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2014 – Zara Franchesca Reaves

 

Zara Franchesca Reaves is a young actress/model from Miami, Florida, who also works in the NYC market. She has been seen in commercials, print ads, runway shows and more. Zara has worked for big name companies including Disney, Nordstrom, Oscar de la Renta and can currently be seen in the latest issue of Babiekins Magazine! To keep up to date make sure to like her page on Facebook!

1. How did you get started in the industry?

Mom submitted my photo to an agency when I was eight months old and they were immediately interested in representing me.

 

2. What was your first booking?

Two weeks later, I landed my first booking with Babies “R”Us. It was an exciting moment for me. I was all smiles and giggles during my shoot and well liked for being a very calm and happy baby.

 

3. What was the experience like filming your Disney commercial?

Filming a Disney commercial was really a blessing and a dream come true. A very special and magical moment. What made it so special and so magical was that I had no idea who the characters I was going to be filming with, until the last minute on “action” when the drapes were pulled back. My first character was with Rapunzel who was hiding behind black drapes. When the drapes were dropped and I saw Rapunzel, I was completely mesmerized by her hair and beauty. I really had to pull myself together. In the afternoon, I got to meet my second character, Princess Tiana. I am in awe of her. I had no idea who was behind the white drapes and when Princess Tiana pulled back the drapes, my face lit up and I ran opened arms to her and fell into her arms. There was an instant bond and connection between us. I lost all sense of reality and was wrapped up in the whole magical experience. Our interaction completely blew the camera crew away. After we wrapped it up the Director came up to me to give me a big “well done” hug. Mom was in tears of joy watching us interact on camera. I will always treasure such a wonderful experience.

 

4. How did you enjoy working for Oscar de la Renta?

I felt very honored working for Oscar de la Renta in New York. It was a full day packed with fun at the Bronx Botanical Gardens. The entire team were amazing and the shoot was very well organized. I loved the way my hair was styled and the clothing that I modeled were gorgeous. I felt very comfortable modeling Oscar de la Renta clothing and working with the team. I did an outstanding job because the lead photographer made it a point of telling mom that I am amazing in front of the camera, a great listener, I take direction very well, I am very well behaved and that mom should be extremely proud of me. Mom was super proud of me and treated me to my very first American Girl doll, Addie that I have always wanted. I was in my absolute glory with the whole experience.

 

5. What was your favorite part of the Nordstrom fashion show?

My favorite part was opening the runway show. I was surprised that I was not nervous. I walked it with confidence and grace. I love runway modeling.

 

6. What was the best part of shooting for Hoodie Pets?

The best part was wearing the Hoodiepet and swapping out the stick-on pets. They were a novelty. And, the crew having us do different activities in the park. I actually liked the blue color Hoodiepet that they selected for me to model. It was a glorious and fun-packed day!

 

7. How did you enjoy your shoot for Walmart?

I loved every bit in driving the electric Barbie car and playing with the Barbie doll house, both my favorite toys. I was so engrossed with playing with the toys.

 

8. What was the best part of your Carters shoot?

Being in a beautiful location and wearing Carter’s outfits. The wrangler was a very funny and entertaining lady that had us all in fits of laughter. The production team were awesome.

 

9. Who have been some of your favorite people to work with?

Some of my favorite people to have worked with have been the production teams for Disney, Oscar de la Renta, Living Mural, Hoodiepets, HCA, FL Hospital, Babiekins Magazine and Bonprix.

 

10. What has been your favorite project to work on so far?

Gosh, this is a difficult question as they are all very different. If I really have to choose I would say Disney because I love everything Disney and their production teams for commercial and print are wonderful. I don’t think there is a single Disney movie that I have not watched and despite having been to Disney World several times both for work and pleasure, I will never grow tired of visiting Disney World and meeting the characters. Every visit is just as magical as the first.

 

Is there anything else you would like to add?

Yes. I was very honored in filming a Living Mural in “Celebrating America” for the George W Bush Presidential Library. The living mural is only a few steps inside the front door of the Presidential Library and it is there to stay. I cannot wait to visit the Library and see the Living Mural and to think that one day my kids will get to see it too!

 

We’d like to thank Zara for participating in our February Q&A series!