We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Tasja Fleury. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Tasja below.
Tasja, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
The most meaningful project I’ve worked on is definitely my short film, Ozan. It’s a project that feels deeply personal, not just because I wrote the screenplay and will be acting in it, but I’m also producing it—something I’ve never done before. Right now, we’re in the middle of a crowdfunding campaign for the film, which has been its own wild learning curve. We have 34 days left now, so it’s an exciting but nerve-wracking time!
What makes Ozan so special to me is that it’s the first time I’m actually bringing one of my own screenplays to life. I’ve always loved writing, I’ve taken screenwriting courses, and obsessed over getting things “right,” but for years, I let perfectionism stop me from actually making something. This project is me finally saying, “Okay, let’s just do it. Let’s make mistakes, let’s learn, but let’s create.”
Another reason it means so much is the people I get to collaborate with. Our director, Olenka Jud-Cartagena, is a coworker of mine in the theater world, and she’s been such a source of encouragement from the start. Then there’s Giyasettin Şehir, a brilliant Kurdish actor and set designer, who trusts me enough to work together despite the language barrier. That trust alone has been so humbling. And speaking of language—I was casually learning Kurdish here and there before, but now, because of the film, I’m fully committing to it. It’s amazing how a project can push you to grow in ways you didn’t expect.
Like I mentioned, this is also my first time producing, which means I’m diving headfirst into everything from crowdfunding to making sure this vision actually comes to life. It’s overwhelming, but in the best way. Every step of this process has been a mix of excitement, fear, uncertainty and deep gratitude.
If anything, Ozan is teaching me that creative work isn’t about waiting until you feel “ready.” It’s about taking the leap and figuring it out along the way.
Here’s also a Link to the project, in case anyone wants to support us.
https://www.crowdify.net/en/project/ozan
Tasja, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
Hey, I’m Tasja! I’m an actress and screenwriter from Switzerland, and I’ve been on this journey in the entertainment industry for a few years now. Acting has been my dream since I was a little kid—my first experience on stage was in kindergarten when I landed the main role in a play, even though it was originally meant for a boy. That moment and feeling stuck with me. But figuring out how to actually make acting a career? That took a bit longer.
For the longest time, the industry felt so far away, almost untouchable. I didn’t know anyone who worked in film or theater, and in Switzerland, it wasn’t exactly something people around me talked about as a “real” job. So for a while, I drifted away from my dream, unsure of how to even begin. But when I hit a low point at 18, I made a deal with myself—no more waiting, no more wondering. I was going to pursue this dream and see where it led.
Funny enough, my first real step wasn’t acting—it was writing. I took a remote screenwriting course for almost a year, which helped me understand storytelling more. Then, in 2019, I finally went to acting school. I graduated in 2022, and since then, I’ve been working in theater and film, currently performing with the Reisetheater Zürich while also doing various film projects. Right now, my main focus is Ozan, though.
What sets me apart? I think it might be my stubborness to make things happen, even when the path isn’t clear. I started with zero industry connections, no blueprint, just a (sort of delusional) belief that I could somehow do this. So far it’s working out alright.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the work itself is the reward. I know that might sound simple, but truly—I’m amazed and incredibly grateful that I get to wake up every day and do what I love.
Of course, like anyone in a profession like this will tell you, it’s not always easy. There are many struggles, moments of doubt, the unpredictability of it all. But at the end of the day, the process—learning, growing, constantly pushing myself in this craft—makes it all worth it. I’m just curious as to who I can become through my work, what I can discover, and how each project teaches me something new, whether it’s about storytelling, human nature, or even myself.
So honestly, if I can just keep doing what I do now—acting, writing, creating—and continue making a living from it, I’ll be the happiest person. That’s all I want: to keep evolving through my art, hopefully help some people in the process and to never stop learning.
Have any books or other resources had a big impact on you?
There are so many books that have shaped my approach to both my craft and the entrepreneurial side of it all. But if I had to pick a few that have really stuck with me, I’d start with:
– The Art of Acting by Stella Adler
— and honestly, all of her books. Her emphasis on imagination, learning, and truly immersing yourself in the world of the writer resonates with me deeply. One of my favorite quotes from her is:
“Tell yourself that the world is outside, that it’s not to be hidden from you, that you are going to thrust yourself forward and be relaxed in the world. You have chosen a field where you’re going to be hurt to the blood. But to retreat from the pain is death.”
Then there’s
– Mastery by Robert Greene
,which is one of those books I keep coming back to. It breaks down what it really takes to master a craft—not just talent, but patience, discipline, and the willingness to embrace the long journey of learning.
His book
– The Laws of Human Nature
is another one I’ve found incredibly useful, especially when developing characters. It’s a deep dive into why people behave the way they do, which is pretty much the foundation of acting and storytelling.
And finally, two biographies that have a special place in my heart:
– Loitering with Intent by Peter O’Toole
– Never Grow Up by Jackie Chan
Both of these actors inspire me not just for their talent, but for their relentless work ethic. Their stories are filled with moments of struggle, resilience, and an almost obsessive love for their craft—something I relate to and learn from constantly.
These books, in different ways, have all shaped how I approach my work and my life.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://tasjafleury.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tasjafleury/
Image Credits
Tom Rufer, Olenka Jud-Cartagena, Lorena De Maddalena, Amélie Bargetzi, Skaicru