Larissa Kasian : Actress : News

Improv Improv Improv

2010-05-05T15:54:00.001-07:00

It has been quite a while since I've updated.

My focus lately has been improvisation. Lots of it! Especially longform.

Improv performances coming up (at the Bayfront theater in San Francisco):
Sun, June 13th- Genres
Sun, June 20th- Shakespeare
Sun, June 27th- Shakespeare
Thur, July 8th- Opera

Go to improv.org and click on "student shows" for more information and to buy discounted tickets online ahead of time.

larissa

Short film on BSG website

2007-07-13T19:27:00.000-07:00

The short film we completed for the"Battlestar Galactica" competition is now up on the website.

Click here to watch it.

Enjoy!!

Voiceover Demo

2006-07-17T12:00:00.000-07:00

I just completed my voiceover demo! Click the link to listen.

Commercial Demo

Now- tell all your friends to hire me. I'm ready to work!
Larissa

Homeworld Trailer

2006-07-17T11:30:00.000-07:00

The Homeworld X trailer is now online with footage we shot in Fort Bragg over memorial day. The music is awesome!

Homeworld X trailer

Fairfield, Idaho Trailer

2006-05-26T15:05:00.000-07:00

The trailer has been completed for Fairfield, Idaho, a feature I worked on last spring.

Watch the trailer.

You can see a really big version of it if you chose to download it.

If you have any comments about it, the director and producer welcome feedback through the contact page on their website.

Homeworld X: Cast as Seargent Fulsom

2006-05-19T16:33:00.000-07:00

This summer I'll be filming the role of Seargent Fulsom in Homeworld X, feature-length Sci-fi about an expedition to another planet to save the human race.

Character descriptions are listed on the website forum. But for your convenience, I'll list mine here:

Sergeant Fulsom, Diane

Hardened by war and the loss of her husband to the Mendax invasion, Fulsom is a bitter combat machine. Cold and calculating, with an unrivaled temper.

We are shooting short scenes this weekend that will go up on the website, and Memorial Day weekend we will be in Fort Bragg shooting footage for the film trailer. Principle photography is tentatively scheduled for early July.

I'm really excited... This character reminds me of Starbuck from Battlestar Gallactica, my favorite show. It's a dream character type for me to play- tough, yet vulnerable.

Voiceover training and acting class

2006-05-19T16:19:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've posted and for all of those keeping tabs on me, sorry to keep you in the dark. :) I've been busy taking a multitude of voiceover classes at Voice One since September and I plan on recording my demo this summer.

I've also been taking a Meisner acting class with Christy Wioncek at Bay Area Acting. I love this technique and I love this class. Through the Meisner Technique, I'm learning how to better get touch with my emotions, connect to others on a deep level, and live honestly in the moment. They're not only great acting skills, but useful in all aspects of life.

Double Spaced Photos

2005-08-11T11:25:00.000-07:00

Check out the Double Spaced Production Photos.

Double Spaced Shoot

2005-08-10T08:31:00.000-07:00

Principle photography for Double Spaced is finished. The shoot was 9 days, and I was on set for the first 4, starting Saturday July 30. I had a great time. I have one more shoot day, Saturday August 20th. Who would've thought a feature could get shot so quickly?

Fairfield: new website

2005-07-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

Check out the newly launched Fairfield, Idaho website.

Fairfield is coming along very well. I completed the bulk of my filming back in April and May, and had a wonderful time. The cast and crew were professional, easy to work with, and a lot of fun to hang out with. I am especially grateful for Darwin's dedication to the project, his ability to provide what I needed from him as a director, and his interest in receiving feedback and suggestions. Allowing to give my input always makes me feel more valuable, much more like a part of the team, and fulfills me creatively. I am glad I still have a few scenes to shoot, because I will be very sad and miss everyone very much when I am wrapped.

Double Spaced Rehearsals

2005-06-30T16:19:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals are underway for Double Spaced. We're already visiting and rehearsing in locations! The shoot is scheduled to start 7/30 and I think we will be well prepared.

Now I just need to find time for some research: watch some Woody Allen and Wes Anderson movies, and peruse Annals of the Former World. LOL.

