Catching Up With Australian Actress And Filmmaker Natasha Ivkovic
I recently caught up with one of Australia’s brightest stars in LA, Natasha Ivkovic. We spoke about her latest projects, how she has grown as an artist — and staying creative during the pandemic. Here is what she had to share:
It’s great catching up with you Natasha! Since we last spoke, what have you been up to?
You too! I’ve had a really transformative time both personally and professionally. I’ve been acting a lot, writing scripts, producing movies and training for a marathon! I like having a lot going on- I thrive on being busy.
How has everything been going for you with the pandemic and how have you had to change things?
This year has been both extremely challenging and rewarding. In every great catastrophe the world has ever faced, artists have an incredible ability to come together and create art. Being limited physically pushed me further into my creative endeavors and I feel more empowered than ever! Not seeing my family back in Australia for a year now has been really painful, but I wouldn’t change anything. I love what I do more and more every single day. I’m also super grateful for my health!
Do you feel like you have grown a lot more as an artist over the years through your experiences?
150%. I think the coolest thing about being an artist is your personal and creative growth are always happening simultaneously — each informing the other. I feel that I’m finally finding my voice and it’s really evident in my work.
What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?
I think my greatest achievements have happened during the pandemic. I produced and acted in two short films that I self funded and I feel more empowered than ever to just keep making projects. The challenge of running a production during a pandemic; maintaining both crew safety and creative integrity is proof that anything is possible. I am so appreciative of the community I have supporting me in these endeavors, especially to my boss-lady-DP Arin Myer!
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?
I love every single project I’ve been a part of for their own special reasons… I always learn something new from watching and working with people from all over the world. I loved being on set for Puberty Blues because it’s set in the 70’s and they were entirely dedicated to the authenticity of that period.
Who has been one of your favorite actors/filmmakers you have worked with so far and why?
I would hands down say Megan Chumbley who directed Beauty Queen. I think I have been waiting my entire life to meet her, we have a crazy creative connection- it’s like we’re one brain! I can see us doing some really big things together. I also learned a great deal working with John Ross on the Sleep Tight series and Tom Albanese on A Purgatory Story.
What other projects do you have coming up?
I just wrapped two films! I’m super excited about them because not only did I get to play the lead role in both, but it was my first experience with producing/writing my own projects. ‘The Hole’ is a comedy written by my talented friend John Kellar, he also directed and produced with me. I play a con artist named Tiffany who has gotten herself into some deep waters. ‘Beauty Queen’ is a passion project of mine conceived during the pandemic- I wrote, produced and played Miss California. This project was made almost entirely by a team of female filmmakers and was directed by visionary Megan Chumbley.
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists?
If you’re not hearing no, you’re not asking enough! Make your own projects, build a community and believe in yourself to the point of delusion.
