Drama Queens, a five-star arts journal focusing on female artists

Face to Face Films will unveil new projects a nd new members of its vibrant company of emerging artists. DramaQueens has taken this time to spotlight one of the company’s longtime members. Stage, film, and television actress, VIVIEN CARDONE has been through many productions – expanding her own talents while enhancing the cache of the company. We spoke with her about her time with Face to Face Films.

Theater, Interrupted (TV Series produced by Face to Face Films)
God of Carnage (2021) … Annette; Faces (2020) … Dr. Michelle Watkins; Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (2020) … Martha; Two Original One Act Plays (2020) … Pandora (Thoughts I Had in the Dark); The Hours (2020) … Clarissa Vaughan; Doubt (2020) … Sister Aloysius; Little Women (2020) … Meg March

Can you speak about how you first met? 

VIVIEN: I met Anthony 3 years ago, when he asked me if I was interested in meeting to discuss a role in his film production “The Rabbits.” We went to a sushi restaurant a few blocks away from Penn Station, and had a lovely conversation about the character and movie, the film and theater industry, and our aspirations. Right away I could see that Anthony was a kind soul who led with compassion and respect. As I got to know him more, I saw his passion for humanity and equality, his love for his family, and his incredible talent as both a director and writer. I was amazed by how he approached directing with an emphasis on collaboration and encouraging his actors to experiment and offer insights. It didn’t take long for Anthony to become my dearest friend. I have never been a person who readily trusts others, but I have no problem being completely open and trusting of Ant. I feel blessed every day to have him in my life. 

What did you do on THE GIRL WITH THE RED HAIR? Tell us about your collaboration. 

VIVIEN: I played Dr. Michelle Watkins, the head psychiatrist in the female ward of South Oaks Mental Insitution, where the lead character Hayley is admitted. It was a challenging role, because a lot of Dr. Watkins’ personal struggles were more internalized. So trying to find those subtle ways to reveal the vulnerability that lied beneath her tough exterior was tricky. I definitely believe that she is the most misunderstood character in the play, and it is very easy to see her as the villain. Anthony and I really worked hard to show the humanity of individuals in positions of high power and responsibility, which I feel people have trouble acknowledging. Throughout the whole process, Anthony really encouraged me to experiment with different ideas and emotions, and was ready to hear any suggestions and insights I had along the way. It was our mutual respect and trust in one another’s understanding of the character, as well as our experience in the industry, that made the end result so successful. 

Does your friendship with each other create obstacles in working on a play intimiate in nature as this one?  

VIVIEN: I actually think it is quite the opposite. Anthony and I both have a way of easily separating our personal lives from our work lives. Outside of work, we are best friends. But when we step onto set, We are director and actor. We pride ourselves on our professionalism. But I think because we are so close, and we know how one another communicates, we are able to work even more efficiently. Most often, Anthony really just needs to give me one or two words of direction, and I know exactly what he is looking for. 

What do you think it means to be an artist? 

VIVIEN: I think being an artist has a lot of meanings. Art serves many purposes. It can offer entertainment, provide therapeutic benefits, bring awareness to issues and struggles, and offer a different way of viewing the world around us, as well as the nature of human existence. I think being an artist means unifying all of these goals in order to enrich the world and contribute to the human experience. 

Any future collaborations? 

VIVIEN: I am always ready to jump into another Face to Face production! Currently, Anthony has invited me to perform a monologue in a virtual fundraising event for Face to Face, which I am very excited for. Unfortunately, things still seem very uncertain for in-person projects while the pandemic struggle persists. But our passion hasn’t stopped us from coming together to work on virtual productions. So I am very optimistic and excited to see what this year has in store for us. With Anthony leading us, I know there will be tons of wonderful projects ahead. 

What is the funniest memory you can recall together?

