Kimmy Gatewood
Kimmy Gatewood contributed her incredible directorial skills and fun kind hearted ways to the 5th Descendants movie, Descendants: Wicked Wonderland on Disney + now. we met up with her at one of our favorite Brooklyn boutiques and she had a blast modeling a few outfits, laughing her ass off and watering the yard with a plastic pig bucket. she is a special one! so scroll on down and take a look at our photo diary and check our chat about Wicked Wonderland, affinity for blazers, directorial style, approving of Denis Leary’s cursing, bare essentials, thoughts on a few actors she’s directed and not taking herself too seriously.
the bare magazine: why should folks run to catch Descendants 5...give us a few good teasers!
Kimmy Gatewood: Don’t just run - dance there! The great news is, you can stream from the comfort of your home on Disney+ - so get cozy in your cutest hero or villain. For those who aren’t familiar - Descendants is a big Disney musical fantasy franchise that follows the kids of Disney heroes and villains. I can promise you big dance numbers, comedy, romance and a gigantic chessboard sequence. If you’re a film buff, we made a lot of the Wonderland sets practical and I was inspired by Goonies, Honey I Shrunk the Kids and Jurassic Park…so imagine THAT as a movie.
For the fans of Descendants - this is a Descendants like you’ve never seen. We open up a whole new world of Wonderland. You’ll get to see the return of Red and Chloe on a brand new adventure with a whole new cast - who I guarantee you’ll love. look.
bare: in what ways did it expand your directing skills? did the experience make you love directing more?
KG: Absolutely. This experience taught me that I’m capable and 100% ready to take on big budget films. It’s been my dream to tell big huge stories in fantastical worlds and I’m so excited I got to do it in musical form and in Wonderland! Dream come true. I absolutely loved world building and creating characters for this franchise that will live on and be a core memory for millions of children around the globe. That’s pretty rad.
bare: would you say directing is 1st on the list of what you are most passionate about? is acting and comedy still be on that list?
KG: In my dream world, I could be a guest star on a show or movie I’m directing. I love acting and comedy so much, but I feel like with directing I’ve been able to soar as a storyteller and artist. As a director, I can advocate for the kinds of stories I want to see and discover and nurture talent. I love working with actors. I like to create a playful vibe on set that lets actors shine.
bare: throwing a few actors names out that you directed, please share what pops into your head about them....
KG:
a) Busy Philipps in Girls 5Eva - an absolutely pro, master of props, dynamo at life, so funny I ruin takes by laughing
b) Denis Leary in Going Dutch - fuckin’ funny, i love it when he curses, master at his craft, deeply cares about story and jokes
c) Kylie Cantrall in Descendants - a superstar, bright future, gifted actor, incredible dancer, role model
d) Ryan Hansen in Good on Paper - puts everyone at ease, he brings spontaneity and joy, amazing dancer
bare: you are a blazer enthusiast! so we met up at one of our favorite Brooklyn boutiques MAISON ÉMEUTE, where they have some wonderful blazers! did you enjoy shopping, and modeling some of their pieces?
KG: A blazer makes me feel powerful, put together and playful. I love how the cut, color and pattern of a blazer can really change your whole attitude. It’s my work uniform and I really have fun showing up with a different blazer every day on set.
And OMG, I absolutely LOVE Emuete. I felt empowered and beautiful and super chic. I think I kept exclaiming on the day “I feel like a super model”. Devon is truly a gifted and visionary designer.
bare: you were so fun to shoot ...you have a silly, childlike side. would you agree?
KG: I AM a delight! Hahah I’ve been told I’m like a muppet in real life, which I’ll take it, I love the Muppets. I really just believe that we can’t take ourselves and life too seriously.
bare: that cute pixie haircut....who is your go to hairdresser? you seem to love trying new looks and playing with makeup....
KG: I go to Tamara at Perry McGrath in LA. I am a big fan of vintage looks and love to play around with colors - hair and fashion are a great way to reinvent yourself.
bare: please list your current top 5 Bare essentials.
KG:
BLAZER
Electric toothbrush
Trina Renea skincare 24/7
Comfy pajama pants
melissa/simon miller clogs
