Tiffany Smith, & Jonathan Pezza Of ‘Curious Matter Anthology’ On The Five Things You Need To Shine In The Entertainment Industry
…In the last couple of years, I’ve moved from the idea of “fake it till you make it” to “be it until they see it.” I don’t believe I’m faking anything I do. I’m my biggest cheerleader. If I can’t see it for myself, nobody else will. If I can’t see myself winning that Oscar, nobody else is going to see it. So, I keep believing in my talent and skill, knowing what I can do, and others will meet me along that path…
I had the pleasure of interviewing Tiffany Smith, and Jonathan Pezza.
Tiffany Smith, a versatile actress and media personality, has consistently captured the public’s imagination with her diverse talents and numerous roles across television, film, and new media. Known for her portrayal of Meghan Markle in Lifetime’s “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal” and her role in “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3,” Smith has built an impressive career marked by continuous growth and new ventures.
Smith’s career began with a foundation in theater, followed by an initial foray into television hosting and correspondence. She attended Syracuse University’s Newhouse School of Communication, where she studied broadcast journalism, blending her academic pursuits with her passion for the entertainment industry. Her early work included hosting shows and red carpets for major companies such as iVillage, Sony, and Spike TV. This experience laid the groundwork for her subsequent success in Los Angeles, where she transitioned into the “geek culture” niche, becoming a prominent figure in the comic book and gaming communities.
A significant milestone in Smith’s career was her role as Andra in Netflix’s “Masters of the Universe: Revelation,” produced by Kevin Smith. As the first Black character introduced to the He-Man universe, Andra quickly became a fan favorite. Smith’s association with Kevin Smith also led to her participation in DC’s FanDome, where she served as a moderator, further cementing her status in the geek community.
In 2024, Smith’s career is reaching new heights with a slew of exciting projects. She has reprised her role as Andra in “Masters of the Universe: Revolution” and taken on a leadership role in the “Curious Matter Anthology” audio drama podcast. Co-produced with Jonathan Pezza, this sci-fi cop thriller, set to premiere its third season on June 18, 2024, showcases Smith’s talents not only as a voice actress but also as a co-producer and voice director. The series features notable talents such as Kevin Smith, Tricia Helfer, and Trace Lysette.
Smith’s versatility is further demonstrated by her involvement in the Hollywood Fringe Festival’s world premiere of “The Sphere of Fixed Stars in the Heavens” and her starring role in the indie thriller film “In Flight,” acquired by Gravitas Ventures for the Cannes Film Festival. Additionally, she plays Kiara in the upcoming sci-fi short film “The Power Within” and Scarlet Sky in the short film “Scalped!” Both set for release in the summer of 2024.
Her talents extend beyond the screen, as Smith is an active member of the MPTF Next Gen Board and will host the MPTF Next Gen Summer Party on June 23, 2024. Her commitment to the entertainment community is evident through her involvement in various capacities, whether in acting, hosting, or producing.
Smith’s contributions to the entertainment industry are not limited to her on-screen roles. She has a strong presence in the hosting world, having worked with major networks and platforms like E!, AMC, Fandango, and IGN. Her expertise spans a range of genres, from comic books and video games to general entertainment. Notably, she has hosted shows such as “DC Daily,” “Geeking Out,” and live coverage for events like San Diego Comic-Con.
Her path to success has not been without challenges. Smith’s early experiences in New York, where she sought hosting gigs on platforms like Craigslist, taught her valuable lessons about preparation and resilience. These experiences, combined with her natural talent and determination, have helped her navigate the competitive landscape of Hollywood.
Smith’s commitment to positive representation and storytelling is evident in her choice of roles and projects. She has consistently sought out opportunities that allow her to bring diverse and compelling characters to life. Her portrayal of Meghan Markle in “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal” and her voice work as Hawkgirl in the “Lego DC Super-Villains” video game are just a few examples of her ability to connect with audiences across different media.
Beyond her professional achievements, Smith is dedicated to environmental and ocean conservation. She has curated partnerships with organizations like Earth’s Oceans and Lonely Whale, supporting causes that align with her personal values. Additionally, she is involved with Operation Smile, UNICEF, and Operation Gratitude, demonstrating her commitment to making a positive impact both on and off the screen.
