We don’t have to be put in a box when it comes to our abilities. We are worthy, we are talented, and we are deserving of that space!”
— Sydney Presendieu
The Interview Q&A
Where are you based out of?
“Miami/ Palm Beach”
What role do you typically play on set?
“The actress!”
How long have you been working in the film industry? Where did you get your start?
“I’m actually fairly new to the film industry. My main focus in the past has been theater work. I’ve been studying theater for about 9 years while doing a few short films and background work here and there. A project that helped me open up to film was a web series where I got to play a supporting role. I’ve always loved film and wanted to be a film actress as well as a theater one so I hope to take some more acting for the camera classes and to keep auditioning for films, Commercial and tv!”
Who is your biggest inspiration? What have they taught you?
“There are so many amazing women that I look up to, but I would have to say my biggest inspirations are Issa Rae and Lupita Nyong’o. These two women have transcended any barriers that I might have had about being a black women in the film industry. Issa Rae has taught me that there is more than enough space for black women to be completely themselves on film and that we don’t have to subject ourselves to the stereotypes that we’ve seen in the past for black characters. She’s also taught me that I can create amazing pieces of work on my own and have them shine on big platforms. She got her start on YouTube when she created a hilarious web series “Awkward black girl” with her friends and it’s allowed her to transform it into her amazing & incredibly relatable show “Insecure” on HBO. Lupita Nyong’o is such a captivating actress and she Inspires me to be an actress that listens, and holds a great amount of presence. Lupita got her start as a theater actress and to see her transition into film and play all of these amazing and diverse characters really inspires me to do the same! Her work ethic and attention to detail is done in such a graceful and respectful way for the craft and I deeply aspire to emulate her process in my own acting work. Both of these women have a strong drive and beautiful openness about them that is so inspiring and refreshing to see.”
Where do you draw your inspiration from?
“Everything. I feel that life has so much abundance to it that inspiration can be taken from almost any experience. I love to get inspiration from being in nature, hanging out with my friends & family, or even people watching. They are so many stories to be told and created. I also love watching great pieces of work on film or theater to draw inspiration.”
What are some of the biggest things you’ve accomplished in your career so far?
“So far I have been able to graduate college with my BFA in theater. ( New World School of the Arts) That was a very big accomplishment for me because it was a 4 year conservatory training and it’s helped me grow immensely as an artist. Another would be that I recently got to be a background actor for a show that Issa Rae is producing called “Rap Shit” and it’s going to be on HBO. That was a very big accomplishment for me because like I said before Issa is one of my biggest inspirations and I actually got to meet her on set so it was a very full circle moment for me.”
Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now? (No dream is too big!)
“I see myself starring in feature films, TV, commercials, theater on Broadway; all of it! I hope to actually accomplish a few of my goals even before the 5 year mark. At this point in my life I know exactly what I want and I’m ready to go for it with full force to make my dreams come true.”
If you had one piece of advice for a woman who wants to get started in the film industry what it would be?
“I would say to just jump into it! Our time as is long overdue to have our voices heard and to be seen in the film industry. There is soo much space for us because we are the ones creating it for ourselves. We don’t have to be put in a box when it comes to our abilities. We are worthy, we are talented, and we are deserving of that space! Whether you are in front of the camera or behind it there is a place for all of us. Where we can thrive and create these amazing stories that people are just waiting to hear! Learn as much as you can. Be a sponge and soak up everything so that you can walk in the room with confidence and a knowing that you belong.”