VIVIEN: Oh gosh, there are too many to count! Any time Anthony and I get together we always end up crying with laughter. If I had to say a memory off the top of my head, it would probably be during a visit to his place, when Anthony showed me “Mulholland Drive” for the first time. I usually am pretty open to artistic storytelling. But I gotta be honest, that movie made me so confused and frustrated. I was actually yelling at the television during some parts. I thought Anthony was going to fall off of the couch he was laughing so hard. I still laugh when I think about it. 

Do you find your collaboration could be an insipration to others in other companies? 

VIVIEN: It would be amazing if all collaborations were handled the way Anthony approaches his craft. He is such a fair, caring, and open director. He really goes above and beyond to make his actors feel heard and respected. On top of that, he really views things from an actor’s mindset. I have never worked with a director who is so involved in the character development process as Anthony is. It’s like having an acting coach and a director in the same person, and it is an absolutely wonderful experience. 

What is unique about the friendship you’ve built?  

VIVIEN: I think the most unique thing about our friendship is just how much we respect each other. While we share many things in common, there are equally many things that Anthony and I view differently. However, we never let those differences change how much we care about each other. And I think because we have that respect, it has helped us evolve and grow in our mindsets and worldviews. We have both come to view things in different ways than we originally did, because we have always been openminded and listened to one another’s side without prejudice or frustration. And I think in today’s heightened opposition, that is very rare to find. 

What have you learned from Anthony?

VIVIEN: I could write a book about everything I have learned from Anthony. He has taught me so much about vulnerability and experimentation in my craft. By working with him, I have learned how to really read between the lines of a script, and consider all different perspectives and possibilities of a character’s motivations and objectives. I have learned how to take risks and try out different actions and emotions, even if they seem contradictory to the character’s arc. And I have learned how important it is to invest time into thoroughly understanding all of the characters in a script, as each character has a direct impact and influence on all of the others. Working with Anthony has really helped me drastically improve my approach to acting, and I am so grateful because of it. 

How would you describe Anthony to someone who never met him? 

VIVIEN: Anthony is a gem. He is so kind and compassionate towards others. He wears his heart on his sleeve. He would give you the shirt off of his back. No matter how cruel life can be, he never lets that change his optimistic and loving outlook on humanity, and he will never stop finding the best in people. One of his greatest joys in life is performing acts of kindness for others and making them feel important and valued. He is a dedicated and talented artist, and his work is so special and important in giving a voice to those who have been silenced by society. 

What was your initial impression upon meeting Anthony? 

VIVIEN: My initial impression was that he was very professional, incredibly accomodating, and a great listener. He made me feel completely at ease right from the start. Seeing how excited he was to talk about “The Rabbits” with me really made me so excited to be part of the project. The more I got to know him, the more I could see what a great writer, director, and person he is. 

How has Anthony’s writing and directing connected with you?

VIVIEN: Anthony has an incredible way of writing in a manner that makes you connect with aspects of so many characters. He really understands the essence of humanity, and is not afraid to show the jarring side of mental illness, abuse, and trauma that so many people experience. Too often, the film and theater industry tends to romanticise these aspects. But Anthony is daring enough to make his audience uncomfortable and vulnerable. And as a result, the story impacts viewers on a deeper, more personal level. More than that, Anthony loves to develop a character around the actor he is working with. And I think that is such a beautiful process, because it allows the actor to really connect and breathe life into the character they are portraying. The actor can easily step into the character’s world and feel like it’s their own. It is a thrilling, occasionally frightening, therapeutic, and immensely rewarding experience. I have worked through and found closure with several personal struggles through the various roles I have played in Anthony’s productions. I have never connected with and understood a character as deeply as I have with the characters Anthony has allowed me to portray. 

What does Face to Face Films mean to you?

VIVIEN: It means absolutely everything to me. It is a safe haven where artists can come together to experiment, make discoveries, and step into an entirely new world. It is a company of passionate individuals who want to use their talent to bring awareness to concerning issues in society, and give a voice to those who are suffering mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. It is a company who wants to create stories and worlds that anyone and everyone can identify with and feel seen and understood in. And it is a place where you always feel valued, respected, and appreciated, regardless of where you come from, what you believe in, and what you have experienced.