Tiffany Smith’s journey in the entertainment industry is a testament to her talent, versatility, and unwavering dedication. As she continues to take on new challenges and expand her horizons, she remains a shining example of a modern-day Hollywood multi-hyphenate, inspiring audiences and peers alike with her dynamic presence and passion for storytelling.
Jonathan Pezza boasts over two decades of experience in the entertainment industry as a multi-hyphenate performer, creator, writer, director, and editor. His diverse talents and relentless creativity have earned him recognition across various media platforms, cementing his status as a versatile and influential figure in contemporary storytelling.
Pezza is best known as the creator and host of the award-winning podcast, “Curious Matter Anthology,” which achieved significant acclaim in 2022, reaching #14 in global fiction and #7 in drama on Apple Podcasts. The podcast, praised for its captivating narratives and Pezza’s engaging voice, has resonated with hundreds of thousands of listeners worldwide. His work on this project showcases his ability to craft compelling audio dramas that push the boundaries of traditional storytelling.
Born and raised in Los Angeles, Pezza was immersed in the world of film and television from an early age. His father, a production designer and art director, introduced him to the intricacies of the industry, fostering a deep-seated passion for storytelling and filmmaking. However, Pezza’s journey was marked by personal tragedy. His mother was a victim of a violent crime, a loss that profoundly influenced his creative endeavors. Writing, music, and storytelling became his outlets, helping him navigate his grief and channel his emotions into art.
Pezza pursued his passion academically at Emerson College in Boston, where he honed his skills in storytelling and production. After graduating, he moved back to Los Angeles in 2002, quickly establishing himself in the industry. Early mentorships with notable figures like Brett Ratner and Doug Liman provided valuable guidance, shaping his career trajectory. His work with Liman’s Hypnotic during the early days of web video positioned him at the forefront of new media innovations.
Over the years, Pezza has built an impressive portfolio as a freelance writer and video editor, collaborating with major film studios and Fortune 500 clients. His expertise in content creation for television and feature films, coupled with his proficiency in Avid Media Composer, Adobe Premiere, Adobe After Effects, and VR video production/post-production, underscores his technical prowess and adaptability.
Pezza’s filmography includes contributions to projects such as “The Rundown” (2003) and “Hollywood Superhero” (2010), in addition to his celebrated work on “Curious Matter Anthology” (2019). These projects highlight his ability to navigate various genres and formats, consistently delivering high-quality, engaging content.
The genesis of “Curious Matter Anthology” in 2019 marked a significant shift in Pezza’s career. Initially a solo endeavor, the project quickly garnered attention, attracting collaborators and evolving into a critically acclaimed audio drama series. Pezza’s vision for the anthology was to create a platform for adapting public domain sci-fi stories into immersive audio experiences. His dedication to this project has led to collaborations with renowned talents, including Tiffany Smith, Kevin Smith, Tricia Helfer, and Trace Lysette.
The partnership with Tiffany Smith has been particularly fruitful. Smith, a versatile actress and media personality known for her roles in “Harry & Meghan: Becoming Royal” and “Guardians of the Galaxy: Vol. 3,” brought her extensive experience and dynamic presence to the project. Together, they co-produced and voice-directed the third season of “Curious Matter Anthology,” a sci-fi cop thriller that premiered on June 18, 2024. Their collaboration exemplifies the power of combining diverse talents to create innovative and engaging content.
Pezza’s ability to foster a collaborative and supportive environment is evident in the way he engages with his colleagues and recruits talent. His approach is rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence. This ethos has attracted a talented ensemble cast and crew, enhancing the quality and reach of “Curious Matter Anthology.”
Throughout his career, Pezza has demonstrated a keen understanding of the evolving media landscape, leveraging new technologies and platforms to tell stories that resonate with contemporary audiences. His work in audio fiction, in particular, showcases his ability to adapt to changing trends while maintaining a strong narrative voice. As Pezza continues to explore new creative avenues, his impact on the entertainment industry remains profound. His dedication to storytelling, coupled with his technical expertise and collaborative spirit, positions him as a key figure in the ongoing evolution of media and entertainment.
