Meet Olivia Celine | Actress – Writer – Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Olivia Celine and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Olivia, how do you think about risk?
I’ve faced a lot of loss in my life, and it’s taught me that ​life is much too short and too precious to play it safe.

I lead with the philosophy that we’re on this earth to follow our wildest dreams, to become our best selves, and to create. So, if I’m not honoring that by taking every opportunity I can to cultivate my talents and share my gifts, then what am I doing?

And that isn’t to say I’m never afraid. I am because fear is natural, but I push myself to take risks out of that gratitude. Gratitude that I’m alive. Gratitude that I have the opportunity to cultivate my creative talents. Gratitude for my family that supports me. And gratitude for my wonderful manager Nancy Scanlon of Au Courant Entertainment, and theatrical agent Chris Solomon of Ecompass, whom believe in me. How can I not honor that?

One thing I’ve learned is that when people believe in you, sometimes you have to stretch yourself to fit the height of their belief. But never question it, cherish it, respect it, and do whatever you can to become the person worthy of that belief – and it takes a lot of risk.

So, I’ve always encouraged myself to stare fear dead in the face and pursue passions relentlessly in spite of it. It’s the only reason I’m acting, writing, and producing now. I’ve found that with a little faith and a lot of planning on the other side of fear is probably everything you’ve ever dreamed.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am an actress, first and foremost, but I’m also a screenwriter and producer.

I love the sport of storytelling – it’s exciting, and I really believe it’s the pulse of culture and connectivity. I call it a sport because preparation for acting, writing, and producing is like an Olympic sport. You’re constantly training to sharpen your skills, know more, think harder, and create better.

It’s funny because I didn’t really intend to be an actress. I was actually in school at UNC- Chapel Hill (Go Tarheels!) studying psychology to be a neurosurgeon (lol IK), but I decided to take some drama classes to see what it would feel like. I ended up loving it, and to add to it; I was awarded the Virgil and Marion Lee Fellowship for my work in the department. Shortly after, I decided to pursue my dream of acting and set my sights on investing in the Atlanta indie film scene. I found a welcoming place for creatives to collaborate and grow. A few films and commercials later, and I’m in LA buidling and climbing in the industry.

Really though, I must give credit my manager Nancy Scanlon and theatrical agents Chris Solomon and Tyler Grasham for their belief in me and their tireless work to provide me the amazing opportunities they have. Every creative knows that in this business, they are only as good as the people they surround themselves with, and I’m blessed to be surrounded by phenomenal people.

Acting-wise, I most recently was a part of project called Token about a young black woman navigating her blackness in highschool. It was wonderful, as were the cast and crew!

On the producing/writing end, I am most excited about is a project of mine that I have in pre-production called Colored River (I wrote and am leading in). It’s a psycho horror about a young, gifted writer who goes to unnatural and chilling lengths to rectify her dark family history. It deals with the dark cost of an artist’s pursuit to perfect their craft and the weight of family expectations.

We are also currently crowdfunding for the project, you can check out more info here: https://supportourstory.com/colored-river

We’ve got an incredible team of women and POCs on the project.

Nancy Scanlon is producing on the project (one of the brilliant minds behind the Big Kahuna), Kimberly Skyrme as well (Director of Ward 8, casting for House of Cards), and Marcus J. McGill, who just finished out Terrifier 2. We also just signed on an unbelieveable director Daniel Lugo who just got off of Liam Neeson’s newest project as AD. All a phenomenal group of seasoned industry creatives who believe in this project. I am so grateful they believe in this project enough to put in the work and support as they have!

We’re working tirelessly to create a space for Black women in the horror/thriller genre! This mission is my ultimate vision and goal. Our voices and stories matter!

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Week-long trip:

During the week, check out Piedmont Park, a nice place to enjoy the weather and picnic (if it’s summertime, catch the Jazz Festival, which is a BOP).

You can also check out Mary Macs, Slutty Vegan, and Two Urban Licks for some DELICIOUS FOOD and classic Southern eats.

Atlantic Station is also a fun daytime spot to catch some shopping, good Italian food, a movie, outdoor entertainment, and ice cream from Kilwins.

If you’re into art, then definitely check out the High Museum. They used to have super fun art nights with pretty reasonable admission.

Thursday night: check out the Starlight Drive-In movie theater to see Avatar Way of the Water.

Then on Friday: check out Lil Five Points (great food, good drinks, really fun entertainment, and quirky shops)

Saturday: Hit Decatur for some good eats like Southern Sweets Bakery for lunch. Then head to Edgewood later that night for the bars and dance spots.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My family, first and foremost. They have been my rock, my biggest supporters, and closest friends.

Then my phenomenal manager and producer, Nancy Scanlon of Au Courant entertainment. She discovered me out of a group of 100,000 actors (no joke) and has since worked tirelessly to help guide and develop my career, paving the way for many of the amazing successes and opportunties I’ve had in my TV/Film career.

My theatrical agents Chris Solomon and Tyler Grasham of Encompass. They’ve worked tirelessly to get me into so many big rooms where my craft can be showcased. (Tyler has recently passed, and I owe him so much).

All have continued to believe in me relentlessly, and I would not be where I am today without them. I literally have so many more people I can name, but I will keep to these for now.

Website: https://supportourstory.com/colored-river

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oliviacelineactress/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/oliviacelineg/

Other: IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6768184/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0