June 24, 2025 • 24 mins
Shae Smolik, a talented young actress from Iowa, shared her journey from local modeling to leading a feature film in Los Angeles. Starting with commercials and gradually advancing to TV and web series, Shae embraced each step with enthusiasm and resilience. Her audition technique—spontaneous and emotionally driven—reflects an innate gift for performance. This approach helped her land the lead role in the horror film The Hatred, a major milestone that showcased her ability to handle complex, emotionally intense scenes at a young age.
On set, Shae demonstrated a level of professionalism and presence that many seasoned actors strive for. She spoke candidly about initially feeling overwhelmed by the scale of a professional film production, but quickly adapted, delivering performances that resonated with both cast and audience. Her advice to fellow young actors is to stay authentic, enjoy the process, and never fear mistakes—because there's always another audition, and the heart of acting lies in being true to yourself.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
On set, Shae demonstrated a level of professionalism and presence that many seasoned actors strive for. She spoke candidly about initially feeling overwhelmed by the scale of a professional film production, but quickly adapted, delivering performances that resonated with both cast and audience. Her advice to fellow young actors is to stay authentic, enjoy the process, and never fear mistakes—because there's always another audition, and the heart of acting lies in being true to yourself.
Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/indie-film-hustle-a-filmmaking-podcast--2664729/support.
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Speaker 1 (00:03):
You are listening to the ifh podcast Network. For more
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Speaker 2 (00:12):
Welcome to the Indie Film Muscle Podcast, Episode number eight
eight Cinema Should Make You Forget. You're sitting in a theater,
Roman Polanski.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Broadcasting from the back alley in Hollywood. It's the Indie
Film Hustle Podcast, where we show you how to survive
and thrive as an indie filmmaker in the jungles of
the film biz.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
And here's your host, Alex Ferrari.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Welcome, Welcome to another episode of the Indie Film Huscle Podcast.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
I am your humble.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Host, Alex Ferrari. Today's show is sponsored by Rise of
the Film Entrepreneur How to turn your independent film into
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today's episode with guest host Dave Bullis.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Hey, Shay, thank you so much for coming on the show.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Thank you for having you.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Know, shit, I usually ask everyone if they've ever went
to film school. But you're you're, you're you're ten years old,
and uh, you're not at that college level yet, So
I want to not yet, So I'm going to change
the question just a little bit and ask, you know
what what got you into the film industry. Have you
always had a love for acting? You know, as you
(02:19):
were growing up.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
Well, actually I am from iowhen I started to see
here and I will call it the Peak Agency, and
uh Sam, and then you said, I think you yeah,
it's I got a few commercials.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Hey Shay, I'm sorry, I think the call just dropped
a little bit.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
We said go to l A. So now we're going
back and forth from LA, and that's how I got started.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Hey Shay, I'm sorry. I think the call just dropped
there for a second. It just it seems can you
hear me? Okay, yes, okay, excellent. I'm sorry for it
seemed to be just it just dipped there for a second.
I'm very sorry. Would you mind just answering that question again?
I apologize, Yeah, of course.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
So I here and I will call it the Peak
Agncy and I and then he said you should get
in started with a few, so you should go to
a bigger market. So then he said you should go
to Chicago. A couple of commercials and a couple of
(03:22):
a little we go back and he says you should
go to a much must market. So then he says
you need to go to LA if you want to.
So now we're in LA, going back and forth to where.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Uh shall I'm sorry to interrupt. I think the call
just cut out again. I'm very sorry. If you could
hear me. I'm going to go do one quick thing
and I'm going to try to establish a better connection.
I'm not sure if it's just maybe the call reception,
but I will be right back. Okay, Oh hey, Shay,
I'm back. Sorry about that. I actually just changed the
(03:58):
setting really quickly. And uh I also connected to my
router directly, so hopefully that'll that'll be a little bit better. Okay, okay, cool,
So I'm sorry. We can we try that one more time.
I'm just I'll feed you the same. It's like being
on a film set, right, I'm doing multiple takes, so
uh so so chey. You know, you know, obviously I
(04:20):
always ask everyone how they got started. And since you're
not old enough to be in college yet, you know,
could I could? I so? So? Were you always interested
in acting even from an early age? I was.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
So. I started here in Iowa because that's this is
where I was born, and Trump and I started with
a little agency here in Iowa. I started modeling with them,
and then I started to get more into acting. I
did a couple of commercial here, and then he says,
if you want to go to a bigger market, you
can go to Chicago. So now that's like a five
hour away trip from Iowa. So then sometimes we drive
(04:53):
out there to do some commercial auditions and TV auditions.
And then he said, if you want to really pursue
your dream, you need to go to a much bigger market.
So then we went out to LA and I got
a couple commercials and then some TV shows and then
online things. And then he said, yeah, now we go
back and forth from LA to Iowa. Nine months out
(05:16):
of the year we're in LA.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
So what was it like when your first time going
out to LA at such like a young age, you know,
what were you like impressions of the whole city.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
My impressions were, you know, it's such a big city
that it's so busy and there's a lot of trash
there and it's not like Iowa at all, not one
single bit. So I was really I was kind of
nervous because I had never been to that bit of
a state before. And yeah, so he so I was
(05:47):
very nervous, but then I got into it more and
now I like it there.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
So when you go around yeah, I mean because it is.
I mean, you know, you know l L A is uh.
