Meet Ashlyn Schmidt | Actor & Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Ashlyn Schmidt and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlyn, let’s start by talking about what inspires you?
My list of things that inspire me is endless and ever-growing, but to put it concisely: every piece of art I encounter, every aspect of life I experience, and every person I meet leaves some sort of imprint on me, becoming a source of inspiration.

Music has always been the lens through which I tend to visualize best. It is the driving force behind so much of my creative work and is something I utilize in different ways depending on the medium of my focus. Growing up as a dancer, some of my earliest encounters with art revolved around—and were almost entirely dependent on—music. I was introduced to art as something crafted around the intricacies of music, harnessing and expanding upon the emotional and physical responses it generates.
My draw to directing music videos, montages, and concert videos certainly comes from this place. I love closing my eyes or driving around and listening to songs/albums on repeat, allowing them to paint their own pictures in my head. The way music is able to generate visual manifestations of itself is so magical to me. The style in which I film and edit shows heavily depends on the music and how it impacts the crowd. When bringing a character to life, delving into their many headspaces, I turn to music as a tool to help me reach these ever-evolving states of being. Even now, as I have progressed into writing my own music, other musicians play an essential role in how I approach technique, form, and lyricism.

The intricacies of the world around me have become increasingly more influential to my work over the past few years. The way nature interacts with itself is so captivating, and I have been trying to implement more of it into my art. Focusing on things such as the movement and reflection of light across different surfaces, playing with light’s ability to consume an image and the narrative possibilities behind that. On a more musical note, I am inspired by many sounds around me. I enjoy looking back at old voice memos of such things and seeing what I can create with them.

I am also heavily inspired by all of my insanely talented friends. I feel so lucky to be surrounded by people who are constantly pushing boundaries in their respective art forms. Watching them develop such singular and pivotal work has left me in a perpetual state of awe and admiration, encouraging me to challenge my art and strive for growth.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art has taken many different forms throughout my life, yet I always find myself creating around a central objective: capturing and portraying existence (and whatever specifics that may entail) in the most authentic way. My fascination with different mediums has granted me an understanding of and relationship with many types of art, which has been so formative in the progression of my work.

I think acting will always hold the most sacred place in my heart. It is something that I have been doing (technically) since I was a kid, and it allows me to connect with myself in such an essential and singular way. Far before I ever considered it to be something I could pursue, acting and performing were my favorite parts of dance growing up. I was- and still am- such a fan of creating concepts and feeling those stories out on stage. Expressing emotion through movement taught me so much about being in my body and allowing myself to just be present and feel. I love that acting grants me the opportunity to explore so many different types of people and bring their truth to life using pieces of myself. Developing an understanding behind every part of each character, then permitting myself to exist as they would without restriction or judgement.

Similarly to acting, my passion for directing came long before I realized it was something I could do on a higher level. Growing up, making videos with my friends and family on iMovie and Video Star was one of my absolute favorite things to do. As my love of films developed, so did my desire to direct my own pieces in this medium. The storytelling and emotional aspects of my performance background, coupled with my personal history, have majorly contributed to developing my voice as a director. My goal is to encapsulate consuming feelings such as grief, loss, and nostalgia in a way that feels truthful. As I grapple with these feelings, I hope my depictions of them resonate with people who are enduring something similar.
In preparation for a new project, I like to take the time to reflect inward and ensure that I understand how I experience the feelings I intend to bring to life visually. As someone who tends to see my own grief manifest as rumination, much of my work so far has been centered around memories and existing within them. As of late, my favorite way to capture these distinct moments has been shooting on VHS. Old footage has become something of great value to me, so it feels only right to implement this method of filming into my work. Not only is VHS footage visually interesting, but it evokes that bittersweet sense of nostalgia that is such a pinpoint feeling when dealing with loss.

My love for filming and cinematography began forming around the same time I started going to more shows and immersing myself in the local music scene. This led me to concert videography and creating videos for bands—a path I hadn’t expected to end up on, but one I am so glad I did. The scene has had such an influence on my art and how I bring it to life, teaching me to be more present so I can effectively capture the live energy and then piece together the footage in a way that elicits the same feelings.
Filming bands has introduced me to some of the most essential and inspiring people in my life. They are the reason I got the chance to start directing music videos and became more connected with my own musical pursuits. I mentioned this previously, but their level of artistry and authenticity is something that is so magical to witness and be a part of.

Ultimately, the most beautiful and rewarding part of my journey with art has been seeing it all tie together. Acting, directing, concert videography, editing, writing music and poetry, choreographing, dancing, crocheting, and drawing all share key intricacies that dovetail in the most gratifying ways. I want to continue exploring and building upon these connections, finding new ways in which my creative outlets influence and strengthen each other.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Now, this is something I’ve experienced a fair amount of times over the past few years however, I rarely know what to do. Honestly, my family and friends end up being the tour guides, which totally works for me.

In my best attempt at creating an itinerary, we could start the day at the flea market and then explore the surrounding neighborhoods and shops. If we want to grab coffee, Republic of Pie is my go-to for drinks and a dreamy atmosphere. I also enjoy getting food and taking it to the park to eat while reading, people-watching, etc. Whenever my family visits, we like to spend a day at the beach then hike Runyon Canyon or Griffith during sunset. If it’s a friend I used to dance with, a class at either Millennium or TMilly would be so fun. I would also love to take them to a live music outing of sorts then go out for a late dinner after.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The only reason I am where I am today is because of my family. My parents’ unwavering support has meant everything to me as I have navigated different artistic paths and significant life decisions. They have always encouraged me to go after what I am passionate about, providing me with opportunities that enhance my craft and the space to explore new creative interests. I greatly admire my Mom’s enthusiasm to take on and excel in new endeavors, my Dad’s craftsmanship and dedication, and my Sister’s resilience and friendship. They have shaped me into who I am and inspire me to be the best version of myself.

I also owe so much to my teachers, mentors, and collaborators for helping me build a solid foundation that I can continue to expand upon. They have created a safe space for me to express myself freely while pushing the limits of what I thought was possible. Because of them, I view the world and artistry through a more vast and limitless lens. Their passion and commitment to their craft will forever motivate me.

I have to shout out the local DIY music scene as well. It has become such an essential outlet in my life and has introduced me to so many influential ways of expression. This community is unlike anything I’ve experienced, and I feel so grateful to be a part of it.

And, of course, one final shoutout to my cat, who has been stepping all over my laptop during this.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashlynschmidt__/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ashlyn.schmidt

Other: IMDb: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm14217135/?ref_=mv_close

Image Credits
Carlos Ordonez
Martin Thompson
Ryan Gomez
Yves Arispe
Enzo Periera