Aleksea Gerova: You must NEVER give up, because anything is possible!
Andrea Gerova: When I control my emotions, I am one step closer to my dreams!
Twins Andrea Gerova and Aleksea Gerova are 11 and from Sofia. Their day follows a strict schedule because, besides school, they attend many additional classes. Andrea and Aleksea attend the Konstantin-Kiril the Philosopher National High School for Ancient Languages and Cultures, where alongside a good education they participate in the school choir, arts school and basketball team. After school and at weekends, they enjoy hip-hop dancing, taekwondo, ballet, puppet theatre, drama school and, last but not least, the Film Academy for Talents!
How did your story with the Film Academy for Talents school begin? How did you hear about it?
Andrea Gerova: A long time ago, I think half our lives have been connected with the Film Academy, Dad read online that there would be auditions for a film school.
Aleksea Gerova: One evening we went to an office and met Stoyan Stoyanov and Hristo Hristov. We liked them, and apparently they liked us too, and it’s been 4–5 years now!!!!
What made you go to the audition, and what happened there?
Andrea Gerova: When I was little, I performed different plays in the living room and really got into them. I always played the lead!!! When I turned 4, they signed us up for drama school. That was my first time on stage, and when I heard there was a film academy too, I immediately wanted to audition. I remember we waited quite a while, and when my turn came I was very nervous. I answered every question and... the next day I found out I’d been accepted!!!
Aleksea Gerova: I’ve also played leading roles since I was little, and when Mum and Dad took us to the audition I was nervous and dreaming of films and adverts at the same time! The audition itself was great fun, and when I found out I’d been accepted, I thought the party and fun were starting!!! Honestly, it wasn’t quite like that!!! The training is quite serious, but there’s laughter too.
What makes Natalia Dukova and Tsvyatko Tsenov such appealing company and kept you coming back to the school?
Aleksea Gerova: Weeell, lots of things. Nati and Tsvyatko are fun, listen when you need them, and are always cheerful, fair and kind!!! Rehearsals are sooo strange without them!!! Over the years, some promised events didn’t happen, shoots fell through, and a TV broadcast and a series were cancelled. But we, Dad and Mum trust Nati and Tsvyatko. I believe they would never lie to us.
Andrea Gerova: They’re fun, but also dedicated to what they do. In their classes I can do what I love: step into other characters, worlds and new universes.
What films, videos or productions would you like to appear in?
Andrea Gerova: I would act in all kinds of films to learn more about cinema. Every role matters! I haven’t thought about videos, except maybe the ones I’ll record myself!!! I already have some lyrics, and if Nati approves them... Otherwise, I know every advert on television and I’m waiting for the moment when they choose me for one!!! And if there’s a dog in it, that would be suuuuper!
Aleksea Gerova: I don’t really think about it, but I’ll gladly accept whatever task they give me. Every role is experience I want to gain! That’s why I sing, dance, play sport, study and wait to seize my moment!!! I’M ALEKS AND I LOVE FILMING!!!!
Do you dream of the big screen?
Aleksea Gerova: Of course, how could I not!!! It’s been my dream since I was little! Whenever I see children on television, I tell myself, "I can do that too." I work every day because I’m sure I’m better than all the little actresses I see on screen!!! Only Andi is competition for me, but don’t tell her!!!
Andrea Gerova: Yes, I do. Every young actress dreams of that. I know the day will come when my name is on the poster, I’m on the red carpet, giving interviews... And the Oscar for Best Actress goes toooo... Andrea GEROVA!!!
What have you learned from the Film Academy for Talents team?
Andrea Gerova: Everything I know about cinema, I learned at the Film Academy. I learned how to stand in front of a camera, speaking pace, when to hurry and when not to, and most importantly, don’t touch the brooch during filming :)))))))))))))) And that teamwork is much easier!
Aleksea Gerova: Oh, there aren’t enough words in the world to describe how much I’ve learned!!! All the teachers were completely different, yet equally lovely and kind!!! Now I know how to behave off camera, listen carefully to the task, and more and more and more...
Andrea Gerova: Although only Aleks was chosen at the audition, I went with her to the shoot. I wanted to watch and learn, but suddenly found myself at the heart of the work as assistant to the assistant to the assistant director. Yes, I know it sounds like a small thing, but I helped, watched, learned and had real fun!!! Thank you J
Aleksea Gerova: One of my greatest experiences with the Film Academy for Talents was shooting "Monsters". Filming with Yana Marinova, Lili Sucheva and Anastasiya Levordashka under Kaloyan Paterkov’s direction was unique!!! I love being in films!!!
Who did you work best with?
Andrea Gerova: I can’t decide (Nati and Tsvyatko are in a category of their own). Everyone is soooo good!!! Working with them is so easy and fun!!!
Aleksea Gerova: Aaaah, don’t do that!!! Every team member is special, lovely and kind, and teaches us wonderful things! Working with them was very easy, and thank you to everyone J
Do you have plans for yourselves and for appearing in future productions?
Aleksea Gerova: I don’t have a clear plan, but I hope for more and more difficult roles because I love challenges. I’m sure that even if half of Nati and Stoyan’s projects happen, there will be many magical moments in front of the camera for me!!!! Until then I’ll work and take part in every audition.
Andrea Gerova: For me it’s clear: film as much as possible, study at the Film Academy for Talents, then NATFA, then films, series, adverts... And I expect Kaloyan Paterkov to keep his promise to cast me in his next film!!! I’m here and WAITING!!!
How would you use this training in real life? How does it inspire you?
Aleks Gerova: Well, that’s a difficult question! Maybe to be more focused, control my emotions, and be more persistent but calm too. Oh, I forgot the most important thing: NEVER give up!!! Anything is possible! Well, I do a little acting with the teachers, Mum and Dad, but only a little!!! "Honestly" :)))))))
Andi Gerova: Without knowing how, I use what I’ve learned every day with Mum, Dad and the teachers. I learned not to be nervous and to control my emotions. That is one step closer to my dreams!!!
What motivates you to keep going?
Andrea Gerova: I like doing what I love! Especially when I know the end result will be impressive!!! Thank you to Mum, Dad, Nati, Tsvyatko and everyone at the Film Academy! That’s what I’ll say at the Oscars!!!
Aleksea Gerova: Actually, I don’t know!?!?! My motivation comes from inside, from my heart! Of course, lots of people help me achieve what I dream of!!! Thank you to them!