You know, I had a friend who went out there
one time and she actually went out there for business
and she said, David was so smuggy out there.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
Yes, it gets very small out there.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
So as you're going to all these auditions, Shay, you know,
what are some of the things that you're noticing? Like
do you do you sort of like have a game plan?
Like for instance, you mentioned these commercials. You know, do
you sort of know exactly you know what you want
to do before we get in there, or do you
just spontaneously do you just want to come come up
with something right on the spot.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
I just come up with something right on the spot.
So if I'm thinking of an emotion in my head,
that's what I would do in the audition.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
Oh so you know that that's actually pretty cool. I know,
it's interesting to hear that, because you know, I sometimes
hear actors they have they think about all this stuff
so much, and then they sort of overthink this, if
you know what I mean, and then they get into
the audition and they're and they're nervous and they you
know what I mean. So it's always good, you know,
being able to come off the cuff like that. It's
just you know, it's a great skill to have. Yes,
(07:04):
So you know, thank you, Oh my, my, my pleasure, Shay. So,
when when you're going on lots of these auditions and
stuff like that, do you do you ever get nervous
at all? Shay? Because honestly, been talking to you, I
don't think you do. But I'm just gonna ask anyway.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
I don't because I know if I mess up, I
can always go back line and it's not the end
of the world if I mess up or anything. It's
just I won't book that. And if I mess up,
that's okay. There's always another audition that I can do.
And yeah, so I never ever get nervous.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
So so, Sha, you you study with some some of
UH acting coaches out in LA and you know, what
were some of the things that you've worked on with them, Like,
what were some of the things that that really you know,
when you're going through all these you know, different you know,
UH sort of courses or workshops or classes, you know,
what are some of the things that stand out that
you've taken away that you've really added to your acting career.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Getting emotional is something that I'm really good at. So
crying on set and really getting into that emotional state
is what I'm pretty good at it. And that's what
my coaches helped me with.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
So and honestly, it's good, you know, having these coaches
in your life. You know, you see the importance of
having the people who've actually done it and coming out
and and and sort of you know, guiding you through this.
So so Shay, as you started to get these commercials
and and and different parts, were you ever when when
you got on set, were you maybe even the first time,
were you ever just a little bit nervous or maybe
(08:38):
just even a little bit taken aback by just maybe
the scale of some of these productions.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Yeah, just seeing all those big cameras. I was nervous
for the first ever time I did book a commercial.
Just seeing all the people around and seeing all the
big lights and the cameras and the whole set was
very nerve wracking for me because you know, with my
first ever time being things.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
So on your IMDb, you know, one of the first
things that you have is flow in Evelyn, which is
a web series, So you know, just just doing a
web series like that. You know, what were some of
the memories that you took away, you know, being that
I guess it was your first web series at the time.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Yeah, I really, it's just meeting new friends and doing
what you love is just taken away by the memories
because it's amazing to meet new friends, to being on
set with everyone, and it's awesome.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
So when you're on set, Shade, do you I mean,
because I don't know if there maybe is a lot
of other you know, people like, you know, kids your age,
so maybe there's just a lot of different maybe adults
or something like that. So when you're on set and
I'm asking this question because of a lot of you know,
maybe parents who want to get their kids into acting,
or maybe even you know, kids your age. We're going
(09:52):
to listen to this episode. You know, what is it
like on set? You know, maybe if if there isn't
someone your age on set with you.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
We'll be right back after a word from our sponsor
and now back to the show.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
Well, do you just kind of act like the other
person is a kid? It's not that big of a deal.
Even though you have a set teacher there and she
is kind of like the kid to you. She prays
games with you, she teaches you school. So our set
teacher is kind of like a kid to us. But
all of the other actors, you just kind of roll
with it and you don't really get phased by it
(10:32):
because you know, it may not be a kid, but
it's still a teenager growing up, and you still talk
to them and act with them, so you still have
to get in the character with them.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
That is an excellent answer, by the way. Shit, I
never thought of it like that. Yeah, Soga. As we
as we go along with your with your acting career,
you know, you said you spent more you were going
back and forth between Iowa and La. You know, was
there ever a point where you started to maybe even
say to yourself, like, Wow, all I'm doing is you know,
I'm spending so much time in La. Because you You've
(11:05):
had a lot of roles over the past couple of years.
So was there ever a time where you're like, you know,
maybe you know saying, wow, I'm spending so much time
out here in La. It's like time just flying by.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Yes, uh huh. My past like two years have flown
by so fast because I've been filming and it's just
so amazing that time can't fly that fast and you're
having fun.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Yeah, and that's good. You're having fun. You know that
that that's that's one of the things, right, you know,
filmmaking and acting and doing all this wonderful cratized stuff.
It's supposed to be fun at the end of the day.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
It is, and you have to think of it at
as it as not just being on set. It's having
fun and not just being on set. You weren't just filming.
You're having fun.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
So when you finally got the audition for The Hatred,
I mean, and again, I want to talk about the
movie The hate obviously because we're you know this whole.
This movie's coming out September the twelfth. Yeah, And and
I don't know, by the way, shape Before I ask
you this question, I want to ask you another question.
Do you know that the trailer is over like twelve
million views or something like something ridiculous?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
It's like awesome, It's like gone viral. It's so cool.
At sixteen million.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Views, it's unbelievable. I and uh, I mean because you're
in the trailer front and center, and I was like,
I was showing people the trailer and I'm like, my gosh,
these guys have got you know, fifteen million views already.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
I know, it's so awesome.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah, it's it's unbelievable. And I'm so so happy for
you guys, and I'm so happy for everyone in production.