Double-Spaced: A Comedy!

2005-05-19T00:42:00.000-07:00

In Late July/August, I will be shooting the role of Holly, the "nerdy but adorable" girlfriend of the lead character in the comedy Double-Spaced. The script is funny and witty, and the best of its kind I've read in a really long time.

Working on a comedy is going to be a really great change of pace coming after the really intense and emotional dramas I've worked on this year. It will be a great way to work on my range and to play and have fun with some lighter material.

Island of the Gondoliers

2005-05-03T07:20:00.000-07:00

Later this month I will be shooting the role of Gia in Island of the Gondoliers, a short film shot on 16mm, and written and directed by Guido Muzzarelli.

Marianna of the Universe: Screening

2005-03-07T11:47:00.000-08:00

Last night I attended the screening of Marianna of the Universe, a 10 minute short film I worked on a few years ago. The film is a combination of live-action, animation, and computer graphics.

This project was unique for me- instead of acting in front of the camera, I did the ADR for one of the actresses. She was unavailable, and it was much easier for them to re-record the sound than to reshoot the footage. I went into the recording studio and overdubbed all of her lines. It was a great experience for me- my first time doing ADR/looping. I really enjoyed the technical aspect and the precision required in looping, and I was suprised at my own knack for it. Seeing the completed film reminds me how much I would love to go back into the studio for more voiceover work.

Marianna has already been accepted to a few festivals. Isabella La Rocca, the director, will be updating her website as she gets word of more festival acceptances and screenings.

Oh, and I have my copy of it... So contact me if you are curious to experience my voice coming out of a 14 year old Phillipino girl's mouth.

Fairfield, Idaho: Maddie

2005-02-01T19:59:00.000-08:00

I will be playing the role of Maddie in the HD feature Fairfield, Idaho. This role excites me because the character has a lot of depth and conflicting emotions. She is in the difficult position of supporting a man who is depressed and seemingly going nowhere with his life. But she still sees the man she fell in love with, the charming father of her child, and she hopes to help bring him out of his rut and back to the person he once was.

I am also excited to work on this because the team I met at the audition were wonderful people. The director is very receptive to input and feedback, and we have already begun exchanging ideas about my character and the production. I feel like this is already a nurturing and creative environment and I only met him 3 days ago. Working relationships like this one help remind me how grateful I am to be in this business and to have the chance to connect with some creative and like-minded people. My time is valuable, so I have high expectations when joining a production. I want to enjoy every minute of it, to feel like I am creatively contributing, to challenge myself, and in the process to grow as a person and as a performer. It is always a delightful experience to encounter others who are making films for the same reason.

We will be rehearsing in March and shooting in April, primarily in the Santa Rosa area.

Watch "Behind: 'Buddies'"

2005-01-30T21:03:00.000-08:00

Hey, want to watch Behind: "Buddies", our 4 minute film from Cinemasports on 1/15? Keep in mind, we wrote, shot, and edited the entire film in 9 hours. Enjoy!

Watch the film

Cinemasports! One-day filmmaking

2005-01-18T15:50:00.000-08:00

Cinemasports! One-day filmmaking at its finest.

Teams are given "ingredients" in the morning, and they have 9 hours to come up with an idea, shoot it, and edit it into a 4 minute film.

Last Saturday, I teamed up again with the my director for The Ticket, the short that won last year's San Francisco 48 Hour Film Festival. My group was great, and I had a blast. Stay tuned and I'll let you know when you can view Behind the Buddies.

Pathogen bloopers

2005-01-06T13:47:00.000-08:00

Click on the "bloopers" link on the Pathogen website. You may need to exercise patience depending on your dialup speed, but the wait is worth it. The bloopers are funny, and it gives you an idea of how amazing the film is going to look.

*Parental discretion is advised due to strong language.*

Larissa

In Pursuit of Happiness

2005-01-06T13:35:00.000-08:00

My latest project is a doumentary comedy. I am currently acting as production manager/ assistant director and helping the director plan upcoming shoots.

