We are thrilled to present this exclusive interview with the incredibly talented Kim Kranjc. Kim’s journey through the world of music videos and editorial shoots is as dynamic and inspiring as her performances. From her captivating role in Žan Serčič’s hit video “Slepa Ulica” to her powerful portrayal in Mark Zebra’s “Dal Bi Vse Za Tebe,” Kim has continuously impressed with her versatility and creativity.
In this Q&A, Kim shares insights into her experiences on set, her approach to embodying different characters, and her views on the creative process. We dive into her adventures in Slovenia, her evolving career, and her valuable advice for aspiring models and actors.
A heartfelt thank you to Kim for taking the time to chat with us and offer such candid and thoughtful reflections on her work. Her passion for her craft and commitment to pushing creative boundaries are truly inspiring.
Let’s dive into the conversation!
IMAGE: A SCENE FROM “SLEPA ULICA” DIRECTOR ŽIGA GJURO
Q1: Kim, you’ve been featured in some highly successful music videos, including Žan Serčič’s “Slepa Ulica,” which has amassed over half a million views. How did you come to be involved in this project, and what was the experience like on set?
I first met Žan through another singer I worked with on a music video. After that, I started getting a lot of requests for other music videos, and Žan’s was one of them. When it was time to film “Slepa Ulica,” he came to me with the idea, and besides me loving the song, we both felt I’d be a great fit for the mysterious “femme fatale” character, so I was all in!
Filming was such a blast. There’s something oddly exciting about waking up at 3 a.m. for a shoot you’re thrilled about, but maybe that’s just my thing (laughs). We started by shooting in a labyrinth in Volčji Potok, Slovenia. I felt like Alice walking through Wonderland, making my way through the maze. I guess the fog, my little dress, and the silky robe had something to do with that (laughs). It was great!
The second part was filmed in a different city, which meant a bit of a drive. Luckily, I got to have some carpool karaoke with my dad, who was my Uber driver for the day. It’s always a blast having him around on set. He and my mom have always been my biggest cheerleaders, and their support means everything to me.
When we got to the warehouse for the second part of the shoot, they set up a mattress on the floor for us. This segment was filmed in lingerie, so I asked my dad to wait in the car (laughs). I do want to say that while shooting in lingerie can sometimes feel a little awkward, the fun and relaxed vibe on set made it feel like I was just at home in my PJs.
Žan was amazing to work with, and the whole experience was unforgettable. It was a perfect way to wrap up my time in Slovenia before heading to LA the next day.
Being on set with Žan, director Žiga Gjuro, Janja Balant, who handled the BTS stuff, and the rest of the crew was fantastic. I already knew some of the team, which made it feel more like hanging out with friends than working. I also made new friends, who I still keep in touch with, which is one of the best parts of doing these projects—meeting incredible people who share your interests.
Q2: In Mark Zebra’s “Dal Bi Vse Za Tebe,” directed by Žiga Gjuro, you played the lead role. What was it like stepping into this character, and how did you prepare for such an emotionally charged performance?
Stepping into a character is always pretty natural for me. I often get cast in roles that aren’t too far from who I am, but I think that’s because I’m a great “shapeshifter,” as I like to call it (laughs).
I love diving into every type of character, from a seductive vixen to a nerdy, quirky persona. When a character is presented to me, I just tap into a version of myself that fits the role and go with it. It’s like meeting a new version of me every time I’m on set, and I really love that aspect of modeling and acting.
For me, acting is a bit more intuitive compared to modeling. When you’re modeling, you need to focus on looking a certain way and striking the right poses while conveying the character’s emotions. Acting, on the other hand, lets you just dive into the situation and the script, which makes it feel more natural. If you’re in the moment and not overthinking, your emotions and expressions just flow.
I absolutely loved my character in “Dal Bi Vse Za Tebe” just as much as I loved the roles in “Slepa Ulica” and others I’ve played or modeled. I think it’s crucial for any model or actor to truly love their character. To really understand them, you have to embrace every decision they make and every desire they have, without judging them.
After all, we don’t judge ourselves harshly for our actions; we always try to understand them. I approach my characters the same way, treating them as extensions of myself. It’s like living out their experiences, and that’s why I find acting so fulfilling. For me, filming is just hanging out with friends in front of hundreds of cameras—it never feels like work!
IMAGE: KIM HARDY
Q3: You were also featured in Hauptman’s “Bliže” alongside Iza. How did this project differ from your previous music video experiences, and what did you find most rewarding about working on this particular shoot?
