“After High School Musical, I realized that fame and success were never going to be as fulfilling as giving back,” Coleman said. “I decided to use my platform to try and make a difference for young people around the world. This was the birth of GimmeMO, a global movement to empower, inspire, and motivate the next generation of change makers. My company, ‘Motivated Productions,’ led by a predominantly diverse female team produced 26 episodes this past summer to be distributed on Discovery Life network.”
On her plans for the future, Coleman said, “I intend to continue to amplify youth and girls’ voices through my work with Allstate Foundation ‘Good Starts Young’ + the ‘Girl Up’ Campaign. I also hope to play more impactful roles in film and television.”
When asked what motivates her each day, Coleman said, “Almost every day, I am lucky enough to cross paths with some of the most inspiring thought-leaders of our time, many of which are young people. The idea that I can be of service to a cause greater than myself and truly make an impact is what drives me.”
She acknowledged that being on High School Musical changed her life. “High School Musical changed my life, but when it ended, I realized that no amount of success would ever be enough if I didn’t use it for good,” she said.
Coleman listed Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Halle Berry, and Leonardo DiCaprio as her dream acting partners in the business.
On the impact of technology on the entertainment business, Coleman said, “In many ways, technology has democratized the industry. People can upload videos to YouTube and becoming superstars. Independent filmmakers now have the tools to create and distribute their own films. Actors are no longer limited to casting calls and can submit audition tapes online. The entertainment industry is ever-evolving because of technology. I am especially interested to see how virtual reality impacts the future of the industry.”
On her use of technology in her daily routine as an actress, Coleman said, “From self tapes to social media, online submissions to scheduling, technology enhances my career immensely.”
For her fans, she concluded about Gimme Mo, “I created Gimme Mo to give young people what I wish I had had when I was younger. My hope is that the people who watch the show will connect to someone’s story, feel validated in their experiences, and have the courage to show up in their lives in a bigger way.”
