Fitness athletes and bodybuilders use weight training as their foundation (next to a clean diet) for looking their best. Now what about actors? Turn on your television, and you'll see "pretty people" on every channel 24/7.
I'm sure you have thought to yourself, "oh they have always been thin", or "they must have been training and eating nothing but chicken for years..." The truth is, those pretty people are exactly like you and I, and however they live their lives in front of you and I. That takes confidence, and the need to look their best the majority of the time, year after year. Wouldn't you agree?
Meet the beautiful Deanna Smith. From Vancouver, B.C., Canada, Deanna is an actress and model, who aims to work out five times a week, and is igniting her former interest, ballet.
FM: How often do you workout and what does it consist of?
DS: "I try to work out five times per week, although sometimes it is less. I do cardio as well as weights. I also do a lot of walking. Since I don't own a car and I live downtown, I'll walk pretty much everywhere within reason. I have recently started taking ballet classes again after a long time and I plan to take other dance classes as well."
FM: Is being in shape really important for working in film and television? For those of you who sit at home all day, after a 'hard' 9-5 job, think again about who is working hard. As an actor, your day may start by getting up at 4:30, to be in make-up at 6:00am, and on set at 7:30. Often days can go right through until 3 a.m., and a 15 hour day is more often expected. For those working in the film / television industry, a minimum of 8 hours between days is a must, so that gives them time to sleep, go over lines, and work out!
DS: "I think it is important to be in good physical shape as an actor because of the demanding schedule and hours. I feel it is very important for me as an individual to be as healthy as I can be because it makes for better quality of life. Also, I think that when you are in good physical condition you feel better about yourself and that translates into more confidence which is extremely important as an actress."
FM: Most of us need the motivation of others around us or a trainer to get our bodies moving each day, but not Deanna. She enjoys working out at the gym in her building though admits that she tends to want to leave sooner then she should.
DS: "It is nice training at the gym in my building because not many people use it so it is almost like having my own gym. I find it easier to get motivated by simply going downstairs to the gym rather than heading out to another gym. It is tough to stay motivated sometimes though because myself do bore me and want to leave early. Also, there is less variety of equipment so I need to be a little more creative in changing up my workouts."
FM: So who said actors and models aren't human and never need that extra push! Having a trainer can help bring creativity to your workouts and Deanna knows this. By now, she may have one, to shed new light on what she can do with her home gym.
FM: Since the age of 16, Deanna has been weight training, however just recently she has found her grove and is setting goals for herself, and her long term health.
DS: "In the last few months or so I have established more of a regular routine and have began to challenge myself to reach more fitness goals."
FM: Standing 5'6", with a healthy weight of 118 pounds Deanna has learned to eat sensibly and in moderation.
DS: "I love California rolls, crab legs, a great steak, quality chocolate desserts, good coffee, a good salad. Cereal is a staple for me, I eat it for breakfast almost every morning."
FM: While preparing for modeling shoot or auditions, how do you alter your diet?
DS: "If something special is coming up I am just more careful about salt, fat, and sugar intake and try to eat more fruit and vegetables and drink more water. I am pretty much a moderation girl all the time."
FM: Working with a well established agency is important and Deanna is fortunate to have Lissa Lloyd from Lloyd talent with this past year. Or is Lissa lucky to have Deanna! Here is Deanna's resume; maybe you have seen her work?
FM: Deanna's passion for acting began very young, what kind of schooling have you went through and what did you do to lead up to today?
DS: "I always wanted to act for as long as I can remember. I was very involved in performing arts throughout school until graduation from high school. I then decided to go to University for something else. I dropped out of University at the start of my fourth year when I decided I was going to do what truly made me happy. That is when I decided that I was going to be an actor and make it my career. That was just over four years ago."
FM: To touch and inspire others through telling a story is why Deanna would choose feature films over television. This is her ultimate goal, however she appreciates other elements acting provides.
