Meet Rose | Actor, Writer, Producer

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

Hi Rose, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
I love what I do and the joy that comes from being on set isn’t like anything else for me! Similarly, sharing projects with an audience is such an honor. I’m very excited for the short film I wrote, produced, and acted in, Frosting, to play at the LA Shorts Film Festival this month! At every festival so far someone has come up to me after seeing it and shared how it’s affected them. Some say it’s “spot on” and others start tearing-up. It means so much to know I can tell a story that has an effect on people – whether they’re feeling seen, thinking about a situation in a new way, or experiencing a range of emotions.

I have always had a deep love for stories and storytelling. Entertaining others and making them laugh on stage always brought me so much joy when I was young. It wasn’t until adulthood that I had the opportunity to learn about filmmaking and develop my skills in the field as an actor (on screen compared to stage) and producer.

Moving to LA was always one of my goals, but I wanted to learn a little bit about the industry before coming to a competitive market with a higher cost of living. So, my professional career began in Las Vegas. I worked as an event coordinator and volunteered with a community talk show as a host, MC, and producer. We filmed in front of a live audience and it aired on public access TV and internationally. While working on the show, I learned how to use my skills for video production and started doing news-like coverage of events around the city. I connected with people in the film community and started landing roles on a variety of projects – music videos, shorts, features, commercials. Within two years, I was working as a full-time producer with a schedule that accommodated auditions and acting gigs.

I’ve been developing my skills as an actor-producer in tandem and I believe my producing helps improve my acting and visa-versa. I decided to pursue acting because of my longtime love of performance. Producing was an unexpected twist for me. However, after working in event management and stage management I found that there were a lot of transferable skills and I naturally grew into it.

From my experience on set and learning about the industry I found that actors have such little control over the roles they get, the culture on set, etc… I get to tackle that as a producer because I can make my own work, pursue stories I’m interested in, and grow in front of and behind the camera.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
At this time, I’m really excited about my short film, “Frosting”, directed by Ian Harvie. I wrote, produced, and acted in the project and collaborating with Ian was so wonderful. This short film is about a transgender youth coming out to a family member and the drama, learning, and growth that happens afterwards. It will be screening at the LA Shorts International Film Festival on Friday, 7/25, at 10pm.

While “Frosting” is a fiction and it is not based on any living people it does touch on important parts of my life. A very important young-adult in my life is trans and it’s been a formative experience seeing and supporting him through this process. The core conflict that arises between the characters in the story is based on misunderstanding and fear. The main resolution is discovered through love and understanding. I think many people will be able to identify with the relationships on screen even if the situation is not familiar to them.

I’ve produced 6 short films now and wrote one, co-wrote two of them, and have directed dramatic shorts and kids episodic content. So, my resume covers a range of things on camera and off. I found that pursuing my dreams of working in film really snow-balled once I started. I started working on a talk show, then was asked to work on a music video, from there I was asked to do a short, and then a feature, and so on… After gaining that experience I was able to move to LA with a reel ready and an understanding of set etiquette, etc.

I think being on time, professional, and kind are super important to finding success in this industry. Also, working hard and delivering your best work is so valuable. I think that sets anyone apart in this business – if they’re doing it because they love it and are true professionals compared to someone who just thinks it’s cool to say “I’m an actor” or “I’m a producer”. Don’t understand the time and dedication it takes to do those things well. It’s not a easy path! But, it can be so rewarding.

I also believe that you can make art anywhere! I have been loving my time in LA. But, you don’t have to be in one of the major film/TV hubs to create. Go out there and make your own work!

I think my optimism set me a part from others and my belief that challenges are figureoutable! (Yes, made up work. If Shakespeare can do it why can’t we?!)

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would definitely take them to Magnolia Blvd between N Niagara and N Hollywood way to visit the vintage/thrift shops along that stretch. I really love Playclothes in that area but there are a bunch of great shops to choose from. I got an awesome gold gown from that location that I altered to look like Grace Kelly’s costume party gown in the Alfred Hitchcock film To Catch a Thief. I was obsessed with that dress as a child – particularly because Grace Kelly grew up in my neighborhood in Philadelphia.

I’m also a tour guide at Universal Studios Hollywood, so I would love to take them there for the day! I’m biased so the Studio Tour is my favorite part of the park, but I also really like the Jurassic World ride, too. Hanging out and catching a movie on City Walk is also super nifty if you want to extend your day in the area.

I would also love to take them to Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area. It’s a lovely park with lots of hiking trails and connects to the Baldwin Hills. You can spot the Hollywood sign from the top of the trail and the ocean if you look the other direction! I would go there just about every day during COVID because I needed to get outdoors. It’s a real gem with fabulous trails. Inexpensive, too! No charge on weekdays and a small parking fee on weekends. Plus, you can get to the Stoneview Nature Center from there and it’s SO CUTE! Great for outside picnic lunches, beautiful plant life, and the host activities each month.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Directing Actors by Judith Weston

“Frosting” Director, Ian Harvie

“Frosting” AD, Casey Carroll

“Frosting” Producer, Guillermo Barahona

“The Wizard of Oh No” Writer, Molly Kauffman

“The Wizard of Oh No” Director, Gayla Goehl

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

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rosedonahue/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RoseDonahueOfficial/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcZEfg19rYe6rqFrd6B2oyg

Other: https://vimeo.com/rosedonahue

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm9439496/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits
Eduard Asaturov on IG @asedasaturov and @dreamscape.prod

Still images from the short film “Frosting” directed by Ian Harvie, Director of Photography Eduard Asaturov

Kris Mayeshiro, www.km2creative.com