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Comic Convos, brought to life by Brooklyn Quarter in partnership with the League of Filmmakers and Cinematography for Actors, opened a vibrant window into the creative world during the 2024 San Diego Comic-Con. Among the many inspiring voices was Ashley Gianni — actor, writer, producer, and founder of Pizza Bagel Pictures, LLC — who shared her unique journey as a multi-hyphenate artist and queer storyteller. From her first-ever Comic-Con experience to her exciting drag-inspired feature film in the works, Ashley’s story is one of passion, perseverance, and authentic expression.
First Impressions: Experiencing Comic-Con as a Panelist and Fan
For Ashley, attending San Diego Comic-Con was a bucket-list moment, and this year marked her debut at the iconic event. The excitement hit a high note the moment she picked up her badge, making the experience tangible and thrilling. Not only was she attending, but she was also a panelist, contributing her voice to the rich tapestry of creators and storytellers at the con.
Exploring the convention floor left Ashley in awe. She highlighted the incredible activations and, notably, the vibrant Artist Alley — her favorite spot where she indulged her love for pin collecting by supporting female and queer artists. The diversity and representation of women-owned businesses at the con stood out to her, reinforcing the inclusive spirit that Comic-Con fosters.
The Multi-Hyphenate Creative: Balancing Acting, Writing, Producing, and More
Ashley’s creative life is a dynamic blend of roles. As an actor, writer, filmmaker, and producer, she thrives on wearing many hats simultaneously. Her current passion project, No Rules, is a drag-inspired feature comedy that she not only wrote but is also financing and starring in. This film is deeply personal — it carries her “DNA on every page and every word.”
Set in the glittery 1990s, No Rules follows Visa Decline, a drag queen, and her best friend as they fight to secure a sanctuary where they can truly be themselves. Ashley describes it as a campy, fun buddy comedy with a Rocky Horror midnight-show vibe, breaking the fourth wall and engaging the audience in a theatrical homage to the drag queens and theater influences that shaped her upbringing in New Jersey.
Drag and Cosplay: Kindred Spirits of Self-Expression
Comic-Con and drag culture share a powerful connection through their celebration of identity and creativity. Ashley beautifully articulated this correlation, noting that both cosplay and drag are forms of camp — heightened, imaginative expressions that allow people to live at the extremes of gender and storytelling.
“Drag is that extreme form and expression of femininity that is genderless, and cosplay is genderless. It is full of imagination and storytelling, allowing humans to have an emotional journey and connect.”
For Ashley, Comic-Con is a space where authenticity thrives — a community where everyone is invited to dress up, play, and be their most genuine selves. She likened the energetic vibe of the convention to the excitement felt outside a Broadway show after a stellar performance, capturing the contagious enthusiasm buzzing through the event.
Championing Queer Representation and Storytelling
As a queer filmmaker, Ashley is intimately familiar with the challenges of financing and producing diverse stories in the industry. Despite the progress made, she emphasizes there is still a long way to go, especially when it comes to supporting queer films.
She points out that the queer audience is highly engaged and active, yet funding remains a significant hurdle. Ashley calls for greater investment in diverse storytelling that goes beyond the familiar narratives, urging the industry to uplift voices from all facets of the LGBTQ+ community — including BIPOC queer creators and stories that have historically been marginalized.
“Queerness holds a space for everyone, not just the LGBTQ community. It is a space where everyone can come and feel seen, heard, and valued.”
Reflecting on her own journey, Ashley shared how the lack of representation during her youth impacted her coming-out experience. She believes that better representation could transform lives, highlighting the profound power of storytelling across all media — from films and TV to commercials.
Behind the Scenes: The Indie Filmmaker’s Journey to Feature Film
Getting a feature film off the ground is no small feat, and Ashley’s experience with No Rules has been a testament to patience, perseverance, and trust in the process. She describes the indie filmmaking journey as one that requires a blend of delusion and belief in magic, alongside building a strong team and navigating the inevitable ups and downs.
Serendipity has played a big role in the film’s development — from connecting with her director to assembling her production team. Ashley encourages creatives to listen closely to their intuition and the “creative gods,” pivoting or slowing down when necessary rather than forcing progress. This flow mindset helps artists stay connected to their creative energy and ultimately leads to more authentic work.
Connect with Ashley Gianni and Support Her Work
Ashley is active on social media and invites fans and fellow creatives to follow her journey:
- Instagram: @ashleygianni
- Website: www.ashleygianni.com
- No Rules Feature Film Instagram: @norulesfeaturefilm
- Support No Rules: norulesfilm.com – make a tax-deductible donation and learn more about the project.
In addition to filmmaking, Ashley also embraces her creative flair through styling, running Styled by Gianni, a testament to her multi-hyphenate talents.
Ashley Gianni’s presence at SDCC 2024 was a celebration of queer storytelling, creative courage, and authentic self-expression. Her journey from Comic-Con newcomer to panelist and feature film creator underscores the power of community, representation, and following one’s creative instincts. As she continues to break ground with No Rules and beyond, Ashley invites us all to embrace our stories, support diverse voices, and revel in the joy of imaginative storytelling.
