ more planned towards the end of the year as a strong supporting and lead. I also have five feature films coming out towards the end of the year that I’m really proud of and have a handful of films heading to the film fest circuit. Its been a rollercoaster of a journey and a long hard road but everything has lead me to where I am today. I wouldn’t change it for anything. I can’t wait to see what the future holds!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
There are always struggles along the way, but thats what makes you stronger. This goes for actors and anyone in the entertainment industry. Being able to navigate through the industry and see bullshit from a mile away. Self-doubt is a big one too. Being constantly compared to other ladies and judged on the smallest of things. With that being said, anything is possible with the right attitude, focus, drive, and believing in yourself.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’ve been acting since 2006 and to this day I’ve done over 70 features, shorts, and music videos. I started in the entertainment industry because of my love for horror films. I always wanted to be that girl running through the woods, bloody, getting chased by some big creature… and needless to say I made that happen, multiple times haha. I’ve grown so much as an actress over the years and I’m so proud of how far I’ve come. It’s hard for me to watch a lot of my older work just because I’ve grown so much but the way I look at it is, I wouldn’t be where I am today without doing those projects. With each set I’m on I try to soak in as much information as possible to be better at my craft. I’m all about elevating with each project I do. I always want better, I never want to stay the same. What sets me apart from others is my drive. I work on myself everyday. If I’m not working on a script or on set, I’m at the gym cross-training or on the hiking trails. Thats my motto. I always try to better myself whether it’s my craft I’m working on or my health and fitness. It’s so important.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
There is always a certain amount of luck but luck only takes you so far. It can open the door but you have to walk through it and prove you belong.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2720796/
- Email: sarahfrenchonline@yahoo.com
Image Credit:
Albert L. Ortega, Abyssmal Photography
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