Andrea Lungay is a 23-year-old producer and director, the founder of HiddenViewz Productions and recently an independent talent agent born in North West London.
What inspired you to start HiddenViewz?
I’ve always been creative, but my creative career really began once I graduated from East 15 Acting School where myself and 2 of my other close friends started HiddenViewz due to the lack of diversity we saw in drama school and in the creative industry in general. Since its genesis we have since produced 14 shows across the UK.
How did you get to be a talent agent?
In terms of becoming an independent talent agent. I saw how the work I was doing was putting on new talent and I began to look into what it takes to be a creative without industry training and I realised how difficult it is and I thought by creating an agency (AVL Creatives) I can help people get access to the industry.
What are the challenges of being a producer and director?
In terms of being a producer it’s a very long process. Your role kind of encompasses everything in the production and sometimes the lines can be blurred so you end up doing 10x more than you really should. Especially if it’s low budget or a passion production you will really end up doing everything to make it work but I guess that’s the beauty. Directing, I’d say it’s the responsibility of making sure everyone’s prepared to perform, it can be nerve racking.
How was it working on Down There: In the mind of the conscious and how did it come to be?
Down There has had a beautiful process. BantuScribe met a friend of mine at the Black Girl Camping Trip and then I met her, and we got on so well! When I first read the script, I thought it was hilarious! The characters are so relatable and individual which allows all audience members to empathise with at least one of them. I knew I wanted to be the one to direct it. Then there was such strong chemistry between the actors from as early as the auditions and it just strengthened throughout the process and the show even with recasting, it’s been amazing!
What are the highlights of your career so far?
My biggest highlight was definitely staging my first ever play Black Love Matters, written and directed by me and it sold out. I cried for like 5 hours. Happy tears though.
Where do you see your brand in 5 years’ time?
I see HiddenViewz being the main point of call for writer, directors, actors of colour. Like a safe space for them to just create. I see my personal brand being pretty much the same. I want to be the voice of women just like myself, coming from ends and wanting to fearlessly take on the industry and fight for quality and equality.
As a talent agent what do you look for when taking on someone as a client?
I look for passion. AVL Creatives is all about doing the work you love to do so it is important that the creative has a passion, interest or love in something, anything. I use that as the basis to find them work.
Which creatives inspire you in life and your career?
TYLER THE CREATOR. I’ve been a fan of his since I was 12. He is just authentically himself and loves to shake tables. He taught me to be fearless with my creativity and not care about what anybody else has to say or think because I’m me and that’s cool enough. He also read one of my poems when I met him in 2013 and he said I was awesome.
If money was no object, what is the one that you would spend it on?
A house lol. BUT! I would bring to life The BAME Creative Hub. It’s a Facebook group where people share opportunities, jobs, gigs, shows and just cool doings by creatives of colour. I would make a building which would house all these creatives. Literally, recording, art and rehearsal studios, craft stations, workshops, rooms for creatives coming nationally and internationally for auditions and workshops, a theatre and a cinema.
Where can people find all the projects you have worked on?
On www.hiddenviewz.co.uk , www.avlcreatives.com and my YouTube channel.
Who have been your favourite people to work with?
Definitely my OG, HiddenViewz all-stars, Clint Mwaka, Rhyanna Alexander – Davis, Crawford Kalu and Rachel Mervis. I tell you these are names to remember they’ll be famous someday. Also, Ewa Dina on a show called Route she was a brilliant director and an even better actress.
What is the best advice you have ever been given?
Rejection is normal. There are billions of people in this world, someone is bound to like what you do.
What is the soundtrack of your life?
Nicki Minaj- All Things Go, J Hus- Spirit, Tyler the Creator-Boredom. All these combined.
What advice would you offer to creatives starting out?
Creatives and innovators are the best people on this planet, please keep going because no one in this world can ever do it like you. There are 50 million bread brands in the supermarket, but we still have our favourites. You’re someone’s favourite bread.
How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who shook tables and was not afraid to challenge the system.
Social media handles
Twitter: @andreavsfl
Instagram: @andreavsfl
YouTube: @andreavsfl
Twitter: @hiddenviewz
Instagram: @hiddenviewzco
Twitter: @avlcreatives
Instagram: @avlcreatives
