Meet Trinity, 16, and Zion Rose, 11, two exceptionally gifted young artists hailing from Barbados. These siblings are not your average teenagers, they're budding actors, models, filmmakers, screenwriters, and artists, with a passion for creativity that knows no bounds. Recently, they achieved diplomas in on-screen acting and filmmaking at the prestigious New York Film Academy, sponsored by the Barbados government through the National Cultural Foundation (NCF).
Recently, Janet, our Editor-in-Chief, had the opportunity to do a Q&A with Trinity and Zion Rose.
You both began acting as background actors on Outer Banks. What initially sparked your interest in the entertainment industry?
Zion- “Firstly, God has been good. Amen! Well it was really our daddy that started the acting thing on the show Outer Banks. I remember when he was telling us about his day on set shooting a close up scene with “John B” (Chase Stokes) with the camera, it inspired me to do acting and then when it was my own time on set and seeing the cameras it inspired me to push more!”
Trinity- “It was daddy who got us interested, I remember the day he came home and told us and we were by granny and show us the selfie photos of himself and John B, so when it was my time to do it, I was really nervous, I started shaking in the car and I didn’t know what to do, I remember that night we were filming together on set I walked so fast, I was so confused but it really pushed my interest because I never knew what it was to film movies, I thought movies were easily done, I didn’t know there were scripts and production assistants so heavily involved. It really gave me an insight into Hollywood.
Congratulations on your recent achievements and diplomas from the New York Film Academy! Could you share with us some of the most valuable lessons you've learned during your time there?
Trinity-I always learnt to be punctual for classes because NYFA was very strict about time management, but I also realised the lessons in class were very different than being in the actual field. For my student “Panic” I was the lead director, writer and filmmaker. Before I left Barbados we were given an assignment to create a short student film script, then on the actual day of shooting I had to organize the location, the actors, technical assistants, film equipment and shoot in Manhattan Battery Park, then I realized the seriousness of getting all correct shots in the scenes together in a space of two hours. Then we had to pack up and return to NYFA for a quick lunch break. Then I started the process of editing for three hours editing the film to the two minute length requirement to be submitted by flash drive. Also, the software editing program was new to me, I never worked with it before. Honestly, NYFA standards are so high, I fully understood the assignment requirements and the difficulties in execution and presentation.
Zion- It was something new for me, I learnt how to break down my character, which I never did before. Most of the time, breaking down characters is understanding simple things like their aesthetic, what they wear, that's important, and then I also learnt “elements of great self-tape” like filming horizontally, importance of a well-lit face, stuff like that. I also did a monologue and a commercial class for Dunk’ Donuts where I placed second. It was a great experience.
How did your meeting with the owners of Selima Optique come about, and what does it mean to you to be brand ambassadors for such a prestigious eyewear brand?
Trinity- During our visit to New York we had the pleasure of meeting the daughter of the owner Selima Optique and she was really nice and complemented our clothing and suggested that her mother would love how we dressed so boldly with our unique styles, as she admire our fashion sense we were also charmed by her dog, Hemmy, who was absolutely adorable. She recommended her mother see us and informed us that they owned eyewear stores, which we had not known before. Then they shipped us some sunnies of their Westbrook Frames line for a photoshoot here in Barbados. I remember back in November 2023, I was first posted on their wall one post away from Ryan Gosling with his Selima sunnies, I was a bit starstruck to be on their wall which was impressive to be introduced on their page wearing such a gorgeous ensemble at the NIFCA performing arts finals where my high school theatre group won bronze. I’m in the lobby posing for pics afterwards in their sunnies! Then posted on their IG wall again in February of this year with Zion and officially announced as ambassadors for the brand. Wow!
Imagine, we met the daughter of Selima Optique while looking for food for Zion at a Whole Foods. We went getting lemonade and cupcakes and ended up becoming ambassadors for the company (Lol). It is an exciting opportunity, and I feel honored to represent such a cool and prestigious brand. Wearing their stylish sunglasses is a major blessing, and I am grateful to be able to share this experience with my brother.
Trinity and Zion, as ambassadors for Selima Optique NYC & Paris, how do you plan to use your platform to promote the brand and its values?
Selima Salaun is an award winning fashion icon!! Back in the September 2023 edition of the Fashionista magazine, writer Brooke Frischer expressed that Selima Optique is the No.1 go to eyewear of the rich and famous in NYC, with stars like Lady GaGa, Jacob Elordi and Zendaya who are wearing their sunnies. After much research, we then learnt of their high standards and started our own unique campaign tailored to Barbados and the brand’s aesthetic. Their brand symbolizes youth, fun, chic and luxury and so far what we have done has embodied that. For example our Photoshoots were at Rihanna Drive, Speightstown, a beautiful luxurious home with a pool and recently riding beautiful horses here in Barbados, has shown exactly that look we were going for. They trusted us with their brand’s image and they are very pleased with us. Thank you, Selima Optique!
Can you share any memorable experiences or challenges you faced while filming scenes for Netflix's Outer Banks season 3 and reenacting scenes from "The Crown" at the Sunbury Plantation Great House?