In Pursuit of Happiness

Take some time to check out the website. It's got some really interesting facts, sponsors, and teaser/interview footage. I'm really excited to be a part of this. It's a topic that really resonates with me.

The Ticket showing at Cinequest

2004-12-21T14:47:00.000-08:00

The Ticket, the award winning short I worked on in June for the 48 Hour Film Festival will be showing at Cinequest in March. The winners from all the cities in the 48 Hour Film Festival tour will be screened, and the competition winner will be announced.

The Ticket won San Francisco Overall Best Film, Best Writing, Best Use of Line, and the Audience Award.

Watch the Ticket.

Zombie screenplay reading

2004-12-09T17:05:00.000-08:00

Hey! What's cooler than playing a leading role in a zombie movie? I just got cast in a screenplay reading of a feature-length zombie movie. My character is a former nursing student, skilled with a shotgun, and the first one in to scope out the zombie situations. We're performing the reading this weekend and may be shooting a trailer for it in the spring.

Snapdragon: just cast

2004-11-29T13:09:00.000-08:00

I was just cast as the role of Janice, a flower shop customer, in the 35mm short film Snapdragon. My role will be shot on Dec. 5, and will give me the opportunity to work with many of the crew from Pathogen again. Snapdragon gives me the chance to work with Larry Laverty again, though I share no scenes with him in this production.

Snapdragon is written and directed by Sun Tae Hwang, produced by Jarmo Siimento, and stars James Lee, as the Korean immigrant.

I am excited for the chance to be involved in Snapdragon, and for the chance to work with some of my friends again.

Cradle to Grave

2004-11-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

I will be playing "the dancer" in an experimental short with Susan Ali, shooting Dec 4th. It is a 35mm commentary on consumerism called Cradle to Grave. It will be my first experimental film.

Mortuary feature pickups

2004-11-15T13:09:00.000-08:00

This past week I shot a short pickup for the feature film Mortuary. I met Shawn, the director, this summer while on an audition for something completely unrelated. He was busy with post production on Mortuary, but had a need for a small interview scene he was planning on picking up at some point, and thought I would be perfect.

Mortuary should be completed over the next few months.

Ode to a Donut Shop pickups

2004-11-15T13:05:00.000-08:00

My part in Ode to a Donut Shop is officially over. We shot my last pickup shots on Monday and Tuesday. We were having trouble scheduling it because everyone has been so busy. Finally getting it done was a relief to everyone involved.

On to the next project!

Complete Pathogen Photos

2004-11-05T11:29:00.000-08:00

Complete Pathogen photos
(on Ramona's website)

For those obsessive fans...
Or those with too much time on their hands...

There are 309 photos. If you only spent 10 seconds on each photo, it would take you 52 minutes. Is that right? Will somebody check my math?

Running with Scissors

2004-10-19T13:53:00.000-07:00

There is no good way to describe this project without quoting the casting call notice:

We are casting... a one minute short that requires a high amount of dramatic and physical talent. The shoot is a parody on the dangers of running with scissors. The actors will be required to slip on the floor, act out severe injury, and express the suffering that occurs after one is accidentally impaled with a pair scissors. Rubber scissors will be used in the production of this shoot to ensure the actors' safety.

Shooting for 2 days this week and next, this is for a Masters class at the Academy of Art.

E.P., A.D., Zombie

2004-10-18T19:11:00.000-07:00

This weekend I was a Zombie. And I don't just mean that I felt undead from lack of sleep... I worked on Zombie Staffing, a short spoof of the 1950's-style industrial videos.

I was Executive Producer, Assistant Director, and "Female Zombie."

A little bit of post production and it should be completed in a few weeks. I'm so proud of Eric for handling his first shoot so well. We did good, my friend. :)

Broken Arrows

2004-10-13T01:44:00.000-07:00

I just got cast as a hitwoman in Broken Arrows, written and directed by Reid Gershbein, of Thrave. I take it as a compliment that he went with someone who looks older and "more like a librarian" for the lead. I also take it as a compliment that he liked my "tough persona" and "piercing gaze" enough to consider combining 2 small roles to make a bigger role for me. Many thanks, Reid. Now, let's talk more about the possibility of my character having a fight scene. :)

Shooting is currently slated to start in February.

