Today we’d like to introduce you to Ellie Patrikios.
So, before we jump into specific questions, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My story begins on a small but historically-large (and Jurassic) Greek island, Kefalonia. I spent most of my time collecting fossils with my parent’s archaeologist friends, fascinating about dinosaurs, and the tooth fairy. Some days, it would get so hot, and so boring during the “Siesta” hours. Although I was also supposed to be resting I would quietly be preparing shows ready to present to my family and friends.
Don’t get me wrong, before and after the “siesta hours” Mum and Dad would join in on my creative world, and we developed a unique style of makeup and costume with limited resources to really bring my performances to life.
Then in 2000, I met my passion of acting (how cool is that! I was only six and I knew what I wanted to do already) when I met Penelope Cruz, John Hurt, and some of the crew from Louis de Bernières’ novel, Captain Corelli’s Mandolin, brought to the screen by John Madden, which was being filmed in Kefalonia!
Now, twenty years later, the industry is still where my heart is, and I am so happy to be in a position to pursue this amazing craft as my career. I feel so fortunate to be able to recreate myself for every role and enter new worlds and situations I would never otherwise encounter. Being pushed out of my comfort zone continually is something I relish.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
No road begins smooth no matter the path you choose. The harder the journey the sweeter the reward at the end. The distance between myself and my family has been a challenge and has meant that from a relatively young age, I had to grow and learn through a series of triumphs and crisis. Joy, when something incredible happens can be less sweet without those closest to you being there to celebrate with you. At the same time, bad days can be so much darker for the same reasons. Learning to trust not just myself but my judgment and others around me has surely been one of the toughest lessons I’ve had to learn. Struggles and chance encounters are not always positive or negative despite how they appear at first glance. “It is neither good nor bad, but thinking makes it so” – William Shakespeare. I have found that every “bump” or obstacle is an opportunity to learn, an experience to be examined, dissected and then drawn upon for the future.
We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
Although my “business” predominately exists as an actor, I created ‘EVPLANET’ as a stepping stone to showcase the aspects of the creative industry that I am not yet involved in at a Professional level. I am fortunate in having 15 years of training, education and experience within the film, theatre and music worlds.
I have the privilege to be amidst the epicenter of the creative arts, learning from the best of the best.
So, although not exactly a company at present, ‘EVPLANET’ is a platform that allows me to develop and present my skills as not only an actress but in the many other fields of the industry. A good example of this is through my love of photography, video and writing, creating “Behind The Scenes” on set, capturing moments throughout the production process. Being able to combine words with images is an integral part of my profession and I find this takes my thoughts to an entirely new level.
Being bi-lingual is an asset. I love the variety of work I have been able to accept. Speaking not only English but Greek has helped my understanding of basic phonetics as well as the complexities of accents. I have a keen ear for the many regional variations around me. “Not simply the way the word is spoken but the feeling and emotion behind it.”
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I am currently working on a super exciting project directed by multi-award winning Italian director Stefano Milla, who has put together a “story-line” that is unprecedented! The story takes place in Los Angeles, CA, during the year 2021. I play the lead character Kate Roberts, a borderline young woman, working as a forensic photographer, tormented by visions and nightmares of violent crimes and mass murders. But a series of homicides start giving a new meaning to my visions and reveal the mark of a dangerous serial killer. (And, that’s all I can give away, for now!) (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9808998/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1)
In May, I’ll be heading over to Ionian Island Holidays Ltd. to pick up my itinerary to film for the Greek Tourism Organization, where I’ll be filming the Ionian Islands; Corfu, Paxos and Anti-Paxos. The summer will consist of a lot of travel and hard work. (I put together these films from scratch, with the storyboard, location choice, filming, drone operating, and finally, editing, SFX, color correction, music rights, titles, and narration.)
By October 2020, I look forward to the release of Black Pumpkin (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt4180532/?ref_=fn_al_tt_1), a Halloween-based independent film that reintroduces the eighties style of horror to the modern era, Directed by Ryan McGonagle. Here I play the leading role of Laurie Peterson. A typical American teen, where on “October 31, 2018, two preteens in a small town accidentally awaken an evil that has lain dormant for decades. They are forced to survive through a terrifying Halloween night of cat-and-mouse, from the monster known as “Bloody Bobby.” And, after ‘spook season’, for the release of Agents of Project Blue Book (https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6666578/?ref_=ttpl_pl_tt) directed by the unique Writer, Director and terrific Animator, Kevin Davis. In this, I play 50’s Movie Star, Madeline Winters.
Other than that – I have a mockumentary series I’ve been working on for the last five years called “The Startups” which is so much fun! I am forever inspired by Ricky Gervais, David Walliams, Matt Lucas, Chris Lilley (to name a few), and their superb way of playing a multi-faceted cast. So heck! I will play a man, a farmer, a cat parlourist, a ranger, etc.. and boy! I can’t wait to wrap up on pre-production so I can begin filming that!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.elliepatrikios.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eleanorronson/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliepatrikios/
- Yelp: https://elliepatrikios.yelp.com
- Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm5057757/
Image Credit:
1. The one of me with the watering hose – Cliff Lipson; 2. The one of me wearing a yellow dress in Chinatown – George Lakos; 3. Wearing elegant green dress – Jason Nicholson / dress is by Tafreshi 4. Tying up laces on roller-skates – Paula Neves; 5. In the car wearing see-through sort of dress – Tian Liu;6. With the wolf – Mikey Piliero
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