carlson young
Carlson Young directed a sweet romantic comedy called “Upgraded” out now on Amazon Prime Video. It seems perfect timing with Galentines and Valentines days upon us it touches on romantic love and platonic love and there’s something for art lovers in there too. There was love behind the camera as well with Carlson’s husband Isom Innis scoring the rom-com. The performances of its formidable cast including Camilla Mendes, Marisa Tomei, Archie Renaux and Lena Olin are not to be missed. Especially if you’re in the mood for some hearty Lol’s. So thank you Carlson for bringing this charming story to life with your passion and vision. Scroll on down for more from this natural beauty and super talent on the rise.
The Bare Magazine: Congrats on the film! Number one on Prime video opening weekend. How are you feeling about the great response?
Carlson Young: I’m happy it’s resonating, I knew it was special when I finished the edit. But you truly never know, these things are like stars aligning, so I’m excited people are enjoying it.
Clothing: Christian Siriano. Mascara by Ogee: Beyond Clean Volumizing Mascara
Bare: Can you share your thoughts on the strong female energy on set? Did it help encourage good supportive vibes?
CY: Yes! It was an embarrassment of riches in terms of creativity and drive. We made it through a tough shoot and I think there was a lot of tenacity on set to thank for that. Cami, Marisa, and Lena all had phenomenal instincts and it was an honor to capture in camera and then craft the dynamic work they were bringing to the table.
Bare: What do you feel is unique about telling stories through the female eye and perspective?
CY: I think it’s a very different energy - one that comes across really rich as you perceive it on screen. You may focus on different details than say, a man - see a totally different section of the music. I feel like as long as I can keep evolving, in my personal life, as a woman, then I can continue to mine parts of the human experience that feel mysterious and beautiful. I love the Virginia Woolf quote: “If you do not tell the truth about yourself, then you cannot tell it about other people.”
Bare: You directed such legendary talent in this — Lena Olin, Marisa Tomei ... In what way were they helpful and inspiring?
CY: They’re both so iconic and have had a significant impact on me through their magnificent performances over the years, you can feel the weight of their wisdom just by being in close proximity to them. Inside of their different working styles, I was so inspired just watching them make choices and move through the world. It was a brilliant experience in the edit as well getting to comb through those choices and see what little treasures were in there, things I may have missed on the day even. I cherish the nuances they carefully wove into their characters.
Bare: Once the directing bug bit did you feel you had found your calling? In what way is it more fulfilling for you than acting?
CY: Yes, I did feel like I had found my calling. My whole body feels alive when I’m directing. Is it absolutely exhausting? Emotionally and physically? Spiritually? YES. But I feel at some level that I’m suited for it. I really enjoy crafting every micro detail from start to finish. That process is a dream job for me, and also one that requires me to grow and surrender, continuously. With acting, I was always popping into projects that were pretty cooked, which was also fun.
Bare: Let's switch to our Brooklyn shoot and getting dolled up in Christian Siriano. He designed your wedding dress... how did that come about?
CY: Yes! He did design my wedding dress, it was such a lovely experience. At the time I was on Scream the TV show, and it came about organically. I knew what I wanted silhouette wise, and he created something so beautiful and perfect for the day. I was a massive Project Runway fan at one point so it felt surreal to have him design the dress. Very full circle, very pinch me.
Bare: How would you describe your personal style? (Would you say you have goth girl tendencies with a preference for blonde hair?)
CY: I’m a full goth at heart, my husband Isom always laughs about that. I’m a literal mall goth from South Park. But when I’m working, I look like I hopped out of a 90s trash can. I don’t necessarily enjoy getting dressed, I would absolutely die to have someone dress me every day. I just don’t have the energy to care most of the time.
Bare: Please share your top six beauty bare essentials?
CY: Must have my Cle de Peau concealer, Oribe texturizing spray, Sarah Maxwell liv:4 fragrance, Augustinus Bader cream, a woman’s vitamin and lion’s mane, the La Mer eye cream, and I can always get down with an oxygen facial. This is shaping up to be a pretty bougie list. I better keep workin.