Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Charlotte Larsen

New Zealand-born actress, filmmaker, and producer Charlotte Larsen may be from the land down under, but she’s quickly climbing her way to the top of the industry. Best known for credits including Auckward Love, Gloria, and Great Expectations, Charlotte is one to keep your eye on. Pop Culturalist spoke with Charlotte about her impressive career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for acting and producing? Is there one that you naturally gravitate towards?
Charlotte: I did drama at school, so I started out wanting to be an actor. After college, I started a production company and fell into producing to get work, putting acting aside. However, I found myself still wanting to act, so I went to Stella Adler Academy of Acting in L.A. I love both and being able to work either side of the camera makes me happy.

PC: Your career has spanned several different continents. Is the production different depending on where you are?
Charlotte: Each production is different no matter where it is. In New Zealand, there is a film commission that supports the industry, so that’s a great help, but each production has its own set of problems and bonuses!

PC: Tell us about some of the upcoming projects you’re working on.
Charlotte: I just finished a pilot for a series called Legends, a sitcom set in 1980s Australia. It’s a very funny, poignant show that we’re looking to get to series. I’m also working on a few other projects which are still too early to talk about, but I will soon!

PC: You’ve accomplished a lot in your career. Is there one particular milestone that sticks out to you?
Charlotte: Having films in one of the major festivals really makes you feel like you accomplished something. The first one I went to was for Boy, which I worked on with Taika Waititi. I went to Sundance for that, and it was great to experience the festival—even though I didn’t get to see the film there because of weather conditions delaying flights!

PC: If you could give your younger self one piece of advice, what would it be and why?
Charlotte: Slow down! Do one thing at a time—well!

PC: What is the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Charlotte: Patience! Things in the industry take a long time and I always want everything done now. I’ve learned to let things go and take my time.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Charlotte: Shortland St., a New Zealand soap opera which I always watch! Also, any good political or legal drama.

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Charlotte: I have so many, but Fools Rush In, Goodfellas, and Legally Blonde are definitely in there somewhere!

PC: Favorite book?
Charlotte: Because I made a movie version of it, Great Expectations! My mother was a librarian, so picking just one is impossible, though…

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Charlotte: Wicked and Phantom of the Opera for musicals. Mother Courage and Her Children and anything Neil Simon for plays.

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Charlotte: I always hit the ’80s or ’90s music, but I occasionally throw in some Silverchair or Marilyn Manson. I went through a goth phase in high school!

PC: Last show you binge-watched?
Charlotte: The Kominsky Method

PC: Hidden talent?
Charlotte: I can do all the splits.

To keep up with Charlotte, follow her on Twitter.