Answers with Annabella Gutman

Answer 1

From comedy to science fiction, you seem to be interested in many different film genres. What draws you to certain films and not others?

My favorite genre is comedy. I also like sci-fi and action films, but comedy is something I'm really passionate about because I love to make people laugh. I'm naturally funny, so I feel that comedy plays to my strength. Judd Apatow is one of my favorite comedy directors. He directed "40 Year Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up". I also like Todd Phillips who directed the "Hangover" movies. David Fincher has directed some very unique films that I love, like "Fight Club" and "Seven". For sci-fi, Steven Spielberg is one of the best directors and I enjoy his films a lot. There is a huge market for sci-fi films. Lots of people are fascinated with them, so it's a good genre for producers to focus on. I feel like action movies are great for me, since I'm a pretty active person and I wouldn't have a problem with action sequences.

What inspired you to get into the producing side of the film industry?

I've been producing my entire life, even back in school where I was producing plays. When I moved to Los Angeles, I started producing reality shows and a few short movies. I decided to focus on producing full length feature films so that I can have a hand in the creative process and to be able to cast people that I enjoy working with.

Your most recent film is named "Dominion". What drew you to this film and made you want to be part of it?

I noticed how people loved "Rapture", which was a sci-fi thriller I co-produced with Clint Eastwood's daughter, Kim Eastwood. We got a lot of positive feedback so that made me feel more inclined to doing another sci-fi movie.

Does "Dominion" have a release date yet?

Not yet, but I would say that we anticipate a domestic and international release date around mid-2015.

What was your favorite part of filming "Dominion"?

I'm a romantic person who believes in true love, so my favorite part was the love story.

Where can Answers users go to see more about "Dominion"?

The film website is www.DominionTheFilm.com. What films are on your watch list for 2015?

I'm looking forward to seeing Mission Impossible 5. It's Tom Cruise so you can't go wrong. Disney Pixar's Finding Dory is going to be good. For comedy, I can't wait to see Ted 2. I thought that the first movie was hilarious so I'm glad there's going to be a sequel.

You studied Motion Picture and Television at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts and The Edgemar Center for the Arts in Santa Monica. What was it like going from learning about film and television to actually working in the industry?

Yes, the classes I took gave me a foundation to work with, but I found that the best school is to actually be on set, even if it's just for a small role. It's like learning how to swim. You can talk about techniques all day, but at some point you have to get into the water and do it. Working directly the directors and producers on different projects has helped me to see the entire process of what it takes to make a movie. Writing the screenplay, casting, putting a crew together, budgeting and raising money, shooting, special effects, editing and getting distribution... there's a lot involved but it's fun and I enjoy everything about it. There's nothing else I'd rather do.

Congrats! You were recently crowned Miss Los Angeles 2014 & 2015. What was your favorite part of the pageant experience?

Thank you! I'm new to the pageant world, so it's been fun to experience something that I've never done before. When I was a little girl, I used to watch the Miss America and Miss World pageants every year with my mom and sisters. It was like a ceremony for us. My mom would make food and invite my aunts and clients from her beauty salon and we would have a blast all day. It was a very important date on the calendar for us. I think my favorite part of the pageant experience is just being able to share my stories with them. It sounds simple when you say it that way, but they were so excited about it so that make my heart glad.

What's the one thing you hope to accomplish while holding the crown?

I hope that I can use the title of Miss Los Angeles to help charities and see if I can use it as a vehicle to brand myself and get more work as a talent. The Miss United States Organization provides an opportunity that I feel is useful for me since I can use it as a platform to be for visible and meet people who I can potentially collaborate with in my career as I move forward.

When you are not modeling, producing, or acting what do you do with your free time?

Free time? What's that? No, I'm just kidding. Truthfully, I don't have a whole lot of free time, but when I do I usually use it to work out or a nice night out for dinner and a movie with my friends. Also, going to get a massage is one of my favorite things to do. I always try to find some time to fit that in to my schedule. It helps me relax.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I've always wanted to be an actress or a producer, ever since I was a child. The film industry has always fascinated me and I'm still very passionate about it.

What is your best piece of advice for women trying to enter into the modeling industry?

First of all, have confidence in yourself. That's very important in any industry that's highly competitive, such as modeling. Second, don't become distracted with anything that can hurt your future such as drug addiction or alcohol abuse. Lastly, always stay positive. Participating in activities that help you neutralize negative energy is very helpful. For me exercise and volunteer work keep me in a good state of mind, but find something outside of modeling that works for you and do it.

From your personal experience, how does the film industry differ from the modeling industry?

I'll answer this question from the standpoint of a talent in both industries. As a model, maintaining my look is probably the most important thing. Of course, there's a lot more that goes into a successful modeling career and if I went into all the details, I would probably have a book to publish. As an actress, I would say that there is a different type of discipline I have needed to have. Memorizing my lines and being able to deliver them well usually require me to rehearse, rehearse, and then rehearse some more. Also, there is usually work I do to put myself in the mindset of the character whose role I'm playing. Depending on the role, it can get pretty intense. There is a lot more time that goes into preparing before you perform on set and even though it can be really challenging, it's also very rewarding work!

Who are some of your biggest influences in modeling?

My biggest influence is Cindy Crawford, who started modeling at a young age, like me. It's an inspiration to how her modeling career became a springboard for much more in her career. As we all know, she went on to become a very successful business woman and spokes model for several campaigns. And look at her right now, she's stunning. She still looks amazing, like she hasn't aged a day.

If you had to choose one pair of shoes to wear the rest of your life, which pair would you choose?

I would choose my pair of Nike Air Max shoes. They are so comfortable!