Filmmaker Spotlight - Juliette Cochet
Welcome to the Filmmaker Spotlight – this series shines a light on filmmakers, actors, editors, and more, as we ask them a few questions and uncover why they love what they do.
This time - Juliette Cochet
Actress
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get into the industry?
I was born and raised in Paris until I decided to live in New York City, at first to get a bachelor degree in Acting, and since my graduation, I’ve been working in the cinema industry as an actress mainly, but also as a director and a producer now.
I’ve always known that I will be working on set since I was a child. I just kept on watching Behind The Scenes about how movies or music videos were made. And I remember watching “Mission Impossible 4” for the first time and saying to my family “In a few years, you’ll see Tom Cruise act alongside me”.
I’ve always tried to be on set, even during school I’ve gone from one student film to another. I even wrote my own short films when I was bored and now I can consider myself a rising actress.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
I’ve always been inspired by the amount of work Tom Cruise puts in all of his movies, not to get an Oscar but to make us, the audience, truly enjoy it. That is something I’m always thriving for: I don’t want to be a better actress than another, I mainly want people to come see what I’ve worked on and hopefully get a feeling of belonging through my characters. Or not! As long as I can make people travel into different universes!
But apart from that, my family has always supported me and I want to make them proud. I think of them everyday when I do this. They’re my fuel. My strength and energy. And I have such a precise vision for my future that keeps me ready to keep on going.
What do you enjoy most about directing compared to acting?
I actually really like finding the reason for a character’s behavior. When I’m helping friends audition, I love giving them small directions, especially in their movements, to make it more specific. And when I’m directing, I love seeing the characters come to life and getting to work with people (cast and crew) who are willing to see a vision I have and to help me bring it to life.
What’s the most useful note a director has ever given you?
I find this question so hard to answer because each note is specific to a character and a story, and they’re all useful to an extent. But us actors, we can often start overthinking our performances, and I love when I have this dynamic with a director where they would tell me “I trust you. You know the character more than you think”. It always helps to get that freedom when on set.
But then, I also really love when directors will give specific notes between each take, simply said, and then we can try different things. Since I don’t see what I’m giving to the camera, I tend to trust the director will guide me into portraying what they’re looking for.
What’s something about being an actor that outsiders would never expect?
We’re unemployed 90% of the time. Auditions are such a struggle, you can do 50 auditions a week and never receive an answer from anybody, or send one audition that you thought was not that good and yet book the role. And the funny thing is, nothing is certain.
Most people think it’s madness for us to keep chasing something so uncertain, but the feeling when you’re on stage or on set… wow… there’s just nothing quite comparable to that. It’s the best feeling in the world.
And acting is so much more real than what people make it seem to be. I keep hearing “you must be a good liar if you’re a good actor” but I strongly disagree! I think you have to be so open and honest to be a good actor, there shouldn’t be an ounce of lie.
What’s one project you’re especially proud of, and why?
I’m very proud of an upcoming feature called “The Blue Woman”, which hopefully will come out by the end of the year! It was such a thrilling experience. I got the role 10 days before the start of production, had to sing, got to act in French and English. I had the privilege of working with an insanely talented crew and the rock star of a scene partner, Andrei Kogolenok. It felt like I was out of this world for a few days. And I’m very excited to see how it turns out!!
What have you learnt over time that you wish you knew when you started?
Stop accepting to work under insane conditions that will make you sick for “the sake of creating art”. And for new actors, please, stand up for yourself when that happens!!
Working in the cold for hours without any coats, sometimes in skirts and short shirts, without hand warmers, or breaks, sometimes even during a storm is more dangerous than anything. And getting sick on the first day of set can really cause a bigger problem.
Which role (Acting, Directing or Producing) feels most natural to you, and which challenges you the most?
Acting feels more natural because that’s what I know best, but it challenges me everyday. Directing actors is fun, but I think that the whole job of directing, taking into consideration the pre/post and during production, all the things you have to take care of, and knowing specific terms, would be the most challenging. Producing feels easier than directing because I’m very organized in general and I love having everything “ready” before the shoot starts. But one small mistake can cause a huge disaster, so that one also challenges me a lot. I’m still learning more about it to be honest!
Did that even answer the question?
Any advice for people wanting to do the job that you do?
If you have a plan B, you might want to consider it, because this industry is hard. But if it’s your dream and your only plan, then give all that you have, give your soul and heart to it, go crazy to make it come true: because it is so worth it.
Favourite on-set snack?
Fruits, fruit snacks, grapes, apples, oranges, blueberries… any kind of fruit. That will keep me going.
Currently working on a project or want to plug something?
I’m currently performing in the immersive original festival winner play “Women Who Cut” as the lead, in Williamsburg! We’ve already had 2 sold nights, we hope to keep it going. It’s been a lot of fun to be a part of this project, you should check it out!
My short film, that I wrote, directed, edited and acted in, “Eternity With You” is currently in its festival run! As well as an experimental feature film fully improvised, directed by Kaisar Maxutov with the amazing Manuel Zopiyaxtle, Jaylen Stapleton and Dasha Zhykharska!
And hopefully I’ll be able to say that “The Blue Woman” directed by Kyle Sharp will be coming out soon… who knows… stay tuned!
IG: @juliettecochet
