Under the Sea with Mermaid Down’s Alexandra Bokova

What were things you brought to the character that you’re most proud of? Any memorable moments on set?
I like to think it was honest and not overplayed, from my perspective. I’m proud to be a part of a story that emphasizes not to judge a book by its cover. Even if someone seems odd and isn’t like you if you look closely you can relate to them in many different ways. We are all able to relate to one another if we pay attention and choose to understand each other. All it takes is a little patience and an open mind. I had the privilege of working with some incredibly talented people. My on-screen friend Ghost played by Meggan Kaiser became a friend in real life. The fisherman, Stanley, played by Shepherd Stevenson (who also co-composed the original score for Mermaid Down along with Christopher Lord) was awesome to work with. He even drove me to Intensive Care when we thought I needed stitches on my head after an injury between takes during the opening boat scenes. I ended up not needing stitches but strongly recommended to stay off the caffeine. I love a good, twisted sense of humor and people who don’t take themselves too seriously. Despite the heaviness of some scenes we spent a lot of time laughing in between takes. I am honored to have been in such great company and am excited to see everyone’s future projects.

“…trying to break into Hollywood, I realize how fortunate actors are for any and every opportunity…”

Can you talk about your acting career in Russia?
I was born into an artistic family so I had the privilege of participating in theater as a child. In many ways, despite a profession as an actor held to the highest regards in my family and culture, I took it for granted so I didn’t feel like it was a big deal. I remember when I was cast for a kid’s TV show Nezhniy Vozrast my classmates were excited and I kind of brushed it off. I didn’t treat it as a job but something I did for fun, as an after school activity. Now that I am older and trying to break into Hollywood, I realize how fortunate actors are for any and every opportunity that comes along. It is a privilege to do what you love, to have the ability to pursue your passion. I hope I have a chance to reunite with the people who cast me in projects as a child, so I can thank them again for those opportunities, lessons, and experiences.

Who were your influences becoming an actress?
First, my mom, a child actor turned Academic. Second, my grandmother Alla Bokova was a Distinguished Artist of the Russian Federation. Aside from family and theater, my early influences were actors of previous generations. I remember first watching Giulietta Masina in Nights of Cabiria and she was so talented, expressive, relatable and charming. In all her work beyond beauty, there is this fire that comes through her eyes, dangerous yet very warm and familiar. Most of my favorite actors share that and are versatile in both drama and comedy. Yul Brynner, Louis de Funes, Adriano Celentano, Alisa Freyndlikh, Andrei Mironov, Sophia Loren, Annie Girardot. I spent a lot of my time watching Tim Burton films especially after moving to the US when feeling lonely and like an outsider. They helped me romanticize my oddness, laugh at myself and carry on.