And I wanted to ask about, you know, The Hatred,
and so when you're auditioning for something like that, it's
it's a it's obviously a horror movie. Was there ever
any maybe you know, maybe you had second thoughts or
anything about auditioning because in mean, it's it is a
(13:01):
horror movie, and maybe it would just be you know,
a little uh, I mean, I don't, I don't. It's
a little bit different. Then maybe then you're doing commercials
and web series, So did you just want to try
something different or were you were you just basically thinking
to yourself, maybe I should just go for this because
it's different. And it's what I'm trying to say.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
I was just thinking, I need to go for this one.
I know it's going to be a good one and
I know that this will be the big so I
need this lead role.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
So when you had the audition for The Hatred, you know, again,
you know, as you just you just told me you
come up with things on the spot. But what was
your audition, like, uh, you know, for The Hatred and
in front of the casting director and in front of Mike.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Oh. Well, first I read the script and I was like, wow,
this is your peak. Awesome. I need to book this,
which is awesome. I'm the lead role. So I went
in and I met Michael and I was like, whoa there, Roger.
He is so nice. He's like the nicest person in
the world. Then I did it and then he's like, hey,
we could go out to lunch. He was so fun.
(14:08):
He's such a nice guy, and I loved it. It
was a great audition.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
And I'm glad you had to blast Becau again. Mike
is a really really cool guy, a really cool guy
to meet because he and I met. Oh cool, you
met Malick too, That's awesome.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
I did so.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yeah, because I'm actually gonna have Mike has already been
on the show before, and I'm gonna have Malik on
soon enough. I'm interviewing pretty much everybody from The Hatred,
So if you name somebody, yeah, So I'm gonna put
this all together, Uh in separate interview. You're gonna love it.
When it's done, it's gonna be this really really cool
insight into a into a movie about from beginning to end.
(14:46):
So I wanted to ask, too, Chey, how did you
hear about the audition for The Hatred?
Speaker 4 (14:52):
Well, my mom called me and said, hey, Shay, you
have an audition for a horror film. And this is
when I was with my baby, said her out the
time because my mom was working, and she goes, Shay,
you have a audition for a hurl film. And I'm like,
I've never been on a horror film before, and it
was my first ever feature film, so I was really excited.
(15:14):
I went into the audition very happy and energetic, and
then I got into that character and then I heard
I got a call back. I was like, oh my gosh,
maybe this is my big film. And then I got
pinned for it, which means it's between me and probably
two or three other girls. And then they called me
(15:34):
and they said you booked it, and me and my
mom were like, yay say, and we were just so excited.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
So I mean, and you obviously you know you got
the part, and you know you're front and center in
the trailer. So I wanted to ask you when you're
actually on set the first day and you're filming and again,
this is a horror movie, and this is a really
really interesting, really cool horror movie. You know, was there
ever a time where you were on set and you
were like, wow, this is this is getting like, you know,
(16:07):
pretty intense.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
Yeah, when we were filming that scene where I was
on top of the bed and yet you looked under
there and it was stormy outside, and then you look
up and there's the monster. I was actually kind of
scared of that, because it's like that first, it's gonna
get me. But beside that, I was not scared because
you're friends with the people who were on set. You're
(16:32):
friends with this scary monster. They're talking about their kids.
You know, they're just a normal person, and yet they
are very creepy, don't know.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Yeah, well it is good that they did talk to
you too, and uh, you know, they got to know
you so but but yeah, I mean because I saw
that and that that was that was the part of
the trailer that I see a lot of people talking
about too. Was was that one that that scene where
you know, they show you on top of the bed
and then you're the the the pas and they look
under the bed and then there's you, and you say, well,
(17:03):
that's not me, and they and they look up and
and the other of you on top of the bed
is now a monster. Yeah, I mean that is I've
noticed that too. With the number of some of the
comments are like, oh my gosh, you know, look at that.
That's so cool. And so with you being you know,
front and center in the trailer, have you been getting
noticed because I mean we just mentioned the trailer going
(17:25):
viral like fifteen million views, So are people noticing you now, Shane? Like,
are you walking down the street and people were like, hey,
isn't that that little girl from the from the Hatred?
Speaker 4 (17:34):
They don't really say anything. They just kind of look
at me like like stunt, and I'm like hi, and yeah,
people have been noticing me a lot more.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
It's one of those things they probably know where you're from,
Like is that that girl from the Hatred? I think
it's that girl turns into a monster. Yeah. So, so, Shane,
when you were filming The Hatred, I want to ask you,
know what, what were one of your favorite moments from
from filming The Hatred? Hmmm?
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Filming it? Well, I like the bed scene where I'm
on top of the bed and then or the hide
and seek scene where the monsters like behind me yet
I don't know it, and then I turn around and
then I kind of see her with my fat eye.
But that was pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
So so have you gotten a chance yet, Shaye? Have
have you seen a final cut of the film yet?
Speaker 4 (18:28):
I have at the premie yere and hmmm, this movie
is very scary. I was like closing my eye halfway
through the film, yet I was in it, so yeah,
it was very scary.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth.
That's exactly what I was going to say. I was like,
you're you're in the film, and uh, and you're you're
you're feeling the same as the audience, which is so key.
