A Model turned Actress about her Inspiration in the Arts.
Among hundreds of artists, there are so many we would like to introduce to you but it is quite impossible to speak to every person who is making an inspirational difference in the art world. Therefore we choose the ones whose careers do impress us most – those whom we want to learn from. Today we’re speaking to actress Tina Balthazar who has an impressive background in the entertainment industry. We want to learn more about her methods and how she succeeded in such a challenging career field.
NY Art Life: Thank you so much for joining us. We are very excited to speak to you. We would love to find out: What kind of artist are you?
Tina Balthazar: Thank you for having me! Well, to put it short and simple, I am an actress.
NY Art Life: And how would you define yourself as an actress?
Tina Balthazar: Oh, that’s a difficult question… I think it’s generally difficult to define oneself and (I) do believe it is more up to other people to determine how they perceive me.
NY Art Life: Ok, perhaps let me start then. The list of people you have already worked with is quite astonishing. You were on the covers for Vogue and worldwide campaigns for Dior, Swarovski, Thierry Mugler, and many others. And you are just continuing your success in the movie business, too.
Tina Balthazar: Oh, thank you for the pep talk! (laughs)
NY Artlife: Well, you already have Zack Snyder and Bruno Aveillan in your portfolio of high-profile directors you worked with. Bruno Aveillan, for example, says that you have a mysterious aura around you and that you make everything unique with your own style. And Thierry Mugler even described you as a “phenomenon”. What is your experience working with these people?
Tina Balthazar: That’s funny because I would say the same (things) about them. Working in such an environment comes with a very high level of talent and skill on their part. And that makes it easy to build good chemistry between all crew members involved – which in turn helps me to be as creative and productive as possible.
NY Art Life: That’s interesting because I noticed in my research that you are well known for being super professional, easy to work with and a pleasure to be around. And when I study your resume I can also clearly see your passion for your craft.
Tina Balthazar: Hey, please stop ruining my bad girl image!! (laughs)
NY ArtLife: Ok, let’s see what we can do! So your first role was Elle in a film called Le Singe, le Miroir et Elle. The film was very successful as it won the Festival of Nations Award in Austria. I noticed that it was your first lead role as well. Then, you played another lead role in a film called Silent Night, where your character was called February. It was praised for its storytelling and made your work shine. Shortly after that, you performed the role of Estelle in a live-action called Closed Door, and it was selected for Brooklyn Film Festival!
Tina Balthazar: I see you do take your homework very seriously!
NY Art Life: I do! And let’s not forget your role as Darla in the Feature Film Welcome to Nowhere, which won the Queens World Film Festival award! So all of these projects have been award-winning. How do you select your roles?
Tina Balthazar: I’m very fortunate to get incredible auditions and beautiful scripts through my fantastic agent at The Luedtke Agency in New York City. So it’s very easy to say: I’m all in!
NY Art Life: You do have a very strong work ethic, and that seems to be a part of your success.
Tina Balthazar: Oh, I hope so. Well, so far, I’ve never met anyone who likes working with difficult people. (laughs)
NY Art Life: But what about your creative process? How do you prepare for a role?
Tina Balthazar: Usually, my preparation starts with reading the script to get an idea of the vision the writer and director have in mind. Then I study my character’s lines and analyze where the character is coming from which helps to create the background story and to define the motivations as well as obstacles in order to get specific. I also let my intuition guide me. It’s more like following my instinct about how this character is going to act in any given scene without thinking too much about it beforehand.
NY Art Life: That’s very impressive. It’s great that you know and trust your process! Please tell us about your favorite roles. What do you consider to be the highlight of your career?
Tina Balthazar: I think every opportunity to work is a highlight.
Ny Artlife: Sure, but I imagine being part of Zack Snyder’s Justice League could be one of the most memorable roles that you have performed. You were Lex Luthor’s guard. It’s a project so many people loved, and it even won the Oscars 2022 Cheer Moment Award!
Tina Balthazar: Each role is unique and being on the set of ‘Justice League’ or being with a film crew in a Turkish desert, like with the film ‘Discover your Light’ are two entirely different universes and impossible to compare. This is what I love about filmmaking, that you take part in creating a whole new world. Just like in any other art form like writing, music, painting, photography, and so on.
NY Art Life: That’s an interesting way to see it. Are you interested in other art forms except acting?
Tina Balthazar: Absolutely. Just think about all the literature and music! I don’t think you can separate one from the other. There is even art in the streets, you just need to look for it. The best part is that it is free and often funny, too. I do get inspiration from a lot of things. Art doesn’t necessarily only exist in a museum.
NY Art Life: Speaking of inspiration. If you could advise actors who are trying to find their way into the business, what would it be?
Tina Balthazar: Every actor is different, and so is every journey. But in general, I would say: go to school, find a teacher you connect with and whom you respect, respect yourself and therefore work hard. Do practice, do workshops, always be on time, and never give up. Don’t take yourself too seriously but do take your work seriously. And last but not least: Have fun with it!
NY Artlife: That’s a good life motto, how about we finish on that note?
Tina Balthazar: It’s a wrap! (laughs)
