Who Is Grace Conley?
Grace Conley is a junior in high school with a strong passion in film, screenwriting and directing. Born across the Ben Franklin Bridge in Camden, Grace has lived in the beautiful city of Philadelphia all of her life and is no stranger to the Philly culture and lifestyle. She has directed several of her own short films, with hopes of being a full-time director in Hollywood. Check out her films and more about her at her website at: https://graceconleyk.wixsite.com/film/film
Interview
Question 1
Who is your favorite actor and why?
Lucas Hedges is my favorite actor because I believe his performances are better than any other actor. I think it’s so impressive how he can portray such raw, vulnerable and real emotions without becoming an over the top cliche. And at such a young age for him to have a grasp of what’s actually important to him is really important. I think it’s inspiring that he’s able to be a talented actor and to be just a 22-year-old guy, with no social media or much internet presence, he’s able to separate himself from the insanity of the industry and live his own life. I think he is one of the most honest actors out there right now, and a bright future ahead of him.
Question 2
What is your favorite film with Lucas Hedges?
Well, my favorite film with him is in Lady Bird, but he isn’t heavily featured in that movie. So my favorite film with him in a lead role is Ben Is Back (2018).
Question 3
Who is your favorite actress and why?
Oof that’s tough. I think Brie Larson is my favorite actress, but also one of my favorite people out there, so it’s hard to say. Despite her flop in Captain Marvel (2019) and all the controversy that it caused, I think she is one of the most talented actresses in the industry today and Captain Marvel (2019) just wasn’t right for the role. But she is so genuine in every movie she acts and feels personal, and in my opinion, the more personal a film is, the better. She is so awesome in her ability to switch between really dramatic and vulnerable roles to being goofy, or stoic. No matter the role she is in, she never half-asses it, and because of that, any movie she is in really connects with me and evokes emotion. She’s also a role model for me and as an aspiring director myself, it’s really beautiful to see her transition into the role of director while still improving herself as an actress. Her perseverance to try new things and being more versatile is inspiring, she’s so powerful as a superhero and as a person.
Question 4
So Captain Marvel is not your favorite movie, what movie is your favorite with Ms. Larson?
Short Term 12 is a really phenomenal indie, one of my favorite movies. Also Scott Pilgrim Vs The World is one of my favorites but she has a smaller role in that.
Question 5
Awesome! Let’s explore the music field, Who is your favorite Musician and why?
I don’t have a very well rounded taste in music, but I really love Childish Gambino because his music is so versatile and almost too personal. Whether it be rap, pop, r&b or soul, it’s all very human. I really love his earlier stuff like Camp and his first EP. He has no filter and it all sounds good, so it’s very enjoyable music, mixed with comedy and commentary and I love it. But also I wouldn’t love his music so much if I didn’t love him as an actor and writer. Donald Glover is a true triple threat.
Question 6
What is your favorite song by Childish Gambino?
That Power on his album Camp.
Question 7
Okay let’s move into TV series, do you have a favorite TV series you like watching and why?
I’m not a big fan of dramatic tv shows, but I love sitcoms. I love 30 Rock (2006-2013) because I think it’s really clever, well written and I’ve been watching it for the majority of my life. I also love, Its Always Sunny In Philadelphia (2005-present) because it’s so funny and so consistent, despite it being around for 14 years. A newer show I love is Big Mouth (2007-present) because it’s really creative and full of some of my favorite comedians, and it’s right in the sweet spot of starkly honest, insane and just raunchy enough to work.
Question 8
Who is your favorite superhero and why?
Spider-Man! I love Spider-Man more than any real person! I think of all the superheroes, Spider-Man is the most relatable, genuine and most human hero. Spider-Man makes it seem like being super is possible, that anyone can do good and make a difference. I think superheroes work best on a personal level. While it’s awesome to watch them fight evil, the real storytelling comes from their lives, and Spider-Mans life is the most similar to the average viewer. And it’s important to be able to see yourself in who you are watching. Plus he’s got the coolest powers anyways!
Question 9
What about a favorite Super Villian and why?
Doctor Octopus no doubt! I think he’s strong enough to be a threat but grounded enough in real human experiences that we can understand his actions. Also, Thanos is great, he’s so overpowered and rationale that he’s entertaining to watch and he makes the Avengers struggle so much, and struggle is great for storytelling.
Question 10
Do you have a favorite film genre?
I love a good musical. I’m also a big fan of horror films. In my opinion, the weirder a movie, the better it turns out to be. I pretty much can find movies I love in every genre.
Question 11
Awesome A Horror Fan. Of all the villains Freddy, Jason, Michael Myers, Leatherface and Ghostface, which is your favorite, the more scariest and why?
Oooh, that’s a hard one! I personally think Freddy Krueger is the scariest visually and he is my favorite because his kills are the most creative from the original Nightmare on Elm Street (1984).
Question 12
Do you have a favorite Celebrity of all time and why?
I love a lot of celebrities! I don’t know if I have a favorite one ever. I really love Taron Egerton I think he’s super talented. Love Tom Holland hence my Spider-Man love. But probably one of my all-time favorite celebrity is Andy Samberg. I just think he’s so funny and I love his tv career and his music career. I just think he’s a great dude. But I don’t know, my love for random celebrities is endless.
Question 13
Do you have a stage name or film nickname?
Nah, I’m just Grace Conley.
Question 14
Final question, why did you join Phillytainment?
I joined because I want to be more involved in the media industry, as well as share my love for movies and such with other people in the Philly area!