Ilana Kohanchi
INTERVIEW
Tell us about one of the earliest memories of your career
It’s a funny one. On one of my first jobs with a very famous director who, surprisingly, allowed me complete artistic freedom with my character, I showed up on set, and I’m introduced to a pretty young girl standing there in my full wardrobe; same dress, same shoes, same jewelry, same hair color and style, and same height as me. They tell me her name and we shake hands. In my head, I’m thinking “I can’t believe it! They fired me and they’re introducing me to my replacement, and they didn’t even tell me before now!”
The next sentence out of the PA’s mouth was “She’s your stand-in.” After I stood there blinking for a second, I quickly played it off, like “oh, my stand-in, oh yes of course, yes, so nice to meet you!”
I smiled and walked off. Can you imagine how ridiculous I was assuming the worst like that?
The next sentence out of the PA’s mouth was “She’s your stand-in.” After I stood there blinking for a second, I quickly played it off, like “oh, my stand-in, oh yes of course, yes, so nice to meet you!”
I smiled and walked off. Can you imagine how ridiculous I was assuming the worst like that?
How do you prepare yourself before you start a new project?
First, I read the script thoroughly and then I dive into the character. I do some acting exercises to get my instrument warmed up and open, and then I invite the character in, and see how she sounds and feels in my body. Then, I think about how she experiences these situations, and I let her show me. I then determine her objective and what she wants to get from the other person in each scenario.
As an actress, I want to be surprised and open and truthful. I never want to plan how I am going to do or say something, because that is not real life. I want to live it for the first time as this character, as much as possible, with each take. But the goal is always to defend the character and put her and her needs first. I have to throw away my ego each time to make sure it’s not about what Ilana wants. I try to be more interested in what my character wants, and how I will achieve that.
Depending on the character and the script, it may resemble the way I would behave in certain situations, but the goal is always truth and freedom.
As an actress, I want to be surprised and open and truthful. I never want to plan how I am going to do or say something, because that is not real life. I want to live it for the first time as this character, as much as possible, with each take. But the goal is always to defend the character and put her and her needs first. I have to throw away my ego each time to make sure it’s not about what Ilana wants. I try to be more interested in what my character wants, and how I will achieve that.
Depending on the character and the script, it may resemble the way I would behave in certain situations, but the goal is always truth and freedom.
If you had to define yourself to the world, what would the headline be?
Feminine force of nature
If you could write your own story, what would your destiny be? What goals would you like to achieve?
My one and only career goal for as long as I can remember was always to work as an actress. I have always dreamed big, so I would love to win an Oscar someday – not for the award itself, but to be able to work on something of that caliber. It also represents reaching the top of your game in this industry.
In the meantime, I want what every actor wants; to have stable work and book a series regular or a big movie.
But I’m always just grateful for what I have achieved so far and for getting to do what I love.
In the meantime, I want what every actor wants; to have stable work and book a series regular or a big movie.
But I’m always just grateful for what I have achieved so far and for getting to do what I love.
What does success mean to you?
To me, it means the happiness that comes from getting to do what you love to do every single day and, ideally making good money from it so you can live your life and keep doing it.
If you have that, in any field, count your blessings, because that, my friend, is success.
If you have that, in any field, count your blessings, because that, my friend, is success.
How has the perspective of your dreams and objectives changed over the years?
Perspective really is everything.
Two people can be in the exact same situation, but one will be happy and the other will be miserable. For me it has changed in terms of levels. At first, I thought if I can just book a TV show, just say one word on a show, I will be happy. Then I wanted a big co-star, a lead role in an indie, then a guest-star, then a recurring, then any role in a studio film. Now I want a series regular.
You always want the next level once you achieve one. But that’s the dangling carrot that keeps you motivated and fighting for it, which is a good thing.
I can only imagine how I will feel once I reach all my goals. When I finally book that series regular or the big movie, I will jump for joy and cry and feel like I can just roll over and die happy (but after filming).
I’m sure I will chase the next thing because ambition works like that. My perspective is mainly about staying in a mix of gratitude and ambition – enough to feel happy for what you have but never stop striving to achieve more.
I think my rose-colored glasses have really helped me in life. People can say I’m unrealistic, or unreasonable, but to me that is a special power. If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right.
Two people can be in the exact same situation, but one will be happy and the other will be miserable. For me it has changed in terms of levels. At first, I thought if I can just book a TV show, just say one word on a show, I will be happy. Then I wanted a big co-star, a lead role in an indie, then a guest-star, then a recurring, then any role in a studio film. Now I want a series regular.
You always want the next level once you achieve one. But that’s the dangling carrot that keeps you motivated and fighting for it, which is a good thing.
I can only imagine how I will feel once I reach all my goals. When I finally book that series regular or the big movie, I will jump for joy and cry and feel like I can just roll over and die happy (but after filming).
I’m sure I will chase the next thing because ambition works like that. My perspective is mainly about staying in a mix of gratitude and ambition – enough to feel happy for what you have but never stop striving to achieve more.
I think my rose-colored glasses have really helped me in life. People can say I’m unrealistic, or unreasonable, but to me that is a special power. If you think you can, you’re right. If you think you can’t, you’re right.
What has been the most important learning during your career?
In terms of the art itself, my amazing coach Jo Kelly taught me to always trust your instinct because it’s super smart and smarter than anything you can come up with in your head.
In terms of the business, I learned how important it is to fight for what you want and never listen to anybody who tries to make you waiver. It’s important to learn how things work in your business, and I have the great Kevin E West and The Actors Network to thank for teaching me that.
But equally important is to know your goals internally and keep fighting for them. I learned to tune out people who encourage you to give up. They may not mean any harm, they just don’t understand your passion. But I know I don’t have an expiration date and that unwavering pursuit of my goals is likely the most important lesson of my career.
But I’m always learning so ask me again after I book that series regular!
In terms of the business, I learned how important it is to fight for what you want and never listen to anybody who tries to make you waiver. It’s important to learn how things work in your business, and I have the great Kevin E West and The Actors Network to thank for teaching me that.
But equally important is to know your goals internally and keep fighting for them. I learned to tune out people who encourage you to give up. They may not mean any harm, they just don’t understand your passion. But I know I don’t have an expiration date and that unwavering pursuit of my goals is likely the most important lesson of my career.
But I’m always learning so ask me again after I book that series regular!
Any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
Yes! So SAG-AFTRA is currently on strike, and for that reason, I will first mention that the interim agreement on this is finalized. I booked a lead role in an awesome independent film, called “The Second Coming of John Cooper” that I am set to shoot in September.
PROJECTS
ABOUT
Born in Russia and raised in San Francisco, California, Ilana Kohanchi always knew she wanted to be an actress – and there was no stopping her. Fast forward a couple of decades, she has an impressive resumé including some of the biggest TV shows and movies, proving that when you want something bad enough, you can make it happen.