Meet Sophia Castman | Actress, Filmmaker, Photographer

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

Hi Sophia, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
My creative journey was driven by a deep, physical pull—one that resonated through my bones, urging me to create and express the worlds I saw from both a distance and up close. At the heart of this drive was a deep desire to express love through art, blending personal experiences with inspiring ideas. I found beauty in fusing these worlds across multiple mediums, always asking, “what if.”

My thought process felt fractured during the first few years. I graduated college unsure of where my life was headed. I had a camera, kind friends, and a passion for storytelling. From there, I gave myself permission to dive into any creative pursuit that called to me. These pursuits led to each other on this beautiful journey. I trained to become a professional actress, which inspired me to want to understand everything about film making. From there, I worked on projects like American Idol, Farmer Wants a Wife, and Holland. Seeing all the departments brought curiosity and a desire to try it all. I learned lighting, art directing, and producing while working on music videos for Atlantic Records, Big Machine, and more. Meanwhile, photography allowed me the flexibility to explore the creative industry. Eventually, I discovered what resonated with me. I appreciated every creative medium of expression, but I loved the narrative space. Acting, screenwriting, directing, and producing breathed life into me. These pursuits gave me the opportunity to help people feel seen, known, and loved through stories.

It was a process of self-discovery that led me to become a multifaceted filmmaker and a process I am still growing in. I hope to make 50 movies in my lifetime.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
What set me apart from other creatives was my tenacity, empathy, and unique perspective on life. I approached each project with passion, fully immersing myself in the creative process. My art carried a warmth—like sunshine—while also making space for the weight we all carry. It encouraged audiences to reflect and explore their own understanding of existence. I drew inspiration from poetry, books, and paintings, often incorporating multiple artistic mediums into my storytelling. Creating characters involved crafting playlists and poetry collections that reflected their struggles and perspectives, helping me shape the questions my art sought to explore. When directing, I layered in metaphors to make each project feel like a visual poem. Producing allowed my ambition to shine as I pushed projects to their full potential.

I am incredibly proud of my evolution as an artist. One highlight was working as a Production Coordinator for Parmalee’s, Gonna Love You music video, which was nominated for CMT Music Video of the Year. I also produced Henry and the Horrible Thing, and look forward to seeing it hit festivals. I am equally excited about several acting projects and feature film scripts that are being refined. Creating stories I loved with people I cared about was the most fulfilling part of my work. I believed sets should be spaces where artists could thrive, take risks, and uplift each other. The spirit of exploration was crucial to my artistic journey, and I was passionate about fostering that energy on set. I also aimed to create stories that reflected the complexity of being human.

Perseverance was key to my journey. I believed in the power of intention and mindset—if I know where I want to go and commit to getting there, I can make it happen. I learned a mantra back when I was competing in WGI World Championships, “I can and I will.” I find it is the best response to my self doubts and a necessary reminder to not allow excuses to cloud my judgment. The early years were tough. Following dreams required taking risks, pushing through fear, and embracing uncertainty. Additionally, developing a growth and abundance mindset required discipline. I regularly wrote down my intentions, made vision boards, and practiced positive self-talk. I was fortunate to have a strong support system. When nervous about the next step, I cleared my mind with a run before taking the leap. I learned to trust that if something felt right and could benefit me, my loved ones, or the world, I needed to move forward. Mindset is everything.

Above all, I learned the value of relationships. The people in my life matter more than the paths I chose. No matter where I go or what I do, those I’ve met—by chance or by choice—deserved to be seen, loved, and valued for their unique gifts. My art is my love letter to all of them.

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.
As a born-and-raised Nashville girl, I will take them to my favorite restaurants, where every bite feels like a love letter to the city. We will start the day with breakfast or brunch at Liberty Common, indulging in fluffy Belgian waffles and perfectly brewed lattes in a charming, Parisian-inspired setting. If we’re craving something fresh and plant-based, we will head to Sunflower Bakehouse, where their mouthwatering gluten-free pastries and creamy oat milk lattes never disappoint.

For lunch or dinner, we will feast at Burger Up, savoring their locally-sourced, juicy burgers with hand-cut fries. At Butcher & Bee, we will dive into their ever-changing, farm-to-table menu, filled with bold, Mediterranean flavors. If we’re in the mood for a rich and decadent experience, we will visit Iberian Pig, where the melt-in-your-mouth Iberico pork and expertly crafted charcuterie boards will transport us straight to Spain. And of course, for bold, fresh flavors wrapped in a casual, fun atmosphere, we will stop by Taco Mama, where every taco is a perfect balance of spice, crunch, and zest.

For an unforgettable night out, we will head to Barcelona Wine Bar, where candlelit ambiance and an extensive wine list set the stage for endless conversation over rich tapas. I will make sure to order two of their flourless chocolate cakes—because one is simply not enough! On Wednesdays, we will stop by Coral Club, a cozy, hidden gem where craft cocktails flow freely, and Pizza Lolo’s pop-up serves up some of the best wood-fired pizza in town.

No Nashville adventure is complete without live music, so we will dance the night away at a high-energy funk show at The 5 Spot, then head to The Basement, where local legends bring raw, soul-stirring performances to life. To cap off the night, we will belt our hearts out at Lipstick Lounge, a welcoming, electric space where everyone feels welcomed.

If the weather is warm, we will spend the morning wandering through the Nashville Farmers’ Market, sipping on perfectly balanced iced lattes from Weak Coffee while chatting with friendly local vendors. Thrifting and record shopping will be a must—even if we don’t buy anything, I love the ambiance of flipping through vintage vinyl at Grimey’s and discovering timeless fashion treasures at Anaconda Vintage.

With incredible food, vibrant music, and unforgettable experiences, every moment will be a perfect blend of indulgence and adventure.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
The 4th Wall Acting Studio, Nomad Couture, Star Street Films, Sam Aldrich, Josh Scherer, and Phynley Joel were all crucial in supporting and encouraging my creative pursuits.

Instagram: @sophia_castman

Image Credits
Tippy
Sophia Castman