Zion- A really hard challenge for a beginner was to not look into the camera. That was a hard challenge! Going back to the positions you started, then you couldn’t really interact with the actors when they are getting ready for their roles. Don't look at the camera position where the Assistant Director positioned you. We had to understand that our roles as background were very important to reacting with emotion to the plane crash and Kiera’s capture. I think it was new for me, so I didn't know where to look, and I know not to look in the camera now.
Trinity- On the set of Outer Banks adapting to this new world was culturally shocking. I think diving into this world was nerve-racking at first. I honestly didn’t know what to do. I remember watching YouTube videos on people who played in the background. I tried my best to do my research, study. When I arrived on set for the first time, I took in this surreal moment where it was literally lights, camera, action! A true insight on a Hollywood set. Acting was never in my agenda while I was studying in school but now I love it and still love that first memorable moment. While filming my favorite scene which is the reaction scene to the great plane crash I used my acting skills to personify an afraid tourist girl.
In terms of the Crown reenactment, transitioning myself to Prince Charles has been one of my most inspirational and energizing works so far. I had to morph into someone who is the total opposite of me, changing my bajan dialect to British accent with poise. I had to practice my accent, watch that exact scene over and over to amalgamate his gestures with his motives. This reenactment transformed my understanding of acting. I enjoyed creating this reenactment; it was a time piece, which I have a particular interest in. I felt as if I was teleported to another time period in another world.
It seems like you guys are always doing stuff, it shows with you recently riding horses for an epic Selima Optique photoshoot, what was that like?
Trinity- It was an epic experience modelling with an animal for the first time. Um, we shot at Sunflower Stables, the owner Donna Simpson, was a very gracious host. As for the horses, they were so adorable and very photogenic, especially Ole’ Briggum Rum.
Zion- Sunflower stable gave us a wonderful experience; I’ve never ridden a horse before. I was a bit nervous getting on the horse and even posing for the camera.
Trinity, you have written a horror comedy student film, that sounds exciting! Can you give us a glimpse into what inspired the story and your vision for the project?
I have written and submitted a script that is now being looked over by the “powers that be.” Honestly, it’s in the initial stage and I cannot give away too many details; however, I can say this, the concept is very Caribbean centric with creepy trouble makers. The inspiration for this story came from the combination of my love of horror and Tim Burton's work. I enjoy a good blend of creepy and comedic elements, which I felt would be perfect for a story based on Caribbean folk, that's all I can say at this time. Originally, I wanted to create a story about clones for a school competition on the island but couldn't figure out what to add that would make it stand out. Then God gave me the idea for this current story, which was a perfect fit. I am excited to share this story with everyone once it is completely filmed.
Zion, we heard about your recent artistic endeavors, including a diorama and recreating a scene for American Airlines. What motivates your art, and how do you choose your subjects?
My art makes people happy, I did it for this lady, Janelle Innis, a lead agent at American Airlines,
she was the only person to help this pregnant woman on the streets giving birth in front of Janelle’s American Airlines Bridgetown office. Janelle is a hero! Her bosses flew in from the USA and gave her a cape named “Real American Hero” and I know I would love to recreate that, and when I did, it warmed my heart to see her reactions to the art. But mostly with my art I can look at certain stuff and just say to myself I can recreate that, and I keep doing it, keep at it because I want to get better with this type of art.
Meeting director Stefon Bristol and being mentored by him must have been an incredible experience. Can you share any insights or advice he gave you that particularly resonated?
Meeting Stefon Bristol earlier in 2023 at a Barbados Independent Film Festival Workshop was a true blessing from God because we came there to get some experience and knowledge to learn about filmmaking and ended up being mentored by him, and even now internationally. I remember when we were in New York later that same year at the same time as he returned to NYC, he invited us to lunch after film camp at El Toro Loco for tacos, and he told us about how the industry is and works.
He said not to give up because he went through so many different people asking them about helping with his film and how he had gotten rejected, he even met Spike Lee who later became his mentor and he said not to give up. That is one of the lessons I learned from him, but he did tell us about a project that he was working on with Jennifer Hudson and working with her was a blast but he could not give too many details, so we knew about that since last year, but we had to keep it a secret.
In this industry, keeping secrets and signing NDAs is a big deal; you don't want to give out any ideas, but he did say that. He also said not to give up in some areas and just keep going and keep pushing.
Trinity, as a lover of '50s fashion, how do you incorporate that style into your daily life, and do you find inspiration from any specific icons of that era?
The 50s! I absolutely adore the fashion sense of Marilyn Monroe and Lucille Ball, as well as other icons from that era. Their fashion was truly incredible. When you ask what I mean by "outstanding," I think their outfits were so iconic and unique. I love watching older movies, especially those featuring powerful women. Their outfits were always lovely and inspiring, and I find myself drawing inspiration from those times. I even appreciate fashion from the medieval era, but the 50s have been my favorite so far. The fashion from that era was so creative and beautiful. I particularly love the colorful and unique outfits seen in Marilyn Monroe's films and in the film, “Gentlemen Prefer Blondes” with Jane Russell. Their outfits were simply stunning and I keep finding myself constantly inspired by them.