Yitzi: Tiffany, it’s a delight to meet you. Before we dive in, our readers would love to learn about your personal origin story. Can you share with us a story of your childhood and how you grew up?
Tiffany: I was born in Santa Monica, California, and grew up there until about fourth grade. I wanted to be an actor when I was young, but my older sister had done some commercial work. She thought that every time a commercial aired, she had to leave our family and go do the commercial, so she hated going to auditions. When I said I wanted to be an actor, my parents were like, “Uh-uh, it’s not happening.” Around that time, we moved to the East Coast, to Hershey, Pennsylvania. I remember telling my parents I was going to hate it unless it snowed on Christmas, and it did snow on Christmas. I loved being on the East Coast and was there for a while. Initially, I thought I was going to be a pop singer. But then I fell in love with comic books and watching X-Men. Storm was one of my favorite characters of all time. I joked that my dad was like my comic dealer because we watched the cartoon together. Then he said, “If you like these stories, here’s some more that you could read.” That’s a little bit of my origin story.
Yitzi: So what led to the next chapter? What led you to your breakout into acting and your success there?
Tiffany: I lived on the East Coast for a while and went to college for broadcast journalism. I thought I was going to be a pop singer, but my parents, who were the first in their families to go to college, wanted me to get a degree I could use. So, I chose broadcast journalism because it was the closest thing to what I loved. I was really into comic books, video games, and cars. My dad and I would always go to car shows together.
When I started auditioning in New York, I did some car shows for Ford. Every time I came out to LA for work, I tried to meet with casting directors, especially at G4. They told me I needed to live out there for them to consider me. So, I moved back to California without a solid job, just family out here, while my parents and sister were still on the East Coast. It felt like Indiana Jones walking onto the invisible bridge.
I ended up working for G4, which led to Marvel, DC, and Fandango, doing a lot of hosting. I think moving around a lot growing up helped with my hosting skills because I learned to find common ground with anyone. Eventually, I wanted to pursue acting seriously, so I started taking classes. I kept it quiet until I felt ready. The hosting world introduced me to many great people, making the transition to acting smoother since I already knew people in the industry.
Someone once told me that life is like a tapestry. When you look at the back, it’s a wild mess of strings, but occasionally you see glimpses of the beautiful picture on the other side. I started auditioning, acting, booking roles, and fell in love with voiceover work too. Everything seemed to happen at the perfect time.
During the pandemic and the strike, a friend, Colin Ferguson from Eureka, connected me with someone working on an audio drama. That’s how I met Jonathan. We recorded season two of Curious Matter during the pandemic in my voiceover closet, which I built during that time. We had a lot of fun recording via Zoom, even with silly moments like pretending to run in my tiny closet. Jonathan could definitely tell you more about those moments in the booth.
Yitzi: Amazing. So Jonathan, we’d love to learn about your personal origin story.
Jonathan: Yeah, I think my origin is a bit more of a tragic hero story. I’m not sure how much Tiffany knows, but I grew up in Los Angeles. My dad worked in the TV and film industry as a production designer and art director, so I spent a lot of time on sets as a kid and fell in love with storytelling and filmmaking. But I had a pretty tragic situation when I was a kid. My mother passed away due to a violent crime. The person who did it is on death row in Florida, so it’s still something we’re dealing with.
My childhood was tough, and writing, storytelling, and music were my outlets. They helped me cope with everything. I went to college in Boston at Emerson College, where I learned to process my experiences into artistic forms. I moved to L.A. in 2002 and started working here. I had some lucky early mentors, including Brett Ratner and Doug Liman. I worked for Doug Liman’s Hypnotic during the Web 1 video phase and got into new media early on.
Since then, I’ve worked mostly as an editor and producer for feature film and television marketing but always kept writing and creating as an independent filmmaker on the side. In 2019, I decided to take a step back from independent filmmaking and try something new in audio fiction. I wanted to create something that could be as big, entertaining, and emotional as I envisioned, regardless of budget constraints.
I started working on this alone in a basement in 2019. Slowly, friends and others got involved, and by season three, the group expanded to include some of my heroes. Tiffany has been an amazing partner. We jumped into season two together, and I could tell right away that she gives 100 percent to everything she does. We spent hours in the closet recording, putting our whole bodies into the performances — running, breathing, crying, and screaming. It was a wonderful catharsis in a confined space.
