Editor’s Note: Supporting women should not be limited to a month. So at Reel 360 News, we have decided to amplify and promote dynamic women’s voices all year long. Today, let us introduce you to Executive Producer, Cynthia Gravanese
After attending the Philadelphia College of Performing Arts, Cynthia made her way to New York City, where she studied at The American Academy of Dramatic Arts, and upon graduation, she began working in Off-Broadway and regional theatres.
As a writer, executive producer, and actress, her love for dance inspired her to develop Meet Me at the Barre, an award-winning streaming web series. The series earned the Best Web Series award from the Glendale International Film Festival, NYC International Film Festival, and the LA International Film Festival and appeared in the Film Collective Best of Series and the Phoenix Film Festival.
Cynthia co-stars in the recently released Something’s More Than One Thing, produced by the Russo Brothers and directed by Jay Alvarez, and on the film circuit in the psychological thriller Protos.
As an Executive Producer, she partnered with her husband, writer Mark Dylan Brown, to produce Watching Walter. A true story about Holocaust survivor Walter Wojnas. The short film is currently on the festival circuit and has won four awards for Best Short Film – Narrative. She recently produced Baby Blues, a horror comedy about dentistry gone bad. Currently playing at festivals across the country.
Let’s meet Cynthia!
What’s your origin story?
I grew up in a Philadelphia Italian American family. I am the youngest of five. For entertainment, we wrote our shows and performed them at home or for neighbors. I made my stage debut in 4th grade as Dorothy in the Wizard of OZ and knew I found my calling.
How did you break into film?
I broke into the industry by doing theatre, both in New York, LA, and regionally. It’s the best training for any actor, director, producer, or anyone who wants to push themselves to dig deeper. On stage, you learn confidence and the ability to listen. A casting director saw me in a show, called me in and I booked my first job on All My Children and earned my SAG-AFTRA card.
Who were your mentors, and how did they influence your journey?
I have been influenced by countless individuals, including fellow actors, writers, and dancers. I was part of a writing salon led by the author and playwright Beverly Olevin. In our group was the brilliant author and actress Sandra Tsing Loh, who, along with Beverly, inspired me to continue my writing journey. I took Pilar Alessandra’s television and screenwriting workshop, where I developed my web series, Meet Me at the Barre.
Additionally, I was fortunate to study with Diaan Ainslee, an incredible acting teacher in New York City. She taught us not only to trust our instincts as actors but also to be a great liver of LIFE!
What fuels your creativity?
Watching captivating performances in film, television, or theater inspires me to pursue new projects or finish ones I have started but left unfinished. I took on the role of Executive Producer to help bring my husband’s short script to life.
Based on the true story of Holocaust survivor Walter Wojnas, who, at the age of 15, was thrown into the Stutthof Concentration Camp and forced to repair Nazi watches. My husband met Walter when he was 15, so telling his story became the fuel to get the short film Watching Walter made. The goal is to produce this as a feature film next year.
What’s the biggest myth about women in your field?
That women don’t support other women. I have been surrounded by women who stick their hands out to help pull me up. The wonderful director Mary Lou Belli featured me in her Friday Spotlight because she is the epitome of highlighting other women in the arts.
Name a creative risk you took that paid off.
Putting my own money into my web series. The series was shown at a Film Festival and won. I booked a few jobs acting and producing jobs after that from the exposure.
What’s your take on the rise of AI?
I think AI can be useful in many fields, especially the healthcare industry. As an actor, I am wary of AI but I know it can be a helpful tool in the post-production arena, but I hope we find a balance to use AI to our benefit and not be solely reliant on it.
What’s a piece of advice from another woman you carry with you?
Trust your gut and be true to yourself! (words said by my mother, Norma Gravinese)
Are you rebooting Soul Train, American Bandstand or MTV Spring Break?
SOUL TRAIN.
How do you balance ambition with self-care?
I have a good inner clock that tells me when enough is enough and to nap or rest or simply read a book. Walking with our dog. Also, the Great British Baking Show is like a warm comfy blanket.
You’re writing a memoir. What’s the title?
A Skinny Girl from Philly Walks into A Theatre….
Go to Karaoke song.
Love Shack.
In 10 years, what do you hope to look back and say you changed?
In 10 years, I hope to have a thriving production company that plays a significant role in assisting others to get their projects made and to say I helped transform the way independent projects are viewed.
Cynthia’s Socials:
Instagram: @cynthiagravinesebrown
IMDB: https://pro.imdb.com/name/
https://watchingwalter.com/
https://meetmeafthebarre.us/
To see who else is a Reel Woman, click here.
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