Veronika Kurshinskaya and her daughter
At a time when the world is obsessed with fame and fortune it is refreshing to meet a young actress Veronika Kurshinskaya, who believes in the importance of education, discipline and passion in her craft. Establishing yourself is a long and difficult process in any profession. Veronika is best known in Latino America in the 2010 film “Moby Dick” directed by Trey Stokes also starring Barry Bostwick, Renee O’Connor and Matt Lagan.
Soul Brasil: “Moby Dick” was very popular after being released in Brazil last year. What made that film such a success?
Veronika: Creating a character the audience can relate to, fall for – that’s the secret of success of any film. Moby Dick was a huge hit in Russia as well. It’s been over a year since the film was released in Europe, and I still get calls and emails from Europe and Russia. They just love my character – Elena, a victim but also a survivor, a fighter. Someone who believes in redemption. That’s what I think a challenge is for any actor- to find strong qualities even in the character who seems to be totally hopeless and weak. That’s what makes the audience watch you and to remember you.
Soul Brasil: How long does it take to establish career in Hollywood?
Veronika: I came to Los Angeles four years ago with no friends, or connections to the Entertainment world. But what I had was an enormous determination and passion to become an actress. Going to castings, you will constantly get rejected and discouraged. You are either too fat or too skinny, too funny or too serious. All you can do is stay true to yourself and constantly work on improving your craft. The process of learning and establishing yourself never ends.
Soul Brasil: Thousands of young South Americans come to Hollywood every year in search of easy fame and big success. They drop out of school, quit their careers and leave families behind and move to Los Angeles. What are their chances to actually make it?
Veronika: I will be honest with you, I don’t think there is anything more difficult. But, having a proper and diverse training and coaching is crucial in the long run. You may get lucky once or twice, getting parts because of your good looks, but at the end of the day it is your knowledge, craft and professional awareness is what make you special and desirable. I was blessed to be accepted into the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, one of the most selective Acting Conservatories in the world. It was a great base of knowledge but even after completion of my course I felt there is way more to advance and grow.
After graduating, I enrolled at the New York Film Academy at Universal Studios and got my MFA in Acting. It was a huge step in my life and I am glad I did it. Having the proper education makes me more confident as an artist and helps me perform a big range of characters freely. My goal is not to be a celebrity or a sex-symbol, I want to work on projects that appeal to audience and challenge me. Either short films, independent films, web series and any creative projects that have meaning and significance- I love doing them all. It’s all about being involved in what I love doing the most: creating, performing and promoting Art.
Soul Brasil: Thank you, Veronika. We hope our young readers see you as a role model and understand that training, passion and dedication are above fame and fortune.
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