We created a story last season called Star Hunter with Colin Ferguson, which won awards and festivaled around the world. It has been in over 22 festivals and won 14 awards, including Best Indie Podcast at the Signal Awards last year. When we started talking about season three, there was no one else I wanted to collaborate with. Tiffany and I began building it from the ground up last year, and it’s become an unbelievable project with one of the most exciting casts in audio fiction.
Tiffany: Yeah, we did seasons one and two of Curious Matter Anthology as shorter stories. Jonathan adapts public domain sci-fi for audio drama. For this season, we decided to do one big story for the entire season. The timing was perfect because of the strike, and it wasn’t a busy pilot season. I had the time available, and many creatives just wanted to be making something. We talked to SAG, and it was approved for voiceover and audio drama. It felt amazing to bring in acting friends and say, “Hey, this counts towards your insurance. We’re excited about this project, and we can create something fun and meaningful.”
In this industry, you start working, meet people, and doors open. For this show, when Jonathan and I started, I reached out to friends to see if they would join us. It’s easy to assume friends will show up, but asking for favors can be tough. I texted people, asking if they’d like to be on the show, and their responses were incredible. They trusted me and didn’t even need to read the script. Once they heard what Jonathan and I had done in previous seasons, they were impressed and eager to join.
Eugene Bird, a friend from Quantum Leap, joined us and suggested Tracy Tom’s. Tracy showed up, and then she helped us find one of our main leads. Tracy knew Trace Lysette, who’s on a huge awards run, and she came in to do a voice for us. It’s really cool working with friends who are also incredibly talented. They’re willing to connect us with their friends because they know Jonathan and I are creating something special.
Yitzi: It’s been said that sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Do you have a story about a humorous mistake you made when you were first starting and the lesson you learned from it?
Tiffany: When I first started hosting, I didn’t have an agent while I was living in New York, so I would look for jobs on Craigslist. One of the first things I learned was to avoid auditions with obvious errors, like a money sign where there should be an S or weird misspellings. Funny enough, I ended up booking a job for AOL, a music countdown show. I went to the audition, and weeks later, I got the callback.
The initial audition was in a small studio, but the callback was in this giant warehouse space. At the back of the warehouse, there was a table with a bunch of people sitting at it, and behind that, a one-way mirror with executives I couldn’t see. As soon as I walked in, I felt myself getting nervous and completely choked. I couldn’t remember my words and was so flustered. I took a beat, walked out, and then asked if I could come back in and try again. I did, and I ended up doing a much better job.
The lesson I learned from that was to come in as prepared as possible. I also learned to lean into the anxiety. Now I think of my nerves as excitement because they genuinely feel the same in your body. So, when I start to feel those nerves, I let them be there for a second, then shift to thinking, “This is just because you’re excited, and you want to do a good job.”
Another important lesson was to take the moment you need and ask for it. There’s a lot of pressure in audition rooms, and it feels like you can’t ask for time. But if you need a second to catch your breath and start again, ask for it. The key is to show up afterward. Don’t take the beat and then mess up again. That experience taught me to take the beat when I need it and be as prepared as possible because the nerves are going to come.
Yitzi: Great. How about you, Jonathan? Do you have a story about a humorous mistake that you made?
Jonathan: Humorous mistake. Yeah, I think this one goes way back, but it’s been a big lesson for most of my career. Right after finishing college, I had an opportunity. Someone called me and said, “Hey, I want you to come with me to Hong Kong and work on this movie.” The person was a director, and it was a big opportunity. But I was in the middle of producing my BFA film for college, so I turned it down.
The humorous aspect is that the movie probably wouldn’t have been an amazing experience, based on what I know about it now. But the lesson I walked away with was that opportunities in life, especially in Hollywood, don’t always fit into your expectations or schedule. You have to be ready to take those opportunities when they come, even if you’re not fully prepared or they don’t fit into the box of your life.
So, the big lesson for me was to be open to unexpected opportunities and seize them when they come, even if they don’t seem convenient or if you’re not ready. Opportunities in Hollywood are rare and valuable, so it’s important to grab them when they appear.
