Meet Gabriela Kostadinova | Actress, Writer, Dancer & Director

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

Hi Gabriela, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risks. Oh boy. The most nerve wracking, adrenaline-pumping, anxious, exciting, scary, no… horrifying, and… the most gratifying actions and moments of our lives. George Addair said: “Everything you’ve ever wanted is sitting on the other side of fear.” How do I think about risk? As the one element, which keeps reminding me, during every single moment of its duration, that I am going, doing, breathing, learning, growing, expanding, curious, real, capable and above all – living. Taking risks is crucial to maintaining not only one’s sharpness in a chosen area, but in their human entirety. Risks challenge every fiber of our being to a degree where everything we are, dormant or active, has to come alive (however uncomfortable) and launch us into ‘fight or flight’ mode to survive. Only that ‘survival’ in a figurative way actually means visceral growth in ways we did but also didn’t want or expect. To put it simply – we level up. A lot. Very quickly. What I have found about taking risks in my life, whether on a personal or professional plain, is that my growth was accelerated times 10. Sometimes way more. Was it comfortable and cushy? No way. If it is, it’s not a real risk. Did it make my heart beat wildly, my blood race, my breathing hasten and every second seem as long as an hour? Yes. Did I ever really feel ready? No. Then why did I do it? Why did I decide to leave my home country of Bulgaria at 18 and move across the world, dropping all I’ve known behind, then 5 years later do it again and move to LA? Why did I drive to NYC for 4.5 hours on a whim with no GPS (phone was dead) on a barely surviving car, which died the next day (RIP, 1994 Saturn), because I missed a bus, but wasn’t going to let that ruin an important day with my now husband? Why did I whimsically decide to ‘try out’ the ‘acting thing’, because it felt right and fun, and go to my first audition (which I miraculously booked and is also how I met my husband), and 6 years later perform in front of some of the biggest casting directors (really scary) in the industry? Why did I naively reach out to one of the most famous actors in my country, made him a part of my project and days later somehow worked with the biggest film studio on the Balkans? Why did I ask an artist I highly respect and look up to, in a meet and greet, “Are you happy?” And lastly, why did I quit any ‘regular’ job I had and put myself on a 100% creative path, with twists and turns every step of the way? Faith. Faith in something good. Faith in succeeding. Faith in the “what if”. Faith in relationships. Faith in outcomes and things far bigger than myself. Faith in the powerful person the good Lord created me to be, and above all faith in God Himself. What excites me about taking risks is the immediate connection to a power way bigger than you that takes over at that moment and, if you are willing to listen carefully, miracles happen. Through risks you align with your biggest purpose in life.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
Art came in many forms, starting with visual arts when I was a child, I couldn’t drop the pen or pencil and sketch all day. I loved writing stories and get lost in fantasy novels day after day. Then dance was added to the picture and for the first time I was able to get out of my very extremely self conscious and shy self and inhabit a worlds and characters that were within me, but I never had the courage or space to express. I learned how to feel the vibrations and essence of the music and dance in my very core, that familiar nudge in the solar plexus when you’re extremely happy and inspired, and carry that in rehearsal, on stage and later in film. Acting came years later when out of no where I decided to allow myself to just do it, because I felt there was something within I needed to express still, that wasn’t quite possible through painting, graphic design or dance. Writing was helping and it felt powerful, closer to what I wanted, but there was still a puzzle piece missing. Defeating the fear of putting myself out there, so inexperienced, not having had a single lesson but inspired by the characters and words I had seen and heard in the stories that so strongly influenced me, I just couldn’t not at least try. “I’m a risk taker after all, it’d be sacrilege not to!” Fast forward 6 years and I today I am growing exponentially. All the challenges, experiences, people, places and circumstances that happened both in Maryland (where I used to live) and in Los Angeles, proved so purposeful to building my character, skill and outlook. Coming from Eastern Europe to the western world there was so much I needed to tweak or change in order to adopt a healthy, positive and progressive attitude towards life – one of abundance, opportunity and always looking for the best possible outcome. I would never short change myself (unless it’s for the very needed and justified benefit of someone else). But thinking about it now – that was always there. Bulgaria gave me that through my family and the people around me, as well as the circumstances of a broken, post communist country. There was a lot we had to learn on the go and you either get bitter, or you get bigger. I had to let go of fear, doubt, victimhood, false beliefs and that signature tragic nature of the Slavic people (well, I still kept some, it’s a beautiful way to actually stay compassionate, sensitive, and it’s good for dramatic acting haha) But ever since I can remember, there always was a fire that kept burning inside and saying: “What if you went a little farther? What would happen then?” Has that gotten me in trouble? Ohhhh yes. But I tallied it up as another learning experience. I’ve been tempted to