An Interview With The Delightful Iris Svis:
Actress, Producer, Writer, Storyteller
Iris Svis is a Russian-born actress based in Los Angeles, California.
As a youth, Iris became enthralled with the world of art through dance and music
education. At a young age, she began a successful modeling career that would take her
around the world witnessing firsthand the richness and beauty of many cultures.
This, in turn, strengthened her appreciation of diversity, and fed her desire to
develop as an actress and share her passion for humanity.
Most recently, Iris worked on the new Steven Soderbergh feature film, THE
LAUNDROMAT, starring the stellar Meryl Streep, Gary Oldman, and Antonio
Banderas. She also had the chance to collaborate with the talented Phedon Papamichael,
an award-winning Cinematographer, James Brolin, and Frances Fisher on the film
A BEAUTIFUL DAY. Likewise, this film sported an impressive cast and crew.
Along with all this, Iris has produced a variety of short films, web-series’, and she currently has a few
features in development. Iris Svis is constantly looking for challenging and exciting
opportunities by collaborating and creating projects that can make a difference in a
world where culture, film, and intimacy are uniquely intertwined.
What is a quote that summarizes everything you’re about as a filmmaker?
“No one can whistle a symphony. It takes a whole orchestra to play it.”
– H.E. Luccock.
What inspired you to start creating films?
I love storytelling and filmmaking at its core is the purest form of it. I am mesmerized by the entire process from writing the script to seeing the words played out onscreen. Along with acting, I enjoy producing projects and when all the pieces of the puzzle come together it is truly remarkable and exciting.
Who most inspires/influences you currently and why?
Guillermo del Toro’s style, color palettes, tone, and fanciful visuals are an aspirational influence within my work. I enjoy how his films encourage the audience to think about human nature and my feature film currently in development, TREES ARE SILENT, builds upon these themes.
What is your favorite film of all time?
Despite my love of horror films, I’m a sucker for a good romantic comedy. I must have watched, BREAKFAST AT TIFFANY’S, at least 20 times. I think it’s one of the best examples of onscreen chemistry between two actors I’ve ever seen and I never get tired of watching this delicious movie soufflé.
What is your favorite film genre and why?
I really like Sci-Fi, I guess the element of mystery combined with a wild imagination is a fun formula. Sometimes it gets so close to reality that it’s even scary, especially considering the current state of the world we live in today.
As a creator, what do you find to be the thing that most drives you?
I like to collaborate and give people opportunities. When I produce a project I always get fired up by my power to bring all kinds of talent together to tell a particular story.
What is your absolute dream in life?
At the moment, to produce and star in my first feature film, TREES ARE SILENT. It deals with the idea of internal beauty over façade and given the gravity of the subject matter I believe it will benefit and move many people.
What work do you take the most pride in at this point in your career?
Oh, shoot, that’s a hard one. I’m very selective with the projects I choose to be a part of and most of them are amazing experiences, but, if I had to pick one it would be, THE LAUNDROMAT, directed by Steven Soderbergh. It was incredible to work with such exceptional talent as one of my idols Meryl Streep and see industry leaders perform their craft firsthand.
What has been the most challenging project you’ve been a part of?
Probably the latest short I produced and starred in, THE SHOWDOWN. It was done during the peak of the Covid-19 outbreak and we had to adjust to remain compliant and on schedule. I guess it was the uncertainty and chaos of the times that posed the biggest challenge but thankfully our wonderful director Alex Azmi and amazing crew made this powerful project possible.
What was the most valuable single lesson you learned in completing that project?
There are things that you can’t do by yourself and moviemaking is one of them and that it is very important to pick a team that will elevate the project to its highest possible stature. Hollywood is all about people and human connection so it’s vital to have people in your corner that are as passionate about the project as you are.
What has been the most fun thing you’ve done in your career so far?
Okay, so in the film, A BEAUTIFUL DAY, directed by the mega-talented Phedon Papamichael and produced by my dear friend Angeliki Giannakopoulos. The star of the movie was James Brolin. His character is supposed to have a cat. So, I brought my cat to set and she ended up being in the opening scene. The poor thing, she was freaking out because she had never been on set before, but she did a great job, and made mama proud!
Who is one person that you hope to work with and why?
It’s so hard to pick one, but I would be thrilled to have an opportunity to work with the brilliantly talented Viola Davis. Her performances are so honest, every time I see her onscreen I’m moved, she gets to me that much.
Is there anyone in particular that you’d like to thank and/or shout-out in this interview?
I want to say a big thank you to Carmen Cuba and her amazing team, to audition for her is a real treat. She is one of many casting directors who pushes for equality and character portrayal by diverse actors. I have huge respect for anyone who has the power to change Hollywood for the better and anyone who uses that power wisely. Thank you to the John Papsidera office for bringing me in to audition for amazing projects. Finally, a big shoutout goes to Julie Tucker and Ross Meyerson two talent-driven offices with an exceptional appreciation for their actors.
Is there anything else you would like us to know?
Yes, I don’t think I could ever be where I am today without my amazing team consisting of the manager Lisa Connelly and the agents: Lisa Castle, Alisa Banks, and Alan Coto. I can’t thank them enough for believing in me and being generous with your friendship and support.
Once again, we’d like to thank Iris Svis for sharing her time with us.
Iris Svis is a young actress that you’re going to want to keep an eye on. Below, we’ll link some of her online places where you can go follow her. Go give her a follow to keep up with what she’s working on!
