gold standard

“You’re here early,” he said by way of greeting. It was not an inquiry. “Forget what you’re here for. My score is at a standstill. I need you to give me a chord, give me a mood, throw a book at the keyboard and see what it sounds like, whatever. Inspire me. Studio’s this way, let’s go.”

Turning, she wasn’t surprised to see Cillian, a composer that worked on the lot. Her brows furrowed however, at his words. “I was planning on going home,” Amani replied, though she made her way over to the man curiously. “And I’m not at all musical. Aren’t you some kind of genius composer or something?” She asked, chuckling a little tiredly. 

“It really has! But I’m glad to see you,” Amani told her brightly. It was the truth, after all. She’d quite enjoyed the time she’d spent with Laila when they’d filmed an independent movie a few years back. She chuckled a little, shrugging. “It’s fine, really. Don’t worry about it. We should get coffee though,” she agreed with a nod of her head. 

“Oh. I was at a table read for my show. We just got done and I’ve got the rest of the day off, thankfully. We’ve been pretty much filming back to back,” Amani told her, smiling widely at Laila. Her head tilted a little as she focused in on the other woman. “What about you? What was your meeting about?” she asked, genuinely interested. 

I. Hi! We’re happy to have you with us. First thing’s first, can you slate for us please?

“I’m Amani Delaney and I’m a 24 year old actress. I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. My pronouns are she and her. Apparently, people think I look quite similar to Adeline Rudolph but I’m not sure if I believe that.”

II. It’s great to meet you. So you have to know that everyone’s been curious about you, why don’t we start with where you’re from? Tell us where you grew up and what your childhood and family were like.

“Well, I grew up just outside San Antonio, Texas on my family’s Ranch. I’m actually the youngest child of five; I have three older sisters, Bridget, Kennedy and Ariana and the eldest, a brother; Hunter. We all grew up, mostly on my daddy’s ranch, he ran a dog shelter off the ranch after he retired. He was a professional wrestler in the 80’s and 90’s. My mama is a chef. Ariana and I are only two years apart, so we’re very close but even still I had good relationships with my older siblings. A lot of the time it was just me and Ariana at the Ranch though, Hunter was all grown up by the time we were born and lived on his own and our older sisters lived with their mother but it seemed like they were always around and I loved it. Family is extremely important to me.”

III. Well, they say our upbringing molds who we become. I’m sure that you got your reputation for being (3 +/- traits) from that.

“I think that’s definitely true. I know I get my confident, positive and hard working ethics from both of my parents. Though, I’m sure they wouldn’t want me to claim I’m stubborn, spoilt or temperamental from them.”

IV. And what about that lead you to your current career? How did that impact you enough to want to do what you do now?

“I’m not sure if there is a particular defining moment for me… I was always interested more in theatre and performing. My Mama had me in dance until I was about 12 and then I started doing more drama things. Drama camps, drama club. I found that I really enjoyed acting and by the time I got to my senior year of high school I decided I wanted to try and get into an acting school. My parents supported me, I know that but I’m not sure if they were completely thrilled about me trying to act professionally. Despite the fact my dad’s profession is just as hard to get into.”

V. That’s awesome. I’m sure our readers will love to hear that. So you knew you had a calling, what came next? How did you get yourself to Hollywood? What was your first job?

“Well, I’m still not sure if I’d class myself as being in Hollywood. But, I moved to New York City to go to college where I studied acting at 18. I studied at the Stella Adler acting school. At 21, I was finally working and did a few theatre shows and guest parts on shows before doing an indie movie that got a bit of a cult following and that was when I came to LA for pilot season. I’ve been in LA for almost 2 years now and very luckily I’m currently filming a second season of the television show I’m in.”

VI. Of course, but we all know there’s a sea of faces out here trying to get famous as well, right? It must have been hard, the first few rejections or being told something wasn’t good enough. What was the most difficult thing you faced on your journey?

“It can be hard to hear no, especially at first. I was lucky to have grown up around very strong, confident, resilient people; my parents and my siblings. Rejection can sting but you certainly can’t let it stop you and I didn’t. That sort of thing really wasn’t the hardest part about becoming an actress. I think for me, it was being away from home and being away from my main support network. I grew up surrounded by family and it is very important to me, so a part of me had to learn how to do things without my parents or my siblings to fall back on. I had to find my chosen family and grow another support network which took time but I’m very grateful for the people I have around me now.”

VII. So then what was the moment that you realized you made it? Or are you still waiting for that moment?

“Honestly? I wouldn’t say I have made it. I’m still very early on in my career and I don’t quite think I’m a household name. I’m not sure if that’s even my goal as an actress; I’m a working actor, which is what I’ve always wanted. But I suppose being on a popular and successful show has made me into more of a B-Lister then I thought I would be.”

VIII. It’s amazing when you make it far enough in this town when so many people end up giving up and going home, isn’t it? So now that you’re here, what’s next for you?

“I love being on a television show, it’s steady work. But, I’d love to try and do some more theatre. I haven’t had the chance since I was in New York but, it’s definitely exhilarating. If time permits, I’d also love to do some movies too. Probably more on the independent scene, I’m not sure I’ve quite got the rom-com, blockbuster look, you know? The show is great but I definitely want the opportunity to stretch my acting skills in the future. For now, I’m pretty content though.”

IX.  Now we know it’s personal but we have to ask,  do you have any comment about the rumors going around about you?

“For the people saying that I’m the reason a certain…former co-star didn’t join us for the second season, it’s just untrue. I get along with everyone on the show and it’s really disappointing that people speculate such nasty things. We didn’t hate each other and there was no big, blow up fight. They chose to leave the show and we should all respect their decision. I, personally, look forward to seeing what they do next.”

X. Thank you so much for talking to us today. Lastly, is there anything you want our readers to know about you?

“Laila?” She asked, tucking her script into her handbag. She grimaced a little then, shaking her head at her words. “Uh...no. I don’t know what meeting. But, you’ve got the right place,” Amani replied, nodding towards the meeting room that was, indeed, empty. 

She shook her head as she looked over at the other actress. She didn’t know what meeting Laila was talking about but Amani doubted it was over. The room didn’t look like anyone had been in it yet. “I don’t, I’m sorry. But, maybe you’re just a little early? Do you have the email or whatever it was about the meeting?” Amani suggested, a sympathetic smile on her lips. 

Her brow furrowed the slightest bit as she noticed the man towards the other end of the table, as she nabbed an apple from the pile. He didn’t look familiar and she wondered if he was new to the crew. Amani’s eyes widened then, at the man’s unexpected tirade and pressed her lips together, trying not to laugh as she took a few steps over towards him. 

“I think that’s the vegan coffee,” Amani decided to inform him, smirking a little at the older man. She gestured towards the boiler next to the one he’d used. “That’s the ‘real coffee’. Or whatever you called it,” she told him, amusement clear in her  voice. Head tilted, she looked him over once again. “Are you meant to be here?” she asked curiously.