Writer and Producer Sophia Wolov Talks about Her latest Project “Ashes to Ashes”
We recently caught up with writer and producer Sophia Wolov and talked to her about her accomplishments as a writer and producer in both film and television. She also shares her advice for others pursuing a career in the entertainment industry. Here is what she had to say:
Please give us an introduction as to when you first got into the entertainment industry:
I first got into the entertainment industry out of a love for storytelling and a desire to create projects that connect people across diverse experiences and perspectives. My journey began in South Africa, where I was exposed to giants in the theatre world like Athol Fugard and John Kani. I worked on “Love Island” South Africa as well as several different short films. That foundation gave me the skills to transition into scripted and unscripted work, eventually leading me to Hollywood, where I’ve had the privilege of working on a wide range of projects, including scripted pilots like Ashes to Ashes.
Do you feel like you have grown a lot more as an artist over the years, through your experiences?
Absolutely. Every project I’ve worked on has taught me something new, whether it’s about storytelling, collaborating, or navigating through the industry. I’ve grown as a writer and producer by exploring themes of family and identity in a way that resonates deeply with audiences. Each festival selection and award has validated the importance of telling stories that are personal yet universal, and it has encouraged me to keep pushing creative boundaries.
What has been one of your favorite projects to work on so far?
Over the years, I’ve worked on many projects that have been meaningful in different ways. However, the project that will forever be etched in my memory was for the Scales Conservation Fund. This NPO does incredible work for endangered animals, and I was fortunate enough to produce a video for them about the most endangered species in the world: the pangolin.
It was an experience I’ll never forget. The director, cinematographer, and I drove hours from our hometown, Johannesburg, to an undisclosed location in rural South Africa. We stayed three nights surrounded by nature. During the day, we followed these incredible little creatures around the rescue center. I’m probably one of the few people in the world who has been licked by a pangolin. That’s pretty damn cool. The horror stories surrounding these creatures are painful to hear, but learning how people dedicate themselves to the service of others and the service of nature is inspiring and deeply meaningful.
What has been one of the biggest highlights/achievements of your career?
One of the biggest highlights of my career so far has been seeing Ashes to Ashes gain recognition at festivals like the Cinema World Fest, where it won multiple awards. The process of bringing this story to life — from script to screen sharing it with audiences — has been both challenging and fulfilling. It’s a project that I’m incredibly proud of, and the acknowledgment from the film community has reinforced my passion for telling stories that matter.
Who has been one of your favorite actors/filmmakers you have worked with so far and why?
I’ve had the privilege of working for Alexander Payne as a script reader, which was an incredible experience. His ability to create character-driven narratives that are both humorous and poignant has greatly influenced my work, including Ashes to Ashes. Being able to pick the brain of someone who understands the balance between comedy and emotional depth has been incredible.
What other projects do you have coming up?
Ashes to Ashes has been my focus, but now I’m developing a series about my university experience in South Africa. We’re in the beginning stages but my room and writing partner and I are very excited about he prospects of this project. Nonetheless working on Ashes to Ashes has been one of my favorite projects because of its heartfelt and quirky exploration of family and faith. Writing and producing the pilot was a deeply personal experience, and seeing it resonate with audiences from all different backgrounds has been incredibly rewarding. The story of three estranged sisters trying to honor their mother’s last wishes in a culturally complex setting has sparked meaningful conversations, and the festival accolades have been a cherry on top.
What is your best piece of advice for aspiring artists?
My advice would be to stay true to your unique voice and find the stories that only you can tell. At the same time, embrace collaboration and be open to feedback — it’s through those interactions that your work can truly grow. Finally, don’t be afraid to take risks and step outside of your comfort zone. Projects like Ashes to Ashes began as an idea that felt deeply personal, but it’s through taking that leap that I’ve been able to connect with audiences in ways I never imagined.
