Jun 142 min read

MIDORI FRANCIS AND NICOLE KANG ARE IN AN EMPIRE STATE OF MIND

Updated: Jun 18

NEW YORK, NEW YORK—On June 13, Tribeca Festival hosted Coffee and Conversation at the Empire State Building’s Starbucks Reserve with Dash & Lily star Midori Francis and CW Batwoman’s Poison Ivy played by Nicole Kang.

“Is That Pee?”

Francis and Kang discussed their time living together in New York, joking around about the city’s signature scent. Francis, going off on a tangent, retorted: “I’d say New York’s scent would be ‘Is That Pee?’” As for Kang, she countered, “For me, it’s more like ‘Stale Cigarette.’” Despite now residing in Los Angeles, both agreed about New York’s allure and mystical quality.

“To somebody, you will be the leading lady.”

Midori shared her experiences with horrible casting agents, life after college, and the isolation artists undergo in pursuit of the next job. Nicole resonated with Midori, commenting on the industry’s usual preference for traditional standards, aesthetics, and looks. To that end, the two agreed that the industry does not evolve without the people needed to make change and progress. “To somebody, you will be the leading lady,” Francis added, highlighting that perseverance in the face of rejection is the most important quality needed to survive the world of show business.

“As an artist, there's nothing like the ability to be yourself.”

Above all, Kang and Francis emphasized how critical it is to remain true to yourself. To puppet another’s voice as your own is the ultimate betrayal to yourself and other artists. Midori admits this: “There’s nothing like the ability to be yourself.”