Today we’d like to introduce you to Betty Schram
Hi Betty, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
To answer that, I’ll have to walk this back to childhood. I had an extensive imagination, and created worlds and characters for my siblings and I play out. I really fell for theater when I was in school, and had the opportunity to take on roles that allowed me to branch into directing and writing, in addition to playing characters on stage. Later, I performed in community theater, and from there was asked to walk runway for local fashion shows.
When I moved to California, I was establishing with the acting community when I was asked to model, and from there my opportunities to interface with some strikingly talented people exploded. I took incredible opportunities abroad, and back again to the States.
I have done commercial work and voiceover as well.
I continue to model, and am leaning into the energy of the film community. I don’t know how to untether the intrinsic nature of creating art in modeling from acting; they both demand a specific presence from me I am driven to pursue.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Speaking of driven…I am not one who comes naturally by “standing by to standby” and relaxing into a process. I was quoted once having said I’d much rather be the driving force over that which is driven. There’s an odd balance to strike with throwing yourself into your craft(s) but also knowing when to not overexert energy that isn’t going to accomplish the goal.
Larger scale projects require many talents, details, and some elements of nature to come together; one can only “drive” so much of the project. I’ve learned, and often have to hit refresh on that knowledge, to relax into the process, trust your teams, and when the time is right for projects to begin, they’ll begin. And if they’re meant for you, you’re meant for them as well.
That doesn’t deter from a thorough evaluation on what I can do about it, and being sure to take action on what IS in my sphere of influence. Work ethic is an esthetic worthy of all that creative energy.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Versatility is a value in both acting and modeling, to be able to cross lines from dramatic to comedic presentations, knowing how to move in a studio with controlled environments and then how to listen for your photographer’s voice as your only guide since the sun has long set… and all you can see are blinding flashes of light popping around you in the dead of night in the Lucerne Valley, etc.
However, my preference will always lean into opportunities for a character with a powerful inner working to dial in. I don’t particularly like the phrase, “strong female character,” as that definition seems to have become diluted into one rote, mechanical characterization. I believe a character can be strong without having to announce it. If you are, BE. And IF you are, you WILL be. This brings it right back to the presence being demanded, calling it out from within you and putting her to task. And I am absolutely here for it.
Alright, so to wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to share with us?
I’m deeply thankful for every opportunity I’ve been given and have earned in the creative world. I have and continue to learn from talented individuals I’m privileged to call my friends, am proud to champion them in their endeavors, and whenever the opportunity reveals itself, to pour my own energy into the process of creating something with them that I hope moves the observer as much as it does the artists who formed it.
Thank you so much for your time and interest, CavasRebel! It is always a pleasure talking with you.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @bettyschramofficial
- Other: https://www.imdb.me/bettyschram
Image Credits
Julia Kuzmenko
Michelle Hebert
Christopher Tierney
John Malvaez
Veronica Moreno
Valentine Bridal
Diane D’Angelo
Scruff Brothers Films
