“Just start. Stop doubting yourself, if some men on set tells you this isn't an industry for females how I was told at 16, don't listen to them. ”
— Ace Kazkayasi
The Interview Q&A
Where are you primarily based out of?
Canada- Toronto
What role do you typically play on set?
Assistant Director
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
1 year as assistant director, before that I have been editing for about 5 years and done pa roles & student films here and there. But I would say more professionally just about a year of AD work.
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
Tim Burton- That you can have your own style and still get respected for it. You don't have to abide by set "rules" of filmmaking to make it. Just tell the story you're passionate about in your way. He also got rejected from big companies before making it so he inspires me everyday to keep going and keep being myself.
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Anything really, people's talk on the grocery store line, house decoration magazines, music, music videos, my childhood. As cliche as it sounds I think you can find inspiration in everything.
What’s are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
My first DGC feature :) I was actually hired as a daily set dresser which is not my usual department but I still geeked out over it!! It was in Hamilton and it was the biggest budget production I've ever worked on. I was definetly fan girling like crazy.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
My childhood dream ever since I'm seven has been to get an Oscar for best directing. I will work hard to achieve this. :) Overall tough, I just want to have films that are me, and I'm proud of which make people feel seen and understood.
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
Just start. Stop doubting yourself, if some men on set tells you this isn't an industry for females how I was told at 16, don't listen to them. Take those as motivation. Make connections and work for free untill you prove yourself. Everything will fall into place once you start from somewhere. :)