You know, You're you're feeling that experience that the audience
is going to feel and you know it. Uh, you know. So,
you know, I wanted to ask Tooche as we talk
about the Hatred, you know, what are some of the
things that you hope people take away from it, whether
(19:05):
in terms of, you know, something that you've done in there,
like you're acting, or maybe even something with the movie.
Is there anything that you hope that audiences walk away
from the film with yes.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
I hope they walk away with the doggy door scene
where I scream no. And I feel like that was
a really hearsh part of the movie because you know,
I'm my best friend, not my best friend, but no,
she's becoming my best friend, my babysitter. The person who's
taking care of me now is getting drug away by
(19:36):
the scary person and which is like horrifying because you
know that she probably isn't gonna make it out alive.
Luckily she did, but I scream no, and that is
a really emotional part of the movie. So I hope
they take that away with them.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
So so she and that's gonna be awesome. I can't
wait to actually check out this movie. By the way, be.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Right back after a word from our sponsor and now
back to the show.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
And I wanted to, you know, also ask as a
follow up to that. You know, we've talked a lot
about you know you acting and moving from Iowa to La.
So I wanted to ask two che is, what advice
would you have for for you know, maybe a child
actor or maybe your age or maybe even a little older.
What would you ask I'm sorry. What would you tell
them if they were to ask you, you know, do
you have any advice for child actors that just want
(20:29):
to want to get started?
Speaker 4 (20:32):
I would say, be yourself. Don't go into the audition
being someone else that you aren't. Be yourself, be your
fun self, don't be someone else. Just be yourself.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
And you know that that is awesome advice, Shay. And
like you said before, how you were, you know, just
just come in the audition and and you know you
can do it right then and there. And it's true though,
you have to have that good personality. You have to
you know, have the ability to do the character. And
like like you said too, sche you had a good
piece of advice. You know, there's always another audition, right
(21:07):
and if you do if you do happen to mess up,
there's always another audition, right.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Yes, there's always another audition out there for you. It's
not the end of the world. If you mess up
on one line, you just start back at the beginning
of the line and just go on with it and
add like he never messed up. And if you do
mess up, there's always another audition.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
So associate when when the when the hatred comes out
on September the twelfth. You know, how are you going
to celebrate? Are you going to watch the movie on
Blu Ray? Are you gonna call your friends over and
have and watch it with you or something like that.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
We're probably gonna have a little viewing party.
Speaker 3 (21:43):
That's that's awesome. I'm probably gonna have viewing party two
at my house. I'm in here. I'm here in Philadelphia,
by the way, so I'm prob. Yeah. So Philadelphia, it's uh,
it's a I mean, do you have a perception of Philadelphia, Shay? Okay,
so uh, because sometimes I sometimes people find out from
(22:04):
Philly and they started asking me questions like did you
guys really do this or that? You know, Uh, it's
just you know the city, you know how sports teams are,
and you know all that all that stuff. But but
just to get back to acting, I just want to
ask Jay, you know, in closing, is there anything that
we didn't get to discuss, or anything that you wanted
to discuss, or even just to say, just to sort
(22:25):
of put a period at the end this whole conversation.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
No, not much, not anything cool.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
You know, Shay, It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you,
and I just want to ask. I have one final question,
and that is where can people find you out on
social media at.
Speaker 4 (22:41):
Jay Small like s H A E. S M O
L I k on Musically and Instagram, and I will.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Link to all of that. Everyone in the show notes
at Dave Polis dot com. Twitter, It's at Dave Underscore
Bullis Shay. I want to say thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (22:58):
You you, thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Oh my my pleasure, Shay. You know, I am just
just you know you. You're such a great interview. By
the way, I just want to mention.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
That, thank you my pleasure so much, Oh.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
My pleasure, Shay. Have a great night. And again, I'm
gonna be talking to you soon because you're gonna see
me tagging your your social media all over the place
on so so so so I'm when I'm promoting the
hatred and stuff like this. So so we'll be talking
again on social media.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
All right, be perfect, Thank you much for having me,
and have a great day.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Thank you so much, Shay. You do the same.
Speaker 4 (23:30):
Bye.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
I want to thank Dave so much for doing such
a great job on this episode. If you want to
get links to anything we spoke about in this episode,
head over to the show notes at any film muscle
dot com forward slash eight eight and if you have
it already, please head over to filmmaking podcast dot com.
Subscribe and leave a good review for the show. It
really helps us out a lot, guys. Thank you again
(23:52):
so much for listening. Guys, as always, keep that hustle going,
keep that dream alive, Stay safe out there, and I'll
talk to you soon.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Thanks for listening to the Indie Film Hustle podcast at
indiefilm hustle dot com. That's I N D I E
F I L M h U S T l E
dot com.
You are listening to the ifh podcast Network. For more
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Speaker 2 (00:12):
Welcome to the Indie Film Muscle Podcast, Episode number eight
eight Cinema Should Make You Forget. You're sitting in a theater,
Roman Polanski.
Speaker 1 (00:22):
Broadcasting from the back alley in Hollywood. It's the Indie
Film Hustle Podcast, where we show you how to survive
and thrive as an indie filmmaker in the jungles of
the film biz.
Speaker 3 (00:32):
And here's your host, Alex Ferrari.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Welcome, Welcome to another episode of the Indie Film Huscle Podcast.
Speaker 3 (00:38):
I am your humble.
