The Rise of Elena Esovolova
Interview
Posted on 04 October 2010 by dmitri
It’s very hard for local actors to get a big break and be involved in big US network productions, fortunately for Elena she got a big break and now has a role on the American hit Hellcats. Check out her interview below with Afoot! Also check out the collaboration photos with local photographer Todd Duncan and Afoot. Interview by Atousa Ebrahimi, make up by Alla Cristina – check out her website here. Additional help by: Lumina Elle Romanycia & Anna Hoang.
Afoot
How did you first get into acting?
ES: I always wanted to be an actress, but growing up in Thrums (in the Kootenays of BC), there was no film industry, and I had no money. My father did not approve. So I took hairdressing, won 9 awards, saved my money, moved to Vancouver, took makeup artistry, became a Judge for competitions, worked behind the scenes for MTV and Urban Rush, and then I cold called photographers saying “I’m an award-winning hair and makeup artist”. One photographer said “You are very photogenic! You should be an actor!” I said, “I know! That’s what I always wanted to do! How do I do that?” He called an agent on the spot, and I met with the agent the next day and he took me on and gave me recommendations on teachers. After auditing 8 acting coaches here in Van, I chose Kirsten Clarkson at School Creative. She realized my talent, and put me into advanced acting classes after 2 months. I then received a scholarship for full-time studies and the rest is history!
Afoot
You play the funny down-to-earth cheerleader on “Hellcats”. Were you ever a real cheerleader in real life?
ES: A Hellcat in real life?–Hell-NO! Ha ha! I was a bit of a super nerd growing up. I had big pink, coke-bottle glasses, and long brown hair which matched my pink sweatpants that my grandmother dressed me in! I tried out for cheerleaders once in grade 8, but I didn’t get in – probably because I was too nerdy!
Afoot
I’d imagine you had to go through some training for this role. Was the training hard, or did you have some previous training before?
ES: I used to be a competitive fast pitch player, so I had discipline, drive and had some ballroom training about 10 years ago. That’s it. So after my clumsy dance audition, I decided to go to Harbour Dance Studio and take 1 of every class to get a basic understanding. Then when rehearsals started, we had 1 week. They were rigorous. I went home after and danced on the street in front of my house until 1 am every night! I needed to catch up to the cast.
Any new found skills come out of the training?
ES: Well, when I went to film the 2nd episode, all my training I was given from the choreographers and real cheerleaders had really sunk in. Everyone said how I had learned much more quickly the second time around! Whew! Thank the Lord! So my new dance skills I suppose!
Afoot
Filming takes place in Vancouver, so how does it feel to be able to do what you love in your own city?
ES: Awesome! I love acting, and I love traveling! So after making my friends and family proud here, my goal is to be able to travel the world acting in films as well!
Afoot
Do you find it hard for Canadian actors to become successful in Hollywood, was it or is it hard for you to get to where you want to get to in your career?
ES: Yes it is extremely difficult, it is a work in progress. The US has more production and is a bigger machine. There are opportunities for Canadian actors to work in Canada. I was very blessed to get a substantial part on an American network. It would be great to see Canada become more self-sufficient and create our own “Hollywood” or star system. Let’s create more great films that Canadian viewers can enjoy and support the Canadian film and television industry!
Afoot
Are there any other projects you’re currently working on?
ES: I am currently doing press for my acting career, and working on finishing the distribution deal I got with Shorts International when I went to Cannes for our film “A Match Made In Heaven”. This was my 1st short film that I acted in and produced. It received 5 nominations including Best Picture. It won for Best Cinematography and I won BEST ACTRESS for it at the Laughing Stock Comedy Film Competition. I feel humbled and excited to bring my experience to the festival VSFF. The Vancouver Short Film Festival on October 28th and 29th. I feel very honored to be a part of that, and give my opinion on the films.
Name some of your favorite spots in Vancouver where you like to eat or hang out at?
ES: Mmm foooood… (Insert Homer Simpson sounds here)… Let’s see… Bon’s for breakie, Stepho’s for greek, Uncle Fahti’s for a pizza slice, The Naam for veggie food at any hour, and Local for a spot to have a pint near the ocean! I love walking or jogging by the ocean on kits beach and swinging on swings is a new favorite of mine. Feeling like a kid anywhere, anytime!
