In Partnership with Tom White
(Alexandra wearing own Mugler SS23 pants and top)
Alexandra Bokova stars as Lock in Alien Planet, directed by Alan Maxson, about aliens on a mission to protect their planets from scarce resources and invasion. Her role is already generating buzz as fans anticipate the actress’s incredible transformation.
Bokova previously starred in Mermaid Down where she plays a convincing mute, dark and edgy Mermaid. She also wears and swims in a six foot long prosthetic tail. This time around she geared up in full prosthetics for Alien Planet.
“These are both indie films, with small productions. So you just make it work. The tail was fun because it had some foam inside so it could sort of float but it was incredibly heavy. Once they got me in it I was in there for hours until we had to get a shot. With Alien Planet, the prosthetics are on my face. It was challenging to adapt without properly hearing, biting, and seeing. I wore contact lenses and fake teeth I had to learn to speak with. But you adapt and get it done. Our director Alan Maxson was incredibly helpful, being a creature actor himself, he was patient and had lots of tips on how best to work in that environment. I also have so much respect and admiration for the make-up department, ours in particular. We are very lucky to have Alexys Paonessa and Shaina Paulson. They were working with scarce resources and making us look as believable as possible. There was a strong sense of comradery, where everyone was super supportive and excited to be there. I had the absolute best time working on this film.”
(Alexandra as Lock in Alien Planet. Photo Credit: Niels Sorensen)
There is a lot of misconception about the film industry, many think it’s all glitz and glam. You obviously had a different experience working on all these physically challenging indie productions.
“I’m focused on being an actor, which requires a lot of specific work, discipline, and hunger. It’s not about the glitz and glam, as you mention. It’s about the fire in your belly during preparation for the role, digging into the depths of what you are about to undertake, who you are about to become. It’s the adrenaline you receive onset having an out of body experience being this character that someone wrote and you get to embody. That trust between a director and actor is sacred. Someone raising funds and using their own resources, time, money, and trusting you to help bring this concept to life- it’s a big responsibility and a huge honor. Because it’s not like in indie film you have a ton of money. There’s a lot on the line and we have to make it work with what we’ve got. But that’s also the excitement of it. Witnessing these incredibly talented people create a motion picture is mind blowing. In independent film you get to show what you’re made of, what you can do with the little tools that you’ve got. This genre is not for everyone. Indie film is not for everyone. But personally, I think it takes spine to make and I think it’s super rad.”
Does this mean your heart is set on being an indie star because of the artistic freedom? How do you see the trajectory of your career?
“I want to work on projects I’m passionate about with people I enjoy working with. I want to work with people who want to work with me. It’s as simple as that really. I would love to be on a studio project with one of my idols, one of my favorite directors, that would be a dream come true. Working with some of my favorite actors that I have looked up to and continue to study, that would be incredible. I’m equally as excited to continue to work with the independent filmmakers that I have met along the way. I’m excited to see where we go from here, what we make next, what we work on next. I love the idea that we sort of started off together. Boxing myself in is definitely something I always wish to avoid.”
Her commitment as an actress for undergoing such transformation and being totally unrecognizable in the upcoming feature film is admirable. The versatility of her roles are fresh and unpredictable, which showcase her range as an actress. We can’t wait to watch Alien Planet. It’s safe to say Alexandra Bokova is well on her way to cementing her status as one of the most exciting and talented film actresses on the rise.
Advertising disclosure: We may receive compensation for some of the links in our stories. Thank you for supporting LA Weekly and our advertisers.