Barbara Nedeljakova [Interview]

We have showcased some amazing actress in the last month or so, and today is definitely no exception. Today we have the pleasure of sharing a great conversation with the wonderful and beautiful Czech born actress, Barbara Nedeljakova. The casual viewer may recognize Barbara from her frightening performance in Eli Roth’s Hostel, as well as this film’s sequel, as Natalya, the seductress who is one of the obvious highlights of these gore-centric horror films.

And as we tend to to, we soon learn that Miss Nedeljakova has had a very interesting introduction into the world of film, and has also managed to stack up a varied and impressive list of credits which include even more frightening thrillers and horror films that will leave your spines tingling. Personally, I appreciated Barbara’s work in a great chapter of one of my favorite film series of all time, Children of the Corn: Genesis. So, please enjoy a wonderful conversation with the amazing actress, Barbara Nedeljakova.

I have come to learn that you studied acting in Prague. What led you to these studies? When did you first realize you wanted to play pretend for a living?

I have been drawn to acting since I was little. I always loved to entertain and tell stories. When I was 14 years old I wanted to study acting but my family convinced me to take a bit more serious approach towards life. I ended up studying jewelry design which I loved and I still enjoy to do oil paintings sometimes. But my main passion for acting hasn’t changed ever since I finished school and started studying the art.

What was the first stage role you can remember having? Where you nervous at all to perform in front of a full audience?

I was about 10 years old portraying Geppeto in Pinocchio. It’s a male role I know but I looked like a boy so I guess it worked. We played in front of full theater, also my parents were in the audience. I remember being nervous at first but after a little while it all went away, but my best friend was also in the play as well so that helped a lot.

And speaking of nerves…when you first received the chance to audition for Eli Roth’s Hostel, where you hesitant at all? Did the gore, nudity, and overall bloodiness make you nervous in anyway to take the role?

I came from a pretty conservative family so I was definitely hesitant when it came to nudity. I didn’t want to resurrect my mother, like we say here, after she saw the movie. But we made a few compromises to my character, cut out some scenes, and I finally agreed to join the Hostel project.

Hostel obviously didn’t break you much, because you have gone on to perform brilliantly in even more edgy and brilliantly done work in the world of horror and thrillers, pretty much one of the best in the business. So with that, what keeps you in the world of suspense? What is it that you love about it?

Thriller is my favorite genre, plus I find it exciting to play a villain and getting inside of character’s head to see what makes her tick. Passion for the genre runs in family. I remember my parents would be swapping murder mystery novels, saying things like, “you’re gonna love this one” or “it was too weak and ending was predictable”. I’m big fan of the old classics. What I love about the thriller is the combinations of anxiety, tension with excitement, and mystery.

You also managed to jump into one of my favorite horror series of all time….Children of the Corn. How was it joining the CoC world in Nemesis? Where you aware of the theme of the films? 

I secretly watched Children of Corn with my older brother when our parents weren’t home. We were both scared to death and still laugh about that today. Who would have thought that I would end up in sequel 20 years later. Yes I was excited to be part of CoC world and of course working with director, Joel Soison and Billy Drago who played my husband.

In your obviously knowledgable opinion, how does the world of acting compare in the U.S. to Slovakia? Is there a different sensibility and reaction to certain elements between the two?

Of course the film industry is so much bigger in U.S. and acting opportunities are endless. Actors in U.S. have whole teams working for them: agents, managers , publicists and lawyers. Having a good agent is the key because they are the ones who open the for you and get you seen. In Slovakia or Czech Republic, actors can register in an agency or work with casting director directly. And once you establish your relationship with them they will call you in every time you fit the part.

So, what is next for you? Any projects you can tell us about?

This year I am really excited to be behind the camera working on my own short film. I am taking courses at the Film School of the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague which takes me through all the phases of development of a film. From writing a screenplay, to the actual directing and making of a film. As far as acting, I have a few movie projects set to be filmed this coming year, and most recently have had the pleasure to be a lead in the Sci Fi movie called Sky Sharks. For more updates and info, I’d love to invite everyone to visit my website at http://www.barbara-nedeljakova.com .

What was the last thing that made you smile?

Tonight my husband and I went to see our three year old boy in a Christmas show. Seeing these adorable kids singing Christmas songs was pretty sweet and definitely made me smile.