Actress. Producer. Comedian. Lady. Blond. Native Minnesotan. What do all of these charming, but seemingly random words and phrases have in common? Anyone? If you guessed Vicky Illk give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back!
Vicky Illk, wearer of many (figurative) hats.
Vicky Illk is an artist – primarily an actor and producer – based here in New Orleans. She does a lot; currently she is a member of an all female comedy troupe called Pretty Witty, part of a group of independent filmmakers and actors spearheaded by director Miceal O’Donnell, and her video interview with Justin Grant Wade (the actor who played Steve Holt on Arrested Development) has recently blown up.
“Pretty Witty” does improv, sketches, and video shorts. The group of filmmakers is responsible for the low budget feature film Simple (which was filmed exclusively in New Orleans) and they are working on two new features that are currently undergoing post-production. The independent film scene can be a tough one because the makers of such films have to overcome budgetary restrictions and other hardships in order not only to create films, but to market them as well. “…Sheer passion and creativity are not enough to make a movie that can compete with studio films and wealthy producers,” says Vicky. “It takes a network of very gifted and dedicated people to overcome budgetary restrictions and lack of Hollywood connections.” Vicky is a lady who knows what it’s like firsthand and notes that while there are difficulties, there is also a lot to gain from being a part of such a film making process. In this interview she talks about what lead her to move to New Orleans, why she became an actress, and what it’s like to work in the local film and theater world.
What is it about New Orleans that drew you to the city?
Honestly? Bars. I went on a college visit in April 2006 and enrolled largely based on my ability to get in to The Boot at age 17. But that’s what’s great and terrible about New Orleans; it invents new ways to keep you hostage. First it was bars, then it was school and my sorority, and now it’s film.
When did you know you wanted to be an actress?
My senior year at Tulane I auditioned for The Vagina Monologues and picked the most controversial piece available to us, “My Vagina Was My Village.” I figured it’d give me an advantage. I mean, who would pick a monologue about rape when you could do one about angry, talking vaginas? When I got the part, I studied other actors reading the piece on YouTube and was disappointed by the emotionless, beat-poetry style it was often performed. A brave Bosnian refugee gave us the privilege to share her story and I knew I needed to become her on stage to truly affect the audience. Being able to make my friends cry by making myself a vessel of the narrative and subsequently called to action by the play was a high I still chase.
What drew you to the independent film scene?
Miceal O’Donnell cast me in a short film a couple years ago on the condition I take his free acting class. The deal was, he teaches us, we act in and work crew on his movies. Soon the class was collectively producing a feature film, Simple, that will be hitting the festival circuit this fall. Independent films are not only a great way for actors to learn, they’re a necessity. My acting skills would not be where they are now had I only been trained in the classroom because the technical knowledge of film making has greatly informed the way I perform. With indie film, we can showcase our talents through bigger roles with depth instead of relying on one-liners in studio movies, praying our faces are interesting enough to book us another part.
Vicky on the set of Simple.
What is it like to audition for and work on an independent film verses a big budget, Hollywood mammoth?
They’re totally different animals. Being a stand-in on a big movie is like being in a museum; don’t touch anything, don’t talk too loud. There might as well be a layer of thick glass between you and the director. But you can weasel your way in to the ancient artifacts restoration lab by being engaged, doing a great job, and not messing with the chain of command. Acting in a micro budget indie film is like a nature reserve where you can pet the animals. You need to behave yourself but you’re so much more involved in what goes on. Both are really fun!
What challenges do you face as an aspiring actress and filmmaker?
Way too many to list. But I would say believing in myself is the hardest. I’m a very analytical person so it’s easy for me to say that I didn’t start young enough, that there are too many talented women that look exactly like me, that very few people ever make a real living through acting alone. Surrounding myself with positive people that believe in me is really the only reason I’ve even gotten this far.
What are your views on the local film market?
Yay, Louisiana! I think what’s going on is largely very good. It’s really fun to be somewhere aspiring filmmakers can be both involved in and inspired by huge studio movies. My only gripe is that casting for big budget features is mostly done in L.A. while often only leaving bit parts to local actors. But, thankfully, independent film helps fill that gap.
What advantages do you feel New Orleans presents to local actors and filmmakers? What are the disadvantages?
Disadvantages? Barely any. I think everyone can benefit from the local scene at some point in their career. Eventually, actors will need to move to L.A. or travel back and forth to expand their opportunities but New Orleans is a great place to start out. I suppose the summer kind of sucks? Oh! I think we need more people teaching acting. I can’t find someone to continue teaching me the Meisner Method anywhere in the state. BOOOO.
Advantages? Lots of work on big sets, a small community full of creative people, tax incentives, plenty of good film making organizations, relatively cheap living expenses… I’m sure there are many more.
How do your experiences acting for the screen differ from acting on stage with your improv troupe? Are there similarities?
Awesome question. I would say I’m a much better dramatic actor that comedic so improv still scares the crap out of me. I love it because you choose the character, you work with your partners to create a scene, and I feel like a rockstar after being so vulnerable on stage. But it still makes me feel like I’m about to pee my pants. Acting on screen requires the same vulnerability but you have a script to rely on and inform your character. You have multiple takes and time to rehearse. However, improv training helps you be more spontaneous and not anticipate what’s about to happen in a scene on film. They’re mutually beneficial arts.
Local, all-female improv and sketch comedy troupe “Pretty Witty.”
When did you start doing improv? How do you feel about the local comedy scene?
I started working with Jennifer Schemke on the recommendation of my vocal coach. The class evolved in to a troupe called “Yesand’s Hot Cousins” and I’ve since performed with other groups. I’m now working more on sketch comedy with the all-girl group “Pretty Witty” that we perform during variety shows between stand-up sets and shorts. I’m slowly learning about the local scene by going to lots of open mics and shows with my writing partners but don’t know much about how it compares to other markets. I’m particularly impressed by the female comedians I’ve worked with recently and am excited to be a part of the movement to have more women in comedy.
Brooke Larsen is a writer, performer and higher education professional from New Orleans, LA. She has a Bachelors degree in History from the University of New Orleans where she now works full-time. She is also the Assistant Blog Editor here at InvadeNOLA. Brooke loves comedy and fashion – her love-child of these is a fashion blog called Fierce Comical Modeling. Her goals are to gain local celebrity status and to one day travel to space. For more intrigue, visit hellobrookelarsen.com or her blog.
All photos via Vicky Illk‘s website.
