Success Story: KARINA BONNEFIL

Here is another segment of Success Stories, the column devoted to the triumphs of our hardworking actors. This month we highlight, KARINA BONNEFIL. Karina Bonnefil is a multifaceted, natural actress. She first caught the acting bug after leaving her home country of Haiti to attend middle school in the state of Kansas, where she perfected her American accent, adding it to the list of other dialects (Hatian, Jamaican, Southern American) in her repertoire. Karina's resume has several credits including her breakthrough in the 2007 comedy hit, BACHELOR PARTY 2, as well as a recurring role on CBS' AS THE WORLD TURNS and a co-starring role in the short film, LALO, which won "best short film" at the HBO NY International Latino Film Festival. Karina recently made the big move from New York to Los Angeles, booking an Aftra Pilot Live presentation for writer/director Luisa Leschin's new comedy, ESCORTS, the day after she arrived! She has found that one of the most thrilling parts of being an actress is in the truth of story telling. She cherishes the journey she takes while getting to know and eventually embodying each character she plays. Though she is often praised for her comedic talents, Karina has a vast array of performance skills that the world has yet to see. As she continues to enlarge her territory, she aims to be in the business for years to come. She loves this craft.

How long have you been on Actors Access (AA) and how did you find out about the service? Karina: I moved to NYC in 2007 and my first manager said that I should join. I was living in Florida before that & it wasn't a requirement that actors join. What success have you had with AA? Karina: Actors Access Rocks. In 2008 I submitted myself for LALO & booked the role of the Nanny!LALO went on to WIN: BEST SHORT FILM at the 10th Annual HBO NY International Latino Film Festival in 2009. What do you think the most helpful feature on Actors Access is? Karina: MY TOOLS: I Love how I handle my resume/pics/submissions. It's so handy & I am my own manager/agent! Breakdown Express is for The REAL Pro's to submit me, but AA is for ME..The ACTOR What was your favorite part of working on GIMME SHELTER? Karina: GIMME SHELTER was one in a million honor jobs that I was blessed to work on. My scene was with Vanessa Hudgens! An amazing film by Ron Krauss Co-Starring the great James Earl Jones. What advice would you give to your fellow actors? Karina: I'm no model,I know that I'm a character actress & know what I can book. I think when you start submitting yourself you have to know your product, which is YOU.I don't submit for just any project I go for what screams at me. How long have you been acting and what made you go into the field? Karina: I moved to America in 1987 from Port-au-Prince, Haiti and I fell in love with Willy Wonka and the chocolate factory. I wanted to know how those kids got on this film. My father is a business man who wouldn't allow me to pursue this without a college degree. So after graduating College with a B.A in Communications I went for it. Took classes in High school & college and in 2001 I made this my career. I am an Actor. My manager is AMY LORD @ Performers Management.