Justin: Hey Simona, Can you start by introducing yourself and letting our readers learn more about you?
Simona Rose: I’m Simona Rose, a 24-year old variety artist from Bulgaria who has been traveling across Europe and some parts of Africa and Asia since I was about 5-6 years old. I’ve been around stages and performers from that age. My official debut on stage, which I consider to be when I was 11 years old, marked the beginning of my journey.
Almost all my hobbies are connected to art, creativity, and learning new things.
Justin: What was your upbringing like, and how did you first become interested in acting?
Simona Rose: I didn’t spend much time in my home country, as I was often traveling.
I was interested in drama acting because I love theaters and the atmosphere around them. I have worked as a performer in many theaters and always wondered what it would be like to act on stage. Later on, with the rise of social media and meeting some influential people, I developed an interest in acting on screen and found it incredibly fun.
Justin: At what point did you decide to pursue acting as a career? What were some of your early experiences breaking into the industry?
Simona Rose: I was first invited as an extra in a German production on the island of Mallorca, but I couldn’t attend as I had a flight to catch for my main job. Later, I was invited as an extra in the Bulgarian TV series “Sunny Beach,” Season 3. Meeting one of my best friends, Miroslav Petkov, inspired me to take on more roles on screen and work on new and creative projects with him.
Justin: In addition to acting, you’ve also started producing projects. What inspired you to take on that additional role, and how has that changed your creative process?
Simona Rose: It’s funny because I’ve always been bad at teamwork. Miroslav and I understand each other very well and work great together, but when it comes to working with a big team during shooting, it’s not always so fun for me. Miroslav inspired me to take the initiative more and share my ideas with him, and here we are!
Justin: You’ve become known for your work in the horror genre. What is it about this genre that appeals to you as an actress and producer?
Simona Rose: I’ve always liked dark themes and gothic aesthetics, so I’ve always loved fashion and photography in these styles. Although it may sound funny, I haven’t watched many series or movies that are considered horror. Nevertheless, I love being part of this genre and look forward to more projects!
Justin: Can you tell us about any current or upcoming acting or producing projects you have in the works? What can your fans look forward to seeing from you next?
Simona Rose: They can currently watch me in the short film Drums, which was released about a week ago. I also starred in Paranoia, which Miroslav recently finished editing. Next up is The Whisper 2, currently in post-production. We also have a little drama called The Foreigner lined up for filming.
We have all sorts of ideas and scripts for future short films, and we’ll see which ones make it to production. One of those projects includes a longer-duration The Whisper 3, which we hope to complete by the end of the year.
Aside from those projects, I’m working with writer/director Christopher Siaens on a one-take social awareness short film titled A Glimpse of Light, where the role is very challenging for a newbie in acting like me.
Justin: What advice would you offer to other aspiring actors or producers, especially those interested in the horror genre?
Simona Rose: Be yourself, be creative, and don’t be afraid to share your ideas and thoughts. Ask more people to join you and provide their vision of the final product!
Justin: What is it about acting and filmmaking that you are most passionate about? What continues to drive and inspire you in your creative pursuits?
Simona Rose: It’s as much about the creation and the process as it is about the final product being satisfying and perfect to me. The process is fun, creative, and inspiring—allowing me to step out of my ordinary life and self. The final project, when it turns out exactly as envisioned or even better, brings immense joy.
After the release, when people say they like it or congratulate you, it’s incredibly kind and motivating to create more in the future!
Justin: You recently starred as Casey in the short film Drums. Can you tell us about that experience and how it felt to take on your first major acting role?
Simona Rose: Haha, I wouldn’t say it’s very major! It was really fun and cool to participate in that project; I loved being a part of it. Since it was my first more serious role, I can now see things that could have been done better, but we all learn in the process!
Justin: Your background is in circus variety performance. How did that prepare you for acting in films, and how does it differ?
Simona Rose: Well, I’m used to being on stage and being seen by people, even influencing them in some way. My mom has also taught me a lot because she took acting classes as a kid and she’s super artistic.
Justin: You’ve quickly moved from acting to producing with The Whisper 2. What inspired you to take on this additional role, and what have you learned from the experience?
Simona Rose: When something is going well—the projects, the team, the shooting, everything—I always want to create more, help more, and I’m motivated to do bigger and better than the last time.
Justin: The Whisper 2 is a sequel to a film you weren’t involved with originally. How did you approach joining this project and putting your own stamp on the story?
Simona Rose: I thought the story was very interesting and that it could be expanded and enhanced with some new elements. So stay tuned to watch it!
Justin: You’re now developing a drama called The Foreigner, where you’ll be co-directing as well as starring. How are you preparing for these dual roles?
Simona Rose: If I’m being honest, I’m kind of nervous because I’m not a big fan of directing on my own, haha! I always think I’m not original or good enough, but I believe the project is very interesting and will be well-liked in the end—all thanks to Miroslav, haha!
Justin: How do you balance the pressures of producing a film while also starring in it? Has this affected your approach to acting?
Simona Rose: Totally not! In acting, I’ve always wanted to give my best version of myself and the character I’m playing! I just separate the two things.
Justin: You’ve worked on horror, psychological thriller, and now drama projects. Do you have a favorite genre to work in, or aspects you enjoy about each?
Simona Rose: I enjoy each genre in a different way, so I’m looking forward to participating in other genres as well.
Justin: How has your partnership with the director developed across these multiple projects?
Simona Rose: By always separating our friendship from our professional relationship, it’s very easy working with Miroslav. We have a very similar vision and ideas of how things should be done. The only thing that can stop us is the lack of sufficient time to shoot all of our ideas! Haha.
Justin: Looking ahead, what types of roles or projects are you most excited to take on? Are there any particular goals you have for your career in film?
Simona Rose: I haven’t really thought about goals, to be honest. I like to take everything new and challenging and make it my own!
Justin: How has your background in live performance influenced your approach to filmmaking and on-camera work?
Simona Rose: It has absolutely influenced me a lot! It’s made me much more professional and responsible for my work and how the final product comes out.
Justin: For aspiring actors who might be looking to also move into producing or directing, what advice would you offer based on your experiences?
Simona Rose: Just do it! Don’t fear it and go for it! It might not be the best thing ever remembered in history or whatever, especially your first or first few projects, but everyone has to start from somewhere. We ain’t born all ready for everything!