pull it all back and stop being so ‘extra’ in my attitudes and endeavors, but soon after I’d realize how boring and suffocating that is so I’d pour more oil into the fire, but this time be more specific with the area of effect. So what sets me apart from others? I don’t like to think of it as me being set apart, but just bringing MY element to the table humanity. We need each other after all. That one element is that fire. My mentor, Dimiter Marinov, calls it instinct. It sparks up invited and uninvited, at 3 am, in the middle of a car ride, when I just have to stop, get out of the car and record a choreography, or wrangle my friends lat minute to create a full cosplay music video for Blizzard in 2 days, or write a script about my country’s history, despite all warnings, which will soon go into pre-production, and then co-write another one about sex trafficking with Hudson Walker, which is currently gaining strong traction and another, dedicated to Robert Altman, co-written with his son – Robert Reed Altman. But the crazy thing is – I didn’t do all of these things just on my own flames. People would come along (so many times out of nowhere, completely unrelated – I met both of my co-writers through Upwork, doing graphic design work for them) and we’d fan the flame together or I would add mine to theirs. And the heat was too intense at times, but it’s so important to learn how to discern which type of heat is incendiary, and which – purifying. Stick to the latter. Your gut will know. Sticking to something and fanning the flames is your best friend in a world, programmed to challenge you. But as my mentor says – “problems don’t come against you, they come for you.” And so, I’ve learned dedication, commitment and loyalty, sticking with a person or a project no matter what, because good things come to those who wait. And they have come. If I hadn’t committed to working with the incredible director and show maker Nina May, I would not have been a part of the post-apocalyptic show “Daily Bread”, which , funny enough, proved to be quite accurate in many ways when the pandemic began. And If I hadn’t done that, I wouldn’t have become a part of her next project – the romantic comedy – ‘First Lady’, and have the honor of acting opposite of Corbin Bernsen and Nancy Stafford. The same goes for the reel creation company my husband and I own – Cineshots. It started from working with a friend to get some new footage for all of our reels, but then we decided: “Hey, why not? Why wouldn’t someone want to trust our skill to create a reel of their own?” We believed in ourselves enough to put it out there and to this day, within a year and a half, have worked with twenty different clients and currently scheduling shoots for a three more. I write and direct, Steven shoots and edits. It’s been one of the biggest teachers and ways to practice craft and skill all at once, while we pursue our careers. Then again, this IS a part of our artistic careers. And speaking of believing in yourself, sometimes opportunities come out of the blue when you unapologetically and unashamedly lean into what you love. In my case that is all things fantasy – books, films, games. And when that love is shared mutually with others, some fun things start to happen! A good friend of mine and I decided to create a music video dedicated to one of the biggest online role playing video game – World of Warcraft (which I’ve been playing since I was 12) and pour out our creativity, knowledge and love for the world we had inhabited for a decade and a half just for the fun and love of it. So we made the costumes, got the crazy lenses, had professional SFX make up done and on a dusty LA hill, we shot for a full day. Did the video blow up? Not yet. But what did come out of it was a partnership with an incredible group of creatives in Los Angeles called ‘The Roll Players”. A group of actors, creators, and Dungeons and Dragons players who stream a DnD show on Twitch every week. I was graciously invited to become a part of the cast and for 7 months now (it was a great quarantine activity, too!) the show, the channel and our relationships have been growing exponentially with a fan base and a steady following. I would have never expected to stream on Twitch regularly or get into DnD (I was intimidated and didn’t have the time) but when the right things align and the right people come into your life, the things the child in you loves most and holds so dear are safe to come out and thrive. Art comes out in many forms. I’ve always looked for creative outlets in whatever medium, whatever way, whatever location, as long as it means I get to share a deep feeling with the world and connect with others, I feel fulfilled, I feel successful. And even when it gets challenging, when you don’t feel a connected to the “source”, sticking to something, digging deep and not giving up, but finding your “Why?” will take you farther than you ever thought any well travelled, paved road would. I’ve learned that there are no shortcuts. The roads are windy, high altitude, hot, cold, you get out of breath, maybe at times you lose sight, because it gets dark, BUT as long as you don’t forget you have a fire inside, even if it is a dwindling flame at times, you can light up that scenic route and see it for all it’s worth.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
