We were lucky to catch up with Marina Kofman recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marina, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

Learning to be an actress has been a continuous journey for me, shaped by a combination of formal training, on-set experiences, and personal exploration. I started with acting college, which provided a solid foundation in technique and the theory of performance. However, much of my learning came from being on set, observing seasoned actors, and taking direction from filmmakers. Every role, no matter how small, was an opportunity to refine my craft. I also spent time studying films, reading scripts, and practicing scenes on my own or with peers. Immersing myself in different characters helped me understand the nuances of human emotion and interaction.
Looking back, I realize I could have sped up my learning by seeking more diverse experiences early on. This could have included working in different genres, taking on challenging roles outside my comfort zone, and collaborating with directors who have varied perspectives. I also wish I had focused on networking within the industry sooner. Building relationships with fellow actors, directors, and casting agents can open doors and provide valuable feedback. Additionally, consistently recording and reviewing my performances would have helped me to objectively critique and improve my work faster.
The most essential skills for an actress, in my experience, are emotional intelligence, adaptability, and resilience. Emotional intelligence allows you to tap into and portray a wide range of emotions convincingly. Adaptability is crucial because each role, director, and production environment is different, requiring you to quickly adjust your approach. Resilience is needed to handle rejection, criticism, and the unpredictability of the industry. Beyond these, strong communication skills and a deep understanding of storytelling are vital for bringing scripts to life.
One of the biggest obstacles I faced was self-doubt. In an industry where you’re constantly judged on your appearance, talent, and choices, it’s easy to second-guess yourself. This sometimes held me back from fully committing to roles or pursuing opportunities. Another challenge was the inconsistency of work. The nature of acting means there can be long periods of downtime between projects, which can lead to a loss of momentum. Financial instability and the need to juggle side jobs also posed challenges, as they sometimes took time and focus away from my craft. Finally, navigating the industry as an outsider with no initial connections made it difficult to gain access to opportunities that could have accelerated my learning.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I’m an actress with a deep passion for storytelling and exploring the human condition through my craft. My journey into acting began in my hometown in Siberia, where I felt a strong urge to break free from the small-town life and pursue something more dynamic and expressive. My love for film and theater inspired me to move to a bigger city, where I began taking acting classes and eventually started working as a background actress. This experience gave me invaluable insight into the film industry and sparked my drive to take on more significant roles.
My entry into the acting world wasn’t a straight path. It involved a lot of hard work, persistence, and embracing opportunities, no matter how small they seemed at the time. I began by participating in local theater productions and short films in my college, which allowed me to develop my skills and gain confidence. Over time, I worked as a production designer on movie sets, which gave me a unique perspective on the visual and aesthetic aspects of storytelling.
As an actress, I bring characters to life across different mediums, including film, television, and theater. My work involves interpreting scripts, developing characters, and delivering performances that resonate with audiences on an emotional level. I’m also involved in the creative process behind the scenes, working closely with directors and writers to ensure that the vision of the story is fully realized. My background in fashion and styling sometimes allows me to contribute to the visual storytelling, ensuring that the characters I portray are authentic and visually compelling.
In the realm of acting, the “clients” are often the filmmakers, directors, and producers who rely on actors to convey the story they want to tell. My job is to bring depth, nuance, and believability to the characters I portray, making sure that the audience is fully engaged and emotionally invested in the story. I also solve creative challenges by being adaptable, taking direction well, and offering insights from my experience as both an actress and a stylist. Whether it’s a challenging role that requires intense emotional work or a project that needs a quick turnaround, I strive to deliver performances that exceed expectations.
What sets me apart is my multifaceted background and my approach to character development. My experience in fashion and styling allows me to see characters not just from an emotional perspective but also through the lens of how they present themselves to the world. This dual perspective helps me create more holistic and authentic portrayals. Additionally, coming from a smaller town with a strong desire to push beyond my initial environment has instilled in me a deep sense of resilience and a commitment to continual growth. I’m not afraid to take risks, whether it’s diving into a complex role or collaborating on experimental projects.
I’m most proud of the journey I’ve taken to get where I am today. It hasn’t always been easy, and there have been moments of doubt, but I’ve stayed true to my passion for acting and storytelling. I’m proud of the diverse roles I’ve played and the ways I’ve been able to connect with audiences. Each project, no matter the size, has been a step forward in my career, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made.
I want people to know that I’m dedicated to my craft and committed to telling stories that matter. I’m always looking for new challenges and opportunities to grow as an actress and I’m constantly striving to push boundaries and explore new creative avenues. I’m excited to see where this journey takes me next, and I’m grateful for everyone who has supported me along the way.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being an actress is the ability to connect with people on a deep emotional level. There’s something incredibly powerful about stepping into a character’s shoes, experiencing their world, and then sharing that journey with an audience. When a performance resonates with viewers, whether it moves them to tears, makes them laugh, or inspires them to see things differently, it feels like I’ve made a meaningful impact. The process of creating, exploring, and discovering new facets of humanity through my roles is both challenging and fulfilling. Each project offers a chance to learn, grow, and push my creative boundaries, which is immensely satisfying.

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

To best support artists and a thriving creative ecosystem, society can start by recognizing the intrinsic value of the arts and creativity. Funding for the arts should be prioritized, ensuring that artists have the resources they need to develop their craft and bring their visions to life. This includes grants, scholarships, and subsidies that make it possible for emerging artists to pursue their careers without the constant stress of financial instability.
Education is also key. Schools should emphasize the importance of the arts, not just as an extracurricular activity but as a core component of a well-rounded education. By nurturing creativity from a young age, we can foster a culture that values artistic expression and innovation.
Moreover, creating accessible platforms for artists to showcase their work is crucial. This could be through community theaters, film festivals, online platforms, or public art spaces. When artists have the opportunity to share their work widely, it enriches the cultural fabric of society and encourages more people to engage with the arts.
Lastly, society can support artists by celebrating diversity in creative voices. Encouraging and amplifying the work of artists from different backgrounds and perspectives leads to a richer, more inclusive creative ecosystem. By supporting each other and embracing a wide range of artistic expressions, we can build a community that thrives on creativity and innovation.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marinakofman
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/marinakofman?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mkofman
• Other: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm12048479/?ref_=ext_shr_lnk

Image Credits

Headshots: Deidhra Fahey Photography
Professional photos: Milana Mukatova