Exclusive: Charlotte Larsen on Advice for Future Female Producers

Charlotte Larsen is a phenomenal actor and producer who wants to help other young girls get into the field. She is a total boss and we just had to speak with her.

Do you have a preference between acting and producing?

   I love both! I love the challenge and thinking outside the box of producing, but then I also love exploring the humanity and emotions of characters I get to play. I happiest when I’m on set, whichever one I get to do that day!

What upcoming projects can you tell us about?

    I’ve just completed a pilot I produce and act in, a sitcom set in the 1908’s based in Melbourne, Australia which shows the seasons of life through the eyes of teenagers with dreams of conquering the world. We’re currently in talks with networks in Australia for the series. I have a couple of other things in the works I can’t quite talk about yet, but I will soon!

Incredible reception at the screening of Lost Angels tonight in Virginia, and some great red carpet interviews, too! pic.twitter.com/vzfbeKZpIQ— Charlotte Larsen (@OfficialCharLar) April 17, 2015

What do you hope audiences take away from your work?

   I hope they are entertained, firstly. I also hope that they get to think, feel, emote and escape reality for a moment. If I’ve done my job right then that should come easily.

Who are your biggest inspirations?

I have a few. Industry wise, there’s some great actors like George Clooney, Meryl Streep, Mark Ruffalo and right now, my friend Miranda’s daughter Thomasin Harcourt-McKenzie (from “Leave No Trace”) who just keeps turning out amazing work. Closer to home, my mom who raised me by herself, and my roommate and best friend Michael Benzaia. He’s an actor too and I watch him work hard every day at his craft. I am so proud of him and he inspires me to work harder too.

How does New Zealand compare to England to the United States?

   They are all different! I was born in New Zealand but grew up in England. I went to an all-girls boarding school, which was very Hogwarts like! New Zealand is beautiful and will always be home but I love living in LA and the hustle of working here. They are all great places, I’m very lucky to have lived in all of them.

Do you ever get any misconceptions about being from New Zealand? How do you over come them?

   Mostly when I say I am from New Zealand people say “I want to go I hear it’s beautiful” (which is true), although sometimes people ask if we have things like the internet, or even electricity (yes, we do!) Sometimes I respond “no, I hear it’s great!” but mostly, “yes, we’re a very modern progressive country!” 

There are tons of reboots going on in the industry, if you could be a part of any one or start a new reboot, which would it be?

   I was too young to be on “The West Wing” when it was on and I am obsessed with political dramas. I’d love to reboot that! A current one? Something like “Magnum PI” or “Fuller House”!

What is your biggest goal?

   Make great work! That’s all anyone can do.

What advice would you give to young girls wanting to become actors or producers?

   Research! Want to be an actor? Find a class that you like. Audition for anything that fits your type. Create online actor profiles! It’s a tough place to be but it’s worth the work. Want to be a producer? Find out what films are going on and apply to be a PA. Ask if any production companies or producers need assistants. Start there and learn, and work your way up. Anything is possible if you put your heart and mind to it!