Speaker 2 (00:39):
Host, Alex Ferrari. Today's show is sponsored by Rise of
the Film Entrepreneur How to turn your independent film into
a profitable business. It's harder today than ever before for
independent filmmakers to make money with their films from predatory
film distributors ripping them off to huckster film aggregators who
prey upon them. The odds are stacked against the indie filmmaker.
(00:59):
The distribution model of making money with your film is broken,
and there needs to be a change. The future of
independent filmmaking is the entrepreneurial filmmaker or the film entrepreneur.
In Rise of the Film Entrepreneur, I break down how
to actually make money with your film projects and show
you how to turn your indie film into a profitable business.
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With case studies examining successes and failures. This book shows
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want to order it, just head over to www dot
filmbiz book dot com. That's film bizbook dot com. Enjoy
today's episode with guest host Dave Bullis.
Speaker 3 (01:54):
Hey, Shay, thank you so much for coming on the show.
Speaker 4 (01:56):
Thank you for having you.
Speaker 3 (01:58):
Know, shit, I usually ask everyone if they've ever went
to film school. But you're you're, you're you're ten years old,
and uh, you're not at that college level yet, So
I want to not yet, So I'm going to change
the question just a little bit and ask, you know
what what got you into the film industry. Have you
always had a love for acting? You know, as you
(02:19):
were growing up.
Speaker 4 (02:20):
Well, actually I am from iowhen I started to see
here and I will call it the Peak Agency, and
uh Sam, and then you said, I think you yeah,
it's I got a few commercials.
Speaker 3 (02:34):
Hey Shay, I'm sorry, I think the call just dropped
a little bit.
Speaker 4 (02:37):
We said go to l A. So now we're going
back and forth from LA, and that's how I got started.
Speaker 3 (02:42):
Hey Shay, I'm sorry. I think the call just dropped
there for a second. It just it seems can you
hear me? Okay, yes, okay, excellent. I'm sorry for it
seemed to be just it just dipped there for a second.
I'm very sorry. Would you mind just answering that question again?
I apologize, Yeah, of course.
Speaker 4 (03:01):
So I here and I will call it the Peak
Agncy and I and then he said you should get
in started with a few, so you should go to
a bigger market. So then he said you should go
to Chicago. A couple of commercials and a couple of
(03:22):
a little we go back and he says you should
go to a much must market. So then he says
you need to go to LA if you want to.
So now we're in LA, going back and forth to where.
Speaker 3 (03:37):
Uh shall I'm sorry to interrupt. I think the call
just cut out again. I'm very sorry. If you could
hear me. I'm going to go do one quick thing
and I'm going to try to establish a better connection.
I'm not sure if it's just maybe the call reception,
but I will be right back. Okay, Oh hey, Shay,
I'm back. Sorry about that. I actually just changed the
(03:58):
setting really quickly. And uh I also connected to my
router directly, so hopefully that'll that'll be a little bit better. Okay, okay, cool,
So I'm sorry. We can we try that one more time.
I'm just I'll feed you the same. It's like being
on a film set, right, I'm doing multiple takes, so
uh so so chey. You know, you know, obviously I
(04:20):
always ask everyone how they got started. And since you're
not old enough to be in college yet, you know,
could I could? I so? So? Were you always interested
in acting even from an early age? I was.
Speaker 4 (04:30):
So. I started here in Iowa because that's this is
where I was born, and Trump and I started with
a little agency here in Iowa. I started modeling with them,
and then I started to get more into acting. I
did a couple of commercial here, and then he says,
if you want to go to a bigger market, you
can go to Chicago. So now that's like a five
hour away trip from Iowa. So then sometimes we drive
(04:53):
out there to do some commercial auditions and TV auditions.
And then he said, if you want to really pursue
your dream, you need to go to a much bigger market.
So then we went out to LA and I got
a couple commercials and then some TV shows and then
online things. And then he said, yeah, now we go
back and forth from LA to Iowa. Nine months out
(05:16):
of the year we're in LA.
Speaker 3 (05:17):
So what was it like when your first time going
out to LA at such like a young age, you know,
what were you like impressions of the whole city.
Speaker 4 (05:25):
My impressions were, you know, it's such a big city
that it's so busy and there's a lot of trash
there and it's not like Iowa at all, not one
single bit. So I was really I was kind of
nervous because I had never been to that bit of
a state before. And yeah, so he so I was
(05:47):
very nervous, but then I got into it more and
now I like it there.
Speaker 3 (05:53):
So when you go around yeah, I mean because it is.
I mean, you know, you know l L A is uh.
You know, I had a friend who went out there
one time and she actually went out there for business
and she said, David was so smuggy out there.
Speaker 4 (06:09):
Yes, it gets very small out there.
Speaker 3 (06:13):
So as you're going to all these auditions, Shay, you know,
what are some of the things that you're noticing? Like
do you do you sort of like have a game plan?
Like for instance, you mentioned these commercials. You know, do
you sort of know exactly you know what you want
to do before we get in there, or do you
just spontaneously do you just want to come come up
with something right on the spot.
Speaker 4 (06:34):
I just come up with something right on the spot.
So if I'm thinking of an emotion in my head,
that's what I would do in the audition.
Speaker 3 (06:41):
Oh so you know that that's actually pretty cool. I know,
it's interesting to hear that, because you know, I sometimes
hear actors they have they think about all this stuff
so much, and then they sort of overthink this, if
you know what I mean, and then they get into
the audition and they're and they're nervous and they you
know what I mean. So it's always good, you know,
being able to come off the cuff like that. It's
just you know, it's a great skill to have. Yes,
(07:04):
So you know, thank you, Oh my, my, my pleasure, Shay. So,
when when you're going on lots of these auditions and
stuff like that, do you do you ever get nervous
at all? Shay? Because honestly, been talking to you, I
don't think you do. But I'm just gonna ask anyway.