DS: "I do enjoy working in TV, film, commercials and theatre, though. Theatre is rewarding because you have the energy of a live audience and you get an immediate reaction. Also, instead of telling a story in small chunks (as in TV and film) you get to tell a story from start to finish which I really enjoy."
FM: Deanna's other interest while in high school was to be an advertising executive. Creating and performing commercials, and working in broadcast journalism crossed her mind, as did being a lawyer. I have met Deanna twice, and this I could see her doing. Her eyes are hypnotizing (and stunning), so personally, if she were not on my side, she would make me feel very nervous in the courtroom! Her fascination with being a lawyer came from her talent for debating, and stating what's on her mind.
DS: "I think because I like to argue and I have always stood up for myself and others. I would love to play a lawyer on television or in film."
FM: Her education faced a different direction
DS: "I went to University for Leisure and Sport Management which combines business with Physical Education. It was very interesting but not my passion."
FM: So with Deanna's passion now being for acting, she has studied with a variety of teachers at Vancouver's 'The Studio on the Drive'. There she has trained with Michael DavidSimms, Cameron Thor, and Kirsten Clarkson. Today she is still in training as it never ends.
DS: "I am currently studying with Michael David Simms in his core skills class."
FM: Skills such as memorizing come in handy since Deanna is required to have at least two monologues prepared, for when auditioning for the season for a theatre company.
FM: When all her homework completed, Deana recently worked on an episode of The Chris Isaak Show which aired last season.
DS: "I recently finished shooting a couple of independent films which should be finished in the next couple of months."
FM: Email Deanna for film names and release dates.
Deanna's Modeling & Acting Advice
FM: With what you know today, what advice would you give to a 16 year old girl who wants to be an actress or model?
DS: "Do it only if it is fun and you truly love to do it. Know what your priorities are and what is important to you. Talk to people in the business that you respect and admire for advice. Follow your instincts; if something doesn't feel right don't do it. Knowledge is power; research, learn, and study what you want to do. Work hard, believe in yourself, and never give up on your dreams. Remember; time will pass no matter what you are doing so you might as well be doing something you enjoy."
FM: Have you thought about moving to Los Angeles, or shooting there?
DS: "I would like to move to Los Angeles once I feel I have a very strong resume and demo reel. Aside from acting, I have always wanted to live in California since I was small and I also enjoy being in a large city."
FM: How did you prepare (and get the job) for being the MC for the Fem Sport show in Sept 2001.
DS: "I had a great time as the MC for the Fem Sport show in Sept. 2001 as well as 2002. It was the first time I had MC'd a show and I really enjoyed it. I prepared by reading up on info about the competitors, writing bios on them and learning about how the competition would work and what type of format it would have. Aside from that I just winged it and had fun! I got the job through Tre Scott and JP Erickson who were organising the competition. I had worked with them before doing modeling assignments and they asked if I would be interested in MCing."
FM: What are your hobbies?
DS: "I really enjoy playing pretty much any sport. I love to snowboard, rollerblade, play baseball, toss or kick a ball around, play tennis, play football, play golf, dance, watch hockey, and shop... of course. I would really love to learn martial arts, boxing, guitar. When I was younger I played piano and I also used to sing which I would like to get back into. Sometimes it is hard to find the time to accommodate having such varied interests."
FM: Are you planning on working for playboy or have you already?
DS: "I had an opportunity to test for a College issue of Playboy a few years ago. I decided not to do it at the time and I am happy with that decision. It is just not my thing!"
FM: Where do you see yourself in the next 5-10 years?
DS: "In 5 - 10 years you will see me in films." And I am sure you will remain as sexy and sweet as ever. Thanks for taking the time our of your busy schedual Deanna. The pleasure was all ours!
To Contact Deanna, email: deannasp@msn.com
Deanna's WebSite URL:www.deanna.tv is coming soon, so check back soon!
Thanks,
none
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