Is that really me?

2004-10-12T22:58:00.000-07:00

Originally uploaded by Larissa Kasian through flickr.

Look at me on the Pathogen set- exuding happiness. From the pictures, you'd never guess my character was so pissed off. :)

Remembrance: wrapped

2004-10-10T23:53:00.000-07:00

I spent this weekend in Salinas, shooting a part in a short called Remembrance. I was worried that I wouldn't enjoy anything that came on the heels of such a great experience as Pathogen, but fortunately, I surprised myself. It was a lot of fun, and it felt quite low pressure, which was exactly what I needed. Plus, the character was interesting, and I'm always game for interesting and weird characters.

Remembrance will now enter post-production, and should be done by December.

Pathogen: wrapped

2004-10-10T23:38:00.000-07:00

Upon reflection, it is pretty amazing that the opening shot of the movie was our first shot, on day 1 of shooting, 1 month ago. And the last shot of the movie was our last shot on Thursday when we wrapped. It is quite rare for a shoot to work out this way, due to locations and other scheduling practicalities. Plus, it was particularly cool for me, since I was in both those shots.

I'm really going to miss this production. Not only has it been a whole slew of good memories and good experiences, but it has been creatively gratifying. I know in my heart that this was the perfect experience for me at the perfect time. I was even talking to Sharif on Thursday about how I know I was meant to be working on it because I absolutely cannot imagine my life without it. I love that feeling- knowing something is perfect and 100% right for me at that moment in my life. It is such an amazing confirmation of being on the right path and doing what's right for me.

A month of long night shoots has come to an end. No more commuting 100 miles every day, no more heading home at 3 or 4 in the morning. No more french twists pulling at my scalp. No more frustrating attempts at parking in downtown San Francisco during rush hour. No more sleeping late and leaving work early and hoping my boss doesn't get too angry... Until next time... Which can't arrive soon enough.

Until then... A little bit of rest and recuperation, and a whole lot of amazing memories that won't be topped for quite a while.

Thank you thank you thank you. I am so grateful I was chosen to be a part of this amazing experience, and this amazing movie. I would do anything to work with many on this crew/cast again.
Larissa

Pathogen week #4

2004-10-10T22:55:00.000-07:00

The final week of Pathogen was grueling, yes, but not as bad as it had seemed it would be, from all of Sharif's warnings.

We finished up our final location, at the hostel, where we shot Angela and Willard's bedroom, Sharon and Harold's bedroom, all the hallways, and this past week, the kitchen, laundry, and "front door" (in the basement).

I thoroughly enjoyed my last 2 days of shooting. Tuesday in the kitchen was a long night, and Patrick, Jay, and I shot the proposal scene at the very end of the night. By that point, everyone was punchy, but somehow we managed to get it done amidst the giggles. We were also commenting on how strange it was to be shooting scenes with other actors that night. I think that added to the punchiness. But we did it, and we got some great production photos, as well.

Thursday was our final day of shooting. Luckily, none of the shots were too difficult, because wrap day always poses its own unique challenges. The people involved are excited to be at the end of the project and want to celebrate. And there are always more people on set, people who want to witness the miracle of movie magic, and help us celebrate the birth of a cinematic masterpiece. :)

What a great day, though... I loved the last location. The basement is pretty cool looking, and we got a great shot of me coming down stairs, and this amazing circular dolly shot in this really gritty room with lots of wiring. And we shot what I think may have been my favorite scene to perform from the movie- the one where my mom finds me trying to open the door and we have a fight. It wasn't very long, but Sharif's writing style is so concise that I think it may have been my longest dialogue. Plus, I got to yell and release some anger, and that was fun. :) I could have done take after take of it, and in fact, I even asked if we needed to do it again. Someone (Tasha, maybe) said "You can always tell when Larissa likes a scene. We'll be ready to move on and she'll ask if we're sure we don't need to do it again." Well, yeah, sometimes I feel like I could give more to my performance, so I ask Sharif if there is anything at all different he's looking for. Plus, once you perform it and move on, you never need to revisit that scene again. For the scenes you really like, it can be sad because you want to perform them again, yet those are often the ones that you're the best at and nail in one take. :)

2 Weeks of Pathogen Pics

2004-10-04T05:37:00.001-07:00

See W. Jay Moore's site for more Pathogen pics. Jay plays our goofy and endearing Willard.

