Today we’d like to introduce you to Bryana Zamora.
Hi Bryana, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I had no idea what acting was. Until, one day my mom explained to me how in “The Parent Trap”, Lindsay Lohan was one person and not a twin. That it was all pretend. She said “It’s called acting!”
My mind was absolutely blown away. I couldn’t believe it. Little did I know mocking scenes from films like “The Parent Trap” and ” Devil Wears Prada” and memorizing the lines word for word was acting. It was something I just did naturally for fun.
This lead me to be involved in anything creative I could get my hands on throughout my school career. From plays to Chorus, art classes, ballet, cheerleading, improv, monologue classes, and talent shows. If there was an audience and a character I could create, I was there.
As I was growing up, I wanted to do everything from being a zoo keeper to a dentist. I was fascinated with the idea of these “characters” and what I could be in the future. I wanted to do it all. So, when I brought up to my mom that I was serious about becoming an actor she brushed it off and said “Okay kid, and next week you are going to want to be a florist.” I started thinking, how could I prove to her that I was serious? I started doing research on actors and this place called “Hollywood.”
Every week, I had a new actor I would research to the core. “Look mom this is how Rachel McAdams made it!” I’d whip out messy notes of all my research. Finally, she had enough of all my facts and caved in. She immediately put me into acting classes.
She noticed the praise I was getting from my coaches and peers, but more importantly she saw the sparkle it my eyes of the pure joy I had acting. The sparkle in my eyes of the pure joy I had acting. I completely fell in love with it. I knew what I was meant to do. So I made the move to LA at the age of 19! Here we are years later, and I can’t be more grateful for how far I have come.
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?
I came to Los Angeles big-eyed and not knowing a single soul. I was fortunate enough to move with my sister Mandie Zamora. Just the two of us with big dreams and having zero ideas about what we were doing. Hollywood definitely tested my patience and faith in myself.
The highs are high and the lows are low. It’s important to have people around you that you trust to pull you out of those lows. It definitely puts a toll on your mental health. Some days, I felt like the worst actor on the planet, but then I’d have a good day on set and be in complete bliss. I genuinely appreciate the low moments, I don’t think I would be where I am without them.
The best thing is to always put yourself first and love yourself. Everyone will have an opinion and that’s okay. One casting director may adore you while the other may not. That’s just what it is. It took me a long time to realize that not everyone is going to like you.
It made me stronger to keep pushing forward. You are uniquely you, HOW BEAUTIFUL IS THAT!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My main career is acting. My goal is to have longevity in Film & Television as an actor.
I’d love acting to be my full-time job. As well as my new production company with my sister Mandie, “The Founding Daughters”, to give a place for stories to be heard and produce some great projects together. I have a big niche for drama and indie films. I love raw and unique stories. I will always gravitate toward those intense weird scripts.
At the beginning of my career, I was fortunate enough to have a fairly successful modeling career. I worked with brands like Ulta Beauty, VS Pink, and American Eagle to name a few. I’ve done numerous short films and many music videos for some of my favorite artists like Electric Guest and Foster The People. I hold a lot of pride in starting from short films and gaining those experiences on set.
I am beyond proud of being a Latina in my industry. We have come so far in the industry. I hope to continue to break barriers not only for the Latin community but the little kids who have a dream like me. As well as continuing to bring authenticity to the big screen. I hope to use my platform to be the voice for the Latin community and show them that they can do it.
I’m a huge activist for mental health and I think it’s definitely something that needs to be more discussed in my community. I have big future plans as well on getting people with disabilities involved in the Film industry. All walks of life deserve to do what they love. I will forever advocate that. I have a big heart and will always lead with kindness.
Who else deserves credit in your story?
I would not be here if it wasn’t for my mom, Andrea Zamora. I owe all my success to her. She is my rock! I was lucky enough to be raised by some phenomenal Latin women.
They made me the strong-willed woman that I am today. My family has supported me every step of the way and I don’t take that for granted. Zam Fam Bam for life! Mandie for being my #1 sidekick and taking me to auditions. As well as wiping my tears during the good and the bad.
Every person I have met through acting has made a huge impact in my life. I’d like to thank Bella Agency for being the first agency to believe in me. They hold a special place in my heart. My first acting teacher Monty Silverstone coached me when I knew absolutely nothing. Shlomo Rush, for being a mentor and pushing me to move to LA, and showing me that I could make my dreams a reality.
To all my school teachers growing up THANK YOU. My elementary music teacher Mrs. Dolnick, little did she know she was fueling my young little artist’s soul with a passion for the arts. To everyone I have worked with, all the students, it has been an honor and amazing to see us all grow together. My friends who have supported me from the beginning with much love.
Lastly, to the team of my dreams. Thank you John Griffin my agent, for believing in me and seeing my grit and passion from day one. Nick Campbell my manager, for all your hard work and complete faith in me. My commercial agent Carol Lynn Sher thank you so much.
All the hard-working assistants/staff thank you from the bottom of my heart. It’s only the beginning and we have a long way to go. It’s an honor to have you all by my side. Every day, I have to pinch myself because I can’t believe how lucky I am to have you all and be able to work with such madly talented people.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7907589/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryana.zamora/?hl=en
