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'Lost Girl' Anna Silk Interview

Getting To Know 'Lost Girl' Anna Silk

Full name: Anna Silk

Job Title: Actress, known for 'Lost Girl'

City: Los Angeles/Toronto

Marital status: Married

Age: 40

How long have you worked in this industry?

Over 15 years as an actress in television and film.

When and where did you graduate from?

Bachelor of arts from St. Thomas University, 1997

Classes at The Actor's Network in Toronto for several years.

How and why did you choose this profession?

Acting is something I have been passionate about since I was quite young. It was always part of my life growing up and I really loved it. But it wasn't until some movies came to be shot in my hometown (Fredericton, N.B.) and I got basically got a job as part of the crew. This is when I caught the film bug. The whole experience taught me a lot about what is involved in the process of film and I fell in love with it. Seeing so many people working and collaborating in such creative ways was inspirational.

Is there a difference in the way men and women work and/or are regarded in this industry?

I don't know if there is a difference in how they work but there are different pressures and messages the industry can sometimes give men and women. I think the industry is certainly tougher on women, but I would have to say the women I see have really blazed their own trails.

What’s a typical day like for you?

There really is no such thing as a 'typical day.' When I'm working I am there from start to finish almost every day which is a great way to really dive into a character. I am also a mother and want to be present and involved with my son. When I am not working he becomes the centre of everything I do. I don't "fit" him into my work life, I build my work life around him.

How important is money to you, and why?

I think money is very important to most people. It's important to me in the sense that it gives you a lot of freedom and choice but it's not important to me in terms of what I can buy with it. I don't value having lots of stuff and I don't live my life that way. But money is certainly important.

How does your career influence or affect your personal relationships (romantic or otherwise)?

To be in this industry you need a mountain of support from those around you. I certainly have that with my family and my friends. The support you need can be unbalanced at times in the sense that you take more than you give, but I try and be mindful of that. My husband is the biggest support for me — he gives me the courage and the confidence to keep moving forward with all I do.

Do you think there’s an ideal time to start a family for someone in your profession?

The ideal time is when you are ready in your personal life. I see so many actresses who are mothers and I was always so encouraged by that. Having my son has been the best thing I have ever done. As for my professional life, being a mom only enriches it.

What is the greatest source of stress in your life?

How much time do you have? I do know that the best way for me to reduce my stress is to let go of the idea that I can get everything done all the time. Trying to embrace the idea that my 'to do list' can wait, is my biggest stress reliever and something I hear that a lot of people struggle with.

Have you had to deal with sexism in your career? Can you share some challenges and tell us how you dealt with it?

Yes, certainly I have. But I have to say it's been pretty minimal. It was definitely more difficult when I was newer in the industry but what I have learned is that you teach people how to treat you — so teach them well.

What valuable mistakes have you made in your career?

The biggest mistakes have come from times when I have not fully trusted my instincts.

Your advice to women today who want to work in this industry?

Don't let others tell you who you are. And to realize that time is so fleeting, don't surround yourself with people, colleagues or projects that don't inspire you.

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