Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Sandra daCOSTA | FRIGHT NIGHTS BITS 2012

The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival 2012 Launch
Fright Nights: The Blood in the Snow Canadian Film Festival is a weekend long (Nov 30th - Dec 2nd 2012) festival held at Projection Booth Cinemas (Jonathan Guntruck Hlibka) celebrating the best in contemporary independent Canadian horror filmmaking brought to you by FANGORIA contributor and programmer of the Toronto film series Fright Nights, Kelly Michael Stewart.

Here's a quick recap (Created by Zach Ramelan) of the weekend long event that we call BITS 2012.


With my own feature SICK - Survive The Night making it's world premiere and launching the festival into high gear, the weekend showcased a compilation of features and shorts that covered the gauntlet of the horror genre from zombie outbreaks, art house vampires, sci-fy, grindhouse and psychological thrillers.

SICK - Survive The Night Trailer


Red Carpet photos from the opening night of BITS 2012/Premiere of SICK-Survive The Night with the cast and crew and director Ryan M Andrews, alongside festival creator Kelly Michael Stewart.
L to R: Christopher Thompson, Sandra daCosta, Michael Jari Davidson, Kelly Michael Stewart, Christina Aceto, Robert Nolan


L to R: Richard Roy Sutton, Sandra daCosta, Ryan M Andrews, Navin Ramaswaran, Christina Aceto, Christopher Thompson

L to R: Christopher Thompson, Sandra daCosta, Michael Jari Davidson, Kelly Michael Stewart, Christina Aceto, Robert Nolan
L to R: Christina Aceto, Sandra daCosta



L to R: Robert Nolan, Richard Roy Sutton, Christopher Thompson, Ryan M Andrews, Cengiz Fehmi
L to R: Christopher Thompson, Robert Nolan, Christina Aceto, Richard Roy Sutton, Sandra daCosta, Ryan M Andrews, Cengiz Fehmi

A huge thank you to the mastermind and creator of The Blood in the Snow Film Festival Kelly Michael Stewart and Projection Booth's Jonathan Guntruck Hlibka for providing a hub and platform for Canadian genre films. Let's do it again next year!!!

Join the Facebook page

BITS Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Blood-in-the-Snow-Canadian-Film-Festival/114976418656732

MissSandraD's Online Sources:
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta
http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Sandra daCOSTA | Film Army Interview

MARKETING THE INDIVIDUAL: CAREER STYLE WITH SANDRA DACOSTA 
 
November 28, 2012 Written by Jon Ellis
The Devil Walks Among You

I have been doing a lot of interviews lately with EP’s and other management figures, but this time I decided to get an actor’s perspective.

On that bombshell, let’s get straight into it. I had a great chat with Toronto’s own Sandra DaCosta regarding her career, how she got to where she is now, and the lightning speed at which she’s been progressing.

This eloquent goddess of Canada has been breaking hearts in all sorts of productions, but better yet, let’s let her tell us in her own words.

Sit back and enjoy!

Jon Ellis: How did you get involved in film? What inspired you?

Sandra DaCosta: My interest in film began at a young age. My imagination has always been my best friend and was, and still is, my greatest source of entertainment. I’m a daydreamer and as a result my career in film began innocently enough with appearances in several music videos which allowed my focus for film to take flight from there.

JE: How do you market yourself as an actress?

SD: The professionals in our trade are fairly immune to marketing tricks and ploys; hence I chalk it down to talent, experience and presence with regards to my colleagues and peers. Connecting with fans and the masses encompasses going viral via social media outlets and utilizing my work and work ethic as well as connections to reach people through thoughts, opinions, expertise and vision. I attempt to humanize and personalize my stories for the people I’m trying to reach. I take initiative by actively and creatively leveraging social media. It’s a fine line of balance between selling yourself and selling a product.

JE: What kinds of outlets should actors be plugging themselves through? How do you get “noticed”?

