Wonder Actress Izabela Vidovic Talks Growing Up in an Acting Household, Connecting to Her Character, and More
by Flaunt Intern
Izabela Vidovic | CREDITS: Photographed by Bil Brown
Actress Izabela Vidovic has been acting since age 7, clearly not new to showbiz. Considering the acting roots in her family history, it's no shock that the starlet has propelled herself into the spotlight with her spots in productions like The Fosters and Wonder, which hits theaters today (Nov. 17).
Vidovic, 16, sat down with Flaunt to talk about her latest roles, her future, and what she's learned from the industry. Give our chat a look below.
Did your mother inspire you to pursue acting as a career? What was it like growing up in such a creative household?
Yes! My mom has been my main inspiration for pursuing acting as a career. Growing up, I remember being so captivated by her work and ardor for the craft. I’ve always been fascinated by performance and the world of cinema, so I feel fortunate having a mom who is equally as passionate about the movie-making industry.
What do you look for in your ideal role?
I look for three-dimensional characters, roles that are written with many layers.
The upcoming film you’re involved in, Wonder, touches a lot on image and what kind of characteristics define beauty. Did you learn anything new from working on the film?
The themes presented throughout the film align with my views on image and inner beauty. However, working on Wonder still served as a great reinforcement and reminder of the message that beauty lies within.
You have experience in a variety of acting formats--stage productions, television, and film. Do you prefer one over the other? Do you hope to continue working within all these modes? What are the differences, from an actors point of view, between these formats?
I have done a few stage productions, but most of my background is film and television. With film, you’re working for at least two months with the same director, so you tend to build a personal relationship. Whereas on a TV show, there is a new director for every episode. Stage production is a whole other world, because you are performing live and you don’t get another take. Something unexpected can happen that you won’t be able to prepare for, so it teaches you to just be in the moment!
What about your Wonder resonated with you the most?
What resonated with me most about Wonder was Auggie’s bravery. Despite the challenges he faces, Auggie stays strong. He chooses kind and learns to love himself, regardless of the cruelty he encounters. Auggie truly serves as an inspiration for everyone to keep your head up, because things are never as bad as they seem.
What is your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate. Chocolate. Chocolate.
What was it like working with your mother on your other upcoming project, Working It Out?
My mom and her writing-producing partner directed our production company’s short film, Working It Out. She has been my acting coach since the beginning, so collaborating with her as my director was very natural. She directed me in different ways each take, just as she’s done in coaching me the past eight years!
What is the most important thing about acting you’ve learned so far?
Acting has taught me how to be a good listener. When you’re in a scene with someone, you can’t just be waiting for your turn to talk. In reality, you wouldn’t know what the other person is going to say. So in acting, you have to be totally invested for your scene partner, allowing yourselves to feed off of one another.
Do you hope to use the many languages you know in your career any time in the future?
I speak Serbo-Croatian, and yes! I actually co-wrote a feature film with my mom that explores my Bosnian heritage. It’s about a teenage girl, Sara, whose hopes of becoming a musician appear out of reach--between her paralyzing stage fright and her stubborn, traditional Bosnian father--until an opportunity to audition for Julliard presents itself.
What does your ideal day off look like?
Nothing better than reading at a coffee shop.
What would be your first decree if you were queen of the world?
Equality and love for all is the most important thing. I would start by eliminating discrimination against any race, gender, sexuality, or way someone chooses to identify themselves. Prejudicial laws would no longer exist in the world.
Photographer: Bil Brown
Stylist: EyeLoveLu
Hair: Nathaniel Dezan using Oribe Hair Care at Opus Beauty
Makeup: Paul Blanch using Hourglass Cosmetics at Opus Beauty
Photography and Production Assistant: Drew Pluta
Location: FD Studio.