Actress Annick Van Couwenberghe has pursued several projects. She starred in the hit TV series Vloglab #Stories and Billie vs. Benjamin. More recently, she participated in episodes of Move On, on air on Vtm Go, and tv series Dertigers, which aired on VRT1 and VRTMAX and whose online version has received millions of views.
What is the situation for women in Belgian cinema?
I can only speak for my particular situation, being an older woman who started with acting in front of the camera after doing theatre for more than 30 years.
It’s difficult to break through the glass ceiling with the Belgian casting directors. They have lots of opportunities for the younger people, even when they don’t have any credits yet.
But for the parts of the older characters our Belgian casting directors tend to only reach out to the established actors they know instead of opening their breakdowns towards the lesser known actors éven though they have experience and credits.
I try hard to keep reaching out to them from time to time with new material and I hope some day to be an example for other older actresses that the glass ceiling can be broken by hard work, working on your craft and never stopping to reach out to industry professionals.
You have worked on several successful TV series, including Dertigers and Move On. How did you get into acting?
Well, as said I started in theatre. My first experience on stage was when I was 11 years old in the school play where I had one scene all alone on stage with one of my teachers. I always looked forward to that part of the play and I knew I wanted to do more theatre ever since. My parents, like so many of my generation, didn’t allow me to start doing theatre until I had a diploma in my pocket. So I did law school, earned my master and then right away picked up theatre again. When in 2020 Covid hit the world and everything in theatre was immobilised, I looked toward the movie- and television industry. I needed to act, I was so frustrated not to be able to act and they had better possibilities in continuing work during Covid. That made me look into acting schools. I started Acting Academy in Lint, started out with extra’s-work and finally started scoring my first acting jobs. I’m with Wozniak Management now in Scotland, Glynis Wozniak looks after my international possibilities where I hope the glass ceiling isn’t as thick as locally in Belgium.
Which character did you want to play as a child?
The school play I started in was a science fiction inspired story. And I’ve been a fan of fantasy all my life. Ever since I was a child I wanted to act in fantasy- or science fiction stories. But I haven’t had the chance yet. So, if anybody wants to book me for that kind of part : I’ll make myself available!
How did your parents react to your decision to become an actress?
They are very supportive now. But when I was a teenager and wanted to do acting school instead of law school they didn’t agree. In those times, the options for actors in Belgium were a lot less than now, going international was only for the happy few, and like most parents they wanted the best for their daughter. In their eyes, the best was having a conventional diploma and be certain you have an income. I don’t regret the way my life has evolved. I have learned something from everything I’ve done and I’m happy with ever step taken in my life. It feels like it was ment to be and that at this age I’m more appreciative of the acting work I’m doing and I feel like I have more vision on how this career should evolve.
How did you train? Are you still training?
Well, I did Acting Academy where I trained the different acting techniques and script analysis. I did several workshops with for instance Michael Margotta, Nancy Bishop, Manu Bennett and Adam Davenport. With Adam I discovered Chubbuck Technique which is one of the techniques I like to use when examining a new part. So I started The International Acting School which was founded by Adam and we do weekly zoom classes to keep on working on our craft. It’s inspiring to see what other actors do with their scenes as well.
In the United States, there is still a debate about the pay gap between men and women in cinema and on TV. Do you think it is harder for women to get roles?
Luckily there is extra focus globally on more chances for female filmmakers in the industry. This results in better roles for women who have more opportunities in being the interesting lead role instead of the literally supporting role. You see many of the A-list actresses starting there own projects with interesting female roles which is an wonderful development. I’m writing a feature film with a role for myself for the first time too. I hope more and more women will see the benefits of writing your own material. This is of course an evolution that has only just started a couple of years ago and it will take time to make a global difference but we will get there eventually, I’m sure.
How important are public relations in this sector, for example through participation in festivals?
Very important ! If people know you personally, the chance of them thinking of you when they start a new project is a lot bigger. Also presenting your own projects is easier when you know your spokesperson. But building up relationships in the industry takes time and persistence. And it has to be fun too, not an obligation in my point of view. It’s just nice to connect with people, have a drink together, help each other out, then just bluntly only talk to people for the business connection. In my opinion it’s nicer to work with people you also like aside of the business than with people you don’t really care about. I think that’s the same in all industries. You can’t àlways choose who you work with, but if you can you will choose someone you know will make the collaboration nice too. Of course the quality of the work is important, but if you have two people with the same qualities : who would you choose ?
Could you give us an insight into your upcoming projects?
I can’t talk about much yet. It’s too soon. But I can tell you I’m working on a feature film and a series. More information as soon as I can ! And I’m also still writing together with my partner, Trees Goethals, on a new series. I will tell you more about it as soon as we’re a little further in the writing process !