This project was such a stroke of luck for me! It was actually my very first music video, so I had no clue what to expect or how music videos were typically shot, which made the whole experience really exciting. I ended up in the video because Iza couldn’t make it, and since we look pretty similar, I got the gig.
I loved modeling in front of the pink LED lights, the glittery makeup that the incredible makeup artist Lea Bole did for me, and being really close to the camera. With the music in the background, it was just magical. There’s something about being in front of a camera that just energizes me. It’s like the lens is alive, and we’re having this shared moment together—it’s an incredible feeling.
The most rewarding thing was the friendships I made and getting to work with people I already knew and enjoyed working with. Plus, this video opened doors for me to star in other music videos, which I’m incredibly grateful for.
Q4: In addition to music videos, you’ve done editorial shoots. Can you share how the dynamics of an editorial photo shoot compare to those of a music video? Do you find one more creatively fulfilling than the other?
Even though editorial and music video shoots both require modeling, they’re very different, and that’s what makes them exciting for me.
With editorial shoots, it’s all about capturing one perfect moment in a single frame. It’s like telling a story in one shot, so everything has to be on point: the lighting, the look, the vibe. I really enjoy the challenge of making something feel powerful with just a glance or a pose. There’s this quiet intensity to it that I find really cool.
Music videos, though, bring this whole other energy. There’s movement, a storyline, and emotion playing out over time. I get to become and explore a character and really feel out their journey, which makes it more immersive. The combination of visuals and music creates a mood that you can’t always capture in a still photo, and I love how alive it all feels.
Honestly, I find both creatively fulfilling in different ways. Editorials push me to make an impact in a single moment, while music videos let me explore a character and its story more deeply. Both keep me creatively challenged, and that’s what I love about them.
Q5: As a model, how do you approach embodying the vision of different directors and photographers? Do you have a particular method or mindset that helps you adapt to each unique project?
When I’m working with different directors or photographers, I try to get a feel for their vision as much as possible. It’s really about listening and understanding what they want to create.
Every project has its own vibe, so I like to be flexible and open. Sometimes they want something really specific, and other times, they’re more collaborative and let me bring my own ideas into it, which makes it really exciting because I’m also discovering my creative self this way.
In terms of mindset, I focus on being present and in the moment. Apart from preparing for the role by diving into my character and knowing the storyline or theme of the shoot, I never set any expectations or goals. Expectations set limits and blockages, which are never good. I always want to be open and prepared to do something totally out of my comfort zone or something completely unexpected.
Whether it’s a still shot or a video, I want to feel connected to the story we’re telling. If I need to embody a certain mood or character, I’ll think about what that person would be feeling or how they’d carry themselves. It’s kind of like acting in that way, tapping into whatever emotions or energy the project needs. For me, it’s all about being adaptable and staying connected to the creative process.
Q6: With the success of these music videos, how do you see your career evolving in the future? Are there any specific types of projects or collaborations you’re eager to explore next?
I’m really excited to see where my career takes me next. I’m someone who thrives on creative evolution. I’m always seeking new challenges that push me beyond what I’ve already done. No matter where I am, I’m constantly inspired by the different artistic energies in different cities, and I want to keep exploring that duality in my work. I’ve been lucky to collaborate with some incredible directors and artists, but I’m just getting started.
I’m excited to dive into all kinds of different projects, and I’m also eager to explore ones that blend acting and music in ways that haven’t been done before. I’m drawn to international collaborations that let me merge different cultures and artistic styles.
I’m all about pushing boundaries and finding new ways to express myself creatively, so I’m excited to see what opportunities come my way next. Whatever it is, I’m ready to bring something unique and one of a kind to the table.
Q7: Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring models who want to break into both the editorial and music video industries?
My biggest piece of advice is to embrace your uniqueness and let that shine through. Don’t be afraid to be yourself because that’s what’s going to set you apart. Every director, photographer, and artist is looking for something different, so the more you bring your own energy and creativity to the table, the more memorable you’ll be.
Also, stay open to all kinds of opportunities. Some of my most rewarding experiences came from projects that I didn’t expect or initially plan for. Be adaptable, and don’t limit yourself to one type of work. Editorials and music videos require different skill sets, but they both need you to fully commit to the vision.
Be present, be bold, and don’t be afraid to experiment with your own style.
Lastly, remember that your career is your own journey. No matter what part of the world you decide to explore, stay true to what excites you creatively. The industry can be tough, but if you keep pushing boundaries and putting your unique spin on everything you do, you’ll carve out a space that’s truly yours.
IMAGE: ŠPELA JAMBRIŠKO
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