LA is so eclectic and with that it has a little bit of everything for everyone, but the go-to’s for me, no matter who the person is would be a hike to the Hollywood Sign – either on foot or on horseback – I love that panorama! Griffith Park and the Observatory are a definite – so much beauty – both natural and man made to be seen there, and if we get the chance to peek through the telescope after dark – even better! And who doesn’t want to imagine they are Emma Stone and Ryan Gosling in the room with the suspended pendulum! Hehe. Pasadena would be the next location with Me + Crepe for a bite and a Pasadena Playhouse show. From there we will go west and hit up The Brand or The LA County Museum of Art and while at it, stop by the Walt Disney Concert Hall, then dine on a beautiful downtown rooftop at Perch LA! Going further west we’d visit the iconic Hollywood Walk of Fame, grab a bite at the Pig and Whistle, then some gelato from the boulevard. Next up would be The Grove, get some Sprinkles Cupcakes, visit the outlets and beautiful plaza, then grab the best tacos I’ve ever had from Leo’s Taco Truck, walk down Sunset Blvd. and catch a show at the Comedy Store. Then, we’ll hit up the beach at Santa Monica (as crowded as the boardwalk and pier are, it has to be seen!), walk down to Pacific Park and enjoy some authentic corn on the cob, chill on the beach or maybe ride bikes along the boardwalk! As fun as those LA milestones are, I personally love the calmer places so going up the 405, we’d visit the Getty Museum and spend a day there, exploring the indoor and outdoor exhibits of culture and nature. From there we will go up to Malibu and hit up El Matador beach for a day of exploring the beautiful rock formations and caves along the beach, then have an early dinner at Sunset Cove. Going back east, through the valley, we’d hike at Malibu Creek State Park to visit the old M.A.S.H. set. If the Paramount Ranch was still standing, we’d go there too, but to drown that sorrow we’d go for a bite at Mercado Buenos Aires in Van Nuys for some cafe con leche and sandwiches de miga. Afterwards we’d hit up Santa Clarita a bit for some horseback riding and beautiful views, then travel south to Studio city to visit Universal Studios and City Walk and we’d grab a bite at The Frontyard. Afterwards is Burbank, with a Warner Bros Studio Tour and a bite at The Smokehouse, as well as some coffee after from Red Maple Cafe. Burbank also has some incredible hikes and views so after one of those, we’d finish it off at the historical and oldest remaining location of Bob’s Big Boy for a good burger!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There are so many people who deserve credit in the shaping of who I am, but the ones whom I couldn’t have done it without. My Mother – she taught me how to dive head in and not look back, the biggest risk taker and beautifully spontaneous person I’ve ever known, with an incredible depth of emotion, love and intensity. She shaped my determination, passions, inspirations and world culture with her sophisticated and profound taste in music, art and all things soul, and also led me to my faith. A true role model and inspiration in my craft. My Father – dreamer and doer – who singlehandedly charted his path and success, and then inspired my dream and drive to come to America, one of the hardest working and earnest people I know, and one of the best surgeons in the world. A true go getter, no nonsense man, but the life of the party, with a heart full of love for his country and people of his tribe. Steven Shulgach – my husband and partner in crime (film industry and our business, that is). He is one of the most talented cinematographers out there. I compare him to Roger Deakins, but he is so humble, he’ll immediately discredit that. His love for his craft, keen eye, aesthetic, deep sense for beauty and life, coupled with his kindness, coolness, intellect and charm, make him irresistible to work with and be around. Steven is also a lover of his family and things most dear to him and in life. Loyal, funny, strong, gentle and an Orlando Blood doppelgänger, I think I made the right choice. And speaking of his family – the Shulgach family have had an immense impact on my growth and success – between Steven’s mother, father (who is no longer with us, but is still very present) and his extremely talented and awesome siblings, I’ve learned so much about family, care, nurturing, fanning flames and motivating each other to be the best they can, through collaborative creativity and sometimes healthy rivalry. Denise High – A woman I call a second mother because of the example, character, mentorship and friendship she has given me so generously in the past 9 years. I can’t learn enough from her about people, love, God, country, history and all things Texas. And Howard High – her husband and my dear friend and sensei, and an honored member of the US military – he saw what I was capable of before I was able to and always pushed me beyond what I thought was possible to show me that “I can”. Talk about a risk taker. I wouldn’t have earned my black belt in karate, if it wasn’t for his teaching of craft and character. Dimiter Marinov – my teacher and fellow Bulgarian and one of the most soulful and truthful people, friends, and mentors I have ever met. His acumen, heart, mind, talent and intellect are beyond understanding (literally takes me days to decipher his wisdom at times). A true inspiration and role model in my art and in life. I learn SO much about life from every single interaction with him and have grown immensely because of that in the last 2 years of knowing him. He can’t help but teach, subconsciously, no matter where and how.

Website: www.gabrielakostadinova.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foreign.factor/?hl=en
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabriela-kostadinova-088474117/
Twitter: @GabrielaGKay
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gabriella.kostadinova/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/GabKay
Other: Our reel business website: www.cineshotsactor.com Alignable: https://www.alignable.com/north-hollywood-ca/actress-3 Gabriela and Steven’s mutual YouTube channel for fun and travel videos: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCDrxMWNq1AQ19yQrPu5oGQ

Image Credits
Ranee Vespi CH Photography Tulux Photography