Actress Christina Ochoa chatted with Digital Journal’s Markos Papadatos about “Animal Kingdom” and being an actress in the digital age.
‘Animal Kingdom’
On being a part of the hit TV series “Animal Kingdom,” she said, “What can I say that hasn’t been said already? Being a member, a small member, of this family for six years of creative, talented, and impressive artists has been unbelievable and instrumental in catapulting every other job since. John Wells runs an incredibly well-oiled machine full of craftsmen and artists that share in a collaborative endeavor, from which I learn every day.”
Regarding her daily inspirations as an actress, she said, “I believe every one of us has an innate desire to discover (hence my love of science, travel, and oceanography) that sits side by side to one to create and leave a legacy. Acting taps into that part of me that wants to be playful, inviting me to fail and enjoy creativity.”
The digital age
On being an actress in the digital age, she said, “I’m actually incredibly grateful that the new streaming models and platforms bring a new type of metric to the success of a show. I think nowadays a ‘number of viewers’ is not indicative of the quality and respect garnered by a project and any filmmaker or creative can find his or her audience thanks to the elimination of the middlemen or the ‘art by committee’ that has been prevalent in most mediums. I also think it has invited networks to step it up and realize they are now competing within new infrastructures.”
For young and aspiring actors, she said, “Find your community, your people. There are so many that can offer you advice in ways that you can hear it. Whether that be an acting coach or a mentor or a representative. Someone whose voice you trust to serve as a soundboard and also be sure to offer that same support by extension to others. A high tide raises all boats.”
Career-defining moments
She opened up about some of her career-defining moments. “I have been incredibly fortunate to collaborate, interact, and learn from so many incredible entrepreneurs, businessmen and women, creatives, actors, and directors,” she said.
“Every single one of those interactions I leave feeling fuller… more aware and with a larger perspective of the different aspects of this job. It has also helped me realize the importance of ‘play’ in my life. Gravitating towards acting has been a symptom of a desire to feel playful and almost childlike with my emotions,” she elaborated.
Working with Bjoern Kommerell
She had great words about working with master photographer Bjoern Kommerell. “Bjoern approaches photography with that same childlike enthusiasm. It is magical for him, and for the person in front of the camera, by proxy. He looks beyond somebody’s projected image into their essence and does a phenomenal job capturing that in ways that very few photographers master,” she said.
“Also the hours – because there will be several (haha) – spent with him in the studio feel like a sandbox of possibilities and laughter thanks to his infectious personality,” she added.
Success
On her definition of success, she explained, “Success means freedom to pursue adventures, creative endeavors, and take risks. In acting we only own the character between ‘action’ and ‘cut,’ but between those two words, I feel successful if I get to play and be truthful to whatever comes out. Outside of that, professionally speaking, I believe success means creating a positive impact in the world.”
For her fans and supporters, Ochoa said, “I do not take a single kind word, comment, view, or even imperceptible appreciation and support for granted. I feel very grateful.”
To learn more about Christina Ochoa, follow her on Instagram and her Linkin Bio page.
