Meet Anastasia Katarina

Today we’d like to introduce you to Anastasia Katarina.

So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Well, I’m an actor – a unique breed of humans who psychoanalyze the mundane and make-pretend with conviction; yet, somehow we find truth in life and in the human experience.

I’m very lucky in that I’ve always known what I wanted to do. There was never a defining moment in my life when I discovered my passion. I’ve just always known. I think that’s quite rare to hear and perhaps a bit eerie. Either way, I’m grateful for it.

I grew up in Scandinavia with no connection to entertainment. I was performing in whatever way I could. Whether it was putting on a play, fooling around in front of the home-video cameras, or choreographing a dance and organizing every detail of a full-on school performance.

I moved to the US and went to a school with a strong theater program. There, I studied various acting methods, dancing, and music at the highest-level audition classes. While still learning English, I maintained a vigorous and advanced placement academic schedule. I graduated with honors, scholarships, and the highest GPA of my graduating class.

Upon entering the LA film industry, I continued to study film independently and stayed busy working on various film, commercial, and editorial projects. Producers and directors rehired me and recommended me, and slowly, I started booking more based on word-of-mouth.

From there, I started growing my network. Networking doesn’t come easy to me. I’m more of an introvert and don’t much enjoy talking about my achievements.

Just as I’d fallen in love with acting, I became addicted to film. I wanted to contribute more; to produce content; to be a filmmaker as well as an actor. So, I got more involved. I worked as script-editor and advisor to producers ahead of greenlighting various films.

At entry-level, the industry is impossible. It’s one big overcrowded house with no map and no staircase to the second floor. There was no one to hold my hand. In an industry where you so easily get grid-locked in the masses, I sought a way to regain control and strengthen my career trajectory.

Finally in 2019, I began consistently developing my own content. Together with some amazing and talented collaborators, we’ve been producing a variety of short-form content: short films, artistic dance videos, fashion films, nordic myth films.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
No, and I am aware that my life has been rougher than most. However, I’d rather answer this question with a reminder that we all struggle.

We all have obstacles we must overcome, and we all must do our best to unite in our hardships – in the recognition of them, and in both the victories and setbacks in overcoming them.

In Finnish, there’s an important cultural and historical term: “sisu.” It represents endurance against extreme hardships. “Sisu” is a word that still resonates with me.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I’m at the beginning of my journey.

I do a little of everything. Acting coaches and directors say I have a lot of depth in my performances. I often portray more damaged roles in thrillers and dramas. In theater, I often played the comedic relief. Commercially, I do a lot of beauty and fashion commercials. I’ll also play the young mom or sweet girl-next-door selling you the hot new printer, the cool car gadget, or that new alkaline water. I also do a lot of modeling, directing, and producing, as well as dancing and voice-over work.

I’m a workaholic. People tell me I work harder than everyone else. I don’t always succeed but I’m very self-disciplined. I strive for an elevated level of consistency and adaptability. I set out to achieve my goals while still continuing to sharpen my craft and creating with pride.

Contact Info:

• Website: imdb.com/name/nm8316098
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: instagram.com/anastasia.katarina  and instagram.com/tryll.productions

Image Credit:
Tryll Productions, Jay Coronado, Karina Dobra, Burcu Erim, Kenz Lawren

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