Being an actress is a calling, and it doesn’t matter if you studied at the university. If you have a goal, talent and ambition, then everything will work out. But, of course, it is important to constantly develop, study emotions, yourself, people, the world and read the right literature – this is exactly what the talented actress Daria GZ thinks.
She became an actress by chance: in search of a better life, she moved from the Ukrainian province to a big city, there was not enough money for life, she even had to sleep on the street. Thanks to her talent and perseverance, she got a job as a props artist in a well-known film company. Once, on one of the projects where Daria worked, the director urgently needed an actress for extras, similar to her in type. Daria agreed to help, working on camera for one scene and immediately fell in love with the camera. It was obvious that these feelings are mutual, so the girl decided to change her status on the site. Today Daria GZ is a successful actress with projects all over the world and the winner of the Chinese National Film Award!
Daria told us in an interview about how she managed to achieve success, what qualities and skills an actress should have.
Daria, you have already come a long way towards making your dream come true! And so much more to come! Please tell us why the film business?
Thanks for support. It’s really a long journey that is still going on. Yes, now I can’t imagine my life outside the film industry, but I ended up in it quite by accident. Although, I am convinced that there are no accidents!
At the age of 18, I was left without a job, money and a roof over my head. There was nothing to pay for rented housing, I had to urgently leave. I spent several nights on the street, wandering in one of the city parks, met guys who offered to shelter me, so the four of us began to live in an apartment. One of my neighbors worked in television. Once I went to the editorial office with her for company. Frankly, at that very moment I was captivated by this atmosphere: cameras, people with walkie-talkies, everyone was running somewhere, scenery, bright light – I wanted to instantly join them.
Who would have thought that fate itself would lead you to the set! And at that moment you realized that you want to be in the frame?
No, then I wanted to be behind the scenes! I was delighted with the work of decorators and I decided to get it by all means. First, I came as an extra participant to shoot a program for a local TV channel, found an employee-decorator there and agreed that I would help him online. When I understood the scheme of work a little, I wanted to devote myself completely to this business. There were no full-time positions in the team, so I started looking for other options. I came across an announcement about the search for a team on the site of a well-known film studio. I really wanted to be a props. Only now I needed a person with experience, but I didn’t have it at all. But I dared to go to the interview. I was asked what projects I worked on. Without thinking twice, she mentioned the fictitious names of several films and series, and spoke as if an 18-year-old girl had a huge background behind her shoulders. Guess I was given a chance. Moreover, after a couple of months of work, I was promoted and made a prop artist!
Wow! It’s impressive! But at what point did the realization come: I will be an actress?
When I helped my colleagues and participated in the scene with extras, I really liked the process. And I said to myself: “Daria, it would be great to try again.” But I didn’t have anything, not even a portfolio, only photos from a seaside vacation that my aunt took for me. And this is not the best thing that could be shown to the casting director. I continued to work as a set designer. And now, the shooting day is over, everyone is going to rest, and tomorrow I need to find a coffin from 1920 or a cart from the Second World War. I searched all night and finally found the right cart. I roll it to the director, and he says, “You know, Daria, she’s not at all cheerful, let’s get some pink, brighter!” The director always has his own vision, and I, as a professional in my field, had to follow reality.
Well, what a “fun car” during the Second World War? All this was very exhausting, and I decided: you need to change your life right now!
This is a very serious and courageous step! Your story could already be made into an inspiring film, and as I understand it, this is just one part of the incredible adventures of Daria GZ. But why did China become your springboard?
The fact is that I had no acting education. In the CIS countries, because of this, they looked at me with prejudice, it is important there who was your teacher. Abroad, other standards are in the priority of talent and perseverance. In China, they did not pay attention to what kind of diploma I had, only to my working capacity and acting. Immediately after arriving in China, I started going to castings. And, imagine that I, a girl without a professional acting education, was offered two of the coolest roles in two projects at once. And I had to choose, because the shooting began at the same time.
Do you think that an actor can be successful and realize himself without specialized education?
Why not? Understand that no one can teach a person to live with resentment. After all, everyone does it in their own way. As well as to live any other feelings. We all experience love differently. You just need to clearly understand exactly your feelings in order to be able to repeat them in the frame. For example, a guy cheated on a girl, she feels disgusting. And what exactly is hidden under this “disgusting”? Where do these sensations begin and what are they? Now there is a lot of correct literature to learn to understand oneself and use knowledge in work. One of my favorite books is “Actor’s Mastery: 12 Steps to Hollywood” by Ivana Chubbuck .
You received two nominations at the National Film Festival in China, and after that you were invited to the Cannes Film Festival. What did you feel at that moment?
It was very exciting. There were a huge number of journalists and the most influential people in cinema in the hall. I speak Mandarin and, of course, it was important for me to address people not only in English, but also in their native language. Therefore, in my speech, I said in Mandarin:
“When people ask me if I like China, I say no”…
And then there was complete silence in the room. The Chinese are incredible patriots, for them this even for a moment could seem like an insult. But I continued…
“I don’t like China, I love it with all my heart!” At that moment, the entire hall burst into applause. I told the truth – I love China, but for me, as a pro, constant development is important. Having worked with incredible people around the world, in particular: in Ukraine, China, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, Russia, India, Australia, I am ready for new projects and I can definitely share my incredible experience with my colleagues, especially since I know everything stages of team work on site. Both in the frame and behind it.