Speaker 4 (07:19):
I don't because I know if I mess up, I
can always go back line and it's not the end
of the world if I mess up or anything. It's
just I won't book that. And if I mess up,
that's okay. There's always another audition that I can do.
And yeah, so I never ever get nervous.
Speaker 3 (07:37):
So so, Sha, you you study with some some of
UH acting coaches out in LA and you know, what
were some of the things that you've worked on with them, Like,
what were some of the things that that really you know,
when you're going through all these you know, different you know,
UH sort of courses or workshops or classes, you know,
what are some of the things that stand out that
you've taken away that you've really added to your acting career.
Speaker 4 (08:01):
Getting emotional is something that I'm really good at. So
crying on set and really getting into that emotional state
is what I'm pretty good at it. And that's what
my coaches helped me with.
Speaker 3 (08:16):
So and honestly, it's good, you know, having these coaches
in your life. You know, you see the importance of
having the people who've actually done it and coming out
and and and sort of you know, guiding you through this.
So so Shay, as you started to get these commercials
and and and different parts, were you ever when when
you got on set, were you maybe even the first time,
were you ever just a little bit nervous or maybe
(08:38):
just even a little bit taken aback by just maybe
the scale of some of these productions.
Speaker 4 (08:43):
Yeah, just seeing all those big cameras. I was nervous
for the first ever time I did book a commercial.
Just seeing all the people around and seeing all the
big lights and the cameras and the whole set was
very nerve wracking for me because you know, with my
first ever time being things.
Speaker 3 (09:01):
So on your IMDb, you know, one of the first
things that you have is flow in Evelyn, which is
a web series, So you know, just just doing a
web series like that. You know, what were some of
the memories that you took away, you know, being that
I guess it was your first web series at the time.
Speaker 4 (09:17):
Yeah, I really, it's just meeting new friends and doing
what you love is just taken away by the memories
because it's amazing to meet new friends, to being on
set with everyone, and it's awesome.
Speaker 3 (09:32):
So when you're on set, Shade, do you I mean,
because I don't know if there maybe is a lot
of other you know, people like, you know, kids your age,
so maybe there's just a lot of different maybe adults
or something like that. So when you're on set and
I'm asking this question because of a lot of you know,
maybe parents who want to get their kids into acting,
or maybe even you know, kids your age. We're going
(09:52):
to listen to this episode. You know, what is it
like on set? You know, maybe if if there isn't
someone your age on set with you.
Speaker 2 (10:01):
We'll be right back after a word from our sponsor
and now back to the show.
Speaker 4 (10:10):
Well, do you just kind of act like the other
person is a kid? It's not that big of a deal.
Even though you have a set teacher there and she
is kind of like the kid to you. She prays
games with you, she teaches you school. So our set
teacher is kind of like a kid to us. But
all of the other actors, you just kind of roll
with it and you don't really get phased by it
(10:32):
because you know, it may not be a kid, but
it's still a teenager growing up, and you still talk
to them and act with them, so you still have
to get in the character with them.
Speaker 3 (10:44):
That is an excellent answer, by the way. Shit, I
never thought of it like that. Yeah, Soga. As we
as we go along with your with your acting career,
you know, you said you spent more you were going
back and forth between Iowa and La. You know, was
there ever a point where you started to maybe even
say to yourself, like, Wow, all I'm doing is you know,
I'm spending so much time in La. Because you You've
(11:05):
had a lot of roles over the past couple of years.
So was there ever a time where you're like, you know,
maybe you know saying, wow, I'm spending so much time
out here in La. It's like time just flying by.
Speaker 4 (11:17):
Yes, uh huh. My past like two years have flown
by so fast because I've been filming and it's just
so amazing that time can't fly that fast and you're
having fun.
Speaker 3 (11:31):
Yeah, and that's good. You're having fun. You know that
that that's that's one of the things, right, you know,
filmmaking and acting and doing all this wonderful cratized stuff.
It's supposed to be fun at the end of the day.
Speaker 4 (11:41):
It is, and you have to think of it at
as it as not just being on set. It's having
fun and not just being on set. You weren't just filming.
You're having fun.
Speaker 3 (11:53):
So when you finally got the audition for The Hatred,
I mean, and again, I want to talk about the
movie The hate obviously because we're you know this whole.
This movie's coming out September the twelfth. Yeah, And and
I don't know, by the way, shape Before I ask
you this question, I want to ask you another question.
Do you know that the trailer is over like twelve
million views or something like something ridiculous?
Speaker 4 (12:15):
It's like awesome, It's like gone viral. It's so cool.
At sixteen million.
Speaker 3 (12:22):
Views, it's unbelievable. I and uh, I mean because you're
in the trailer front and center, and I was like,
I was showing people the trailer and I'm like, my gosh,
these guys have got you know, fifteen million views already.
Speaker 4 (12:37):
I know, it's so awesome.
Speaker 3 (12:40):
Yeah, it's it's unbelievable. And I'm so so happy for
you guys, and I'm so happy for everyone in production.
