1. Tell us about your background and journey?
I have a degree from ALBA art school Beirut, Lebanon. I have started acting as a student during my studies in university films and graduation plays across the country. Little by little the short films I acted in started going to more and more festivals. I was spotted in these festivals by series and theater producers.
The year after my graduation I was playing my first role professionally both on a series and in a theater production. (“ward jouri”series- and “Bel kawalis” play by “Georges khabbaz”). Ever since I have kept working on my acting skills and developing what makes an actor better and better (singing, dancing, movement...).
I have acted in several series and films in Lebanon (where I am based, my parents are french lebanese) ever since and this year I am doing a big step in my career as I am acting in a couple of pan arab projects and 2 international film productions.
(“farah” movie co-directed by British directors Kenton Oxley and Hassiba Freiha. “tuesday12” movie directed by Tunisian director Majdi Smeiri. “350gr” series directed by Syrian director Mohamad Lutfi shot in the UAE. “Al sununu” series created by syrian comedy legend Yaser Al Admi, and directed by Egyptian director Khairy Bshara, currently being shot in Dubai.)
2. What inspired you to pursue acting as a career?
I have always been a fan of movies. It has always been a means to step out of reality, imagine scenarios and play with my imagination. It was my way out of the routine of a shy child.
I was a very shy girl (especially as a child), all the movies I watched inspired me into taking part in acting activities in school and then in theater productions as a scout and this has always given me a way to express myself openly and freely.
I have started building this addiction to this free expression, this confidence I started building helped me a lot. I couldn’t stop acting ever since. And needless to say, I am still a movie/series addict and binge watching is my late night thing (even after 13h of shooting that day).
3. What process do you follow to imbibe a character?
I read, read, read and read the script. I usually buy a small booklet for every character and start writing any helpful detail from the script. I keep adding character details as I read more and imagine/work on the background story (alone/with the team).
I also usually watch a lot (not only movies and characters and the way brilliant actors play them), I also watch people and the way they move, talk, look etc... I try to memorize people and their “things”. I write things I have seen in people on the “character’s journal” and develop it step by step to get my fully “dressed” character.
Later, I let go of the script, the booklet, and let myself play around everything I have memorized and studied. I leave space for more edits and improvements. A character is never final, sometimes on set things move, change and evolve. I also work a lot based on music.
I chose a playlist of every character and keep listening to it. Every character is different but I always feel like I give a part of myself to every character’s personality. That’s why I think it is necessary to give myself (stephanie) space between projects to be able to evolve as a person, live and assemble feelings, experiences and thoughts that I can later use, at work.
4. How did you discover your passion for singing?
I grew up in a musical family. My mom is an opera singer and music teacher. Brother is a professional violinist and works as a composer and arranger. My father is an engineer but also plays the piano and has directed a choir (composed and directed) for more than 40 years. I have started singing before I could talk haha .
I was an “alto” singer in my father’s choir for years, we have had multiple concerts, lyrical and others. Started going towards jazz and blues later and performed with my brother and some friends in different places around Lebanon. (For fun).
Music has always been a part of life and I think it’s a dream to be able to join my passion for acting with the singing. In the film “Farah” I perform the soundtrack alongside Boy Georges. I hope to develop this side of myself in the coming years and hopefully release some original tracks and songs.
5. What changes do you wish to have in your industry?
More roles for people of my background, nationality and from my culture/region. More openings for talents from the region to have international participations. We have so much to offer and a lot of stories to tell the world.
Yet we always audition for the role of the refugee, or the terrorist. This is not what we are. Give us a change to express ourselves and we can all have a beautiful cultural experience and mélange.
6. Which actor do you admire the most and why?
I admire 2 awesome female actresses the most. In the region, “Nadine Labaki” who knew how to break out of the region and become international with her art. She created her own style and is self made.
She directs, writes and acts in her own productions. I also really admire “Meryl Streep” for her brilliant career, her character choices. She’s a true cameleon and has managed to lead a beautiful journey in the industry for a long time.
7. What message would you give to aspiring actors?
Stay true to who you are. Be real, be genuine and express what you feel. But also respect the timing and the process, don’t give up. The right role for you will come in time.
8. Which is your favorite book and why?
Every once in a while my favorite book changes. But lately I’ve been reading the Harry Potter sequel again (love the magic). And I am in love with “tuesdays with morrie” by Mitch Album (I love books about life experiences and positivity that don’t feel like a lesson more of a shared moment with the writer).
Stephanie Atala is an actor and singer. She stars in "In Circle" (Musical film - Dir. Rachel Meg) shot in Los Angeles. Stephanie plays the role of "Lina", the protagonist in the feature film "Farah" (psychological thriller - Dir. Kenton and Hassiba Oxley), 2021. She is also singing the soundtrack of "Farah" alongside english star Boy George.
Stephanie is starring in “Tuesday 12” (Dir. Majdi Smiri) recently shot in the UAE, in the challenging lead role of Amal, 2021. Stephanie plays the role of Leila in the regional series “350g” (Dir. Mohamad Lutfi) to be aired Ramadan 2021. As for her most recent on stage appearance, she played a lead role in Georges Khabbaz' theater production «Bel Kawalis». Stephanie hosts an online weekly show «Kazdoura» where she enjoys two of her favorite things: Comedy and Food. The French, Lebanese artist is based in Lebanon. She is fluent in French, English and Arabic. Stephanie is a graduate of ALBA school of arts, Beirut.
Interviewed By - Serene Ingle
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