ONDŘEN KUBALA
Actor · Writer · Producer · 1st AD
Meisner-trained storyteller | NJ · PHL · PA · NYC · NY
At age twenty, while pursuing a B.S. in Marketing at The College of New Jersey, Ondřen wrote and independently produced his debut short film, Before My, Four Intersect — an absurdist-surrealist narrative about a couple facing infertility.
During the 2020 quarantine, Ondřen liquidated his stock portfolio, worked three jobs (Joe Canal's Discount Liquors, The Corner Cafe, Liberty Ribbon LLC), and self-funded his debut film—managing payroll, location scouting, COVID-19 waivers, wardrobe design, and starring as the leading man, Lon.
Training & Approach:
After seeking professional training, recommended from a mentor, Guy Ventoliere, Ondřen has now studied the Meisner Technique for over two years at Playhouse West-Philadelphia, deepening his emotional vulnerability and discovering new ways to ‘activize’ dialogue. His training further encompasses Relaxation Sensations, Taking It Off The Page from The Folster Studio, and Practical Aesthetics from The Atlantic Theater Company, broadening his technical foundation as a performer.
Behind the Scenes:
Outside of auditioning and writing screenplays, he supports narrative-driven productions as a 1st AD and project coordinator. Ondřen has a deep passion for editing footage and color grading in DaVinci Resolve on his color-calibrated monitor.
About / Bio
"The best advice I was given regarding editing is that our eyes will naturally go to the brightest area on the silver screen. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean in luminance: strong chromatic separation could also dictate what we initially focus on. Once we settle into the frame, our eyes are then free to explore the narrative content. Depending on circumstances, emotional investment, types of cuts, audio overlap, our eyes may flutter."
— Ondřen Kubala
When two past lovers, Pomegranate and Reese, meet for one last time at the winterized Curtin's Wharf in Burlington Township, New Jersey, they begin to reminisce about the fond moments they have shared — abstractions drifting, trying to see eye-to-eye — until words long held back can no longer stay frozen: "I'm sorry, but I just have to say..."
Year | 2025 - 2026
Genre | Romantic Drama · Comedy
Narrative Role | Writer · Actor · Producer · Editor · Colorist
Ondřen’s Note
"It's difficult stringing together words regarding the amount of gratitude I have for all the people who have helped shape this. Yet, I'll try—
To preface (although, hopefully, not a surprise to fellow collaborators), I enjoy writing stories & contouring them for actors. It's something I love to do & see myself doing forever.
Late last winter, I drove by a half-collapsed building. I thought the above could have been the actual backdrop for Pomegranate's soliloquy.
With the professional advice from all, Akil Logan-Haye's glowing direction, multiple conversations with the gracious Carroll Curtin, meeting the innately talented & passionate Allison Ferguson, it spiraled into something far beyond my understanding.
Through life occurrences (&, hopefully, to a few more) something worthwhile was made to enjoy. The building is no longer there, nevertheless, I'm forever fortunate seeing part of it lift my creative expression.
Thank you all, to the wonderful crew, cast, mentors, & family for always nurturing my stories. Entertaining any idea I have takes energy. Forever, I am grateful." — Ondřen Kubala
Year | 2020 - 2023
Genre | Absurdist-Surrealist
Narrative Role | Director · Writer · Producer · Actor
A couple facing infertility.
Ondřen’s Note
"This was the most unique moment in my life. I got to explore the unknown by making a film.”
“I had a roommate, Eric Yoon, who was passionate about researching foreign affairs. After discussing The Endemic in China during October, 2019, we agreed we were in a bubble until the virus would hit global headlines, especially in The United States of America.”
“When we were sent home to quarantine, I decided to pause my NCAA Track & Field career to express what I felt was happening in my love life: like a lens hovering over my undeveloped prefrontal cortex, struggling to express my love language when I wasn’t happy.”
“Many will laugh, but, I liquidated my stock portfolio early Q1 of 2020. I consider it to be my best investment still to this day. I hope to return to this filmmaking style with more resources."
“Every line of dialogue, I created this prose of imagery I gravitated towards. If I liked the imagery surfacing in my mind in English, however, if I disliked its pronunciation, I would then go down a rabbit hole to find another phonetic pronunciation in a different foreign language (well… foreign to me). I would even split words in half if I enjoyed one syllable in one language, then a different part from another. I recall having headaches doing this, sometimes even laughing at what I wrote. Every actor needed a translation for my writing. Quite frankly, I don’t blame them!”
“My acting in this was prior to any professional training. I would memorize the line, which, in concept to many, isn’t necessarily a crime. Since my character is explicitly manipulative, anytime I do push for an emotion, to me, it works in moments when I cannot make sense of the circumstance to keep Meag in my life.”
“I truly believe nourishing the creation of life is the most creative act one can participate in. The intimacy that leads to life? No. I find that rather mindless. Caring to preserve life to its fullest potential? Yes. I hope to do so prior to my death.” - Ondřen Kubala
Dedication
"I was originally interested in Izzy (Bella) Pietro to be in the wardrobe department for the film. We both went to the same high school growing up. Despite only interacting in passing, she carried such a unique essence: so comfortable in her own skin. Incredible vision & never looked back.
“Prior to her move to NYC, I visited her to pick up a mosaic custom table for The Moderator's room. Still to this day, I cannot recall if it was her custom piece or a piece she collected. The imagery of our moment still makes me cloudy to this day. Izzy, thank you for elevating the avant-garde fashion industry. May you rest in power." -
Ondřen is forever grateful for Jeremiah Zagar & may we protect Isaiah Zagar's art forever <3
Demos for Download
“I’m currently in the process writing song for an album, titled, Seeping. Above is the current concept art. It needs some font and I’m trying to mask out my skin with a puzzle I did with my family during 2020 quarantine, but I am having a hard time editing it currently. I know I’ll figure something out. My goal is to record everything at The Bok Building on a tape deck with some of the most talented musicians, like Kevin Savo, who has nurture my songwriting and creativity since high school.
“None of the demos above will be featured on the album. If the demos are used for something you create in the future, kindly send your audience here.” — Ondřen Kubala
Modeling
“Below is a collaboration with two of the most talented artists I know: Darrell J. Watts (singer/songwriter, writer, poet, designer, actor) & Brett Schuett (singer/songwriter, musician, photographer). The location was at The Princeton Battlefield. ” — Ondřen Kubala
These are custom pieces by Darrell J. Watts; he also custom made all the dresses in “Before My, Four Intersect”. Kindly contact him for custom inquires <3
