HI, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER. THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF, WHO IS DAVINA COLAÇO IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
I’m an actor, a writer, dog mum and vintage tea cup collector. I am counting down the days before I get to move into my own Hobbit Hole somewhere in a forest. Don’t worry, visitors will be allowed. Who else would I tell my stories to?
HOW AND WHEN EXACTLY DID YOU REALIZE YOU HAD A PASSION FOR FILMMAKING?
Growing up, my best friend Caroline and I would use any recording device at our disposal to create skits and shorts. I can’t speak to the quality of those projects, but we both certainly shared amazing experiences in creating them. What made them so brilliant was our commitment to the gags- we always followed through with the ideas and I think the lack of pressure really made it possible for me to hone my talent without being too concerned about results. Today I’m pleased to report that we both are equally as passionate about filmmaking as when we were little kids.
YOU’RE WORKING WITH AROY PRODUCTIONSTELL US ABOUT THE TYPES OF MOVIES THEY MAKE?
AROY Productions, which comprises of Jared Bishop, Santino McNaughton Jr and Andrew Gerdak, is a total powerhouse of raw talent. Their first short together was Biking and it was a beautiful, non-verbal experience centering on the life of inner city kids in LA. It was rooted in honesty and to see my peers go out and be fearless creators inspired me to keep on keeping on- on my own journey. Last year, I was so lucky to share in a small part of Jared Bishop’s brainchild, Private School. The first episodes have just dropped and once again, I am blown away by the collective dedication of the company and all those who helped realize it.
WILL YOU BE PRODUCING OR ACTING IN THEM?
I was lucky to be the art director for a couple of episodes and did have a small role in Private School but moving forward as I want to primarily focus on acting this upcoming year, I am excited to work with Jared as my director. I’ve seen him on set, it’s like you can see physical sparks fly when he enters the work space, and to have him guide me on an in-depth journey into one of his stories would be such a fruitful experience.
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT ONE OF THE UPCOMING PROJECTS?
AROY originals have a knack for teetering on the surreal while staying grounded in real struggles. I can’t say much, except that I associate AROY Productions with earnest, successful efforts in taking charge of the narrative that belongs to them.
WHAT IS THE ONE THING THAT YOU ALWAYS KEEP IN YOUR MIND WHILE PREPARING FOR A ROLE?
In doing theatre, I’ve had to stretch and portray some really morally corrupt characters.Then there’s also just characters I don’t personally align with. Rather than making a meal out of stereotypes in those cases, I tend to look for similarities before I begin to dissect the differences. It’s easier for me to humanize people that way. I have to be able to relate to them, fully comprehend their ethos, no matter how strongly I disagree, for the sake of a committed portrayal. It’s important to learn new things and broaden one’s perspective. Then, when it’s over I make sure I re-wire my brain because I don’t believe that empathy achieved by those methods should cloud my moral judgment moving forward.
WHAT MAKES A GOOD CREATIVE TEAM FOR YOU?
I need to be able to have open dialogue with a team. I am a very thorough person and so if someone creates the space for me to freely discuss and ask questions, not only does it help me perform better, but personally as well, I feel like I’ve done my work with integrity.
WHAT’S SOMETHING WE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOU THAT MIGHT SURPRISE US?
I have an impressive (somewhat secret) collection of hats and headgear that is ever rotating thanks to friends and borrowers. Every game night or party ends in costume at my place!
WHAT MAKES A GOOD FILMING ENVIRONMENT FOR YOU?
Basic decency and respect goes a long way. I’ve been on some sets where after being so eager to work, I’m left to be met with a lack of consideration, whether as crew or performer. It’s disheartening, especially since a lot of times on indie sets, people are investing so much time and effort just for the love of creating something together.
WHAT IS ONE MESSAGE THAT YOU WOULD LIKE TO GIVE TO YOUR FANS?
Stop asking for my social security number! It worked once, but not this time- you hear me!
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
People can follow me on IMDb and Instagram @davinacolaco.
