Dreamcatcher Producer Krystal Vayda Hits Top Ten Film To Watch
Meet Krystal Vayda, a multicultural American actress, writer and producer originally from Southern California. Her heritage is a colorful blend between the Old and New Worlds which includes Spain, Hungary, México and the United States.
Her Film credits include: Speed (Twentieth Century Fox), The Girl In The Photographs (Alghanim Entertainment), Dreamcatcher (Samuel Goldwyn)
How would you define your personal style?
My personal style is tied to where my focus is at any given time. I start each day in workout clothes to ensure I make my health a priority. Accountability is really important to me - and I like to maintain a routine as best I can. That being said, there’s no real in between for me: I am either super relaxed & natural, or completely done up! If I’m in meetings or being social, I lean more on the conservative chic side. Something classic and neutral with an overall timeless vibe. I’m inspired by the fashion of people like Christy Turlington and Victoria Beckham. I also love, love, love accessories. That’s how I showcase my personality. I may take my career very seriously, but not myself. Like a typical Aries, I’m drawn to shiny things - so jewelry is usually how I add a touch of sparkle and personal flair.
What is a cause that is important to you?
Two causes that are extremely important to me are the staggering wealth gap and the mental health crisis. No part of me can comprehend how, as a society, we can’t properly help our own. There is an epidemic of varying levels of disenfranchised and underprivileged here in America - and also on a global scale. It’s heartbreaking. I believe in second chances and always look to find the good in people. Sometimes life can be so hard it’s difficult to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Sometimes you’re dealt a hand beyond your control. The unhoused community deserves a meaningful chance to rehabilitate. The mental health crisis is something else I’m a major advocate for. An estimated 26% of Americans ages 18 and older -- about 1 in 4 adults -- suffers from a diagnosable mental disorder in a given year. Many people suffer from more than one mental disorder at a given time. And this issue is exacerbated by substance abuse by those who aren’t given proper treatment or even time of day. We need to be more open and less judgmental. This is something that isn’t going away - and if we don’t move to try and find solutions now, we risk losing countless lives by our inaction.
When are you most inspired?
Inspiration comes in so many different ways - at so many different times. For me, it can come from something as simple as a great view - or as complex as an emotional, special story that resonates with my soul. Sometimes it’s being in a location, hearing a song at the right time, or smelling something unique that takes you to a creative place. I naturally see everything with a cinematic lens - so finding inspiration can come at anytime. The best is when it surprises you. A seed of inspiration that suddenly raises the stakes and begins to cultivate like a figurative mental baby. I have the tendency to lose myself in waves of excitement when something feels right - that feeling when everything fades away and you just get goosebumps. That’s a direct sign that there is something there and I need to go with it and see what happens.
Describe your perfect day.
My perfect day starts with a great night’s sleep. Coffee in bed with my incredible fiancee, where we discuss anything and everything. I love talking to him - hearing his unique perspective and learning to love each other in new and different ways. He’s an impeccable listener, too. Naturally, being a bit of a workaholic, I’m invigorated by the little things like checking my email, researching or reading about new trends or global stories and pushing myself to find a sense of accomplishment each day. In the afternoon, a nice hike to clear my head and share a moment of gratitude with Mother Nature. In the evening, catching up with friends and family over a cold glass of wine. There’s something so fulfilling about the “clink” sounds of a toast - something that says ‘you’re one step closer than you were yesterday!’ Ending the day with a good movie and a deserved sense of relaxation - you can’t beat it.
How did you meet Wes Craven and what is the one thing he taught you that still resonates?
I first met Wes Craven in a conference room at CAA (Creative Artists Agency) for what would become a movie that my brother / producing partner and I eventually executive produced with him. During the process, as it often happens in making movies, we ended up spending a lot of quality time with him. It evolved from a strictly professional relationship to a real friendship. He was the type of guy always willing to tell you a story or impart a meaningful sliver of wisdom. It’s really hard to single out the one thing that resonates the most; it was all very special. However, something that does standout came when I was at a bit of a creative crossroads. I asked him, almost jokingly but with enough sincerity that he knew where I was coming from, if he ever thought he was crazy for some of his ideas. He smiled and said “those are usually the best ideas.” His genuineness in that moment validated my creative ambition. Somebody who I looked up to for as long as I could remember gave me all the assurance I needed to keep going with my ideas. He wasn’t just a legend, he was a multi-faceted, incredible human being. I will always carry with me how he kept his sense of humor even when things got crazy or contentious. His fortitude and calmness exuded an unspoken aura of ‘keep going, you’ll figure it out!’ These are all traits I have adopted and will bring to any endeavor in my future.
Your new movie Dreamcatcher ranked in the top 20 movies to stream. What does that mean to you as a producer?
It means that you really can make it happen if you believe and stay the course. I’ve questioned so many times ‘is this ever going to happen?!’ so there’s a real sense of humility and validation. It’s no secret, this industry is tough - physically and emotionally. I’ve had high-highs and low-lows, with things always feeling so close - yet always out of reach. You have to continually relearn patience and stay the path with equal parts conviction and perseverance. Truthfully, the amount of work and dedication to make Dreamcatcher a reality is a beautiful story in itself. I’m proud of reaching this milestone. It feels very fulfilling. I surrounded myself with beautiful minds who mirrored my own ambition - but also challenged me along the way. Magic happens when like-minds come together and throw ego into the wind. This is a winning team we assembled carefully and I am smiling, even now two years later, excited to see what unfolds for everyone involved.
What is one thing people don’t know about you?
I was born left-handed. At the age of 7 I broke my left arm badly while playing with my friends. Long story short, I had to have a pretty extensive surgery that left [no pun intended] me with a pretty unique scar. During the following school year, because I was in a cast for so long, I had to teach myself to be right- handed. I can proudly say I am ambidextrous and can do many things right or left. It’s a bit like my career; I have been both in front and behind the camera which has given me a more well-rounded approach to the filmmaking process as a whole.
What’s your film character obsession? (a role you would have loved to play)
I love Notting Hill so much! So my initial response would be to play Julia Robert’s character, Anna Scott. I remember seeing the movie for the first time and thinking, damn, she is so effortlessly cool - and I really admired her sense of style. I also love the way she was written - the comedy was natural and gave the character a lot of dimension. It’s the same way I feel about Geena Davis’ character, C Dottie Hinson, in A League of their Own. I loved her natural strength and the way her vulnerability came through with such poise and grace. By taking this extremely athletic role, I think she set an inspiring example for women everywhere. I actually had the privilege to meet and hangout with Geena at her Sundance poker charity event a few years back. She is truly a delight, a beautiful inside and out. Fun fact: she actually did the stunt of catching the ball behind her back herself! With television, I would have to say Jennifer Aniston’s character, Rachel Green, from Friends. It might sound silly, but she made me want to become an actress. I loved how funny she was and her hair was always on point! She and the cast lifted my spirits during a rough time in my life. It was then I realized I wanted to do the same for others when I grew up!
What 3 words would you use to define yourself?
Enthusiastic. Ambitious. Imaginative.
What is your message to the world?
At this point in my life, there are still a number of things I’m figuring out, but I can say the following with confidence. Never stop reaching. Chase after the things you want with reckless abandon, stay the course and commit 100000%. Go to bed every day and find a reason to tell yourself you won the day. Always strive to be better than you were yesterday. Don’t rush things that don’t feel right - listen to your intuition and instinct. Breathe. Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Listen to your imagination. Exercise innovation and give every opportunity, no matter the size, everything you’ve got.
