Niki Koss: The Future Of Film
Niki Koss is the future of the film industry. This accredited producer, director, and actress is not new to the game. You can spot Niki on Freeform's "Famous In Love," and now, she has more to offer under her production company K Factor Films. Niki has produced numerous movies, and one of her latest films,
Night Night, directed by the one and only Koss, dropped last November. Jejune is super excited to gain insight into her productions and experience behind the camera. Niki's talents are undeniable. She has also been featured in 2021's Forbes 30 Under 30 for acting, directing, and producing. In addition to her achievements in the film industry, she is a diligent spokesperson for "Open Door Media," a non-profit education program centered around global culture and issues. Niki's brilliance does not stop there, and Jejune is eager to share! Please continue reading for Niki's origin story, her work at K Factor films, and her efforts to assist the homeless.
Where are you based?
I'm based in LA!
When did you realize you had an appreciation for acting?
I've known for as long as I can remember, but I first said it out loud when I was three years old. I told my mom I wanted an agent. I'm sure I had no idea what that meant, but it sounded like a good move at the time.
Was directing and film production something you always wanted to pursue? Or did that come later in life?
I've been directing and producing my whole life, although I never really realized it until about eight or so years ago. I have all these little films I made when I was a kid that I practically forced my friends and family to act in. It wasn't until I filmed my last feature "Night Night" that it really hit me that directing was 100% my path in life.
Can you tell us a bit about your regular series role on Freeform's "Famous In Love”?
Shooting "Famous In Love" was an incredible experience I will always cherish. I think back to that time with so much love and affection. I loved everyone I worked with, the character, the show, and shooting at Warner Brothers. The whole thing felt like a dream the entire time.
Were there any obstacles with transitioning to direction within your career?
I think there will always be obstacles with any transition you make in life, but to be honest it was quite a smooth one. It just made sense and everything sort of fell into alignment. That's how I knew the universe was really on my side.
What was your first directing gig, and did it feel like a monumental experience for you?
My first directing gig was directing and producing the first season of a web series, Royals, about eight years ago. I loved the concept for the series, as well as, the cast and crew; so, the experience was a blast. Although, there was a massive learning curve, as I had never gone to film school, and only had on set experience from acting. I had no idea what I was doing really, but I figured it out along the way with help from my crew and my peers. I ended up learning more on that shoot than I could have ever imagined.
You are now behind the camera a lot more as a filmmaker, what was it like in the beginning while starting your new production company, K Factor Films?
Starting K Factor Films was one of the best decisions I've ever made. My team members are just absolute superstars and we adore working with each other. We have fun and we're almost always on the same page. It's hard to find a team that gels as well as we did from the get. I just can't say it enough — I won the lottery with those three, and with the company as a whole.
How does set dynamic differ from when you were solely an actress, to now being an executive? What are your favorite parts of the job?
The two roles couldn't be more different. Being an actor, you're a big part of the puzzle, but it feels like you're only included in a fraction of the whole experience, in a way. Once you have the chance to produce something from beginning to end, you realize how out of the loop you were when you were just acting. You take on a larger and more vital role as a producer, which is something I always craved when just acting.
Your most recent project, Night Night, released in November, follows a woman named April who is in recovery from a traumatic accident and must navigate through her reality and imagination. How would you describe the character of April and what was it like directing this project?
April is a powerful character. She's strong and independent, yet gentle and delicate. She is a throwback in every sense, not just the way she dresses, but the way she conducts herself. I always felt a special connection to April when filming the movie, and Brenna D'Amico couldn't have done a better job of portraying her.
Amazing actors such as Brenna D’Amico, Tony Todd and Eric Roberts star in Night Night. What was it like working with such a talented group of people for this project?
It was such a blessing. Brenna is a director's dream to work with. She is incredibly focused, dedicated, professional, but also fun and has a way of making everyone on set feel uniquely special. We had a great cast, which I believe really allowed me to get to another level with my directing.
We all know the entertainment industry can be very fast-paced; what does your ideal set environment look like and how do you make the set environment as safe and comfortable as possible for the actors.
Great question. I usually try to create an energy on set that feels welcoming, collaborative, and professional, but is also fun and allows all participants to easily get to a place of productive discomfort and vulnerability. I do this by modeling to the cast and crew with my own behavior, how I'd like them to reflect their own. It always helps having a lead actor like Brenna who is on the same page and conducts themselves in a similar way.
Night Night is such a raw movie, how would you like your audience to interpret the film? Is there a specific message you would like to convey?
I'd like people to feel like they are in almost a dreamlike state when watching the film, that really allows them to escape from their current reality. I also want people to be able to dive into the journey of a strong independent woman who is physically helpless to her situation. She exhibits relentless courage, vulnerability and strength throughout the process and I think it's important to remember that women have that innate ability. The story really explores the concept of gaslighting and manipulation as well, which is so important to expose.
What genre would you describe Night Night as?
Night Night is a psychological thriller.
What is a hope you have for K Factor Films or your professional career in general?
My hope for K Factor Films is to help elevate careers of talented, yet overlooked, filmmakers, as well as, encourage artists to unleash uninhibited creativity and passion through their work.
Jejune commends you for your work with PATH (People Assisting the Homeless). What is your role in the organization?
Thank you! I am on the board of PATH and have been working with them for many years now. I am so proud to be a part of such an incredibly instrumental and vital nonprofit. The work they do is so, so inspiring. PATH works to help get homeless individuals in homes, as well as, guide them down career oriented paths that will ultimately allow them to be self-sufficient.
When did you first get into humanitarian work, and what prompted you to be an active advocate for homelessness.
I've been volunteering and working with nonprofits for as long as I can remember. My family always placed a lot of value in volunteer work and helping those less fortunate than ourselves. It's the best thing we can do as humans for our mental health and overall quality of life. I can't recommend it enough.
What is a goal when it comes to homelessness in America?
Obviously the goal would be to eradicate homelessness, but of course that is quite an ambitious feat. In a more realistic and grounded sense, the goal is to change lives. As many as we can and as permanently as we can. The goal is to remind people that they are just that, people. People who have the potential to be self-sufficient and lead happy and productive lives. We do that in a plethora of ways, but the first step is always empathy. Reminding people, homeless or not, that they have help at their disposal and there is strength in accepting that help.
You are also a spokesperson for the non profit, Open Door Media. Can you please elaborate on what that is and its mission?
Open Door Media works to educate people on Jewish culture, the Israeli/Palestinian conflict, and much more. It's a great nonprofit that untangles such convoluted concepts in a way that feels digestible and entertaining.
Where do you see yourself in five years? Can you share any hopes you have for your acting or filmmaking career?
In five years I'd like to be working on a large slate of projects that provide a cathartic escape for people from their day to day lives, and spark meaningful conversations and debates amongst their audiences.
How have you been staying positive during the pandemic? Are you back to normal?
I've been trying! It comes in ebbs and flows. Things don't feel completely back to normal, but we are definitely getting there slowly but surely. Taking walks has been a godsend throughout the entire experience for me.
What is your life motto?
Don't let dreams always be dreams!
To learn more about Niki please follow her Instagrams below:
@nikikoss @kfactorfilms @nightnightmovie
Photography by Melissa McLaughlin.