SD: To market yourself as an actor I feel one should have the basics in place first…

- Talent
- Headshots and a credible resume (do not lie on your CV)
- Demo reel (no longer than three minutes) or videos that lend credibility to your expertise and talent
- Website and/or blog

One can then incorporate online outlets such as Casting Workbook, Facebook, Twitter, website, and blog as a source of marketing. Create a blog to utilize as a journal of your accounts and the processes involved with being an actor (both the highs and lows), which you can personalize for the audience you are attempting to reach. It’s a means of creating content. This is how I participate and contribute content, advice and information as I strive to build an online portfolio. It is essential that you work on your marketing strategy everyday; it’s what gets me noticed.

JE: What role do you think marketing plays for the individual actor early in a career?

SD: The beginning stages of an actor’s career can be incredibly overwhelming. There is no rhyme or reason as to why it works for some and not others. There is no formula or staple. Utilizing and strategizing social media and figuring out your marketing game plan can make all the difference in leveraging your career. There is no time like the present. Just do it already, get the ball rolling. Jump in with both feet. Procrastination is the detriment of anyone wanting to be involved the entertainment industry.

JE: How large a part does social media play in your career? What’s the best way to take advantage of it?

SD: Social media is a huge aspect of my career. I’ve discovered over the last year or two that it’s imperative to have social media outlets at your beckon call. I’ve built a fantastic Twitter following of fans, directors, writers, producers and actors who actively engage me and promote my work and my following just keeps getting bigger, which feeds the machine. Most of my interviews/articles that have been published online were opportunities that I received as a result of relationships developed through Twitter. My blog – http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.ca/ – takes up a bit more time but I love utilizing this outlet as well as I’m constantly creating content that I can share on Facebook and Twitter. Twitter is by far my favorite go to source for content sharing (micro-blogging).

JE: What do you think the growth/evolution potentials are for the indie film market?

SD: I firmly believe that the indie scene is creating its own movement and is seriously establishing itself as a means of creating professional works that can rival mainstream film productions. Let’s face it, Hollywood has run out of original ideas, hence all the horrible remakes. Remember movies such as Night of the Living Dead by George Romero, Clerks, Paranormal Activity, El Mariachi, and my favorite, Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels came from the independent think machine. Indie films are pushing past the festival circuit and into the box office. Major film studios are taking notice and are creating opportunities for themselves to supplement indie film productions because there’s money to be made.

JE: Do you think online fundraising platforms are the future?

SD: Crowdfunding is a valuable resource and phenomenon where people come together to invest directly in a person’s idea/project. The key to generating interest in your project comes from being able to tell a compelling story, which will in turn draw those interested in “backing” your product/service. You need to keep the momentum going to continue spreading the word. Share your progress (social media platforms… yes, creating content), offer unique rewards that are exclusive, something that funders just have to get their hands on. Fundraising platforms have the potential to be the go to for financing films, but you have to know how to market yourself and your project in order to sell it.

JE: What is the future for Sandra?

SD: Besides having my sights set on LA & NY, I’m currently working with E11even Entertainment on their latest endeavor – an action/adventure TV pilot directed by Allen Saulnier. The concept is world travelers in search of treasure with an element of danger. It’s Indiana Jones meets Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune. The series stars breakout actor, or better yet, tomorrow’s Tom Cruise, Christopher Thompson (http://onetakethompson.com/) in the physically demanding lead role of Jason Carter, and myself in the lead role of Maya who is a pleasant blend of “the girl next door” and “femme fatale” – charming, disarming and intelligent. I’m also slated to shoot two feature films in 2013, one of which will find me collaborating once again with Ryan Andrews, the director of the feature film SICK “Survive The Night” which will be making its world premiere at Fright Night’s The Blood In The Snow Canadian Film Festival November 30, 2012, presented by Fangoria’s Kelly Michael Stewart.

SICK “Survive The Night” website: http://sicksurvivethenight.com/
Event and ticket information here: https://guestlistapp.com/events/129540

JE: What advice would you give someone trying to make it in the industry?

SD: My advice to anyone attempting to make it into the entertainment industry is to shut out the negativity you’ll receive from the people around you who just don’t understand your goals and aspirations for the future. Be humble and grateful for the opportunities that cross your path. Always take the greatest risks possible and work your ass off everyday, as it’s your work ethic that will make you stand out in a sea of “wannabes.”



Thanks so much Sandra for taking the time to chat with me about your perspective on everything film/marketing and dollars. I can honestly say that without individuals of this caliber coming out of Canada our industry would fall on its rump.

