Oftentimes, I discover new artists when I interview actors with whom I am already familiar. In fact, I could say with a decided degree of certainty that the vast majority of the time, it is the recommendation of my actor friends that directs me to previously undiscovered talents (well, at least “undiscovered” on my part). And in the case of Elysia Rotaru, I noticed her as a result of my recent interview with James Clayton. While Residue may not be my preferred genre (I’m a sucker for mysteries and romantic comedies), I have realized in the past year that my tastes are more eclectic than I knew. I simply adore connecting with actors like Elysia who cause me to step outside my comfort zone, and in truth, I am quite impressed with our recent chat!
Photo Credit: Matt Lawrence
RH: Why did you decide to become an actress? What kind of training have you had?
What was your first professional job in the industry and what are your memories of that role?
I think my first professional job in the industry was a small role on the TV show Psych. I don’t even remember the name of the role, but I’m sure you can see it up there on my IMDB.
You had a role in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules. How did you get that role, and what are your memories of that role and working on that film?
According to your credits, you have been in one Christmas film–Finding Mrs. Claus. What was most memorable about working on that film? Do you have hopes to do another Christmas film at some point?
You had a recurring role on Supernatural. What was the on-set filming experience and cast/crew like? Any behind-the-scenes moments you can share from working on that show?
Well, it wasn’t a true recurring role, as I did one episode as a guest star and then came back a couple years later as a completely different character. But nonetheless being on that show twice was so much fun. Jared {Padalecki} and Jensen {Ackles} are such a blast to work with. Their energy on set is just contagious. After twelve years of working together, it’s so beautiful to see that a cast and crew can still have fun and enjoy what they’re doing day in and out. Coming into that was a really positive experience, and it shined some great light onto this industry. I remember filming this green screen scene as Victoria Dodd, where she burns up, and it was so fun to shoot. I did quite a few takes featuring different ways that I would die from being burned alive. I can only imagine what that looked like raw [laughs]. The second time I came onto the show as Shaylene, Jensen and I had a kissing scene, and I pushed him into the wall. I think after the first couple of takes, we kind of broke the wall.
You’ve done some voice work, but are most known for Lego Star Wars: Droid Tales. What do you appreciate most about voice work? What are the challenges?
Many people probably know you as Taiana from Arrow. What was it like coming onto that show and portraying this character? Since you were on that show for some time, what did you enjoy most about your role on that show? Do you think there is any chance your character could come back at some point?
It looks like you will be in the second season of Travelers. Without spoiling the storyline, is there anything you can tell us about your character?
Residue was recently released. How did you get involved in this film, and what can you tell us about your character? Since this is an independent film, what do you see as the benefits and challenges of doing an indie film?
I got involved in Residue from being invited to an audition. I play the role of Monica who is the love interest of the lead, Luke Harding. She is also the manager and cleaner of the building he and his daughter reside in. I love working on an indie film, especially when it’s with people I know and respect, and the script is exciting. I think a lot of the challenges are mostly on the production side of things because you’re always working with some sort of tight-knit budget. People are usually there maybe for free or at a lower rate than what they would usually get, so I always make sure that when I’m on an independent project, it’s with great people who are there working together to produce something that resonates with them. I also find that a lot of independent projects touch on subject matters that resonate more to my essence or something that I want to dive into in a performance, and there’s a little bit more grace and freedom to explore and put forth your own ideas. That’s always a great incentive for me.
Any other upcoming works you can mention?
I notice you’ve done some producing. Any chance you may do some directing or writing at some point?
I’ve been producing some short films on the side with some good friends, one of them is my production partner Stephen Sawchuck. We just finished production on our latest project titled FWD which is a horror comedy short film, and we’re hoping to show it in the festival circuit. And I would love to direct one day. I think I’d really like to start co-directing and then work up from there.
What are your favorite summer pastimes?
Photo Credit: Matt Lawrence
Elysia is a genuine talent with a deep and abiding love for every facet of this industry. She is versatility personified in a gorgeous package of energy and passion, and I am thrilled to begin the quest of uncovering previously untapped gems consisting of her extraordinary works with which I am unfamiliar. One of the best parts of interviewing actors like Elysia is the electrification of discovery. Moreover, the fact that Elysia is a lovely and accomplished woman with immense talent and consistent optimism only make this journey even more gratifying. Thus, I would invite everyone to check out all of Elysia’s links below, and maybe even investigate her recent and upcoming works (that film coming out later this month sounds intriguing). It is industry professionals like Elysia who irradiate the light of joy, humility, and benevolence to all viewers, fans, and co-workers alike that consistently remind me of why I relish my position of interviewer so much!
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