Today we’d like to introduce you to Isabella & Olivia Cohen.
Hi Isabella & Olivia, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I think my sister covered all the basics, haha! To add to that, I would say we were always super creative, imaginative children. We loved to make little movies on our laptops, dress up and put on skits, and write children’s stories in elementary school. We were storytellers from before I could even remember. I think having a twin helps foster creativity because you constantly have somebody to play and imagine with. Acting and writing became those vehicles for our creativity and storytelling as we got older. But I think it was always inside of us. It’s nice to honor our younger selves by still indulging in our creative spirits well into adulthood.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Yes, I totally agree. I would say, even mentally and emotionally, it hasn’t been a smooth road. Lots of questioning if this is the right path to take if you even have what it takes to survive and thrive in this business, and wondering if all this time and energy was wasted going towards a pipe dream. I think it helps that we have each other to lean on and encourage each other, but this industry takes a lot of hope, blind confidence in the universe, and persistence. I was talking to somebody who works in the business the other day, and I said, “I’ve only been a REAL player in this industry for about two years (Aka: having an agent/manager, getting sent out on big auditions, getting cast as guest stars on Network tv, making a short film). But I’ve actually been working for this ever since I was a child. Sometimes I get tired.”
And he said, “The hardest part about this industry is getting to the point where you are an actual player in the game. And you’ve done it. All those years as a kid and young adult working hard and making those connections? They got you to be a player in the game. The hardest part is over.” That gave me a lot of perspective. You sometimes think all those years of hard work and broken dreams led to nothing, but in actuality, they actually paid off, and now you’re being taken seriously as filmmakers and actresses. Those years didn’t go to waste. It’s just hard; things take time, and the buildup is slow. I can’t wait to see where we’ll be in ten years from now. All these building blocks eventually make a building. It’s just hard to see it when you’re so close to it.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Yes, I totally second all of that. My sister and I have always wanted to tell stories that were personal to our hearts, that make people feel seen, and that make people think. I would say we really accomplished that with this story. I’m super proud of us and the entire team. It was definitely a labor of love. And when I say we put our blood, sweat, and tears into it… I mean it! Making this film was by far the hardest thing I’ve ever done, but also, by far, the most fulfilling. Above all else, this film is a love letter to twins. I hope twins can really feel acknowledged and appreciated for all of their complexities and unique life experiences.
Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
Oooo great question. I feel like I’m always the person asking other people this, haha! I would say to not base your self-worth off of your career success or failures. Sometimes it feels like your career is all you have and that, without it, you’re just floating on a planet in space with nothing to anchor you, but it’s not true. Find passions and hobbies, and joys outside of your career that make you happy. So that when your career gets hard and discouraging, you have positive things to fall back on. Especially things that have nothing to do with the industry. Whether that’s making friends, traveling, learning a new language or sport or instrument, baking/cooking, sewing, reading, etc. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized that a career is always going to be something you are working on and trying to improv. It’s not a dead end. So, find the everyday joys in life. Enjoy living and being alive. It really is about the little things at the end of the day. In terms of career career advice (as opposed to general life advice), I’d say don’t be afraid to follow up with people. Obviously know how to be respectful and when to take a step back, but I mean, persistence is key in this business. If you don’t ask, it’s a no. As long as you are respectful and have the work to back it up, then be bold, reach out, and follow up. This industry is all about people who are going for what they want. If you don’t, somebody else will. And also, if you are a woman or minority of any kind, you will experience more rejection, whether people want to admit it or not. Don’t let it stop you.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.isabellacohen.me
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_cohen_sisters/?hl=en
