For this edition of #Friday5, I’m super excited to have the chance to chat with the amazingly talented Christina Carmona.
Television host, award-winning actress/filmmaker and CEO of Bad Kitty Films L.L.C., Christina is more than a triple threat in the entertainment industry. She’s also a producer for the Orlando 48 Hour Film Project and has over 10 years of industry experience ranging from being cast as The Queen at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament to working as an entertainment production coordinator for Universal Studios Florida. She has helped coordinate high profile media events for The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, The Today Show, & Netflix’s The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt. When it comes to filmmaking, Christina’s strong focus is writing & directing. Her award-winning short film “The Conversation” garnered a bronze Telly Award & screened to great acclaim internationally. No rookie to being in front of the camera, Christina has also starred in multiple award-winning films. Being able to play multiple parts in the filmmaking process certainly makes her a key player. As quoted from one of her first interviews in Brink Magazine, Christina is certainly, “one to watch”.
What is your greatest accomplishment to date?
That’s a hard question. One of my greatest accomplishments was starting up my own film company. I have to say though, that’s only second to getting my father’s story about his PTSD and time in Vietnam filmed.
What’s a book you re-read over and over again?
The book that I keep coming back to right now is ,“Writing The Damn Book.” by Stacy Nelson. I am in the process of writing my first non-fiction book.
If you could have dinner with anyone, who would it be?
If I could have dinner with anyone it would be Prince. Someone alive? It would be Meryl Streep.
A place you’ve never been, but is on your bucket list?
Europe. I want to go all over Europe. It’s all on my bucket list.
Who was the greatest influence/inspiration in your career?
One of my greatest inspirations when it comes to this industry would be Rod Serling. Growing up watching the Twilight Zone inspired my love for writing stories, but I love ones with a twist.
What’s your greatest joy?
My greatest joy is my family, my closest friends, & animals.
Greatest “A HA “ moment?
My greatest “A HA” moment was when I had the urge to write a film that was a bit different from what I usually write. I didn’t shy away. We filmed it, and it ended up garnering a Bronze Telly Award. Proof that you should always just go with the story that speaks to you!
Greatest pet peeve in business?
My biggest pet peeve in this business is unprofessionalism. It’s a sure fire way to get black listed.
At this stage in your career, what would you consider to be a dream project/opportunity?
A dream opportunity would be to write for/act in a major network series
What piece of advice would you give young people just starting out in their career?
Advice for anyone starting out in their career is to learn. Learn all that you can. Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty, and most importantly don’t be afraid. Go out there, work hard, and go after your dreams. Don’t let anyone tell you what you can’t do, instead show them what you can do.
