In 2015, we interviewed amazing visual effects artist Lovina Yavari. We recently chatted with her about her latest projects. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Lovina! Awesome to catch up with you! Thanks for taking the time to chat with us. You’ve created some amazing makeup effects over the years. Now, you are working on a television show called “Salvation.” You play Naomi. Tell us more.
Of course, thanks for reaching out. I currently play a computer hacker named Naomi. She’s one of the co-leaders of a secret organization called Resyst. The series is currently airing on CBS. There are 13 episodes and I believe the finale is this month.
We’re not even going to ask what hacker you draw your inspiration from! (lol) So, we’ll ask about Naomi’s personality. How would you describe her?
Naomi is a maverick. She lives for herself and has a strong moral compass. She wants to help the world by removing all the shitty suits in charge. Be a voice for those that need it most.
Apart from acting, you also started your own fashion line. Tell us more!
Yes! I collaborated with a Clothing Company in Toronto called Pink City and designed 2 reversible Akira themed jackets. They are tributes to the manga/film. You can grab the classic red or black from our website at www.pinkcity.ca. Having my own clothing line has been on my bucket list for years. So expect more anime themed designs and original work.
This is a busy year for you. Currently, you’re recording a podcast with several Toronto based actors. What’s the 411?
I’m recording an RPG podcast with a group of Canadian actors playing Starfinder by Pazio. They created all the Pathfinder games. If you’re unfamiliar with this, it’s basically a sci-fi version of Dungeons and Dragons, only much more detailed.
I play an Android Ace Pilot Operative. Each player has a different level of gaming experience, some have none at all. Which makes it really fun to listen to. We’re aiming to get newbies and experienced players immersed in our adventure. The format we have also taught people how to play. For example, we define popular terminology used in RPG gaming during our sessions. You get to learn at the same time as the players.
Where and when the podcast will air?
Our first episode will be available in October 2017. You can follow us on facebook and twitter for updates https://www.facebook.com/StarfinderPodcast/
https://twitter.com/starfinderpdcst.
You’ve recently worked on a Michael Myers type film called “Halloween Reflections.” What was your role?
I had a wicked opportunity to play the lead, Audrey. Who was written for me by the Writer/Director Jason Costa. She’s this laid back, cool, mysterious biker chick. Basically the female version of the bad boy high school boyfriend archetype. I share the screen with 3 other amazing actors, who’ve worked on series such as Nikita, Reign, and Dark Matter.
We had an actual Myers mask custom made for our production, We also scored our own music, and the mastermind behind it, Jason, is a massive Halloween nerd, so expect a ton of easter eggs. The series is also interactive. The first episode will be released on Halloween this year, Oct 31, 2017.
You’re heading to Shanghai soon to collaborate with photographers. Tell us more!
I have such an amazing time doing photo shoots in Japan. The locations I shot at were incredibly inspiring and beautiful, It definitely gave me the travel bug. So I made Shanghai my next stop. I’m hoping to team up with a photographer local to the area. In Japan, i had my friend with me, but sadly his schedule doesn’t align with mine for this round. I’m going in April 2018.
Is there a particular genre of film you would like to design for?
Hands down for a sci-fi film or a tv series like Star Trek. I’d love to be apart of the character creation process for something under prosthetics. I was super lucky to have the opportunity to style my character in Salvation, it was hair, makeup, and wardrobe. That’s not something actors usually get the opportunity to do, so I was insanely grateful.
What is the most important advice you can give to aspiring visual effects makeup artist?
Always practice.
Is there anything you would like to add that we haven’t asked?
Thanks so much for having me again! If anyone wants to stalk my life, you can follow me on Instagram @lovinaaliendick.
About Author
