Ella Rouwen Chen grew up in Shanghai and moved to LA when she was 18 to attend UCLA, School of Theater, Film, and Television. Ever since being a little kid, Ella has enjoyed performing. She believes her way of thinking is formed uniquely because of her experience in both academics and arts; just like how her immersion in both China and America shapes her understanding of the world. We had the pleasure to speak to her about her blossoming career.
Ella, thank you for agreeing to this interview with Occhi Magazine. Congratulations on your career to date. You grew up in Shanghai and moved to LA aged 18 to attend UCLA, School of Theater, Film, and Television. What interested you in film and please share your experiences of moving to LA.
Thank you for having me!
I simply enjoyed watching television and film when I was growing up. I have always loved empathizing with characters, so I thought wouldn’t it be cool if I were the characters on screen. Although when I first considered acting professionally, I was focusing mainly on theater because that was more accessible to me. It wasn’t until later that I got more into film.
As for the actual moving to LA experience, rather than my family helping me settle in my college dorm, I flew to LA with my high school friend, who also got into UCLA. I came with two 28 inches suitcases, a smaller carry-on suitcase, and a backpack. My first college roommate saw me and was so shocked to see how little things I brought to college. I blame it on international flying. I would have loved to bring everything from back home, but thanks to Target in Westwood and online shopping, I gradually got everything I needed.
Having grown up in Shanghai and worked in America, how do you compare your experiences, cultural differences, and the opportunities for East Asian actresses in the industry?
I do constantly. There are many great artists in both countries dedicated to storytelling but the industry standard and the working environments are quite different. Because I grew up in China, I was very used to seeing Asian people represented on screen. The lack of Asian representation in America and the fight thereof was something I had to adjust to. However, I will say that there is a very strict beauty standard back home, at least for now. That is something I feel a little more at ease here – that I don’t need to lose 20 pounds to feel like I am an actor.
You have worked with numerous figures in the industry, including Marc Acito (playwright for Allegiance starring George Takei), Gabriel Barre (Broadway director), Mason Lee (Golden Horse Nominated Actor), Qisheng Ye (Bai Yu Lan nominated actor), Phil Qiu (translator for all major Broadway musicals in China), Dapei Jin & Mang Liang (composer and lyricist team), Dino Herrman (Emmy and Grammy-winning composer/ editor) and Daxing Zhang (Hollywood producer with credits like Troll) How have these collaborations impacted your approach and appreciation of working in the industry?
I am very lucky to have worked with so many great talents in this industry. They are all skillful storytellers and wonderful collaborators. Like most people, I have insecurities about myself as an actor. The people mentioned above have all created an environment where I felt very comfortable to be in. I felt I could fully trust my instincts and work calmly rather than from a place of fear or anxiety. I also had so much pure joy. I remind myself of these positive feelings and attitudes on my bad days. There were more specific techniques I learned while working with these great artists. I think the mindset and the approach are more important. I hope to work with all of them again soon in the near future!!!
Who have been particular influences on your career, and why?
My family. They have greatly shaped me into who I am today, and that reflects in my work as an actor, as a director, and just as a storyteller in general. As an actor, there are certain essences I bring out naturally to the table. When I play a character, I first find something that I empathize with personally and then make choices about other parts of the character. There is always a little side of me in the characters I play. As a director, my visions for the stories I tell rely hugely on my world value. There are certain themes I tend to highlight more often, and there are some that I don’t.
You are a recipient of the Steve Lawrence and Eydie Gorme Scholarship. Can you explain to our readers what the Scholarship provides and how it has personally supported your career?
I sadly didn’t get to meet them personally but, I am aware of their importance in the American entertainment industry. Thus, it meant a lot to me that I got this scholarship specifically from them. What I did with the scholarship doesn’t sound super cool. I used a huge part of the scholarship to take actor headshots, which are pricy. I love my current headshots. They helped me got some huge auditions and booked me some great gigs!
You have an impressive growing resume of both film and theater work. Do you have a preference, and if so why?
I love both! I will say I am focusing more on film and TV work now, but I very much want to keep theater a part of my professional life. In film and TV, the turnaround is pretty quick. In theater, actors get more time to prepare and rehearse. I enjoy being in a rehearsal room and having the time to dig into the material. And the stage is … just wonderful and magical!
Can you share any information on projects in the pipeline?
I spent the past eight months writing a short film on a topic that is quite personal to me. I will co-produce it with another producer and will also play the leading role. We have been talking with a couple of award-winning directors and are in the process of choosing our collaborator! It’s going slowly and steadily. It will take a couple of months for us to go into production and then a couple more after that for post-production, but I am super excited to share the story with the world when it’s ready.
Where can our readers find out more about you and your projects? Note: please provide website and social media links.
Yes!! My website is www.ellarouwenchen.com and my Instagram is @ellarouwenchen.
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