Janel Tanna recently graced the cover of Maxim Magazine as their 2019 Cover Girl Winner.
Janel, who grew up in Buffalo, NY and currently lives in New York City, is best known for her work sci-fi work in Renegades (Atomic Network), directed by Star Trek veteran Tim Russ, the award-winning indie narrative drama Sienna’s Choice, which she produced, wrote and starred in, and, as stated above, as Maxim’s 2019 Cover Girl Winner (January/February issue). Later this year, Janel will appear in the new sci-fi/comedy series Cozmo’s, alongside Drake Bell and Star Trek veterans Ethan Phillips, Robert Picardo and Aron Eisenberg, on the Atomic Network.
Janel is a member of SAG-AFTRA, trained in Method Acting at The Lee Strasberg Theatre & Film Institute and Film Institute and in the Meisner Technique at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre.
Prior to acting, Janel earned her medical degree (MD) summa cum laude from the University of Buffalo.
Janel has been in approximately 20 projects in the last four years, including several indie films, which have screened at various film festivals. She has won acting awards both nationally and internationally. Highlights include:
Idyllwild International Festival of Cinema 2019
WINNER – Mary Austin Award for Excellence in Acting
WINNER – Kristoff St. John Award
New York City International Film Festival 2019
WINNER – Emerging Talent Award
Global Shore Film Awards Cannes 2018
WINNER – Acting Rising Star – Sienna’s Choice
Buffalo Niagara International Film Festival 2017
WINNER – Best Actress in a Feature Category – Sienna’s Choice
New York Film Awards 2017
WINNER – Best Actress – Sienna’s Choice
Vancouver Filmdance Festival 2017
WINNER – Best Actress – Sienna’s Choice
Grove Film Festival 2016
WINNER – Best Actress – Sienna’s Choice
Hollywood Boulevard Film Festival 2016
WINNER – Best Actress – Sienna’s Choice
Hollywood International Moving Pictures Film Festival 2016
WINNER – Best Actress Feature Film – Sienna’s Choice
Los Angeles Independent Film Festival Awards 2016
WINNER – Best Actress – Sienna’s Choice
Sutter Creek International Film Festival 2016
WINNER – Best Actress in a Feature Film – Sienna’s Choice
Interview with Janel Tanna:
1.What kind of roles does being trained in Method acting allow you to pursue that you wouldn’t otherwise?
I think that is individual for every actor. I don’t use one specific thing and it really depends on the character. I have training in method acting and Meisner. I use and do what my instinct and thoughts deem helpful for the moment or character. I am always learning something new.
2.Why did you switch from medical pursuits to acting?
I was born an actor. However, not one thing defines me and life is in flux. I plan ahead and set goals, but also do what the day or situation brings me. I don’t like to place myself or anyone else in one box. I love acting, the thrill of role prep and the truth. I also love being able to help people and be involved in the scientific process. Medicine and acting area both parts of me, just as other things.
3.Many of your awards have come from work you did on Sienna’s Choice. Can you tell us a little about that?
Sienna’s Choice was a film I made to try and start establishing myself, at least somewhat as a filmmaker. It was also a story I felt needed to be told. It looked at end of life decision making and the emotional and physical challenges one can face. It came from the heart both as a creator and as an actor. I was also lucky to start to form a foundation of collaborators who have become very important to me on this creative and life journey.
4.How does it feel acting with stars from a legendary show?
It felt great acting with Star Trek alum on shows such as Renegades and Cozmos. The actors (and director) I worked with are very talented and seasoned, I felt lucky to be able to learn from them. Any time I do a project, I learn new things. It was great being lucky enough to work on something with them.
5.Where do you hope to go next with your career?
We just wrapped a dramatic short film, Intervention. I am one of the lead actresses and joined as co-producer. It touches upon addiction and mental health. It is a snapshot into the consequences addiction and tragedy can have on a personal and familial level. Linda Palmer (also director of Sienna’s Choice) is director. Julia Silverman lead producer/actress. I just came back from Idyllwild International Film Festival, where I was lucky to be the recipient of two special awards. Thanks to Trinity, Stephen and Andrea. Our film Turnover which I have a smaller role as a doctor, yay, also screened there and was a double award recipient. All of the actors in the film do a superb job. I am in discussion for a few other films I have auditioned for but cannot yet discuss.
