I became acquainted with Elena Gorsheneva in April, 2007 during a weeklong art course called “Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain”. I told her that my friend, Michael Koy and I were taking acting classes at the George St. Playhouse in New Brunswick, NJ. I introduced her to Michael over lunch one afternoon. She mentioned that she would be taking a course at the Digital Film Academy and would like us to audition for her student film. We auditioned and I got the part of the German Reporter and Michael got the part of the police officer. This would be my first acting gig and I was definitely up for the challenge.
However, I never spoke German except for counting to ten, basic phrases and the usual expletives that you learn from your German speaking friends and colleagues. Luckily, Michael Koy, who is fluent in German, taught me my lines. Throughout the audition and rehearsal process, I got to know Elena better. I observed a very intelligent, creative, dedicated and driven person with a great deal of professional integrity. Her offbeat style set her apart from the rest. I found that so refreshing! The actual scene shooting definitely put big spark in my spirit. Driving a car in New York City and speaking German at the same time was no easy task.
I enjoyed the challenge and I felt like I was wear I belonged. I wanted to keep going at it. The rest of the shooting took place on a dead end street location. It was a challenge for all of us. We had all kinds of onlookers, street noise and traffic and pedestrians crossing our path. In spite of all the distractions, I surprisingly remained focused on my work.
When we finished shooting it started to rain. Talk about luck! I really believe that meeting Elena was no accident. She had a need and we, the actors were ready and able to supply it. We actors also had a need which was to express our creativity. I clearly saw “The Universal Law of Attraction” doing its thing and it increased the view of my own interior. I am thankful to have had this opportunity and I look forward to working with Elena in the future.
- Philomena Zito
