ALICE TAGLIONI CRASH 64

By Crash redaction

ACTRESS ALICE TAGLIONI WAS PICKED TO DIRECT HER FIRST SHORT FILM FOR THE “LES TALENTS CANNES” PROJECT FOR YOUNG ACTORS. AND SHE SANK HER TEETH INTO DIRECTING WITH SAVAGE DELIGHT. PASSIONATE AND COMMITTED, SHE IS NOW GEARING UP TO SHOOT A NEW COMEDY IN THAILAND.

What are you working on at the moment?

I’m going to Cannes to present a short film and show my support for all the young artists involved in the “Les Talents Cannes” project. I was one of the Cannes young talents back in 2002, when I was spotted by a director at this huge casting call. That’s where I got my chance to act in a short film, walk the red carpet at Cannes, and meet a lot of people in the industry. It’s a great project that gives young artists and actors a chance to kick-start or speed up their careers through a lot of great opportunities. This is its 20th anniversary so the organizers asked some of the former participants, like Elodie Navarre, Clément Sibony, and Aure Atika, to direct a short film. I’m really happy to go support new actors and present the very first film I directed. Even though it’s just a short, it was still exciting and new for me to work on the other side of the camera.

How did you react when you were offered the chance to direct a short?

I accepted without thinking twice about it. It was like a gift. All the pressure of having to struggle for a little recognition just vanished. I thought if they offered me the job, then they thought I was good enough to do it. So I worked with my best friend, Laurent Saint Gérard – who’s so good at writing – and we put our heads and experience together and wrote a short film.

Did you also act in the film?

No, it’s all new young talent. Every short film has two to four new actors. I loved doing the casting.

How did you get your start in film?

I started out in music, but I got tired of it and signed up for acting class. I was 24 and that’s when I met casting director Françoise Menidrey, who introduced me to my agent. Little by little I started to do some small roles, including my first film “La Bande du Drugstore”. And there were two people I met who really had a huge impact on my career: Laurent Tirard on “The Story of My Life” and Francis Veber on “The Valet”. I’m realizing that over the ten years I’ve been doing this, the whole time I was struggling to get some recognition. I’m only just now starting to feel good about where I am, like a real actress. I don’t have to feel like an extra anymore, like I used to when I wasn’t sure if acting was really for me. And now with directing: it’s not something I would do on the side, but along with my acting, because it could really add something new to it. It’s important to take a step back and get a different perspective on things.

How would you like to see your career develop from here?

I like comedies and I really want to keep doing them. In fact, in just about ten days, I’m heading to Thailand to do a comedy with Olivier Baroux. It’s going to be a big blockbuster adventure movie. Afterwards, of course, things will change and I’ll probably want to try my hand at other things and show people what else I have to offer.

Do you think there’s a strong tendency to typecast actors?

No, I’m realizing that it’s also up to actors to send the right message. You have to go out and find new opportunities, even though I don’t even do it as much as I should. If I feel I want to try something new, I talk about it in interviews and with my agent. At a certain point you have to stop telling yourself that it’s the industry that’s typecasting you, and you have to get up and see what’s out there.

Any plans for an international career?

It’s something I would really like a lot. You get a lot more offers when you have some international status, in addition to the fact that it’s just fun and exciting to discover new ways of working and different kinds of movies. Nowadays, everyone should be looking for an international career. It’s important to open yourself up to new things and be curious, both in film and any other field.

Do you already have an agent outside France?

I do have one, but we don’t get to chat much. Some people are just good at selling themselves and others need to take their time. I’m well aware of the fact that if I picked up the phone and tried a little harder, I would find a lot more opportunities. One role is all it takes to launch an international career. And since there are more and more casting calls in France, since production costs are cheaper for Americans when they shoot in Europe, we’ll have more opportunities over here. A lot of American movies are looking for French actors and actresses.

Are you working on anything in music?

I’ve got some projects floating around up here, but nothing too clear just yet. But it’s on my mind now and I’m starting to think about it a little more. I haven’t been able to say it up till now, but it’s obvious that me and music belong together somehow. It’s a big part of my life. I started piano when I was four and it would be a total waste not to do anything with it. It’s a form of expression that can do a lot for me. I don’t know if it would be one song or an album or just playing concerts once in a while, but I’m really anxious to make myself heard.

You’re leaving soon for a film shoot?

Yep, on April 27, and then I’ll be back to present my short film at Cannes.

Are you working on any other films?

I am, including one that’s really new and really interesting. It’s an all-girl project with about a dozen or so actresses.