Zion, with your taste for '80s glam and '90s rock fashion, how does your personal style influence your creativity, especially in your artistic and acting pursuits?
I absolutely adore the glam rock look, but I also enjoy the entire 80s era, especially the 1985 glam rock animated series “Jem and the Holograms.” Jem is a true gem, and the holographic elements of the show really appeal to me. It's fascinating that the show centers around bright loud flashy attire and big hair! I love the aesthetic so much that I incorporate it into my own wardrobe. Speaking of which, I have a soft spot for leather jeans, shoes, jackets, and anything made of that material. I would love to own some Jem merchandise as well!
Could you tell us more about your upcoming roles in the Bajan action thriller "Camouflage"? What drew you to these characters, and how do you prepare for such roles?
Trinity- So, we signed NDAs, nondisclosure agreements, and we can't talk about the plot for our roles and the characters we're going to be playing, which were written and indicated to us by showrunner, Johnathan Temple but I’ll tell you this, this show is going to be awesome and gonna blow your minds! We watched the trailer around twenty times trying to break it down and see where our roles will fit in. But as to how Zion and I prepare for a role, it’s very different. When I'm preparing for a role, I think I need at least to break down the character if needed, so what do I do? I listen to the music I think my character would like, I try to get in that mind frame of my character, I just try not to become Trinity and become the character. I'm sure Zion’s methods are different from mine, he would explain.
Zion- I write down my character’s backstory. I just make any story up to add to the role I have to play. As an actor, I work hard to embody the character and understand how they would react in different situations. Time is a crucial element for me to fully grasp the role, so I take the time to get into the right mindset. To develop the character as a bad person, I try to write down specific traits and behaviors that would make them seem villainous. As for physical actions, I experiment with different gestures and movements to see what feels natural for the character. To play the role centers around a character and explores the concept of fear within the mind.
A talk show would be an exciting venture for you guys, would you consider it and what topics would you be most passionate about discussing, and how do you plan on engaging your audience?
Trinity - We are excited about the prospect of hosting our own talk in the future, and interviewing cool and interesting people but there are serious topics like bullying we want to address. I personally was a victim of bullying, not Zion. We would like to bring to surface the ugliness of bullying. But there will be many fun elements to our show as well.
Trinity, could you share more about your experience meeting with the Hon. Charles Griffith and his executive committee. What was it like being called to an executive meeting at such a young age?
We are not privy to discuss publicly as yet the details but I will say this, being invited to a meeting with the Hon. Charles Griffith and his executive committee was a great opportunity and experience. Honestly, they were very impressed when we presented them at the meeting with everything in detail. They listened and we had a great discussion afterwards. Their support was very, very encouraging.
Zion, what was it like meeting Prime Minister Rt. Hon Mia Mottley and presenting her with a copy of your screenplay "The Mystery of TRIZON Camp"? How did her feedback influence your future creative endeavors?
Meeting the Prime Minister was a phenomenal experience for our brand. As a newcomer to showbiz and entertainment, I had never met someone of such high stature before. The film camp produced by our Barbados government presented us the chance to write and create our student film "The Mystery of TRIZON Camp" and later that year we were able to meet the Prime Minister and present her a copy of that screenplay. She was really impressed. It was an honor for my sister and I to have met her. She encouraged us to continue pursuing acting further and filmmaking. That moment left me feeling ecstatic.
Looking ahead, what are your goals and aspirations for the future, both individually and as a creative duo? Are there any dream projects or collaborations you hope to pursue?
Trinity- As young filmmakers, actors, models, and artists, our goals for the future are to create films that can be enjoyed by audiences on the big screen or through streaming platforms. We strive to showcase our unique talents and creativity in America, and even further overseas. Zion hopes to have his art featured in galleries, while we aspire to act in international projects. We dream of expanding our reach and collaborating with other actors like Jenna Ortega and directors we look up to like Tim Burton bring our visions to life.
Zion- As an actor, it's essential to never give up on opportunities, and always say yes to new challenges. Don't let one day of missed school derail your progress in both academics and acting.
Lastly, how do you balance your academic and creative pursuits, and what advice would you give to other young aspiring actors, filmmakers, and artists looking to follow in your footsteps?
Zion- Balancing academics and other opportunities can be challenging, but it's important to stay focused and prioritize responsibilities. Missing a day of school may seem insignificant, but it's crucial to stay on course and not fall behind.
Trinity- Balancing my academic and creative pursuits can be challenging, but I am able to manage them because I understand the importance of studying. Maintaining a balance between my academic pursuits and my creative passion for acting and filmmaking is not a challenge for me. I make sure to manage my studies well, especially now that I am in my final year of school and have to take the CXC exams. Whenever I get an acting opportunity or some other task to complete, I make sure to finish it the night before. I believe in studying hard and cramming my studies whenever possible, especially when exams are nearby.