Pathogen week #3 [late nights]

2004-10-02T01:34:00.000-07:00

This past week and next week we are in our final location, at Tasha and Sharif's. We've had our latest nights yet, going until 4:30am just the other day. I'm doing well, and even in the wee hours of the morning, I am excited and energetic. My only problem seems to be my inability to get to sleep at a regular time on the days we're not shooting.

Noteworthy shots this week: some cool hallway dolly and handheld shots

Days I've been on set: 13 (only 4 left)

Meanwhile... Check out the Pathogen photos I slapped on to a makeshift page. All the production photos are amazing, but these are just a few good ones of me.

Thanks for tuning in,
Larissa

Pathogen week #2

2004-09-27T23:41:00.000-07:00

Week #2, location: Harold's office (dad)

I got a few days off from shooting last week, which was quite a weird feeling. Withdrawl? I stopped by set on Friday and felt better, but didn't feel entirely complete until I was required on set on Saturday.

Total days I've been on set: 10
(1 of which was just hanging out)

Notable scene shot this week: My wedding!

Upcoming shooting schedule for me this week: Tues, Wed, Thur, Sat, Sun!

This crew and cast are starting to feel like family. I'm already dreading the end of this project... The end is near... I'm only on set 7 more days (out of 9 or 10), and we wrap next Thursday, 10/7.

Thanks for reading,
Larissa

Pathogen week #1

2004-09-17T13:37:00.000-07:00

Week #1, location: Angela's bedroom (my character)

Total days of shooting so far: 6
Total days I've been on set so far: 6

Notable scenes we've shot: my hanging, my strangling, and all the scenes in which I'm strapped to the bed.

Everything is going well. The crew and cast are all talented, dedicated, and amazing people. I couldn't ask for anything better. I am so fortunate...

Pathogen site update

2004-09-09T11:26:00.000-07:00

Please check out the Pathogen website for the following updates:

shooting schedule
storyboards (download)
script (download)

and our happy happy family photo (click on the brain, or the "about" link)

Just cast in Remembrance

2004-09-08T01:05:00.000-07:00

My next movie: Remembrance
Length: short (15 min)
Format: super 16mm film

Plot synopsis: Alone and dying, Edmond Foster decides he must kill someone so that he will be remembered after his death. Along the way, he finds love; and ultimately fame and a new lifesaving kidney transplant.

My character: Clair, the love interest
Character description: insecure, lonely, socially inept

Shooting: second weekend of October, immediately after Pathogen wraps.

And you thought you were sleep deprived

2004-08-26T23:32:00.000-07:00

Pathogen shoot schedule.

Storyboards coming soon.

Pathogen in pre-production

2004-08-13T03:01:00.000-07:00

Rehearsals have started for the much-anticipated feature Pathogen (working title). I'm really excited to be working on another feature. The script is polished, the director and producer really have their act together, we've got an amazing cast, and as if that wasn't enough, we're even shooting on 16mm.

My character is Angela, an angsty, unhappy teenager trying to escape her dysfunctional family. I, of course, do the story no justice in my explanation. Please read the description.

August is full of rehearsals for Pathogen, in between my Donut shoots. Pathogen will begin shooting the second week of September and will span almost a month.

Donut in production

2004-08-13T02:20:00.000-07:00

Currently in production is Ode to a Donut Shop, written and directed by Emmanuelle Antolin. I play a charming, clumsy, shy, insomniac named Ericka. I never do the story any justice when I try to explain it, so you'll just have to read about it at the Lost Sock Productions website. While you're there, you might as well take a peek at Emmanuelle's previous work to see why I'm so excited about working with her.

Random facts:
By coincidence, this director and the director of my next feature are coworkers
And oh yeah, we've already had to deal with the cops... Twice. :)

Donut is set to continue shooting through Labor Day.