Today we’d like to introduce you to Christina Carmona.
Hi Christina, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I feel like I can say I’ve been doing this my entire life, and I think my parents and siblings would agree (haha!) I grew up in the Bronx, New York, and I can vividly remember as a kid wanting to be a part of a show. I always wanted to do things “BIG.” When I moved to Florida in my pre-teens is when my love for the arts really started to peek through. I began writing poetry, and from poetry, I went on to writing short stories. I was always inspired by Rod Serling and The Twilight Zone series, so I would try to write stories with a similar feel.
During high school, I was a part of the TV Production class and became the entertainment reporter and one of the anchors for the school news at Marjory Stoneman Douglas. This is where my love for production sparked. Flash forward to 2011, I formed my now Telly Award-Winning production company, Bad Kitty Films L.L.C., and graduated from F.I.R.S.T. Institute in film and T.V. I definitely hit the ground running. I worked as a performer for Walt Disney World, Universal Studios, & SeaWorld. During my time at Universal, I really branched out and eventually stopped performing and became an Entertainment Events Production Coordinator. I had the absolute pleasure of having worked on shows such as The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, and The Today Show. During this time, I also wrote and directed my first film, “The Conversation,” which went on to screen internationally and won a bronze Telly Award. Things really steamrolled from there, so along with a few films and theater shows under my belt, I am also currently one of the 48 Hour Producers for the city of Orlando and host for Orlando’s top entertainment television show, Indie Cinema Showcase. We can’t forget that you can also find me ruling the realm as Queen Doña Maria Isabella at Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. It’s been a true blessing and a real journey thus far, but it’s far from over!
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
I don’t think anyone in the entertainment industry can say it’s a smooth road. It takes constant work and dedication to your craft as well as a “thick skin.” Everyone’s struggle might look a little different, and mine came with being a female filmmaker. I’ve had many unfortunate instances of having been overlooked simply because I am a female. I had one situation at a film festival that I attended as a filmmaker come up where I was asked to step aside for a group photo of filmmakers because it was automatically assumed that I was not one of them. I quickly remedied that situation (haha!). My business partner is a male so it’s very noticeable when it happens how people will gravitate toward him, and then he just sends them back to me, the writer and director 😉 This in itself can be incredibly disheartening, and if there’s a female filmmaker out there going through this same struggle, or anyone for that matter, don’t give up! Push through because the world needs your story. Nowadays, people recognize females in these important roles, and that’s how we continue to pave the way for change.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Depending on how we’ve met is usually what people know me for. I am an actress, filmmaker, television host, and city producer for the 48 Hour Film Project. I know, it sounds like a lot. As an actress, you can catch me in various indie films as well as my own. I truly believe you also need to create the role you want to be in. I also work at Medieval Times Dinner & Tournament as The Queen. Coming up in 2021, I have some exciting new projects coming up so stay tuned! As one of the producers for the 48 Hour Film Project for the city of Orlando, I have the job of running one of the biggest film competitions in the world. Filmmakers write, shoot, edit, and turn in their completed films in just 48 hours! Last year the legend Cary Tagawa opened up our event. Being able to bring someone like him to talk to our filmmakers was so important. We wanted the filmmakers to leave inspired!
Winners of the 48 HFP here in Orlando go on to compete against other winners from cities all over the world for a spot at Cannes Film Fest. It is with so much pride that I can say one of our filmmakers here in Orlando made it all the way! I have the absolute pleasure of hosting and co-producing the television show Indie Cinema Showcase, a show for filmmakers, lovers of entertainment, and everyone a part of the process, including actors, stuntmen, makeup artists, screenwriters & more, airing on Vision TV every Saturday at 8 pm with re-runs on Sundays at 6 pm. We are so excited to give filmmakers another outlet to showcase their work and share it with the world!
After going through a bit of what I do, I find that what sets me apart from others is that I am involved in many aspects of the industry. I think it’s so important to be multi-hyphenate because understanding every aspect of the process is so important. It 110% makes you a better leader when you know what’s going on around you and what your cast and crew might need. You don’t have to be a master at it all, but definitely, being knowledgeable in other areas of your craft helps a lot. When it comes to the filmmaking process, my strong focus is writing and directing. My business partner tells me, “No, Christina we can’t blow that up.” and I go back in and unfortunately have to fix that (haha!!). I am most proud of the fact that I am here doing what I love all of the time, and because of this, I know for sure anyone can do it! I am rooting for everyone!
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I see our industry becoming even bigger. With Covid happening this year, it forced a lot of creatives to do things a little differently, but it didn’t stop us. We just find a new way and I love that! I look forward to seeing more parts and important roles given to minorities and the next 5-10 years showcasing a real melting pot of great talent from everywhere.
Contact Info:
- Email: christinalcarmona@gmail.com
- Website: www.badkittyfilmsllc.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/xtinalynnc
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/ChristinaLynnCarmona
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/xtinalynnc
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5018943/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
Image Credits
Atomic Pheonix Photography Emmeal Gooden Photography
