Anessa Ramsey is Going for It

I first met Anessa Ramsey when we were cast as the male and female lead in Karla Jean Davis’ Golgotha, about 4 years ago. I had (pretty much) never worked in front of a camera at that point in my life, and went into the project having no idea what I was doing. I was lucky though. The people who were working on the film were very supportive and helpful in my learning process. Anessa proved to be particularly helpful, not only with her moral support, but also as a role model of how a screen actor should behave. To say that she mentored me in the ways of acting might be a bit of a stretch, but only a bit. So  when I heard that Anessa planned to move to Los Angeles to pursue her career (and dream), I felt it only right that I should pay her homage for all the help she has given to me and to the film community here in Atlanta.

Now, I know what you’re thinking: moving to Hollywood to chase the dream of being an actor is a fool’s errand. And in many cases, that is an absolute truth. But Anessa takes with her a great advantage in that she has already starred in several films. She is also a card-carrying member of the Screen Actor’s Guild, which she explains is like having a ‘concealed weapon to defend yourself against sleazy so-called-directors’ who regularly take advantage of young wide-eyed actresses in Hollywood. She even has projects lined up for her when she arrives there. But even with all of those benefits on her side, Anessa recognizes that what she’s doing is risky and difficult, and is humble about the process.

Those of you who haven’t seen Golgotha (probably all of you) will more likely recognize Ms. Ramsey from her starring role in the horror film The Signal, one of Atlanta’s biggest independent film releases in years. Her role in that film was something of a coming out party for Anessa. The wide distribution caught the eyes of several other directors and she has had steady offers ever since.

The problem is, the offers are both a blessing and a dilemma for Anessa. First of all, most of her offers come in the form of horror film roles. Not that there is anything wrong with that kind of work, but the danger of being pigeon-holed in an ever present concern for actors. So Anessa is choosing her projects wisely to attempt to negate that danger. The other problem is a little harder to get around. See, a lot of her offers are for jobs in LA. Apparently, it becomes a bit problematic when you are cast for a role that begins filming days later across the country. Especially when the part is only a small one and they aren’t paying to fly you out.

“Rites of Spring” Carl Herse, DOP

You have to go where the opportunities lie, and Anessa has great opportunities waiting for her there. Namely, a sequel to the recently completed (and soon to be released) scary movie Rites of Spring, entitled Days of Rain. The two movies are the first two installments in a planned trilogy, so as long as Anessa’s character doesn’t get brutally murdered in one of the first two films, she has work to count on for a while yet.

“Rites of Spring” Carl Herse, DOP

Anessa explains that she is leaving us for practical reasons: work, proximity, opportunity, and to ‘experience an earthquake first hand’.  While she will spend her first couple of weeks there couch surfing with her dog, she feels confident that she will settle into the industry quickly and comfortably and it won’t be too long before she can start saving for that ‘gold mansion made of gold’ that we all dream about.
We here at Purge consider Anessa a part of our extended family. And while it pains us to see our comrades leave, we know that her talent will carry her to great places. In this case, our city is asked to make a sacrifice for the greater good. For Atlanta’s loss, will surely be the world’s gain.

Break a leg Anessa.

Photo Credit: Jason Travis (Top 4 images)

Recommended: