A star on the rise to observe in Hollywood, Cleveland Ohio-born Kelley Poling has transitioned from being one of many prime bathing swimsuit and athletic fashions of the late 90’s to working as an actress in movie and tv at present. As a mannequin, Kelley labored on campaigns with Hawaiian Tropic, Nike, Yamaha, and Harley Davidson. For a 12 months between her modeling days and her performing profession, she was on tour with Madonna.
Having grown up in a army household, she can be a marksman with handguns, rifles, and archery. Kelley can be skilled in computerized weapons and martial arts strategies particular to movie and tv.
When not filming, she travels the world as a aggressive Classical Fencer and is proficient with foil, small-sword, dueling sword, rapier, and sabre. Poling has been coaching for greater than 20 years in New York with Maestri Jeannette Acosta Martinez and Ray Martinez of the celebrated Martinez Academy of Arms.
For enjoyable, she surfs, runs 5k races, and performs Celtic/Scottish music.
What are your present tasks that you’ve got popping out or engaged on?
I’m at all times filming a youngsters present with Completely Studios. I’m the Mother of the lead witch on “Charmers” for Brat television. I’ve two faith-based films I simply filmed in NYC, a thriller/thriller podcast collection popping out quickly too. My Discovery channel episode of “Legions of Exorcists” got here out this previous fall, in addition to a “Peter 5 Eight” (starring Rebecca DeMornay & Kevi Spacey) and “Velocity” making the movie Pageant circuits.
I additionally had an enormous unfold in Stylish Compass journal in October, and lots of tasks within the works!
What has working with Kevin Spacey been like for you?
He was humorous, participating, beneficiant in his work, and an entire gentleman to everybody on set. I additionally realized loads about how a fantastic actor processes and works. I cherished it.
What recommendation would you give different aspiring actors?
All the time be learning so you may at all times be working.
Have you ever at all times wished to be an actress or how did that come about?
I didn’t! Once I was just a little one, I wished to be a physician/ astronaut that labored at NASA and a ballerina that rode horses. I didn’t perceive that it took a lifetime to be good at only one factor. I assume being an actor is an effective approach to embody many issues with out spending a lifetime to realize success. Perhaps that’s why I gravitated in direction of performing since you don’t need to be “this OR that”…you might be “this AND that”- even when it’s just for a short while. I additionally cherished to carry out and entertain as a younger youngster. My first expertise with performing was a group play in entrance of a reside viewers of household and mates. Instantaneous optimistic reinforcement and loads of enjoyable. It’s arduous to not need extra.
Inform us what it felt like in your first set as an actress?
I bear in mind reserving my first function largely as a result of I used to be the one who match into the outfit the most effective. It actually didn’t have something to do with my expertise as an actress, which was good. I felt like an imposter with the opposite actors, who appeared fairly seasoned for 20 somethings. I nonetheless really feel like an imposter, however I’m nonetheless as courageous as I’ve at all times been…or presumptuous. Both approach, it feels the identical. I by no means misplaced the “I don’t belong right here” feeling.
What was your expertise like the primary time on set as a stuntwoman? Did you’re feeling such as you had a status to reside up as a ladies in a male dominated area?
It was a present for the invention channel and I bear in mind having to drown for the episode. I used to be pondering…”I can deal with this- I’m a surfer” I didn’t understand I needed to drown not less than 50 instances (no exaggeration) as a result of they’d this magnificent piece of filming tools that was as tall as the 2 story home we had been filming at. It had about 20 cameras filming me from completely different angles and so they wished me to drown a number of instances for every angle. I didn’t get out of the pool till they misplaced mild. I used to be freezing- however I did it. I needed to do it. If I failed my first job, how would that bide for my profession?
How did you get into martial arts & weaponry?
I grew up with a army father. I like my complete household (actually), however I’m positively a Daddy’s lady. He had me make my very own ammunition, shoot my very own gun, taught me archery, gave me my first sword, and taught me all the pieces about dealing with weapons safely and neatly. I by no means misplaced curiosity in coaching in them. Swords are positively my favourite, nonetheless. I additionally added my very own coaching in fencing and some Japanese martial arts because the years handed. Martial arts have been my world since I used to be just a little lady.
