Nicole Bessick is a force to be reckoned with and she seems to be getting better with each passing day.She’s an actress by profession but holds an Honours Degree from UCT, specializing in intellectual property and has been dubbed “Action Barbie” by many, for her constant influence in an industry still emerging from the untouched female boxing market.
Emphasy Magazine got an exclusive look into the life of Nicole Bessick behind the camera and found out what it takes to become one of SA’s most in-demand stars.
What does it take to become an Actress in the South African market?
Talent isn’t enough. In fact, out of all the qualities it takes to be an actress, talent checks in quite low-down on that list. You’ll hear ‘no’ more times than you’ll ever hear anything else. It’s here that attributes such as grit, determination, resilience, perseverance and of course, the X-factor, come into play. It’s tough… but if you’re willing to put in your 10 000 hours and put your passion and love for art above all else, all of it will pay off.
What is it about acting that you love so much?
Living a day in “the life of another”. That’s what I enjoy most. Taking that script, digging into it, and building a blueprint of how she thinks, behaves and sees the world. You need to dig into your own imagination and life experience… which can seem daunting at first. But once you find the connection between you and your character, get into her skin, and figure out how you want to present her… it’s thrilling. Then you place her in her world, where she has connections and relationships with other characters (played by my fellow actors)… the process takes on a life of its own. When you have a solid cast and you all get along and collaborate, it’s magic. It really is.
Which artists/actors/personalities have influenced you the most?
I think the actors that have inspired me and have influenced my work the most are the female action stars in modern cinema: Uma Thurman, Angelina Jolie, Rhona Mitra, Milla Jovovich and Cameron Diaz to name a few. There’s a lot to be said about women who can kick your ass AND look like a million bucks whilst doing so. I also love that each of these women have done their bit to break the glass ceiling of the entertainment industry and have challenged stereotypes every step of the way.
If you weren’t an actress, what type of career path would you have taken?
Marketing. I have extensive experience in the BTL marketing space.
Lights, camera’s action – do you have any pre-shooting rituals?
I go into Hermit mode. I like to be left alone and warm up in my own space. It helps to de-clutter the mind, releases all tension from the body and helps me focus on the task at hand.
What makes ‘Nicole Bessick’ able to adapt to different characters and scenes so smoothly?
Nicole Bessick loves what she does. It’s hard not to be good at something when you become obsessed with it.
How do you pick your roles and why is this an important strategic move for you?
There’s something about the South African entertainment industry that really sets my soul on fire: being able to, through story-telling, directly impact and effect social change. I take that responsibility very seriously when it comes to choosing roles. I’m not afraid to put in the hours when it comes to having to perfect an existing skill or learn a new one for or an upcoming role… I’m actually more likely to take those roles on. They help me grow as an artist and as an individual. I steer clear of roles that portray women or people of colour in ways that I either don’t agree with, or in ways that have us moon-walking back into pre-1994 ways of thinking… no matter the paycheck. I’m just not here for it.
You’ve taken your acting career to new heights of late having been on-screen, as well as on an exciting “Instanovela”. Why is new television content and online series so important to the South African market?
With advances in technology and social media, creative work is evolving. We are no longer limited to creating work in studios only, or only being able to consume entertainment through television. Online platforms provide artists with the opportunity to create in unconventional online ways and spaces – and I think that’s great!
If you could act alongside anyone, local or international, who would it be and why?
Alba Flores. ‘Saray’ in Locked Up… ‘Nairobi’ in Money Heist. Need I say more?
Most embarrassing on-set moment?
I don’t take life too seriously! It’s important to be able to laugh at yourself.
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