Meet Mandy Simpson | Actor & Production Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Mandy Simpson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mandy, how do you think about risk?
Taking a risk means you want to change something. Changing will always help you grow. Without this need I would not be where I am today.

I grew up in a small farming town in Western Washington called Sedro Woolley. Everyone knows everyone or has at least heard of them. Fortunately, there is a big theatre community there so that became my other family and my sole focus. I was always in 2-3 productions at one time and taking opera lessons in Seattle (thanks to my dad who drove me on is day off every week.) After graduating high school, I auditioned for Julliard but didn’t make the cut. That was my first risk that I took that I wasn’t ready for but was proud of myself for trying. I decided to go to our local community college and gain more experience before I auditioned for another performing arts school. During this time the Oxi Contin pandemic was running rapid through our community. It was present at every party and once I tried it I quickly became addicted. My opiate addiction consumed my life for 6 years. With the help of my parents and the will to want to escape the hell that is opiate addiction I went to rehab. It would take 1 more trip to rehab and several years of treatment and using a drug called Suboxone to help get off of opiates. I had to risk feeling all the pain that I had wanted to numb so that I could become the healthy person I deserved to be. After that I decided maybe the arts wasn’t where I should be and decided to try other career paths.

It wasn’t until I met my husband, Jason Baker, in 2013 that made me think I wanted to try acting again. He was a huge inspiration for me so I took a risk and moved to Pittsburgh where he was located. I knew I had to leave the small town I grew up in to grow and experience the life I always dreamt for myself. I auditioned for my first show in almost 10 years, I got an agent and today I am now eligible to be part of the SAG and am part of the crew members union IATSE 489. My first feature was working as Cate Blanchett’s stand in and body double in “Where’d You Go Bernadette,” I also was a body double for the two leads of “Mind Hunter Season 2.” In 2021 I acted in the Netflix series, “Archive 81.” In between gigs I started working behind the camera in the Art Department for Dakota Johnson’s film “Cha Cha Real Smooth,” and as Production Designer for two Lifetime films called, “12 Desperate Hours,” and “A Rose for Her Grave.” I was also the SFX Supervisor for the making of the masks for the Blumhouse Production, “The Black Phone.” I’ve also worked on multiple projects for WWE including for Superstars such as: Bray Wyatt, Finn Balor, Alexa Bliss, Carmella, Asuka, Mia Yim, Triple H, and Stephanie McMahon.

Taking risks has saved my life and helped me grow a career in the entertainment industry. In order to survive in this industry you have to take risks and overcome that fear of rejection. The worst thing anyone can say to you is “no.” So why not take the leap and ask for that job or put yourself out there when you may not be feeling confident or sure. We only have one life so we have to make it count.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I am extremely proud of my work as a Production Designer. In this industry it is not easy to find people you can trust with your artistic vision, who are going to work hard and that are easy to work with. I have built a great relationship with production companies like Allegheny Image Factory that has allowed me to work continuously with them. As a Production Designer you are in charge of the overall look of the film. I manage a crew of 7-10 people and have to balance the budget, delegate, as well as where the hats of the buyer, set dresser, decorator, and lead man especially on low budget films. You end up working 14-16 hour days because you want to do a good job.

What I’ve learned from being a Production Designer is to stick to gut, be patient, direct, and above all have fun. We make movies not spaceships.

I love to tell stories whether that is through the front of the lens or behind. I’ve always wanted to help people in some way and I want to do that through art.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m currently located in Pittsburgh so first place you have to go is to Primanti Bros. to get a sandwich with French fries because it’s a staple. Then bring or rent some bikes and go to the Andy Warhol museum or Mattress Factory, and if it’s the Summer biking to a Pirates game is so much fun and has an amazing view. The glass castle is also where we go if people come to visit in the winter because they have an outdoor ice skating rink around a light up Christmas Tree. Them to Coup De Ville for some good food, drinks and games. We also love biking through the city to the fountain that is placed where all three rivers Allegheny, Ohio, and Monongahela meet up. The end of the night and the best place to see the city is Mount Washington. You can take the inclines down to grab ice cream by the river and end it there.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I would like to dedicate my shout out to my parents Jim and Diane Simpson. Without them driving me to every rehearsal, recital, practice, and helping me through my addiction I wouldn’t be who I am which is a strong, caring, non judgmental, loving, creative and positive woman. I would also like to dedicate this to my husband, Jason Baker, who helped me get back to my roots and who continues to inspire me every day through his persistence and dedication.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sandymimpson/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mandy-baker-317b7426b/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SandyMimpson

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mandy.j.simpson/

Other: A lot of the art I’ve done has been for my husband’s company Callosum Studios. The Website is: https://callosumstudios.com

Image Credits
The dance (black and white) shot is from Cwenar Photography for a Penn Medicine commercial The Top Flite shoot was done by Quad Graphics Studio for the Top Flite Box The Firefly Funhouse was photographed by Jeff Swensen for Bray Wyatt of WWE The one with me covered in f*ke blood is by Kyle Rosania for The Misfits music video The silver crown and giant doll both made by me for Alexa Bliss of WWE and taken by me. The head shot of me is by Abbey Warhola