And I wanted to ask about, you know, The Hatred,
and so when you're auditioning for something like that, it's
it's a it's obviously a horror movie. Was there ever
any maybe you know, maybe you had second thoughts or
anything about auditioning because in mean, it's it is a
(13:01):
horror movie, and maybe it would just be you know,
a little uh, I mean, I don't, I don't. It's
a little bit different. Then maybe then you're doing commercials
and web series, So did you just want to try
something different or were you were you just basically thinking
to yourself, maybe I should just go for this because
it's different. And it's what I'm trying to say.
Speaker 4 (13:20):
I was just thinking, I need to go for this one.
I know it's going to be a good one and
I know that this will be the big so I
need this lead role.
Speaker 3 (13:31):
So when you had the audition for The Hatred, you know, again,
you know, as you just you just told me you
come up with things on the spot. But what was
your audition, like, uh, you know, for The Hatred and
in front of the casting director and in front of Mike.
Speaker 4 (13:46):
Oh. Well, first I read the script and I was like, wow,
this is your peak. Awesome. I need to book this,
which is awesome. I'm the lead role. So I went
in and I met Michael and I was like, whoa there, Roger.
He is so nice. He's like the nicest person in
the world. Then I did it and then he's like, hey,
we could go out to lunch. He was so fun.
(14:08):
He's such a nice guy, and I loved it. It
was a great audition.
Speaker 3 (14:13):
And I'm glad you had to blast Becau again. Mike
is a really really cool guy, a really cool guy
to meet because he and I met. Oh cool, you
met Malick too, That's awesome.
Speaker 4 (14:22):
I did so.
Speaker 3 (14:24):
Yeah, because I'm actually gonna have Mike has already been
on the show before, and I'm gonna have Malik on
soon enough. I'm interviewing pretty much everybody from The Hatred,
So if you name somebody, yeah, So I'm gonna put
this all together, Uh in separate interview. You're gonna love it.
When it's done, it's gonna be this really really cool
insight into a into a movie about from beginning to end.
(14:46):
So I wanted to ask, too, Chey, how did you
hear about the audition for The Hatred?
Speaker 4 (14:52):
Well, my mom called me and said, hey, Shay, you
have an audition for a horror film. And this is
when I was with my baby, said her out the
time because my mom was working, and she goes, Shay,
you have a audition for a hurl film. And I'm like,
I've never been on a horror film before, and it
was my first ever feature film, so I was really excited.
(15:14):
I went into the audition very happy and energetic, and
then I got into that character and then I heard
I got a call back. I was like, oh my gosh,
maybe this is my big film. And then I got
pinned for it, which means it's between me and probably
two or three other girls. And then they called me
(15:34):
and they said you booked it, and me and my
mom were like, yay say, and we were just so excited.
Speaker 3 (15:45):
So I mean, and you obviously you know you got
the part, and you know you're front and center in
the trailer. So I wanted to ask you when you're
actually on set the first day and you're filming and again,
this is a horror movie, and this is a really
really interesting, really cool horror movie. You know, was there
ever a time where you were on set and you
were like, wow, this is this is getting like, you know,
(16:07):
pretty intense.
Speaker 4 (16:09):
Yeah, when we were filming that scene where I was
on top of the bed and yet you looked under
there and it was stormy outside, and then you look
up and there's the monster. I was actually kind of
scared of that, because it's like that first, it's gonna
get me. But beside that, I was not scared because
you're friends with the people who were on set. You're
(16:32):
friends with this scary monster. They're talking about their kids.
You know, they're just a normal person, and yet they
are very creepy, don't know.
Speaker 3 (16:42):
Yeah, well it is good that they did talk to
you too, and uh, you know, they got to know
you so but but yeah, I mean because I saw
that and that that was that was the part of
the trailer that I see a lot of people talking
about too. Was was that one that that scene where
you know, they show you on top of the bed
and then you're the the the pas and they look
under the bed and then there's you, and you say, well,
(17:03):
that's not me, and they and they look up and
and the other of you on top of the bed
is now a monster. Yeah, I mean that is I've
noticed that too. With the number of some of the
comments are like, oh my gosh, you know, look at that.
That's so cool. And so with you being you know,
front and center in the trailer, have you been getting
noticed because I mean we just mentioned the trailer going
(17:25):
viral like fifteen million views, So are people noticing you now, Shane? Like,
are you walking down the street and people were like, hey,
isn't that that little girl from the from the Hatred?
Speaker 4 (17:34):
They don't really say anything. They just kind of look
at me like like stunt, and I'm like hi, and yeah,
people have been noticing me a lot more.
Speaker 3 (17:46):
It's one of those things they probably know where you're from,
Like is that that girl from the Hatred? I think
it's that girl turns into a monster. Yeah. So, so, Shane,
when you were filming The Hatred, I want to ask you,
know what, what were one of your favorite moments from
from filming The Hatred? Hmmm?
Speaker 4 (18:05):
Filming it? Well, I like the bed scene where I'm
on top of the bed and then or the hide
and seek scene where the monsters like behind me yet
I don't know it, and then I turn around and
then I kind of see her with my fat eye.
But that was pretty cool.
Speaker 3 (18:22):
So so have you gotten a chance yet, Shaye? Have
have you seen a final cut of the film yet?
Speaker 4 (18:28):
I have at the premie yere and hmmm, this movie
is very scary. I was like closing my eye halfway
through the film, yet I was in it, so yeah,
it was very scary.
Speaker 3 (18:45):
Yeah, you took the words right out of my mouth.