Be sure to check Sandra at all her other online tentacles and, as always, Tweet me at @baconjonny about the cool things you guys are doing, and if I deem them awesome enough, we’ll be sure to talk.

Sandra DaCosta’s linkage:
Website
Blog
Twitter 

ORIGINAL INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE http://www.blog.filmarmy.ca/2012/11/marketing-the-individual-career-style-with-sandra-dacosta/

Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Sandra daCOSTA | Chulo Magazine Feature & Interview

SEXY ACTRESS: SANDRA DACOSTA
CHULO MAGAZINE | OCTOBER 19th 2012

Photography Credit: Daniel Anaka Location: Cheltenham Badlands

Check out this calm, cool, and collected actress hottie.
Talented Portuguese-Canadian actress Sandra daCosta has a combination of talent and sex appeal that has started making her a recognizable force within the acting and film community. Sandra has appeared in a lot of short films, and is gaining the attention of magazines, most notably Fangoria.

Despite her looks, Sandra is still the girl next door. She has done a good job of not being caught up in the movie industry’s obsession with looks. According to Sandra, there’s “more to acting than trying to be the prettiest girl in the room.” We are totally sure that Sandra will be heating up screens everywhere in the near future.
We got a chance to catch up with this lovely, and get her responses to our favorite Q&A

So Sandra, where were you born, and how was life growing up?
I was born and raised in Kingston, Ontario. The 1st of two children. Sunday church was a regular part of life as well as these massive family get-togethers where food was definitely a central focus. Having parents with impeccable work ethic so was the expectation that once you finished your schooling you would make a life for yourself hence my move to Toronto.

What nationality are you?
Portuguese Canadian

How long have you been modeling? How did you get your start in modeling?
I’m definitely not a model. When I think of the word “model”, the names Janice Dickinson, Gia Carangi, Coca Rocha, Cindy Crawford, Gisele Bundchen and Lauren Hutton come to mind. I’m fortunate to have colleagues who are fantastic photographers and who are willing to collaborate on creatives. The photos are a resource that I utilize as a means of conveying different aspects of my personality. You’ve heard the adage “A picture is worth a thousand words.”

You’re in the movie Sick, right? We saw it in Fangoria.
Yes, Fangoria’s Kelly Stewart brought the exclusive story to the forefront for Ryan Andrews feature film “SICK – Sick Survive the Night.” Set in a post apocalyptic world 2 years into the outbreak, where zombies outnumber the living and the human race is on the brink of collapse.

What is your role in the movie? How did you land that gig?
I play Betsy, a survivalist who really doesn’t have any other contingency plan than to find a way to survive day to day by any means necessary. I’ve had the pleasure of working with Ryan Andrews in the past on a short called “The Devil Walks Among You.” When we wrapped on that shoot we agreed that we definitely wanted to work together again down the road. Once his primary casting was complete for “SICK” he asked if I’d be interested in the role of Betsy, and here we are.

Where else have we seen you?
Many of my films have hit the festival circuit and have garnered various awards. I’m also in several music videos and I’ve also been featured in men’s lifestyle magazines The Mansphere & Banana Fusion. I really feel that Ryan Andrews feature “SICK” which will be released fall 2012 is going to be what contributes significantly to the development of my career in terms of getting me noticed, as I fully believe that “SICK” is going to have some mainstream success.

Most of the films that you’ve done lately are horror films, for the most part. Is that what you’re going for?
I have done my fair share of horror films, many of which haven’t seen the light of day until recently. I think it’s because there’s this huge insurgence in the horror genre (and sub genres of horror) and specifically Indie Horror. It’s always a blast to be on the set of a horror film. You get dirty, and bloody, there’s always a running joke. It’s chaos at its best. I’m open to a wide variety of genres it all just depends on timing, opportunity and if I like the script and if the script likes me.

Do you consider yourself more of an actress or model?
I’m an actor hands down. 100% bonafide!

What is the most difficult part of acting for you?
Time management (laughs). For the most part any difficulties I come across in my career I perceive as challenges and I’m always up for a good fight. My “never quit” attitude makes me a serious contender in this industry.

