Today we’d like to introduce you to Kristen Hansen.
Kristen, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
My love for filmmaking was not discovered in the formal education setting, but rather through life’s heartbreaks. And although it would have been nice to have gone to film school to learn traditional technique, that’s not how it worked out for me. Although I was writing stories and drawing, my pain passion was acting. My young sister was very ill when I was a young teenager, and acting gave me an incredible outlet to express myself in junior high. Those sensitive years were crucial in terms of how I saw myself. And in those reflective years, I discovered a unique way to portray myself. I found the technique of “the camera” early on. “The camera” was this my sensational feeling of an invisible “camera” that follows you around and can make anyone want to watch you. Some of my friends will attest to the camera as something they have experienced too. At the time, o be an actress at the time meant you were in a Fellini film, except, who was Fellini. Because I loved acting, I went on to study theatre at California State University Northridge and then on to get a Masters degree in acting from Rutgers University.
It wasn’t until after graduate school that my passion for acting started to change. I started to get disappointed with my audition outcomes and “the camera” started to turn off more regularly. Although I did work at theaters such as Ensemble Studio Theatre, La Mama and Midtown Theatre, I wasn’t getting the work I wanted. I had always considered myself a talented actress, but I couldn’t land a break on a main Broadway stage. After too many cold nights on a deflated air mattress that called it quits, I packed my bags and moved back home to Los Angeles to find some direction. In order to prove to my parents that graduate school wasn’t a complete waste of time and money, I began to write a web series called ‘I Will Love’ that I produced, (directed by Rick Robinson), to showcase my acting talents. The “camera” quickly turned back on, although it was a bit beat up now from the years. ‘I Will Love’, flew under the youtube radar, but it gave me a sense of accomplishment. I proved to my father that I indeed had a vision, and I didn’t have to be a stay-at-home accountant like him. Although, at times, this was up for debate.
I carried on as usual, auditioning around Los Angeles meeting remarkable directors and cinematographers. (Some which have now become good friends.) In the process, I met an attractive filmmaker whom would later have a profound influence on me as a person. He was directing his first feature film and defying most conventional filmmaking norms. I was quickly caught in his knowledge and passion of cinema. The relationship became my first real introduction to world-class filmmakers such as Wong Kar Wai, Jonathan Glazer and others. One night he recommended me to watch Kubrick’s ‘2001 Space Odyssey’ with headphones on alone in the dark by myself; It something I will never forget. I was learning a new language, something my soul was so desperately needed. For the first time, I thought I could be a huge part of the film medium; not just as an actor, but as a director. Themes, vision, and cinematic poetry felt like a whole new level of truth. I became more fascinated with the eye of the camera itself than the camera in my head that followed my every move…
Unfortunately, my relationship with my boyfriend could not last, and my father’s sudden diagnosis with cancer left me devastated. He soon passed away, and I was left feeling very lonely, sad and angry. That year, proved to be the hardest year of my life. In order to cope with the heartache, I started writing to express my grief which gave rise to some of my most prolific work. I wasn’t interested in giving answers but asking questions. And directing gave me the voice to do so. Eventually, my work was noticed by colleagues, and I found that I had become the camera itself. There was joy in my observation.
Since my father’s passing and my intense breakup, I have directed three music videos, a web series called ‘Keeping It 100’ on Amazon Prime, (produced by Atheana Ritchie, Katie Oliver and Bianca Santos), five short films (‘Adored’, ‘Wings’, ‘Reflections’, ‘The Violet Hour’, ‘Already Gone’), a television pilot (‘Welcome to The Grifter’) , and a soon to be feature film scheduled to shoot next summer called ‘Sonny Boy’, written by Nick Maccarone. Concordantly, Already Gone’, went on to win the Jury Prize at The Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge and I became the first female filmmaker to win… As for now, I am working on a series called ‘Famed’ with actress Kaylani Paliotta and continuing to develop feature scripts of my own. Short films make great concept ideas to develop into feature films.
When I look back at my past, I can see how my pain developed me into a more mature artist. I never dreamed of being a filmmaker, but I find myself participating in life more than I ever have before. I ask myself daily; “How can I be a reflection of this world?” What would I like to see? As an actor, I always wanted to change it. As a filmmaker, I just want to notice it, participate in it, and live in it.
Has it been a smooth road?
The road has not always been smooth, but nothing is. I imagine if I was a doctor or accountant, I would face different struggles, but struggles nonetheless. Everything has its own occupational hazard.
As a filmmaker, some of the best advice I have heard is: “Every project is going to break your heart, it’s just a matter of how.” And this is true. Every project I have worked on has had its own life force, own issues, and concerns. When picking projects, I always assess the heartache to the reward. If the project speaks to me enough and I can’t stop thinking about it, I will do it. Every project you will learn something new, whether it is about yourself or the art form. Also, hire people who you trust and that understand you and your vision.