That's exactly what I was going to say. I was like,
you're you're in the film, and uh, and you're you're
you're feeling the same as the audience, which is so key.
You know, You're you're feeling that experience that the audience
is going to feel and you know it. Uh, you know. So,
you know, I wanted to ask Tooche as we talk
about the Hatred, you know, what are some of the
things that you hope people take away from it, whether
(19:05):
in terms of, you know, something that you've done in there,
like you're acting, or maybe even something with the movie.
Is there anything that you hope that audiences walk away
from the film with yes.
Speaker 4 (19:15):
I hope they walk away with the doggy door scene
where I scream no. And I feel like that was
a really hearsh part of the movie because you know,
I'm my best friend, not my best friend, but no,
she's becoming my best friend, my babysitter. The person who's
taking care of me now is getting drug away by
(19:36):
the scary person and which is like horrifying because you
know that she probably isn't gonna make it out alive.
Luckily she did, but I scream no, and that is
a really emotional part of the movie. So I hope
they take that away with them.
Speaker 3 (19:53):
So so she and that's gonna be awesome. I can't
wait to actually check out this movie. By the way, be.
Speaker 2 (20:00):
Right back after a word from our sponsor and now
back to the show.
Speaker 3 (20:08):
And I wanted to, you know, also ask as a
follow up to that. You know, we've talked a lot
about you know you acting and moving from Iowa to La.
So I wanted to ask two che is, what advice
would you have for for you know, maybe a child
actor or maybe your age or maybe even a little older.
What would you ask I'm sorry. What would you tell
them if they were to ask you, you know, do
you have any advice for child actors that just want
(20:29):
to want to get started?
Speaker 4 (20:32):
I would say, be yourself. Don't go into the audition
being someone else that you aren't. Be yourself, be your
fun self, don't be someone else. Just be yourself.
Speaker 3 (20:46):
And you know that that is awesome advice, Shay. And
like you said before, how you were, you know, just
just come in the audition and and you know you
can do it right then and there. And it's true though,
you have to have that good personality. You have to
you know, have the ability to do the character. And
like like you said too, sche you had a good
piece of advice. You know, there's always another audition, right
(21:07):
and if you do if you do happen to mess up,
there's always another audition, right.
Speaker 4 (21:11):
Yes, there's always another audition out there for you. It's
not the end of the world. If you mess up
on one line, you just start back at the beginning
of the line and just go on with it and
add like he never messed up. And if you do
mess up, there's always another audition.
Speaker 3 (21:27):
So associate when when the when the hatred comes out
on September the twelfth. You know, how are you going
to celebrate? Are you going to watch the movie on
Blu Ray? Are you gonna call your friends over and
have and watch it with you or something like that.
Speaker 4 (21:39):
We're probably gonna have a little viewing party.
Speaker 3 (21:43):
That's that's awesome. I'm probably gonna have viewing party two
at my house. I'm in here. I'm here in Philadelphia,
by the way, so I'm prob. Yeah. So Philadelphia, it's uh,
it's a I mean, do you have a perception of Philadelphia, Shay? Okay,
so uh, because sometimes I sometimes people find out from
(22:04):
Philly and they started asking me questions like did you
guys really do this or that? You know, Uh, it's
just you know the city, you know how sports teams are,
and you know all that all that stuff. But but
just to get back to acting, I just want to
ask Jay, you know, in closing, is there anything that
we didn't get to discuss, or anything that you wanted
to discuss, or even just to say, just to sort
(22:25):
of put a period at the end this whole conversation.
Speaker 4 (22:28):
No, not much, not anything cool.
Speaker 3 (22:33):
You know, Shay, It's been an absolute pleasure talking with you,
and I just want to ask. I have one final question,
and that is where can people find you out on
social media at.
Speaker 4 (22:41):
Jay Small like s H A E. S M O
L I k on Musically and Instagram, and I will.
Speaker 3 (22:49):
Link to all of that. Everyone in the show notes
at Dave Polis dot com. Twitter, It's at Dave Underscore
Bullis Shay. I want to say thank you so much.
Speaker 4 (22:58):
You you, thank you for having me.
Speaker 3 (23:00):
Oh my my pleasure, Shay. You know, I am just
just you know you. You're such a great interview. By
the way, I just want to mention.
Speaker 4 (23:07):
That, thank you my pleasure so much, Oh.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
My pleasure, Shay. Have a great night. And again, I'm
gonna be talking to you soon because you're gonna see
me tagging your your social media all over the place
on so so so so I'm when I'm promoting the
hatred and stuff like this. So so we'll be talking
again on social media.
Speaker 4 (23:24):
All right, be perfect, Thank you much for having me,
and have a great day.
Speaker 3 (23:28):
Thank you so much, Shay. You do the same.
Speaker 4 (23:30):
Bye.
Speaker 2 (23:32):
I want to thank Dave so much for doing such
a great job on this episode. If you want to
get links to anything we spoke about in this episode,
head over to the show notes at any film muscle
dot com forward slash eight eight and if you have
it already, please head over to filmmaking podcast dot com.
Subscribe and leave a good review for the show. It
really helps us out a lot, guys. Thank you again
(23:52):
so much for listening. Guys, as always, keep that hustle going,
keep that dream alive, Stay safe out there, and I'll
talk to you soon.
Speaker 1 (24:00):
Thanks for listening to the Indie Film Hustle podcast at
indiefilm hustle dot com. That's I N D I E
F I L M h U S T l E
dot com.
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