Money, Momentum, and Making Movies: A Conversation with Leanna Adams and Kristina Arjona about Independent Filmmaking

Acting: Conversations on Craft

Working in the entertainment industry is brutal. Success isn’t linear and you hear no more than yes. As Leanna Adams says in this episode, we as actors “eat rejection for breakfast…sometimes lunch, and dinner too.” Leanna Adams and Kristinia Arjona sat down and spoke to me about the process of making their independent film: Christmas With Jerks released on Prime in December 2023. Throughout our conversation they kept going back to the fact that you have to ask people around you for help. As Kristina said, “no one can help you if they don’t know what you need.”

They emphasized leaning on their community and the need to be kind. “If you don’t have money, you have to be kind,” Kristina said. In the Indie world she says, “you can’t get away with being rude and poor! From a production stand point, there’s no longevity there.”

For many of us, fear prevents us from taking that first step. Kristina encourages everyone listening to send that email, reach out to that one person who will be honest and kind. Leanna said she “started this project with so much fear.” It was fear of the unknown and fear of failure. But for her, learning was also key. So, as Leanna says, “If your goal is to learn, you can’t fail.”

Leanna and Kristina's first feature, "Christmas with Jerks" was written, shot and sold in less than a year and is now on streamers. Leanna's feature scripts have been optioned and have also earned a Nicholl QF, various “Best ofs,” and a spot at The 2020 Lab at the Athena Film Fest. Her short films have screened around North America, some airing on Fox and TBS. Leanna loves action comedies the most.

Kristina Arjona is a certified Intimacy Coordinator through Intimacy Professionals Association. Kristina spent 10 years working in the Atlanta film industry as an actor, director, and 1st AD before moving into intimacy coordinating. She graduated with a BFA in Acting and BA in Theatrical Design and Production from Elon University before moving into film and now works in both Atlanta and Wilmington.

Kristina uses her skills on both sides of the lens to increase effective communication and safety for everyone involved. Proudly queer and Latina, Kristina is particularly passionate about working with material involving queer stories, BIPOC characters, and trauma-informed care in sexual violence-related scenes.
Learn more about Leanna Adams

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm1568405/

https://www.leannaadams.com/

Follow on IG @leannaadams

Learn more about Kristina Arjona

https://www.kristinaarjona.com

https://www.atlintimacycoordinator.com

https://pro.imdb.com/name/nm6223011/about

Follow her on IG @Kristina.Arjona & @ATLIntimacyCoordinator
Connect with me:

IG: @tarmeydanielle

TikTok: @danielletarmey

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tarmeydanielle