Tatiana Neva – Taken from Rio Bravo

By starrymag | August 30, 2024

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How was your character Ellen in Taken from Rio Bravo originally described to you?

 

A) Ellen was described to me as a badass bounty hunter who roams the land hunting down outlaws and making a living, claiming the reward money.  She is fierce and sharp. A great shot and a clever strategist. She has a good heart but is no softie. When she sets out to catch someone – the only escape is death…

 

Q) What was it about the role that intrigued you and made you want to be a part of the film?

 

A) “She is an interesting, complex character, who would be fun to explore,” is what I thought when I first heard about her. A woman who chose a lifestyle that not every man could handle. Strong, fiercely independent, unorthodox, intelligent badass, definitely dangerous and raising a lot of questions. Why did she choose this path? She must have had a good reason for it because it was highly unusual for a woman, especially in those days. Her entire makeup provokes curiosity. I wanted to get to know her and understand what drives her. Where is she going? Or what is she running from? Why did she choose such a masculine lifestyle? She is a dark mysterious adventure to me. And I couldn’t wait to embark on that journey of exploration of her mind and soul.

 

Q) Was there anything about Ellen that you added that wasn’t in the script that you first received?

 

A) As I dove into learning about the character, I naturally filled in the gaps of her origin story, in order to better understand her and to promote better bonding with her. There’s always more to every character. Always more levels beneath the surface. And I love to dig deeper. But I was given a great foundation to build upon. I really like where we took her so far.

 

Q) There are some great stars to the film – including your leading man, Alexander. Were you looking forward to sharing a scene with someone(s) in particular?

 

A) I was very excited to work with Alexander Nevsky and Joe Cornet. The three of us have a great synergy together. And, yes, it’s not every day that one gets to work with a three times Mr. Universe and an international action star. So, working with Alexander Nevsky was very exciting and a huge honor. Watching him bring the character of Ivan to life was a delight. He really did him justice. The character is based off of the real person and Alexander did a great job portraying him. He is an actual badass himself, so his portrayal was very organic, which made it easy for me to feel present in the moment while we were filming.  He is a multitalented person and has a great balance of creativity and organizational qualities. I am very grateful for the opportunity to work with him.

 

Q) The costumes were incredible! Talk about slipping into the outfit and the pieces that you wore.

 

A) Thank you very much! I have to admit, I had the time of my life dressing up as a cowgirl in the Wild West! I always loved that style and dreamed of an opportunity to rock it on the big screen! Ellen’s wardrobe tells a story of her lifestyle. She spends a lot of time on the road riding. Hence the choice of clothing that is dark, warm, practical, comfortable. She is armed, which is expected of someone in her line of work. And she is wearing a few pieces that definitely makes you wonder where she got them from. One glance at her and you instantly know that the road took her on many adventures, and she’s got more than a few stories to tell.

 

Q) This film is action packed! Was there anything you do to change up your workouts to prepare for the stunts?

 

A) I didn’t get to participate in the action scenes in this film. Ellen’s appearance in this one was a way to further build up the intensity of the pursuit of the villain Watuku (James Chalke) by our brave heroes, Ivan Turchin and Sheriff Kelly (Joe Cornet). Ellen’s reputation preceded her, so they knew who she was when she introduced herself. And when a bounty hunter warns you about someone being dangerous – it’s a warning worth taking seriously.

As far as the training for the action scenes – yes, absolutely, my routine changes when I train for an action film. I add a variety of different types of exercises. Increasing the intensity and working on the specific moves I will need for the project. Martial arts, stunts, weapons, gym workouts and cardio exercises to increase stamina are usually my main focus.

Q) What was it like working with director Joe Cornet?

 

A) It was fantastic! Joe is absolutely brilliant! He has a lot of depth and a great sense of aesthetics. He is very sharp and has a very good understanding of the human soul. The way he brings all the elements together is almost poetic to me. Very inspiring! And as a costar he is very friendly and supportive. He really made it easy to work on this project and I am very grateful for that. We see a lot of things eye to eye, so it was a very positive and interesting experience. One of the best directors I ever worked with!

 

Q) You have such a lovely voice, and you got to sing the original song for the movie. What did that honor mean to you?

 

A) Honor is a word that describes it pretty well. It was an incredible opportunity to see another one of my dreams come true! I absolutely love singing and was delighted to be presented with the chance to contribute in that way! And Sean Murray is so talented! He wrote the lyrics and composed the song so beautifully that I felt like I was singing with both my voice and my soul. The biggest compliment I received on the song was when I found out that my little niece was listening to it on repeat for several weeks! That’s when I knew we created something wry special. I am very grateful to Alexander Nevsky, Sean Murray and Joe Cornet for letting me do this.

 

Q) Which scene was your favorite to shoot or one you are most proud of how it turned out?

 

A) I really enjoyed filming our scene with Alexander and Joe. Not only because of all the reasons I have already mentioned, but also partly because I had the pleasure to work with a beautiful horse that belongs to Joe Cornet (thank you, Joe). Her name is “Lady,” and she was a delight to be around! I loved horses since I was a child! I absolutely adore those magnificent creatures! And needless to say, I enjoyed this perk greatly! Just being around the horse instantly puts me in a better mood!

I wouldn’t mind doing more of that in the future!

And, of course, the fact that I got to work with Alexander was the best part, as I have been wanting to work with him for a long time and it finally happened! It was a great experience, and I am very grateful.

 

Q) What are the other projects that you have been busy working on lately that fans should keep an eye out for?

 

A) Thank you for asking. An action film Prey of Wrath written and directed by Doug Tochioka, where I played the lead, is to be released soon. It is a story of a special unit operative sent after a group of rogue military officers to intercept them at any cost. Once again, we follow a journey of a strong independent badass woman who’s not afraid to break a nail. The film is packed with action and, as a treat for the audience, features the great Cynthia Rothrock, the “Lady Dragon,” as a costar in it. She is featured in the Taken from Rio Bravo as well, so that makes two films we did together now. It was an honor to work with her on both!

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of the work you do either musically or on our screens?

 

A) Follow the calling of your soul and the entire universe will support you on your journey! Sounds like a bunch of pretty words, formed into a quote of the day, but I truly believe in it with all my heart. When we are true to ourselves – things tend to work out for the best! Nothing is more beautiful than watching people’s dreams come true! And that’s my wish for everyone around me.