What particularly intrigued you about Fencing? Inform us what it’s like to coach and change into a aggressive Classical Fencer.
I’ve had a sword in my hand since I used to be a toddler. I simply didn’t know how one can use them properly. Once I grew to become unbiased within the enterprise world and had sufficient cash to hunt out what I thought of the most effective folks to coach me within the swords I cherished, I discovered the Martinez Academy of Arms in New York Metropolis. Maestro Ramon Martinez and his spouse Maestro Jeannette Acosta-Martinez reside legends within the sword world. The depth of data it takes to change into an excellent fencer and the years of coaching are astounding! What a problem! It’s arduous, so I adore it.
What was one in every of your most memorable instances on set? What was the scariest?
Working with a 2 time Oscar winner is fairly memorable in addition to whenever you first qualify on your SAG card.You always remember people who enable you to get to the place you need to go on this enterprise.
As for a scary time on set, I not too long ago realized I’ve probably the most demonic voice after I want it for a horror movie. It’s terrify and wonderful all on the identical time.
How is your work completely different now then from whenever you first began?
My work is longer, extra sophisticated, higher written, and higher carried out. I prefer to factor it retains getting higher with each bit of labor. I attempt to at all times be higher than my final efficiency. I work arduous on that.
What artist you’d like to work with?
Michelle Yoeh. I’ve cherished her work since I noticed “Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon”. She brings a serenity to the scenes, in addition to energy. I might additionally like to do a struggle scene together with her in some side. Like in “Gunpowder Milkshake”.
What was a task you dreamed of taking part in as a toddler? ( Dorothy from Wizard of OZ, and so on), and what did you discover magical about it?
I at all times wished to play on a present like “Bewitched” as Samantha the place I might do magic and preserve secrets- or on a present just like the “Brady Bunch” the place I might have all these brothers and sisters on set and all my faculty mates could be in love with me like they had been with “Marsha”.
What style & kind of character has your favourite to play? What kind of character would you prefer to play that you just haven’t but?
I want to play an older motion character. Subsequent on my checklist is a WESTERN . I’ve been searching for an excellent Western these days. I might additionally prefer to play a personality the place I get to point out off my sword abilities just a little extra.
What actress or actor from instances previous has impressed you? Any Hollywoodland favorites?
I Lucille Ball. We all know her because the silky red-head, however had fairly a variety in her profession. She was additionally very entertaining and fascinating to observe. I want to be like that.
Title your favourite movie and television reveals and why?
Movies that I usually consider as my favourite are the “ Indiana Jones” collection, even the “Younger Indiana Jones” television reveals had been wonderful. I’ve at all times cherished avion and journey. At the same time as a child. Bear Grylls is my favourite actuality television present particular person, and naturally, Angelina Jolie as Lara Croft.
Which administrators would you like to work with?
Ridley Scott, Peter Jackson, and James Cameron.
You have got been blessed with success in a profession path that may be difficult. Do you’ve gotten any phrases of recommendation for others who could need to embark on this profession path, however appear daunted by the prospect of failure?
It’s important to know your “why”. Know precisely what it’s that you just need to accomplish on this profession and by no means lose sight of that. Should you do, you’ll be chasing rainbows to discover a pot of gold that doesn’t exist.
Which suggestions would you advocate to your colleagues in your business to assist them to thrive and never “burn out”?
KNOW YOUR “WHY”. It’s just like the North Star. Preserve reminding your self why you might be doing this. Make it a purpose larger than your self and be the hero of your personal story.
Should you might land any advert marketing campaign, what would it not be & why?
Vary Rover. I would like one with all of the off-roading I do for stunt and motion coaching. I might be an excellent spokesmodel.
To observe Kelley’s profession, go to her web site at https://kelleypoling.com/ or observe her on Instagram at @kelleypoling.
