Expect nothing less than brilliant when watching actress Anna McNiven

Doing big things in Hollywood in the world of film, Australia's Anna McNiven in LA.

Since arriving in LA a few years ago, talented Australian actress and producer Anna McNiven, has starred in some pretty amazing films, alongside some of the best in Hollywood. Proving that hard work and persistence really pays off, Anna officially has many Hollywood hotshots behind her career waiting to cast her in their next production.So, how does a humble Aussie girl stay healthy and sane in an industry where only the strongest survive? We recently caught up with this amazing actress to find out just how she does it!

Q: Hi Anna, since we last spoke to you, you have been up to some really exciting stuff including some short films and feature films. You have also been focusing on keeping a positive mind and staying healthy, which in a town like LA, is pretty important. I would love to talk to you about all of these things: First of all, how far do you feel you have come from a few years ago when you first arrived in LA? What have you learned the most?

A: That’s a great question! I think what I have learned since I arrived in LA, above all is to stay focused on your goals and stay 100% committed to your dreams. It is all about perseverance and staying grounded within yourself. LA can be a very contrasting place. So many amazing things can happen if you are aligned with your vision, but you definitely need to stay wise and honest with yourself about every step along the way. Nothing comes out of thin air, its up to you to work hard and pay your dues in this town. That is what I love about the place, so many people are here striving to achieve their best, it takes a tough skin to stay in there though. You also need to be prepared for the set backs and learn the art of patience whilst persevering. It can very much feel like the hero’s journey in a way. All in all, as long as the work you're doing and the people you're relating to are of your value system, that is all you really have control over.

Q: What are your tips for managing to stay grounded and limiting the stress you can endure in a place like Hollywood?

A: Meditation, good solid relationships with people that share the same values, eating healthy, resting properly when I need to and when I can and putting my focus and energy into my art.

Q: How do you find the culture and lifestyle in California compared to other parts of the world? Have you found it difficult to transition into the LA lifestyle? Or do you feel you have easily adjusted?

A: I felt the transition of living here in LA was quite easy. It felt instantly familiar the first time I visited and that has never changed. It is certainly a faster paced city, but it depends on what you choose to do with your time here. California can be quite a relaxing place if you engage with things like going to the beach or getting into nature, which I love to do, to balance out the city hustle.

Q: What do you feel are some of the most important things to remember as an actress/producer/writer in LA?

A: Again, stay focused and keep good peers around you, that inspire your life.There is a quote that relates to that which goes something like, “If you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room.”

Q: Tell us about some of the films you've been a part of and which one was a highlight for you?

A: So many highlights! I have had such incredible opportunities to work with some of the best in Hollywood. I would have to say the most recent highlight was working on John Hamberg’s feature comedy called 'Why Him' starring James Franco, Brian Cranston and Keegan-Michael Key. I have also worked on a James Franco film called 'The Masterpiece' last year which was hilarious, so it was a blessing to be on another film with him. I not only had a blast of a time on this film, everyone was so lovely and full of so much good energy, but the other highlight was observing how John Hamberg directed. He is a genius and a mastermind. His ability to improvise throughout the scenes was incredible and he really took the effort to try different ways to approach character situations in the scenes.

James was cool too, he was always super focused and knew the scenes like the back of his hand. Between each take while everyone else was chatting, he would have his head in a book reading. So if there is anyone who works the hardest in Hollywood, James is definitely one of those people. Keegan-Michael Key was hilarious and such a lovely person to work with, he really lifted the mood in the room when he was around. I had a hilarious scene with Cranston, that I guess you will see when it comes out. On that note, Cranston was inspiring to watch in how he worked. Like a chameleon, he took direction with such ease and skill, I guess that’s why he has been nominated for an Oscar and won a ton of Emmy awards.

Another highlight was a Western called 'Traded' directed by Timothy Woodward Jr. It stars Kris Kristofferson and Michael Pare. This is the third film I have worked on with Timothy directing and each one just keeps getting better! The cast were unreal too!A really great team to work with who were dedicated and focused the entire shoot so that was very inspiring to be a part of!

Q: Which character was your favorite to play so far?

A: Hmm that’s a tough one! The character that I have loved to play the most so far, was probably Charlene in the Western feature 'Cold Chains Hard Hearts and Bloody Hands', great name huh?! Directed by Isaac Medeiros. The role had a sense of magic and mystique to it, which was really nice to experience. It was really hard work though! We shot in Oregon deep into the national park there, trekking, dealing with the elements. It had a “Revenant” type of feel to it, very brutal, but rewarding once it was over watching what had been shot! Actually speaking of which, the sound mixer from the Revenant is doing the music for 'Cold Chains', so in some way Isaac attracted that by being inspired by that film. It is a really beautiful, yet gory at times type of film. I can’t wait for everyone to see it when it's released!

Q: What keeps you most humble and grounded?

A: My friends, my boyfriend, my family and work, not to forget, meditation and music too!

Q: What can we expect to see next from you in the near future?

A: A feature horror film I am playing the lead role in, that has a lot of action and fight scenes I'm training for. I co-wrote this film so it’s really exciting to see it come together as a production. I will also be working and acting on another western feature film to be shot in November. I have also written a comedy series that is set to shoot at the end of the year too. 

For more on Anna McNiven, check out:

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