Alexandra Bokova is a Russian-American actress. Her grandmother Alla Bokova is a renowned stage actress and a Distinguished Artist of the Russian Federation. She moved to the US to pursue her passion of working with human rights organizations. After a Political Science degree, she landed lead in Mermaid Down.
Mermaid Down is directed by Jeffrey Grellman co-written by Grellman and Kelly Lauren Baker. It was shot on a 85k budget budget. The film was picked up by Archstone Distribution at Cannes Film Market. It debuted worldwide October 15 on major steaming platforms. Mermaid Down played in select theaters worldwide. It is available through Redox and hit DVD January 2020 through Walmart and Target.
indieactivity: How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Alexandra Bokova (AB): I saw a casting notice for the role of this peculiar mermaid, a mythical creature, not a cliché we’re used to. I was drawn by the description of her being far from home, stolen for gain and personal use with no ability to speak up for herself. Its the same way nature is treated. So, I had to audition a few times out of thousands of actresses, even some you’ve heard of, before I got the part. I don’t know of anyone being cast in lead roles before auditioning. Given the nature of this role, it was important to our director Jeffrey Grellman and co-creator/producer Kelly Lauren Baker to make sure the person fit the part.
Watch the trailer for Mermaid Down starring Alexandra Bokova in the lead role
As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Alexandra Bokova (AB): I only auditioned for the role of «The Mermaid», I wasn’t interested in playing other characters just to be in the film. I wanted to play this character in particular and my task was to let production know this is my part. I studied the role, I prepared, tried to convince myself a million times they would never cast someone like me, then finally I got over myself and showed up to the auditions ready to rock n roll.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Alexandra Bokova (AB): The brief nudity was something that made me uncomfortable at first but given the plot, a mermaid won’t be hauled out of the ocean in a turtleneck or a seashell bra. She is essentially an animal and doesn’t comprehend the socially constructed feelings of shame of the body. The same things that challenged me pulled me closer to the project because I like to challenge myself as an actor and as a person. When developing a character you explore something new or hidden within yourself. I enjoyed being so wild, boundless and instinctual.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Alexandra Bokova (AB): Mermaid Down was my first ever feature film. I got the role a month after I moved to LA to pursue acting as a career. Everything else I’ve done was during post-production of MD. I love the process of filmmaking, being on set, being in character, embracing the madness, observing all the work that goes into a shoot, learning. I feel most alive and happy when I am working, it’s an incredible adrenaline for me.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Alexandra Bokova (AB): From day one, Jeffrey told me to trust my instincts. As simple and as impactful as that. It gave me confidence, freedom to explore, allowed me to shed fear of failure or making the «wrong» choice and to just be truthful. We understood each other very well so it was easy for us to collaborate.
How did you create your character from the ground up?
AB: Jeffrey and Kelly provided me with the concept, their vision of the mermaid. Physically, she has a few dreadlocks, seaweed growing out of her scalp, a key in her hair, she hangs around pirates during down time since we find out in the movie they taught her sign language. So she’s my kind of girl in that aspect. But she’s a wild creature. I was so intrigued by her. I observed animals, in particular my family dog Graf.
He’s a Boxer we rescued and he’s where I got the concept that the mermaid is wild but she’s harmless. Since she isn’t civilized there isn’t a vanity or socially constructed norms that drive her. The concept of revenge doesn’t exist to her and she only wants to get back to her element. When one of the girls spits in the mermaid’s face she doesn’t have a reaction because she isn’t aware of the socially constructed meaning behind that action. She doesn’t have an ego. It was exciting to bring this character to life.
As the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
AB: Ultimately I knew this character, I recognized her and I wanted to do her justice. So I felt this restlessness. I insisted on doing all the stunts myself and swam with the long mermaid tail in the freezing cold water. There’s a scene where the mermaid is crawling into the pool and I had to drag my legs on the concrete before getting into the water. I didn’t have to but wasn’t sure what would make the final cut so stayed committed.
My legs and feet were all bloody and scratched up but I didn’t feel it until after the scene was shot. I was very well taken care of on set and any injuries were due to my own eagerness to push myself further. The tail chopping scene, and the scene where the mermaid gets pulled out of bed by security, and dragged by her feet to the basement left me emotional afterwards. This cruelty made me think of how many animals and even people go through similar or more violent treatment today.
Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
AB: Every moment consisted of making creative choices. Since it is a mute performance, every gesture, every glance and movement is the only way I was able to communicate emotion without the guide of words. The trick was to do it without it being overplayed but honest.
What did you take away from the film production?
AB: Everything I could, I even took a tiny piece of my tail as a souvenir 🙂 It was an incredible adventure and a great learning experience. The most magical thing was being among such talented, dedicated people. There is no CGI in the film so the tail was constructed by the insanely talented FX team Jack Edjourian and Monty Shook.
The score for the film is completely original and breathtaking, created by Shepherd Stevenson and Christopher Lord. Ching Tseng and Dannielle Boyd were always there to help me visually get into character while enjoying so many laughs and goofy moments together. The entire cast is so talented and my on-screen bff «Ghost» Megan Kaiser actually became a friend in real life as well. I now get to say that I worked with so many awesome people I respect and admire.
What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
AB: Jeffrey has such an incredible, boundless imagination. He is brave, daring, and he puts forth front the unnoticed, unheard and misunderstood. Jeffrey knows exactly what he wants and his passion for filmmaking is contagious. The moment you step onto his set you are in a completely different world. He has a certain rhythm in his work- the way he speaks when he directs, the way he maneuvers about with his shot list all overwritten and stained with coffee, he lives in a different magical dimension us muggles know nothing about. I wouldn’t be able to predict what kind of film he makes next. That’s so exciting and inspiring.
What is next for you?
AB: Onward and upward! I want to submerge myself in work. Hopefully, this will be a step towards more creative choices and opportunities. When you’re starting out, most directors try to play it safe and you don’t come around award-winning scripts like Mermaid Down often. I’m seeking something daring and bold and demanding of me. But I have no expectations and am simply excited to see where my journey takes me. I am grateful to be in this moment for now.
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
AB: Stay committed, stay humble, be grateful, and speak up because you can’t create with people you don’t trust. Be open and receptive, let go of your ego, be respectful and treat everyone with value. That is when incredible things can unfold. And in the end, stand firmly behind the decisions you’ve made, don’t measure your success based on anyone else’s concept. Trust your instincts.
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