We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Eve Zhao a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Eve, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
The project that holds a special place in my heart is “Tail,” a body horror comedy we filmed in 2022. At its core, the story begins as a fable exploring the theme of breaking free from codependency, but it beautifully evolves into a celebration of women’s versatility and strength. What struck me initially about the project was the profound concept that adulthood isn’t just about overcoming limitations; it’s about acknowledging our imperfections and embracing them. As a woman navigating the complexities of relationships and societal expectations, the narrative resonated deeply with my personal experiences of feeling “anchored” and defined by others as I grew up. And how that’s how I got brought on board.
Collaborating with Yichien, the director, and the incredibly talented team was a thrilling experience. Our collective goal was not only to bring this bold story to life but also to provide inspiration, strength, and a sense of awakening to those who may find themselves in similar circumstances.
What made this project even more special for me was that it marked my first venture into a visually and narratively dazzling and fun production. It posed both challenges and excitement, prompting me to fly to Boston two weeks prior to the shoot for an in-person rehearsal with the director. This allowed me to immerse myself in all the scenes and better prepare for an intimate scene, resulting in significant personal and professional growth as an actor and a young woman, for which I wholeheartedly appreciated.
The shooting process, unfortunately, faced hurdles due to the challenges presented by COVID. However, the resilience of the entire team shone through as we overcame difficulties together, pouring our hearts and souls into the project. By the end of the journey, we had formed a formidable bond, akin to a real family. I’m hopeful for future collaborations with this remarkable team, aiming to bring more impactful and inspiring works to the public. The lessons learned and the growth experienced throughout this precious journey are aspects of my career that I deeply cherish.
Eve, 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?
My journey into the world of acting is a narrative woven with passion, resilience, and an unwavering pursuit of dreams against all odds. Born in China, my path led me on a unique odyssey through various countries, shaping both my education and cultural perspectives.
My allure for acting blossomed at an early age, deeply rooted in familial influences. My grandparents, who worked at a local theater in China, provided me with early exposure to the captivating world of acting on stage and film/tv sets. Witnessing their artistry from an early age, I realized the profound impact acting could have on emotions and connections, which had ignited a spark within me and laid the foundation for a lifelong love for the craft.
Despite harboring dreams of becoming an actor in my youth, my initial journey followed a conventional path of education to meet family expectations. This educational odyssey unfolded across different countries, contributing to the mosaic of my cultural identity. However, a transformative experience in Australia allowed me to reconnect with my love for acting, leading me to pursue this passion wholeheartedly.
Moving beyond the traditional education, I found the freedom to fully immerse myself in western culture, and reignite the flames of my childhood passion for acting in the foreign land. During my time in Melbourne, the experiences garnered while working on indie films allowed me to honor my craft and led me to make a life-altering decision – to pursue acting with unbridled dedication. The vibrant cultural tapestry of Melbourne became a canvas for my artistic exploration, and the city played a pivotal role in shaping my identity as an actor.
This unique journey is not just a testament to my commitment but also sets me apart in the industry. Convincing my family of this unconventional path was no easy feat, but in 2018, after graduating, I took the plunge and moved to the United States to further my studies in filmmaking and acting in the heart of the global entertainment industry.
Since then, I’ve been working as an active actor in the industry, contributing to multiple award-winning films that have garnered recognition on a global scale. Beyond my journey intertwined with a unique blend of cultural influences, familial inspiration, and global experiences, my unique background in filmmaking also adds a unique layer to my identity in the acting world. Unlike many actors who emerge solely from a theater background, I possess a comprehensive and nuanced understanding of film sets. This dual perspective allows me to navigate film sets seamlessly, swiftly adapting to the dynamics and effectively collaborating with directors. It’s an invaluable asset that enhances the quality of my performances.
While the path of an actor is riddled with challenges, my approach is to confront them head-on through continuous training. Workshops, acting classes, and a commitment to learning different techniques have been instrumental in refining my craft. I believe in the transformative power of practice, and I embody this philosophy in my daily life to make sure authenticity and organic depth are infused into my characters.
Inspired by Maggie Cheung’s wisdom, I find inspiration in travel, observation, and life’s richness. Traveling allows me to gain new perspectives, question the status quo, and rejuvenate my creativity in diverse environments. This holistic approach informs my performances, adding layers of authenticity and depth to my characters.
