Tina Kilberg
GMARO Magazine November 2021 Issue #18
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Photographer - Chris Papis @papis_chris
Cover Star - Tina Kilberg @tinakilberg
What attracted you to begin a career as an actor?
I’ve always been interested in the film industry, which is why I pursued an Entertainment Law degree along with screenwriting over the years. My law degree largely informed me of the importance of public branding when it comes to entertainment, to which the acting profession suddenly seemed like a necessity if I wanted to continue pursuing my filmmaking ambitions. I’m drawn to the ability to make my work known, so working as an actor has definitely helped me become a more prominent figure in the entertainment industry.
What is more important for a person, inner beauty, or an external one?
Both - the internal determines the external. Our thought process, emotionality and belief system largely impact the way we express our identities. Our intuition can inform us whether a person is good-natured based on their appearance. In my estimation, attractiveness is rated according to our facial expressions. We subconsciously decide a person is warm and friendly based on the way we perceive their micro-expressions.
What message would you want to give to your fans?
To keep an open mind and always think for themselves. It’s healthy to be inspired by a public figure, so long as it doesn’t lead to one neglecting the beauty of their own form. We must love ourselves first.
What, according to you, is the best part of your work?
Working with people of different ages and realizing that we all share the same fantasy - a world within a two-dimensional cinematic lens. Pairing such romanticism with the ability to craft a cinematic sequence together becomes a blessing.
If anything you would be asked to change about your work, what would that be?
Nepotism. Every person must train themselves and be the masters of their own programming. Nepotism is unattractive, unfair and most of the time lacks responsibility.
What is the first thing you do to research and approach a role?
I study the whole script and take notes on any relationship dynamics my character has with other characters. Regardless of the script, I always create a backstory as a means to craft a well-rounded character. I want my characters to be themselves so I avoid taking ideas from previous roles other actors have portrayed in the past. My versions are alive so it’s counter-intuitive to compare what I’m about to create to past performances. For this reason I always create character secrets. My performance may be two-dimensional but I aim to portray my characters as alive as possible.
Which fictional character would be the most exciting to meet in real life?
Mulan - she’s too good to be true. Perhaps even Johnny Bravo, his arrogance and dash of foolishness would be a very informative way of reminding the world that confidence is quiet.
When you decided to become an actor, did your family support you?
My parents have always supported every decision I’ve made for myself. If it weren’t for my family I wouldn’t have been able to continue acting. I still experience major industry conflict and struggles with industry acceptance, which is why I’ll always remind myself that the main people who have supported me all this time have been my parents.
How difficult is it to establish yourself in the industry?
The difficulty is never discovered in the external world - that being the industry - but the internal. The major difficulty relies on our abilities to remain patient. Only an actor’s patience can provide protection and perseverance.
How quickly can you assume a new role?
I’ve been working in the Greek and Cypriot television industry for the most part, so I’m very familiar with receiving less than a week’s notice before getting called in for filming. Acting is a job - job’s are not always fun or exciting, but you have to complete certain tasks if you want to build your way up. I approach roles with seriousness and respect - this allows me to persist through my gigs and be thankful that acting has become a strenuous workload, rather than a spontaneous hobby.
How do you select films?
I always consider the production company along with the amount of exposure received. It’s important to estimate the value and potential publicity of a work in order to maintain consistency as an industry player.
Tell us about someone you look up to; a person who has shaped the way you think and behave.
My aunt Sharon. She passed away in 2012, so that year somehow forced me to grow into an adult. I’ve picked up on a lot of her personality traits and mannerisms because I spent so much time with her growing up. I’m glad I shared my childhood years with her, my aunt is definitely a woman I intend to emulate.
