Actress: Tatjana Marjanovic
Tatjana Marjanovic. Tatjana is an Australian actress of Serbian descent best known for her breakout role in Mark Toia’s 2020 robot thriller ‘Monsters of Man.’
Tatjana started her career on the ABCiview series ‘SYD2030’ where her portrayal of the troubled university student, Bridget Knox, earned her a ‘Best Female Actor in a Drama Series’ Telly Award win and a Academy Award of Web Television nomination.
Her success continued after moving to LA landing roles in the 2021 Universal horror ‘Great White’ and the SXSW nominated series ‘Fallout: Revelation.’
Most recently Tatjana won ‘Best Lead Actress of the year’ at the 2021 FrightFest for her performance in the Tribeca Film Festival Audience Award nominated pandemic horror, 'Shelter in Place’ and secured a ‘Best Lead Actress in a Drama Series’ nomination at the 2022 Indie Series Awards for her role in Popstar TV’s latest series, ‘Purgatory.’
Tatjana currently resides in Sydney Australia and is represented by CBM Management.
What first inspired you to pursue a career in acting, and how did you start your journey in this field?
I watched Star Wars Episode IV (A New Hope) with my dad when I was five years old and fell in love with Princess Leia. She was fiery, and clever, and funny, and beautiful and everything I ever wanted to be when I grew up. So much so that my dad had to explain that I couldn't be Princess Leia because she was a character in a movie but I could be an actor, and so I became one!
My journey started in Singapore where I was born, spent most of my childhood, won my first TV role on the popular local series ‘I Not Stupid’ and had the privilege of performing at the National Theatre. It continued after moving to Sydney where my parents were hoping and praying that my acting bug would magically disappear. Much to their dismay, it only grew, and so they started to make deals with me – if I studied hard, they would get me an extras agent. I did, and they did (again hoping the long hours on set would deter me). Funnily enough, during my first job as an extra I was upgraded to a speaking role and, needless to say, I’ve never looked back.
You have enjoyed a variety of roles in both TV and film. What has been your favourite role so far, and why?
I've had the pleasure of working on some sick projects but I think my favourite role will always be Wendy in Monsters of Man. It was my first ever feature and we filmed in the Cambodian jungle for two months. While I loved Wendy's journey from uptight medical student to badass surviver, it really was the people I got to work with, both in front and behind the camera, that made this role so special. When you are spending every waking moment with each other, the people around you can really make or break a situation, especially when you are so far from home. I was blessed with the best cast and crew mates to share that incredible experience with, some of whom are still some of my closest friends today.
Teenagers often wonder about the daily life of an actress. Can you walk us through a typical day on set?
A typical day on set usually starts at some ungodly hour! Hair and make-up call times are often 5am, then costume get their hands on you. Breakfast is somewhere in the middle there and then it's a waiting game. You're only brought to set when you are needed so for a lot of the time you are hanging tight in your trailer. I like to use that time to rehearse as much as possible with my co-stars. Once on set you will usually block out the scene with the camera operators (work out your movements around the set) and then it's show time!
How do you prepare for a new role? Are there any specific methods or techniques you use to get into character?
I love preparing for a new role, it's the ultimate fact finding mission. I usually start with what I know, which is what is written in the script. From there I start building my characters intentions, justifying their behaviours big and small, exploring their relationships with other characters and flesh out their history. Then I start rehearsing!
Many teens are involved in school plays or drama clubs. How can they make the most of these opportunities to build their acting skills?
School plays and drama clubs is exactly where I started! I would say practise makes perfect, and acting is one of those crafts where you never stop learning so throw yourself at every opportunity and always stay open to growing from your mistakes, triumphs and peers.
Acting can require a lot of different skills, from memorising lines to understanding body language. What skills do you think are most important for an aspiring actor to develop?
Authenticity and a thick skin.
Acting coach Anthony Meindl once told me to bring myself to every role I play, because that is what is going to set me apart for the 50 other brown haired, green eyed girls vying for the role. It's freeing to let go of any preconceived notions of what a character should be like and instead infuse that character with your very being. It's also the most interesting.
Resilience is unfortunately another huge skill every actor needs to learn. The industry can be a wonderful place, but a lot of the time it can also be isolating, harsh and unforgiving. Don't take anything personally, keep your head high and remember to enjoy the journey! (Such an annoying thing to say but it's a classic because it's true)…
Can you tell us about a challenging scene you've had to perform and how you overcame any difficulties?
I had the pleasure of playing Tracy in Universal's Great White and my final scene was filmed entirely underwater. The production had submerged a broken boat in a giant indoor 50m pool which was my set for the day. I had a great scuba team around me at all times and never felt unsafe, but it was both physically and mentally challenging because we all stayed under water in between takes...so i was down there for a while!
I was also the only one down there without any scuba gear. I would have an oxygen tank next to me which I would use in between takes and then when I was ready I would hold my breath for as long as I could throughout the scene. It was dark and a little claustrophobic but it was an experience I'll never forget.
The entertainment industry can be competitive and stressful. What do you do to manage stress and maintain a healthy work-life balance?
This is still a work in progress but what has helped me immensely is diversifying my interests. I have many hobbies and friends outside of the entertainment industry that keep me grounded and sane, like boxing and board games. The industry can be all-consuming if you let it, it's suuuuuper important to come up for air regularly.
For teens considering a career in acting, what educational paths or extracurricular activities would you recommend they pursue?
There are about a million and one ways to skin this cat. I don't think there is a right or wrong way to get into acting anymore. I am a HUGE advocate for creating your own stuff and putting yourself out there. I don't think there is any greater way to get experience than by going out and doing the damn thing. If opportunities aren't coming your way - make them come your way! Make a short film, enter competitions, submit yourself for auditions - i've found that work begets work and you've gotta be in it to win it.
How do you handle feedback and criticism, both positive and negative, and use it to improve your craft?
I think after 15 years in the industry I finally handle it well, but it never gets easier. Constructive criticism is always welcome - I want to be the best I can be and am always looking to improve, there is no room for ego there. But audience feedback and criticism is tough and It's important to remember that one persons opinion is just that.
Lastly, what's the most rewarding part of being an actress for you, and what piece of advice would you give to teenagers who dream of pursuing a career in acting?
Getting to do what I love most in the world and collaborating with other epic artists to bring a story to life is something I will never take for granted. Every second on set is a pinch me moment.
I heard this advice on a podcast a while back so I can’t take credit for it but it rang so true for me — "make sure you are going to be happier failing at acting than you would be succeeding at anything else." The highs and lows of the industry are out of this world and everything in between is a hustle, but it’s all worth it
Franc’s Fast Five
Chocolate or Chips?
Chips (specifically salt and vinegar)
What Quote Do You Live By?
What a privilege it is to matter - Beau Taplin
Movies or Television?
Television (I'm a junkie)
Favourite Way to Unwind?
Going to the beach in the summer. Crying myself to sleep in winter.
Holiday Destination of Choice?
A beach on a Greek Island with a good book in hand (Romantasy) and a plate of hot chips next to me.