New Scene Magazine
KIJSA GIFFORD TEASES UPCOMING PROJECTS AND SHARES HER MISSION BEHIND PRODUCTION COMPANY
[as originally published on newscenemagazine.com]
A star is born!
Actress Kijsa Gifford is about to take the Entertainment industry by storm. In fact, she’s already gearing up for it with her ever-growing resume.
We had the amazing honor of speaking with Kijsa about her favorite films, her sports career, and more!
What made you want to start out in sports and acting?
K: “I started gymnastics when I was two years old, so it was just a part of my childhood. I got into modeling and acting when I was four. My sister was really into theater, so I grew up around it. I had to step away from acting due to the intense training as a gymnast but knew I would eventually come back to it someday when I had the opportunity to.”
How do you train as an athlete?
K: “It depends on which sport. Gymnastics is very, very intense. I trained almost 40 hours per week and had to homeschool from 2nd through 6th grade. Other sports like pole vault, volleyball, la crosse, cheer, soccer and flag football are less intense—a few days a week. Currently, I work out with my trainer 5 days a week. When I am in sports season, practices and lifting is 5-6 days per week.”
As a future college Pole Vaulter, what sparked your interest in the sport?
K: “Objectiveness. A lot of team sports and other sports are subjective. In pole vault you must have the talent to go over the highest bar—and no one can take that away from you. There is a lot of drama in sports these days that can affect talented athletes and force them to quit or leave sports altogether. A sport like track can help those athletes reach their goals without outside factors like jealousy, favoritism, parental influences, money, etc. You are either the best or you’re not. It’s based purely on your performances. That is why I am a huge advocate for track and field.”
Your production company is called Norma Jean Entertainment. Can you tell us a bit of the story behind that?
K: “My family’s connection to Marilyn Monroe was a big part of the decision. I also wanted the name to become synonymous with films from the female perspective. I want to produce films that fully develop female characters of all races and ethnicities and give young girls something positive to aspire to. Marilyn and many women are oversexualized and pigeonholed only for their looks. It took her a very long time to demonstrate her true acting ability. I want to be part of a positive change in the industry for women in film and help to turn out work that will make
us all proud.” … READ MORE