In an exclusive interview, Flickering Myth sat down with Oliviia Tcargush to talk about her lead role in Whispers and life in Russia before her transition to Hollywood…
Hi Oliviia Tcargush, welcome to Flickering Myth! What are some of your early acting experiences?
As a child my journey was quite the whirlwind, diving into various pursuits. At the age of 6, I auditioned for and participated in a well-known Russian kids’ game show called Detskie Shalosti. This marked my first TV appearance, introducing me to the exciting world of trivia and celebrity collaboration. Hitting double digits, I enrolled in a modeling school, leading to opportunities like booking a campaign for a fashion brand shoot. Notably, I became the face of a school uniform brand, featured on magazine covers and banners across Moscow. These experiences underscored my passion for creativity and the joy of sharing. From there I joined the esteemed cast of the theatre company of the long-running Russian TV show Yeralash, known for its fun sketches with child actors. Working with seasoned industry professionals and acting coaches became a significant aspect of my development. Simultaneously, I engaged in theatrical performances on Moscow’s renowned historical stages, all while navigating the demands of being on set, filming the TV show alongside Russian celebrities, and striving for academic excellence as a straight A student. The culmination of these efforts resulted in a prestigious award in 2013 – a golden statue for “Best Actress” at the age of 12.
Further expanding my horizons, I participated in a TV talk show, showcasing my versatility. As a child actress from Yeralash, I contributed to famous dance scenes, and this experience led to my role in the movie I Give You My Word 2, providing valuable insights into the filmmaking process. In essence, my childhood was characterized by a diverse array of experiences, emphasizing a dedication to creativity. I look forward to building upon these foundations as I continue my journey.
Congrats on your leading role in Whispers. Can you tell us about the project and the role you played?
It was an interesting project to work on, as it was a different take on a famous Gollum and Sméagol scene from Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings. I portrayed Gollum, also known as Sméagol, quite a fascinating combination!
Portraying the Gollum and Sméagol-inspired characters in this project was a fascinating and challenging experience for me as an actress. The director envisioned these characters as female counterparts with an unstable and rebellious nature. To fully embrace this unique portrayal, I had to step out of my comfort zone, particularly in teasing and manipulating ways while maintaining a high level of vulnerability throughout the scene.
In preparation for the role, I extensively worked on modulating my voice to create a distinct difference between the two characters. Since we weren’t incorporating Gollum’s physical body language, I had the creative freedom to develop my own gestures for this part. Analyzing the characters’ behavior and tempo helped me understand their movements, speed, and volume. This process granted me the freedom to experiment, and I found that embracing the nervous energy of the characters and channeling it into actions like grabbing objects, touching fingers, and rubbing the table enhanced the authenticity of the performance.
What is your creative process when preparing for a movie?
In my creative process for preparing a character, I stick to a reliable framework, although it adjusts based on the specific role. I consistently connect characters with animals to understand their traits better. For example, a feminine and manipulative character might be inspired by cats or larger feline counterparts.
Script analysis is a crucial step where I examine details like names, colors, phrases, and surroundings. I also consider the symbolic meanings behind colors associated with the character.
Imagination is a key element, helping me immerse myself in the character’s world and envision scenarios and surroundings. I also incorporate embodying the body language of associated animals for a nuanced portrayal.
When on set, I visualize the circumstances and surroundings, allowing for an instant connection with the character’s reality. While costumes and props are extremely important, this mental preparation ensures an authentic portrayal.
In essence, my creative process is flexible, adapting to the unique demands of each character. I may add or skip steps based on the role’s intricacies.
What makes a good filming environment for you?
For me, a good filming environment is a place where I feel safe, and the atmosphere is incredible, with everyone treating each other with respect and love. When this passion is palpable among the crew, it creates an unforgettable and incredible filming environment that feels like one big family.
Creative freedom is another crucial aspect for me. A good filming environment provides the space for me to explore characters and allows for my unique creative process.
I’ve been fortunate enough to experience this feeling on every set I’ve worked on, and it’s incredibly beautiful as an actress. It heals parts of you that you didn’t even realize needed healing. Even before the movie is made, the unity among everyone involved is evident. Despite long shooting days and overtime, everyone still treats each other with love and respect.
Connecting with one another, and the absence of constant phone distractions are some of the greatest aspects of being on set. This constant human connection makes the filming environment healthy and beautiful. It reaffirms that we’re doing things right and contributes to the magic of the final product.
Feeling the love and positivity from the filming environment translates into the finished movie, making it feel magical and bringing immense happiness. I’m extremely grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to experience such wonderful environments.
What’s the best way to follow you online?
The best way to find me is through my social media and website – I hope you can check them out! IMDb, Instagram, and Website
Our thanks to Oliviia Tcargush for taking the time for this interview, and to Liz Rodriguez from EMR Media for helping us with the interview.
