Today we’d like to introduce you to Ilya Schroeder.
Hi Ilya, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
As I like to tell people, I am the weird kid still shooting for his dreams. My journey started in Highschool where I put myself out there to model as I had a friend tell me that I had “Great facial expressions”. So reached out to photographers to start working. It took some time until someone gave me a chance. A lot of TFP (talent for print). But finally, someone gave me a shot and I started modeling, quickly I learned that I didn’t have what it took to be a full-time model, but I knew I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, so I pivoted into acting.
I thought getting into the modeling world was tough but getting into the film world was much tougher. You’ll hear this from a lot of actors, but you’ll probably have to audition 100 times before you get 1 chance. And that is what I did…I got very lucky in the 1st film. I auditioned for the lead role which was bold, and the director didn’t want to give it to me but rather give me an “Extra” role. But I persisted and got him to see me as a lead and for my first film, I became a lead in “Damaged Disciples” (Release date: 2023).
That was a big year for me, I learned the toughness of the industry and got a few more roles in 2020 “Last Chance” and a few extra roles “Aimless” 2023. I wish I could say it was all roses since then but unfortunately that isn’t the case. Covid hit hard and put most of us actors out of business for a while. The cool part of this story is even though Covid happened it made me realize the love and passion I have for bringing a character to life and having the audience be able to resonate with the character.
There is so much beauty in being able to create and bring a character to life in film. And that is what inspires me to continue my journey to act and create. If you are in this industry for fame and fortune, I hate to break it to you, but you are in the wrong industry. If you love creating and bringing something to life that pushes, you every day then welcome.
My journey in this industry has just begun but I cannot wait to continue to inspire and show people through hard work and dedication you can truly make your dream a reality.
Where I am now is picking myself up and getting more opportunities and experience.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all…I am still on this journey but some things I’ve learned in the journey to your dreams can be a lonely one. As an actor you are traveling alone, taking time away from your family and friends, and sacrificing a lot. Especially for actors early on such as me, you have what seems to be everyone telling you to give up and that it’s not worth it, which can be tough. You can submit to 100 auditions and there is no guarantee you’ll get the part. An actor really is doing all on their own and that can be tough.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’ve been acting for about 5 years
– Damaged Disciples (Jimmy)
– Last Chance (Dr. Jay)
-Aimless (Todd the Manager)
Last chance was by far my proudest production I worked on because it hit close to home. The film was about a teacher with a bunch of delinquent students. He believed in them when no one else did. I loved being able to work on a project that is so relatable to what we are living in today. Today there are so many people who have no one believing in them and show that if one person believes in them it can change their entire life. I loved the entire film cast and cool enough it won a few awards
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
You have to be able to be firm in who you are and be confident. This industry will eat you up and spit you up. Believe in yourself
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm11124909/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ilyaschroeder_model/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ilyaschroedermodel/
