Meet Gabriella Giardina | Actor and Model

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

Hi Gabriella, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ever since I was a child, I remember being mesmerized by the stories and lives I would watch on tv. Be it a film, tv show or animation. After watching tv, I would go to my bedroom and re-play everything I just saw and add my own twists to it too. My mom then also explained to me what it meant to “create” everything I was watching on tv, what making a movie meant, and I just fell in love with it and wanted to be a part of it. I soon realized that I wanted to be the “voice of the character”, leading me to embark on my journey and career as an actress. I want to bring the character and its story to life while giving justice to the voice and message behind it and the person who created it. So I study it; I try to understand it and even learn from it, get to know this person, and once I feel I have grasped onto that, I like to add a little bit of me to it to bring it even more to life. Like a little zest, the spices on top.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I believe each talent is unique in its way. One can always learn so much from people, and in a work environment: there is always room to learn and grow from your co-workers and fellow actors, no matter where you are and at what stage your career is. So, be open to that!

For me being present in a moment is everything; being able to take from what is happening might make you discover your character on a much deeper level, and it might even surprise you. Let the reality of the moment lead you; that allows the character to come to life, and adding yourself to it, as I have mentioned, shapes it and gives the final touches to make this character fully available and relatable. I believe this is one of the things that make me stand out.

I am very proud of all the characters I’ve had the chance to play and the stories. These all hold something to ponder upon, may it be comfort or encouragement or inspiration. Like Emily, the protagonist in one of the latest short films I shot, “Sleepless”. Emily is very relatable to anybody who has struggled with identifying feelings and dealing with a whole spectrum of emotions that make you feel on edge or trapped and unable to understand the right step to take. At the same time, that sense of hope and longing for something or someone, and wanting to free yourself, and the innocence of it too, I believe those are characteristics that in different forms we all experience, and so we can all find an aspect of Emily in us. I too found my own experiences that mirrored several behaviours and feelings of Emily’s, which made me feel even more connected to her. And I am very proud knowing that all these stories and characters not only help us live the moment and enjoy a good movie; they also give us something more to take into our own lives.

I am very excited about all the other projects coming up. Soon I will be shooting for a comedy, “Allergies”. There as well, amidst the fun, you find a message. In this short, where I will be interpreting Kate, a gathering of friends is shortly interrupted by the inconvenience of individual dietary restrictions. Kate is a bright and funny woman who shows two strong sides to her character. On one end, she does not shy away from expressing her opinion while putting all her efforts in for the people she loves. On the other, her frustrations and internal conflicts emerge when she makes a mistake and realizes she should have done something differently. I am looking forward to it! Right after that, I will be shooting a dramedy, which I can’t disclose the title of yet, but in just a few months will be able to talk about more. And in between, there is also my work as a model with Esker. I love how grounded the core of this company is and the health value they stand for. So I am very excited about all these different roles I get to play, live, experience, and then release for the world to take from and contemplate.

No career path is ever easy and obstacles-free, in my opinion. It always takes a lot of hard work, belief in yourself, patience, remaining truthful to your values, and a resilient support system. So for me, it was always a combination of all those things: working hard every day, studying, doing theatre, and auditioning. Consistently practice, and put in the time as well, there will always be obstacles, but it is a matter of how much practice you have put in to jump past them. It isn’t easy, but a support system will help you through it. And as long as you do not give up, and keep believing in yourself, even if it is just one step you take, that becomes an important step.

There is a lot to discover about each individual. I love when someone digs deeper and finds that one person can have a whole colour palette to them. That’s how I see myself: as someone who loves acting and films. It is something where I find freedom as a person and in my creativity. But there is also another aspect of my personality that wants to emerge. I am someone who loves football and will include games in her schedule, and someone who loves spending her free time hiking with her huskies and just exploring nature. I am also someone who wants to be active in taking care of our beloved Mother Earth. Lastly, I aspire to stand up for all those treated with less respect.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I would love to show them a bit of all the different colours of the city. The Academy Museum is something anyone would be moved by, I know I was! So that would be a must. There are specific landmarks that are always good to visit, like Griffith Park, and LACMA. But I would love for them to experience the beautiful nature too, maybe with a trip to Mammoth or Laguna beach to experience the natural pools. We could include a fun day out like going to Disneyland or Universal studios.

When it comes to food, the good thing is that variety isn’t lacking. We’d go to Ubatuba for breakfast for a tasty açaí bowl, then have a burger from apple pan, or a fresh poke bowl. I would also have them try the bun shop!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The saying “it takes a village” has never been more accurate. I would not be where I am and who I am today if it weren’t for all the support, encouragement and belief put in me by so many, in both the good times and the more challenging ones.

Nobody is in any way less deserving of a shoutout! However, the first ones I would like to thank are those who have been there for me from day one: my parents and siblings. They believed in my dream and me before I even spoke out loud about the path I wanted to take, and they supported me and put all their efforts in every time I needed it.

Website: https://www.gabriellagiardina.com/

Instagram: https://instagram.com/gabriellagiardina?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

Other: IMDB: https://m.imdb.com/name/nm8209349/

Image Credits
Top Left: On set for “Anniversary” Top Right: On set for “ Sleepless” Middle Left: On set for “Lonnie Lindlebach & The Loutishly Large Load of Lamentable Laundry” Middle Right: For Esker, photo by Bliss Katherine Bottom Left: On set for PitaMan Commercial Bottom Right: For Esker, photo by Peter Mackie