Interviewing actress Taylor Martin

How was your childhood?

Heavily romanticized by my own doing. I was an athlete, a goofball, and a visionary. I started making films with my friends as a teenager on an old VHS camcorder. I lived in a fantasy world and I could never travel enough. My interests and personality changed as often as I changed my clothes. I felt emotions very deeply from a young age.

From what age did you decide to be an actress and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

I loved to portray characters from as young as 13, but didn’t put it fully to screen until I was in my mid-late twenties. I was making funny content online and someone told me I should try and get into acting. I always assumed I’d direct, but at the time I didn’t have the resources, so I answered local casting calls instead. I kept getting cast with no experience so that’s how I knew I had some sort of natural skill.

Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actress?

100%. They always knew I was a little weirdo that could stand out if I took enough initiative. They’ve been by my side at awards shows, red carpets. I’ve passed that support along to my own children when they’ve expressed interest in acting.

What was your first appearance on screen?

I answered a casting call for extras for an indie vampire/noir film. I showed up, they gave me lines. I was hooked and went on a tear for about 3 years before moving on to directing.

What was the role you liked the most?

I tend to enjoy anything my cousin Matthew, my writing partner, insists I stretch my dramatic or comedic skills with. One of my favorites though was in a short film where I played an

unsuspecting mother that kidnapped a child….who was my daughter in real life.

What do you think led you to fame?

An insufferable work ethic, a brilliant film team behind me, a stroke of luck, and a whole lot of gratitude. Manifest destiny and whatnot.

What types of characters would you like to interpret?

I have yet to do a completely unrecognizable performance. One where I’m submerged in prosthetics to the point where people say “THAT was Taylor?” Otherwise I’m all about complexity.

What actresses and actors do you feel comfortable working with?

I tend to gravitate toward the emotionally intelligent and hard-working crowd of co-stars. The ones that perform the most grueling take I’ve ever seen, get up with a smile on their face and ask to go again. I don’t play well with egos and I try to poke fun of my own.

In what other genres of art would you like to participate.

I’ve been a musician my entire life as I come from a family of musicians and performers. I’ve

played trumpet for 25 years and have a love for musical theater. I’ve always assumed I’d end up in a ska band, that seems like a great fit.

Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

I feel forever in a comeback story with the hand I’ve been dealt regarding mental and physical health, grief and loss. I did cross Abbey Road in an inflatable dinosaur costume, so there is balance.

What has been your greatest achievement?

In my personal life, being a mother. Romantically, I dated my favorite rock star. Film career wise, I was freelanced to direct an international feature film and it sold on our first try. Physically, I’m still here.

What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

I have branded myself as specialized in the horror genre, so on deck is a few feature films in that realm. I have a “one for them, one for me” mentality in where I will take a freelance, and balance that with working on my own projects that I write that are more personally creative.

Whatever I do next, whether it’s direct a project or act in something special, I have a few tricks up my sleeve and hope to continue to bring awareness and positions to the talent in my hometown of Buffalo, New York.

Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

Si, absolutamente. I speak a little Spanish, so that would be a dream, especially in such a beautiful country.

Do you like Spanish cinema?

I do. I appreciate the vibrancy, passion, and culture that pours through every scene of Spanish motion pictures. It’s always interesting to see how other parts of the world showcase their skills and artistry.