An interview with the Splendid Elysia Rotaru
Based out Los Angeles, Elysia Rotaru is one of those incredibly busy and equally talented creatives who seem to be able to do it all. Though she's perhaps best known for her role as Taiana Venediktov in the DC comics hit tv show "Arrow", she's also a veteran of Film, TV, And Video Games alike. Some of her credits include roles in productions such as Legends of Runeterra, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, Killbird, Justice Society: World War II, My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic, Dragalia Lost, and Lone Echo among many others.
When not in front of the camera or inside the recording booth, Elysia can be found behind it as director and writer for shorts like "The Wall" (2015) and "FWD" (2019)- And today we're lucky to bring you a one-on-one with this hard-working and talented gal, where we can take a closer look at all those different facets of her career.
You have a fascinating background, not ust in the arts but in other fields as well. Do you still do beekeeping or get to any other outdoorsy activities?
E: Being outdoors is my elixir, I could not survive and stay sane without the joys that Mother Nature has to offer. Hiking, horses, forests, skiing…bring it all on. But sadly, I am not beekeeping right now and can’t wait to set up an apiary on our property one day and teach my daughter too!
Two of your short films, The Wall and FWD, gathered accolades and awards aplenty. If I had to guess I'd say you're gunning to direct your first feature film sooner rather than later, right?
E: Those two projects were a major love affair between my friends and I, and I’m so proud of what we created and that it resonated with so many, and on a global scale. And yes, directing has been in my mind for a while and as much as I want to dive into that role, I still have a lot of work to do and many things to learn about that craft before I’m able to be in that director;s high chair with a megaphone in hand, leading a team. One day the universe will align me with the right mentors, people and projects to make that dream come true.
In that role as a filmmaker, who would you cite as your biggest influences?
E: I’ve always loved a Tarantino flick. Wes Anderson is on the list, Denis Villeneuve, Martin Scorsese, Greta Gerwig, James Wan, Dee Rees, and Chad Stahelski. I also adore my friend Gigi Saul Guerrero, who is making amazing things happen!
From voice work for animations and video games to roles in Superhero TV shows like Arrow, you have quite a bit of a "geek cred" with that audience. Is this a role you fell into by pure coincidence or is it something you gravitated towards due to your own interests?
E: It's something I noticed over my career as well, but it is, I suppose yes, part of me cultivating it, considering I accepted to work on the projects. And now that I have a different POV of how many people are into that culture, it makes me more and more excited to work on projects of that nature. Plus, it’s not something I naturally explore on my own, so it’s a great learning curve into that world.
What sort of roles do you find yourself having the most fun with?
E: With my start being in theatre, I really love doing character work, and anything with costumes, prosthetics, and overall total transformation. Working on a project like The Witcher would be heavenly. Also anything with animals. But my favorite work is diving Into a good horror/thriller. It takes a lot out of you but it’s a lot of fun!
You're a classically trained pianist and your creative inclinations got me wondering if you've ever considered giving song-writing and recording a shot.
E: I wish I could say I still played but I retired a few years ago, I do miss it though so maybe one day I’ll get back into it. As for songwriting and recording, I’d love to record a few cover songs for another creative outlet. I just need a good producer to help me get it off the ground.
On the topic of music, what's currently in rotation on your playlist?
E: Right now I’m listening to Dusty Springfield, The Eagles, RÜFÜS DU SOL, Van Morrison, Joji, and Inna. I really just enjoy an eclectic smorgasbord of songs and artists from all genres. Oh, and meditative mantras. Here are some of my favorite Spotify playlists:
What current or upcoming projects of yours should we definitely be looking towards?
E: A Snowy Christmas just premiered on Up TV on November 13th and I have an epic VR game called “Lone Echo” coming out soon. I have a few more projects coming out as well but I’m not able to talk about them yet, but you’ll know when they drop.
CREDITS:
Photography: Farrah Aviva @stuidoaviva / @farrahaviva
Hair: Sara Rose @sararosebuzz
Glam: Kelly Newman @kfrankmakeup
Stylist: Emily Gray @emilygraystyle
MEET THE AUTHOR
Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based.
I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.