Yitzi: We love hearing stories where somebody who’s a bit further ahead opens a door or creates an opportunity that changes someone’s life or career. Tiffany and Jonathan, do you have a story like that where somebody went out of their way to do a kindness and that impacted you professionally?
Jonathan: Yeah, I’m thinking about that. There have been so many instances of kindness throughout my career, and this show is filled with examples. I’ll go back to the beginning with Sandeep Parikh, who is a producer, hosts our after show, and is also in the series. In season one, I hadn’t really opened it up to people outside my closest friends. We had non-actors just coming in and recording voices for fun. Sandeep was the first experienced person I approached. He had starred in The Guild with Felicia Day and had success with his show, Legend of Neil.
I went to him and said, “Hey, I’ve got this weird little thing I’m doing. Do you want to come in and do a voice for it?” It was for our adaptation of Philip K. Dick’s Second Variety in the first season. He came in and did it, and the whole time I was nervous, unsure if he liked it. I wanted to put my best foot forward while working with professionals.
Afterwards, he told me, “This is frickin amazing. How do we get this out to the world?” He just jumped in and became a partner in crime that first season, leveraging all his connections to help get the word out. That was a huge kindness and a pivotal moment for the show.
Yitzi: Amazing story. How about you, Tiffany?
Tiffany: It’s hard to pick just one because I genuinely feel like every job I’ve booked has come from someone opening a door for me. You meet someone, they see what you can do, and the next job becomes easier because of those connections. But one story that stands out is from when I did Masters of the Universe for Netflix, the animated show. I had worked with Kevin Smith before, hosting at DC Comics, and we knew each other through the geek scene in L.A. and Hollywood. I hosted Geeking Out on AMC, and then an audition for an animated show came up.
I wanted to get it on my own, without reaching out for help, to know I booked it based on my talent. So I auditioned without telling anyone. After I booked it, I talked to Kevin, and he said, “Mattel picked you, and I backed the choice.” That meant a lot because I knew I got the role on my own merits, but he supported me when it mattered.
I joke that everyone I meet is a mentor, whether they know it or not. I learn from them, watch, and ask questions. I try to make myself available to others in the same way, opening doors for them and sharing my experiences. It can be scary in this industry to help someone else, fearing they might take your job, but I believe if a job is meant for you, it will be yours. Helping others only brings better opportunities down the line.
When I booked Harry and Meghan, a friend connected me with Parisa Fitz-Henley, who played Meghan Markle in the first film. She was wonderful and open, offering advice and support. Now we’re good friends. It shows that this industry can be supportive and not just competitive.
Another story involves Alison Haislip. We both auditioned for a DC Comics hosting gig. During her audition, she asked if they had met with me. She was already established in the gaming space, and I was more into comics. Thanks to her recommendation, I booked the job. Now, it’s full circle as she’s co-hosting our after show and part of the audio drama.
And Alison Haislip is the co-host of our after-show and also on this audio drama, so it all comes together.
Yitzi: Did she give up her position, recommending you instead of herself?
Tiffany: She auditioned and then mentioned me, suggesting they meet with me too. It worked out that I booked that job, and now we’re working together again. It’s amazing how things come full circle.
Yitzi: It’s an amazing story. OK, so this is our signature question that we ask in all our interviews. I’ll ask you both to alternate. So, both of you have a lot of experience now. Looking back to when you first started in entertainment, do you have five things you know now that you wish somebody had told you when you first started?
Jonathan: Sure. I mean, when I started, I came out of college at 22. I was like, if I don’t direct my first feature film by the time I’m 25, it’s over. And then it was like, 30 and it’s over. And then it was 35 and it’s over. The first rule should definitely be that this industry is a marathon and it happens at its own pace. It’s about staying in the game. The people who leave early don’t get their swing. You just have to stay until it’s your turn.
Also, I would say fiercely protect your ability to be grateful. Expectation is one of the most dangerous things because it takes away your ability to be grateful for things when they come. The ability to stay grateful is also the ability to keep moving. When you’re grateful for the small things that happen every day, it keeps you motivated.
Tiffany: Patience is huge. I’m still trying to learn that lesson, but it’s something important to know early in this game. Like Jonathan said, stay in the game and be patient. Persistence is really important. Just keep trying to do the thing. I read that book ages ago, *Blink*, which talks about doing something for 10,000 hours. So, you just have to keep going back, keep going back.
