SATU RUNA - AN ACTRESS WITH A GODLY QUALITY

'Acting deals with very delicate emotions. It is not about putting up a mask! Each time an actor acts they don't hide; they expose themselves openly'. Do you know who said that? It was the comedian, Rodney Dangerfield. No wonder why he got no respect. Sometimes the film industry doesn't like to hear the truth! Which reminds me...





1) What are your own origins, Satu? Plus what path did you take in life prior to getting to were you are today?   I was born in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, and I've been living in the US for 20 years. I studied and worked in New York City for 7 years (Stella Adler Studio of Acting graduate) while also hosting entertainment news shows for Fangoria and Comcast doing red carpet interviews and junkets. I moved to LA 4 years ago and now I'm working on writing, directing, and producing TV and film.

2) What inspired you into becoming an actor?   I was watching Jesus Christ Superstar the movie when I was 7 years old, and told my mother that I wanted to be that little girl holding Jesus's hand, singing and dancing. She said, "you have to go to school to do that", so I did. I've been studying drama since the age of 8.

3) In your own words how would you describe some of the film work you’ve been apart of?   As far as film goes, I've only ever acted in independent productions. I did my first feature at 20, since then, it's mostly been supernatural, dark comedy, or action thrillers. 

4) If your style of acting omitted a collective odour, what would it smell like and why?   Ambrosia, nectar of the Gods. One of my favorite theater roles was Helen of Troy in Trojan Women (Euripedes). The power she contained and knew how to wield was inspiring to me.

Satu Runa Acting Reel from SATU RUNA on Vimeo.

5) If you could get endorsed by a known celebrity – either living or dead – who would you like it to be and why?   Marion Cotillard. She is my inspiration to be the best actor I can be.

6) What were the main obstacles you had to contend with throughout your career?   Continually it's the issue of casting websites dividing actors by race, when I am multiple "races" and considered "ambiguous". It's a huge roadblock to getting considered for roles on television and getting a start there, because TV casting is extremely close minded systematically when it comes to ethnic appearance. They have to fill a quota. I'm not a beacon for any particular race so I never get called in even for the things that I actually am. I mostly book indie film for that reason, where the lead's race doesn't matter and actors are brought in based on a vibe / presence, auditioning with the producers and director right off the bat. 

7) What song would you say best represents your style of acting?   'One of Us is the Killer', by Dillinger Escape Plan. 

8) If you have a personal credo, what do you think it would be?   Keep going. Be courteous. Give back. But don't let them bleed you dry.

And on that great note, I'd like to thank Satu for telling us about her life in film, before directing you towards her website, twitter, and instagram pages.