3 minute read
Kayli Carter
Kayli Carter
Moves Magazine: Is it true that you’ve worked with more women directors than male? With that in mind, how do you feel that the industry is changing for women? Both female actors as well as directors?
Kayli Carter: I mean, Mrs. America alone has a slate of incredible female directors, but yes, before the show when I look at my experiences across film, tv, and stage, I’ve been fortunate enough to choose projects that have female-dominated creative teams. Even my experience with male directors, tends to be on female centered stories or jobs with a female producing team. Projects without diversity hold very little interest for me, and the only thing that I can see that is changing is we’re not tolerating any lip service in regard to parity. No more empty promises, please.
MM: You have had many roles in drama films and TV series, like in the Netflix’s critically acclaimed mini series, Godless. You definitely haven’t pigeon-holed yourself into any one genre. How is acting in drama for you compared to other genres?
KC: I’m greedy, and I want it all. Kidding aside, I’ve definitely always been drawn to stories that are humanistic, and I’m always looking for great writing, first and foremost. My goal is to retain the kind of mystery that invites people to see me as anyone, and across all genres.
photographer David Goddard top Corban Harper
MM: Expanding on that, it’s really interesting to see you take roles that focus on women’s issues with a variety of approaches. Private Life was more light-hearted in its approach compared to Mrs. America’s dramatic retelling of the Women’s Movement. Do you purposely take roles that have some relevance toward social issues?
KC: I grew up in an environment where I was very tuned in to what was going on in the world. I was surrounded by adults who answered my questions honestly, and treated me as an equal, so I think my deep well of empathy is informed by having the truth offered to me early on. I’m not actively thinking about what to tackle next, but I’m clearly drawn to people who have clarity of vision and something to say. I had a professor who used to make us answer the question, “Why this art now?” If I can’t answer that for myself, It’s easier to pass.
MM: What advice would you give to young women entering the industry right now?
KC: Pick up your computer right now, and start writing. I’ve got projects that people aren’t going to see for years, but I’ve got stories to tell. If I waited for people to give me permission to be a writer, to eventually be a director, I’d probably be waiting a long time. The guys that made little movies in high school weren’t inviting us to join in unless it was in a romantic/supporting capacity, but I’ve always been a writer and a director, and only recently have I given myself the assurance that I need to start before others are ready. At no point have I felt that anyone else was deciding the direction of my career. I’ll make my own movies, and when I do, everyone who wasn’t invited in high school, will be.
To read the rest of this interview head to www.issuu.com/newyorkmoves4
