CONROY KANTER, “TRAFFICKED” FILM PRODUCER, AT HER MALIBU RANCH

Do you remember our last editorial with the gorgeous Dayanara Torres surrounded by horses at a wonderful ranch in Malibu?  Today we bring you our dear Conroy Kanter, the owner of said ranch.  Now an independent Hollywood film producer, Conroy Kanter was involved before through JH Kanter Productions in projects such as IRONWEED, the Oscar nominated movie starring Jack Nicholson and Meryl Streep and THE BIG BANG, directed by James Tobac.  Her latest film TRAFFICKED, starring Ashley Judd, deals with the terrifying business of human trafficking. Based on the book “Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery”, Conroy sheds light onto this bloodcurdling business which generates over one hundred billion dollars per year and at, as of today, keeps thirty million people enslaved around the world.  This movie project moved me to delve into the life of this fascinating woman.

Conroy, you have worked both in front of the camera and behind the scenes… Where do you feel more comfortable and why?

As a producer I wear many hats – sometimes it can be difficult to take off the producer hat and put on an actors hat, which I thought I would never say, being such a creative person. However, my creativity now comes from “putting all the pieces together” for the production. A small acting part is fun and once bitten by the acting bug, you always have it.

Which professional achievements are you most proud of?

My latest project, “Trafficked” which is more than a movie, it is a call to action to put an end to modern day slavery.

As a producer, what do you enjoy the most and what would you avoid if you could?

I enjoy all parts of production: pre-production, casting, principal photography, editing, sound, and distribution, I like being part of a collaborative team. I dislike egos and bullies, unfortunately you do run into these types in this business. I choose not to work with them : )

It is so, SO complicated to produce a movie… There are so many things that you have to put together, it is so much work that is overwhelming. Such a big responsibility too… Producing a movie, is it somehow an act of madness?

Yes! A fantastic act of madness! When I am in the mix, I jump in with both feet. Being organized, having a good team on board that helps tremendously, a good “can do attitude” is the key. I feel like if someone else can do this, why can’t I… I can!!!

Your last movie, Trafficked, is based on Harvard professor and writer Siddharth Kara’s best-selling book, “Sex Trafficking: Inside the Business of Modern Slavery.” How did you get involved in this project?

Another Producer brought me in to the project and asked me to read the script, I was riveted. Then I read Professor Kara’s book Sex Trafficking and thought to myself “How can I say no to this project?” This story needs to be told, to bring awareness and it needed a woman’s touch – Mine!

Human trafficking is a such a cruel and sad reality… Most times, I find the news about it unbearable. How could you face this reality? How did it affect your mood along the way?

As a woman and a mother, sometimes it felt like a black cloud was over my head. I couldn’t understand how human beings could be so heartless and cruel to other human beings. But then I thought about the characters in our film which are based on actual individuals Professor Kara spoke with and their stories needed to be told.

Being a woman, do you think you brought a different angle, a different point of view to the movie regarding this tragedy? If so, how?

Yes, making this movie took a lot of trust on the actors part, trust that we as filmmakers would get it right. Not be gratuitous or sexually exploitative. A fine line and I believe I was comforting on set to the young women during their tougher scenes.

What is the most important thing you have learned from this project?

I have learned I have a voice and that I can be a voice for the voiceless. To stand up to injustices on and off the set.

Working with the main actors in the movie… How was it?

Ashley Judd was exceptional and brave, when given the choice to play the nice or not so nice character, she took a chance – cannot spoil the movie, you’ll have to see for yourself.

Academy Award nominated actress, Anne Archer is a breath of sunshine and brought a caring and motherly part to her role and as an active voice in spreading the word to stop human trafficking with her organization “Artists for Human Rights”. Patrick Duffy, from Dallas, who has only played “good guys” in his career showed just because you look like one of the good guys, beware there are wolves in sheep’s clothing in our world –predators that prey on the weak and unprotected. Sean Patrick Flanery, from The Boondock Saints, played his part of the pimp to perfection, gentle and ruthless at the same time.

Among our young actresses, Jessica Obliom plays our Nigerian trafficked victim. She is breathtaking in her performance as someone caught in a nightmare and endures against all odds. Kelly Washington gives a touching performance of a foster care child lost in the system and Alpa Banker, plays the part of our Indian girl kidnapped from an upwardly wealthy family ashamed of what has happened to her and not realizing that she is a victim and that her situation is not her fault and family will always love you.

To my eye, you live in paradise… Your beautiful house is hidden in this amazing ranch in the Santa Monica Mountains, surrounded by nature and one step away from Malibu. And on top of it all, you work in your passion. Do you know how lucky you are? Do you appreciate it?

Yes, and thank you I do live in paradise. Nature is very healing and I love to share this with friends and family. I believe we make our own luck with hard work and dedication. If you love what you do, you never “work” a day in your life. This is my passion. Every morning I sing to my dogs and I do pinch myself too – This is real life!

This is a marvelous location for filming… I know a few movies have been shot here, would you name them?

The Appearing starring Dean Cain, Ghost Rock starring Gary Busey, Clear Lake and WI starring Michael Madsen and parts of Trafficked, just to name a few.

If someone reading this editorial is interested in filming here, can they rent this ranch as a shooting location? How?

Yes, Contact KK Ranch Productions Inc. or Dea at In the Zone Locations in Los Angeles

Tell me about your horses… What do you love the most about these beautiful animals and why?

Horses are soothing animals, I have rescued two Thoroughbred racehorses that were wild and skittish when they arrived and now they are calm and tame – when they look into your eyes they see your soul and your goodness.

You have a son and a daughter…

My son is a musician and is on tour with his band Slow Hollows. My daughter is in college and pursuing her career as an actress. They are both living their passion.

What did motherhood mean for you? How did it change you?

You do your best and you learn from your mistakes. Being a single mother has been challenging, yet we made it. Motherhood is the most wonderful, adventurous, whirlwind of time from changing diapers to being the taxi driver, soccer referee – yes I was! To saying goodbye as an empty nester and seeing your children off on their own journey pursuing their hopes and dreams.

What are the values you tried to teach your kids while growing up?

A person’s word means everything, Say what you mean and mean what you say.

What do you wish your kids have learned from you?

To stand up to injustices and treat people with respect and to respect themselves.

Do you consider yourself a spiritual person?

Yes, I am very spiritual. I meditate everyday to bring peacefulness to my life and keep me centered. I grew up Southern Baptist in Mississippi and loved singing in the church choir.

What are your goals for this year?

To continue to bring awareness of the horrors of sex trafficking globally and in our own backyards in the USA. To help stop modern day slavery through new laws and education.To make more films that shine a light on injustices and make a difference in our world.

What is your dearest dream for the future?

Our life is not a dress rehearsal, so live life to the fullest and as you climb the ladder, pull someone up behind you

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Interview and photos: Nunu for Nunu Pictures

Pelo/Maquillaje: Paul Anthony

LINK TO MOVIE WEBSITE: TRAFFICKED

www.imdb.com/title/tt1720621

SOCIAL MEDIA:

www.facebook.com/TraffickedMovie2017
www.twitter.com/traffickedmovie
www.instagram.com/traffickedmovie

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