For me, another big one is positivity. In this industry, if you can’t pick yourself up and put a smile on your face, it’s really hard. It’s not all sunshine and red carpets. There’s a lot of hard work, and sometimes you think you’re going to get something, and you don’t. So, it’s about how you can put the smile back on your face and bring the joy back.
In the last couple of years, I’ve moved from the idea of “fake it till you make it” to “be it until they see it.” I don’t believe I’m faking anything I do. I’m my biggest cheerleader. If I can’t see it for myself, nobody else will. If I can’t see myself winning that Oscar, nobody else is going to see it. So, I keep believing in my talent and skill, knowing what I can do, and others will meet me along that path.
The last one would be to have supportive friends. Have a group of friends that support you through it all and are your cheerleaders and champions. It’s so helpful. I have a text chain of women I text for the wins and losses, and having that incredible support is vital. I’m lucky to have that support from my family too, but having a chosen family that supports me along the way is invaluable.
Yitzi: OK, so this is our final aspirational question. Tiffany and Jonathan, because of the platform you’ve built with your amazing work, you are both people of enormous influence. If you could spread an idea or inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be?
Tiffany: I try to talk about this with all my friends now. Surround yourself with kind, good people. Those kind, good people are probably interested in the same things you are, and you can create things that put good into the world. I truly believe that no matter what the story or film content is, if there is good energy on set, it comes through in the project. It sounds simple, but treat the people around you the way you want them to treat you. It may be easier said than done, but every time I’m on a project, I think about how lucky and grateful I am to work with great people.
Yes, there are some difficult people in this industry, but I’ve put it out into the world that I want to work with great, kind, wonderful, talented humans. I’ve been fortunate to have that experience in this industry. It’s about connecting people, like us right now. If you work with good, kind people and connect them to other good people, it pushes the good people to the top. Hopefully, that will help make this world a better place in some way.
Jonathan: Seek out and celebrate life experiences that are different from your own. Our perspective is so limited in life, and there is so much joy to be gained from seeking out people who live life in a different way.
Yitzi: That’s beautiful. So, how can our readers continue to listen to this amazing project, the Curious Matter Anthology? How can they purchase anything you’re offering? How can they support your work in any way?
Tiffany: Oh, and for whatever other things I’m posting about — I’m talking about Curious Matter a ton — but for any other things I’m doing, like my Fringe Festival play right now, people can follow me on social media at @Tiffany_Smith. I’m always super excited about the things I’m working on, so I’m probably posting about them on there with info on where to go, how to find it, all that good stuff.
Jonathan: Curious Matter Anthology is available on all podcast platforms. We’re offering early access and ad-free listening exclusively on Apple Podcasts through our CMA Universe Plus subscription service. They can also find us at CMAnthology.com, where we have our merch and other information about the show. And they can follow us online on Instagram or on X.com at @CMAnthology.
They can also find me on Instagram and on X.com at @PezzaBrain, This is my all-encompassing project at the moment, so this is everything. My big message is that I think British audiences have never given up on audio fiction and audio drama, but the U.S. audience doesn’t realize what’s out there. TV and film have been a little slow lately. If you want amazing stories that give you a cinematic experience, it’s all on your podcast platform. Seek out audio drama because it’s an amazing place to find content you might not know exists.
Tiffany: And ours is sci-fi noir, it takes place in space, with some comedy. I try to tell my friends it’s like this and that — go listen to it, you’ll love it. I sent the first episode to my manager, and he was like, “Tiffany, this is really good.” I was like, “I know.”
Yitzi: The best part is you can listen while jogging, driving, on a walk, or doing stuff at home.
Tiffany: Yeah, it’s fully immersive. As you’re running, you’ll feel like you’re on Mars.
Yitzi: Amazing. Well, thank you so much. It’s a delight to meet you both. We should do this again next year.
Tiffany: Thank you so much. Really nice to chat like this.
Yitzi: Thank you. I wish you continued success.
Tiffany Smith, & Jonathan Pezza Of ‘Curious Matter Anthology’ On The Five Things You Need To Shine… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.