One of the most interesting struggles I have had to face came from a particular project, the making of a music video called Progress. I decided to create a video for the New Filmmakers Los Angeles’ open submission for “What is Your Los Angeles.” I had a great idea for a music video that I wanted to film and the deadline for submission was approaching. , Although I had the idea, I had no song chosen. My DP who was very knowledgeable about underground bands insisted that we use a song from a band he had a small connection to and I thought the song was a perfect fit for my idea. We hoped with fingers crossed, that the band would say yes to our idea and that everything would go smoothly. But it didn’t go according to plan. While shooting the music video in various parts of Los Angeles, I frantically tried every option available to reach out to them. We didn’t have a phone number so we were very anxious. We ended up shooting the video, but without any word from the band. They weren’t responding at all to their Facebook page or the band’s email. The submission date was now just three days away and we needed their permission badly. I decided to possibly look at other options and check out a small music festival called Echo Park Rising, to see if their would be any artists there interested in a free video. When I got to the venue; however, I had a small inkling to give it one last shot. There was a small record store a couple of doors down from the Echoplex and I decided to walk in. What the hell, I thought. As it turned out, the record store employee knew the band well and told me where I could find one of the band members moonlighting as a bartender. I quickly called the bar, asked if this guy was working there that night- turned out he was-and headed over. I sat at the bar what seemed to be an hour until he showed up. Told him my story, –“I have been writing you for weeks!” — and he told me that the band had broken up. But, he would ask the band if we could use the song. I walked out of that bar with my head held high and feeling like some kind of magic power was guiding me. A day later, I got their permission to use their song and our music video called Progress was screened for The New Filmmakers Los Angeles screening on the Warner Brother’s lot.
This is my best bumpy road story so far, but of course, there are far more less entertaining ones that I have encountered such as: projects not getting financed, work that does not get noticed, shoot dates being rescheduled and so on and so forth. These things happen more frequently than I care to admit. Every project will break your heart, but you learn from it and move forward. Another mentor of mine once told me, “Let things go. There will be a time and place for everything.” I tend to believe this just the same, and it has become my mantra. Never give up though.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My extensive training in acting led me to a career in directing. Because I am an independent director and an actress, I produce most of my own projects through KristenHansenFilms.com. In time, I hope to branch out and do commercial work as well for business advertisement. My team and I are always confident in taking on new, diverse and edgy projects.
Currently, I am working on feature film “Sonny Boy” with team members: writer – Nick Maccarone; producers- Emmy award winner Antonio Ayala, Heather Brawley, Katie Oliver; and Department Of Cinematography, Peter Howell.
Please feel free to follow the journey of dramatic feature film, Sonny Boy, as its team prepares to shoot next summer in Oakland.
https://www.facebook.com/SonnyBoytheFilm/
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
Los Angeles is a great place to be a working actor/director. The community here is incredibly vibrant and essential for a career path in filmmaking. It is important to find likeminded people like yourself and when you find them, value them. As a filmmaker, I am drawn to those that I can easily work with while creating content. Joining a creative studio if you are an actor or director is also a great way to keep on your game. It also encourages friendships and networks. Stuart Rogers Studio in North Hollywood allowed me to practice my skills and I highly recommend the studio.
The key to a successful business or career is always to put yourself out there and hit as many networking events as you can. It only takes one person to make that difference and help you get that one project off the ground. Also, volunteering at film festivals is also a great way to expose yourself to the art form and learn new technical tricks by observing new films. Finding resources is always key. There are plenty of sites on social media platforms that encourage networking and make it easy to connect. For example, one of the best networking opportunities is called The Collaboration Filmmakers Challenge that happens once a year. You can find their page on Facebook. It is a competition, but it is anyone’s chance to make a film in a short amount of time. As part of the competition, you are working with others in the challenge. It’s a fantastic way to grow in cinema, whether you sign up in the challenge as just an actor or producer or whatever your interest. You can experience anything you want. LA Filmmakers offers something similar and has ongoing film submissions. Another resource gem is called The Naked Angels based here in Los Angeles. It’s a writers/actors workshop group that meet once a week to hear new works read out loud. Most of the time, the room is packed with readings from the writers, so get there early if you can.
Don’t forget that most things are possible these days, like creating your own content. There is so much power in that. Sometimes getting a group of friends together to shoot something creatively is the best way to learn and hold everyone accountable. (This is how the series, “Keeping It 100” was created.) Myproducer.io is also a great resource as well and has ongoing panels and talkbacks, mostly with profiled producers. These great talkbacks focus on the journey of filmmaking.
Although Los Angeles is a great city to be in if you are involved in film, it’s important to get out and reflect. I try to take as many small getaway trips when I can. Sometimes, it’s hard to feel different or special in a city that has so many talented people, so it is necessary to get a breath of fresh air and escape to a place where your mind can relax. It’s easier to retain your sense of peace. So, don’t get down on yourself if you feel overwhelmed. You are not alone.
Contact Info:
- Website: kristenhansenfilms.com
- Phone: 818 398 0087
- Email: kristenonstage@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iwilllove/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SonnyBoytheFilm/
Image Credit:
Eric Carter ( Headshot “Queens”)
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