Do you consider yourself famous?
I think fame is reserved for a select few, and holds a different meaning from one individual to the next. Do I have a fantastic twitter following of fans, directors, writers, producers and actors who actively engage me and promote my work? Absolutely! Within the independent film community I’m recognized and well received by my peers and colleagues which enables me to network to make strides in my career. Am I famous? No. Am I talked about? Yes. Am I reputable & bankable? Absolutely.

Do people recognize you when you’re out and about? If so, how do they react to or treat you?
Of the few times I’ve been stopped I’m told my pictures don’t do me justice.

What do you like best about being an actress?
Watching my films on the big screen and forgetting that I’m watching myself. That’s when I know I’ve put in a good days work, and I must admit I live vicariously thru the characters I portray, just a little bit.
 What would you be if you weren’t a model or acting?
I don’t know how to answer it any other way than to say I really can’t imagine doing anything else.

What would the average person say about you?
Down to earth, passionate and enthusiastic. Just for the record I don’t like the word “average.”

What’s one thing about yourself that everyone should know?
I love food!

Are you a good dancer?
Oh yes.

What do guys compliment you most on?
My eyes.

What kind of guys are you into? Do you like the nerdy type, MMA fighter guy or the regular Joe?
I like guys with a slight rebellious nature but I’m lured by someone who inspires me. Who is intelligent, has a sense of humor, and who also likes to take care of themselves. All these qualities make someone appealing to me.
Are you seeing anyone? Do we stand a chance with you?
I’m currently single. Time will tell.

Do you have any secret weaknesses or guilty pleasures?
My secret weaknesses wouldn’t be a secret if I told you, and my guilty pleasure is dark chocolate .

What’s your biggest turn on?
A guy’s smile and eyes. You know that moment when someone maintains eye contact and lingers just a moment or two longer than expected.

Do you consider yourself more of a “giver” or a “taker”?
I’m a giver. I need to find balance but it’s unlikely to change. It’s in my nature.

What is the most romantic thing a guy has done for you?
It’s been awhile… I can’t recall and I’m a total sucker for romance too, so it’s kind of disappointing.

If you could have any car you wanted, what would it be?
Ferrari 250 GTO in red.
Do you have any hidden talents?
I love to cook.

What would you consider your strongest attribute?
My intensity and focus.

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go and who would you take with you?
Fiji… Whirlwind romance.

What do you normally sleep in?
Depends on my mood. In all honesty, if I’m sick with the flu or cold there’s no way I’m sleeping in just panties and a bra.

What is your favorite food?
A nice thick steak, cooked Chicago medium rare.

Who is your favorite comedian?
Richard Pryor.
What do you do for fun?
Amusement parks are my ultimate playground; I want to be everywhere at once! I watch movies, a lot. Doing anything that involves pampering myself.

Do you like video games? If so, what do you play?
I have a love-hate relationship with video games as they take up a lot of time which I don’t have at the moment. Mortal Kombat is one of my favorites to play. First-person shooter games are difficult for me; I’m still trying to get the hang of it. I love the graphics and realism in God of War and Drake’s Fortune is a really great cinematic game. I will challenge anyone to a round of Mario Kart Wii.

Are you into sports? Do you have a favorite sports team?
I enjoy playing volleyball and it doesn’t matter if it’s indoors or outdoors but I prefer beach volleyball. With soccer, the World Cup and Euro Cup are official holidays for me, and football, the New York Giants.

What are your dreams and goals?
Being featured on the covers of W Magazine & Rolling Stone. As well as working with directors Scorsese, Tarantino, Bay, Lynch, and Fincher.

You already have the whole actress thing going for you. What’s next for you?
I’m prepping at the moment for a 20-day shoot for a TV pilot that’s in the genre of action/adventure. Got my fingers crossed for NY & LA.

How can your potential fans find you?   
Twitter: http://twitter.com/MissSandraD_
IMDB: http://www.imdb.com/name/nm3398617/
Blog: http://themoviestarnextdoor-dacosta.blogspot.com/

Do you have a website?
http://www.wix.com/sandra_m_dacosta/sandradacosta

ORIGINAL INTERVIEW CAN BE FOUND HERE http://chulomagazine.com/sandra-dacosta-01/