Episode 13 - Syra McCarthy // Actor. Director.
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“Syra McCarthy is someone whose name I've heard mentioned a lot over the years. Within the Bay Area film industry, she is the definitive multidisciplinary unicorn who stands out from the crowd. Not only is she a highly successful actor who has starred in television shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Hulu’s The Dropout, but she’s also appeared in nearly every major company’s commercial you can think of. On top of all that, she’s a prolific film director as well. Actor and Director? Jeez Syra, are you talented much? She’s acted and directed in short and feature films, music videos, and commercials. We didn’t really get into it on the pod, but Syra is starring in an upcoming film called “Josephine”, written, directed, and produced by Beth de Araújo. Syra will be starring alongside Gemma Chan, Channing Tatum, and Philip Ettinger.
For years, I’ve been hearing about her from friends - “Syra this” and “Syra that” - all this talk about how awesome she is and after finally spending some time with her in the Bedroom Studios, chopping it up, I now finally get the hype as to why she’s so freaking special. She’s a joy to be around and an overall cool, interesting, fascinating, and super fun person. Consider me officially part of the Syra McCarthy fan club! I’m recruiting all y’all to listen to this episode of BEDROOM™ and join in on the club too. Long live Syra!
In this episode of BEDROOM™, Syra and I discuss the induction of AI in the filmmaking process, what it’s like to be an actor in the commercial world, the magical and sparkly power of collaboration in filmmaking, directing the French Cassettes music videos for their tracks “Medium Horny” and “White Noise,” directing a short film for the painter Heather Day, stories from her career in acting and directing, dealing with sexism in the film industry, the unorthodox world of hand modeling, and we wrap up with the longest round ever of Bedroom Banter, where Syra spills all of her secrets and gives a copious amount of shout-outs to her besties.
Before I sign off here, I just wanted to shout out Soft Hold Collective, a Bay Area film directory of women & non-binary freelancers that Syra helped co-found and organize alongside her pal Baily Hopkins. If you’re looking to find community or talent for your next big film project, check out softholdcollective.com.
Big shout outs to Syra for coming onto the pod. Welcome to the BEDROOM™, y’all! WORLD WIDE PEACE!” - PSG
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Syra McCarthy's Socials & Websites:
Instagram: @syranara
Directing Website: www.syramccarthy.com
Acting Website: www.syraacts.com

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