Check out our interview with Los Angeles based (originally from Barcelona, Spain) actress and award winning producer Anna Clols
Anna has most recently gained notoriety for her award winning psychological drama, The Empty Chair, a short film which she starred in and produced. Shot in both English and Spanish, the film tells the story of a dynamic yet complex aerialist who finally finds redemption by making peace with her past. With a premiere at the renowned Catalina Film Festival and a nomination for Best Short Film at ARFF Barcelona International Film Festival amongst others, The Empty Chair garnered momentum as official selection in over 12 festivals and solidified Anna not only as an actress but as a producer to watch.
Follow Anna @annaclols
Hi Anna, please tell us a little about you?
Hi! My name is Anna Clols. I am originally from Barcelona, Spain and ,although I have lived in the US for a long time, most mornings you will find me on facetime speaking Catalan with my mother over a hot cup of coffee. Despite being a free spirit, there is nothing more important to me than my family. And, yes, that includes my dog and cat aka my children.
Growing up, I was very athletic and fell in love at an early age with gymnastics. Eventually, I discovered modeling. The travel, style, clothing, the way you can tell a whole story with a single image: every aspect fascinated me. I became more interested in character and storytelling as a performer and began studying acting. One of my favorite things to this day is to lose myself in a character, to breathe life into a role. I always strive to be learning and growing and developing, not only as an actress but as a person as well. It’s a never-ending process.
We had an interview a few years ago. Tell us what’s new since then?
Well, a lot actually! I have always been told that I am great at connecting people and selling ideas so I decided to use these skills and produce my own projects. The first project I created, The Empty Chair, a psychological drama about a woman confronting her traumas, gained momentum on the festival circuit this past year, with a premiere at the Catalina Film Festival, a best short film nomination at the Barcelona Film Festival and was officially selected and screened at many more. As much as I loved starring in the film as an actress, learning how to produce a film from inception to final cut pushed me out of my comfort zone, allowed me to grow and mature creatively and taught me to trust my intuition.
The experience was so fulfilling, I am now developing my first feature length film along with a few collaborations as co-producer as well.
What kind of roles do you like or would like to play and why?
I love suspense, action thrillers and psychological dramas. A strong female character with edge and a little bit of darkness is what I find most compelling. I really like delving into that side of my personality through a character. As a former gymnast, it would also be a dream to perform my own stunts. All that said, as a true Gemini, I also can just as easily jump into a comedy. Passionate, fiery, Spanish characters are my specialty and they are so much fun to play.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Four Agreements. There are so many lessons in this book that I use for business and relationships so, if you haven’t read it, please do. Essentially the book taught me that you are not your past, your trauma, or any of these wounds that hold you back and make you small. When you are aware of and healing from your own wounds, it is easier to operate from a place of love and compassion instead of fear. By the way, picking one book is challenging! I have also been highly motivated and enlightened by The Secret, Atomic Habits and Think and Grow Rich.
What is your favorite healthy food?
My version of healthy may not be that healthy bc it’s essentially cesar salad with lots of dressing and cheese. And avocado toast topped with eggs. Does this count as healthy? LOL
And your favorite cheat food?
I am a foodie so pizza and pasta. Hands down. And there is a cheat day once a week in my world!
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Angelina Jolie. I not only love and admire all her work and accomplishments as an actress, I am deeply inspired and motivated by her humanitarian work and conservation efforts across the globe. She is someone who uses her fame and notoriety to uplift humanity and fight for the rights of others. This is true beauty to me.
Best advice ever given?
I was once told “You are the combination of the 5 people you spend the most time with.” I live by this and believe it wholeheartedly. Surround yourself with people who teach you, uplift you and inspire you to be an even better person.
What advice would you give to your younger self and why?
Self-Love is the only love you’ll ever need.
Where we can follow you?
Instagram @annaclols
Book: Truth by Susan Batson
Quote: “You never fail until you stop trying” -Albert Einstein
Movie: Closer
Tv Series: Money Heist “La Casa de Papel”
Favorite Food: Croquetas, Fideua, tortilla de patatas… pretty much anything from my country Spain.
Travel Destination: Bahamas
Photo Credit: Joshua Michael Shelton @joshuamshelton