A profound lesson learned in my journey is the importance of self-belief. Acting is a uniquely introspective profession, demanding the confrontation of imperfections, insecurities, and fears. Embracing this challenge and standing tall in front of oneself is a transformative journey that yields surprising growth. Inspired by Kate Winslet’s words, I’ve convinced and encouraged myself to disregard external doubts, and to trust instincts and persevere despite the inevitable criticisms.
As I navigate this ongoing journey, I take pride in the resilience I’ve cultivated and the unwavering belief in my craft.
To potential clients, followers, and fans, I extend an invitation to join me on this thrilling adventure. My commitment to authenticity, continuous growth, and self-belief shapes not just my acting but also defines who I am as an individual and an artist. I sincerely hope fellow artists embark on this journey with me and explore the limitless possibilities of storytelling through the art of acting together.
Are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
In hindsight, reflecting on my creative journey as an actor, I acknowledge the challenges I faced in establishing meaningful connections within the industry, especially with talent managers, agents, producers, and directors. In my initial acting career, despite investing time in classes, workshops, and socializing, I discovered an unexpected gap between filmmakers and actors. Industry events, which I assumed would facilitate professional communication, often felt more like casual gatherings without a clear focus on fostering connections.
One significant hurdle I encountered was the lack of representation for the Asian community in the industry. This not only intensified the sense of separation between different communities but also made certain events seem exclusive and harder to penetrate. As I embarked on my career, I found myself navigating a path that often felt like a solitary endeavor.
The realization that changed the trajectory of my journey was understanding the significance of a supportive community. Striving to develop my career in both filmmaking and acting, I actively worked to bridge the gap between these two seemingly distinct communities. This effort led me to discover the immense value of creating opportunities rather than passively waiting for them to come my way. This shift in perspective allowed me to seek out like-minded individuals, and foster a sense of unity and support for myself and my fellow actors as I navigate the intricacies of the industry.
Looking back, I wish I had grasped earlier on the fact that proactively creating opportunities is a fundamental aspect of a successful creative journey. Building a network and actively seeking individuals who shared my goals proved instrumental in overcoming the challenges I faced. The journey became more fulfilling as I found my community, providing not only support for myself but also contributing to a collective effort to improve representation and connection within the industry. This proactive approach ultimately transformed my experience from one of isolation to a collaborative and supportive creative endeavor.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
The most rewarding aspect of being either an actor or an artist, in my perspective, lies in the profound ability to connect with others on both emotional and intellectual levels. Through the medium of storytelling and creative expression, individuals in these roles wield the power to evoke genuine emotions, challenge perspectives, and inspire meaningful conversations.
As someone who identifies as a global citizen, I have observed how a lack of knowledge or understanding can breed rage, conflict, and misunderstandings. However, I have also been captivated by instances where people from diverse backgrounds unite to appreciate artistry through media. This has instilled in me a sense of responsibility to bridge the gap between different languages, cultures, and backgrounds, aiming to create a shared human experience that resonates with and connects all communities.
I believe artists find fulfillment in translating their thoughts, emotions, and observations into visual or auditory forms. Whether it be through painting, sculpture, music, or other mediums, artists possess a unique ability to communicate complex ideas and feelings non-verbally. The reward stems from the realization that their creations can transcend language barriers, conveying universal messages that resonate with people from various walks of life.
Similarly, for me as an actor, the particular satisfaction lies in the transformative process of embodying diverse characters and bringing them to life. Stepping into someone else’s shoes allows me to explore the intricacies of the human condition, fostering empathy and understanding. The impact of a compelling performance has the potential to resonate with audiences, leaving a lasting impression and prompting introspection.
Furthermore, I hold the belief that artists serve as the true rule-makers in the game we are all compelled to play. They make significant contributions to societal reflection and critique, possessing the power to challenge norms, question the status quo, and provoke thought. By presenting alternative perspectives or shedding light on overlooked issues, they become catalysts for social change. The satisfaction derived from knowing that their work has the potential to influence hearts and minds is a driving force for many of us in the artistic community.
Moreover, the collaborative nature of the artistic process enhances the reward for actors and artists. Collaborating with fellow creatives allows for the exchange of ideas and the amalgamation of diverse talents, resulting in a final product that is richer and more nuanced. It’s akin to bouncing balls adding to their momentum, and echoes breaking us free from solitude. The sense of camaraderie and shared passion within the artistic community adds a layer of fulfillment that extends beyond individual achievement.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Website: evezhao.com
- IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10820097/?ref_=fn_al_nm_1
- Instagram: @evelyn.dz_