We Speak Actors

Natalya Tsvetkova starring opposite Ed Westwick in upcoming “DarkGame’

Published

1 year ago

February 13, 2024

Natalya Tsvetkova is a Russian born actress and producer who plays one of the lead roles in the upcoming movie ‘DarkGame’. She is acting opposite well known ‘Gossip Girl’ TV series star Ed Westwick. DarkGame is a dark thriller. DarkGame is out in the US on Feb 20^th on all major VOD platforms like Apple, Amazon, and is being released in the UK in late March (date TBC), with other countries following on or around then too.

Natalya, can you please tell us about your beginnings in the film industry and best projects to date?

I am an actress and producer based in the UK. Originally from Yekaterinburg in Russia, I spent 10 years in Moscow pursuing my career ambitions, prior to making the move to England.

My love for film began at an early age. Even as a child I was experimenting with video cameras and making short movies with my sisters.

“Even though I went on to study Law at University, it was clear to me that cinema, and especially acting, was my true calling.”

I also knew I wanted to develop my acting and language skills so I could eventually work on English language films. I grew up watching all these amazing films that fired my imagination, and I knew I wanted to achieve something similar for my life.
During my time in Moscow, I kept building on my experience, attending acting classes and splitting my time working as an actress with producing commercials and helping organise an annual film festival in Rostov. While in Moscow, I was cast in numerous TV commercials, I also had a lead role in an eight-episode TV series, Moscow Decameron, and appeared in the award-winning feature film Conference, as well as producing and taking lead roles in short films such as Texting Life, Theatre Not For Everyone, Never Believe.

Pursuing my dream to work in English language film and TV, I spent some time in the US, attending acting classes there and appearing in short films (The Enforcer, Shadow). This led to opportunities to work behind the scenes on some English language projects, the feature film “Becoming” and TV series “The Pact”, which also led to me being cast in a role in that series.

More recently, I appear as one of the leads in Brief Encounters, a multinational feature film that weaves four stories together. I produced the Russian set part of the story, and am one of the leads, playing opposite Louis Mandylor. The final chapter is being filmed this spring and the film will be released towards the end of 2024.

You are one of the lead actresses of the upcoming film ‘DarkGame’. Can you tell us more about your work and behind the scenes experience?

In “Darkgame,” I play a Russian woman, Katya, who moved to America with her son, having escaped an abusive relationship, only to find herself in a worse situation. She is one of several people abducted and placed into a deadly reality game show.

“As one of the producers of the film, I was involved in the development of the story, so I could inject elements into the character that I wanted to explore. “

My nephew was inspiration for the character having a son of that age. It was interesting for me to play a character that had everything to live for, not just for herself but because her son had no one else. She had been through a lot but because of what she had been through she turns out to be one of the best placed to cope with the situation they are in.

The shoot was exhilarating,…and cold! The DarkGame set was as chilling as it appears on screen. The crew were amazing, bringing hot water bottles to the cast inbetween takes.

What was your experience working on set with Ed Westwick?

Ed was wonderful to work with. He was so well prepared, and he is an extremely focused actor. I was a little nervous before my first scene with him, but he’s such a professional and so relaxed that I was very at ease working with him.

Tell us about your work and projects as an executive producer?

I’ve always enjoyed producing as well as acting, I especially enjoy having input on the story and helping organise the financial part of the process, on projects that I have helped develop. Of course, being part of the producing team at this stage allows me to develop the kind of roles and characters that I think I will also enjoy playing.

Separately, I also sometimes work behind the scenes to help other films get financed, as an Executive Producer.

Who do you suggest to see the film ‘DarkGame’ and where can the audience watch the film?

DarkGame is a dark thriller rather than a horror. The film has several layers and strands to it. On the surface it is a gripping and tense thriller. Ed is the detective on the case, racing against time to uncover where these people are being held, whilst my character is the audiences viewpoint on being in the game.

But the film is also making a comment on society’s fascination with reality TV, and how social media can also sometimes be used to propagate and share peoples suffering. So I feel it has a wide audience – from fans of Squid Game to detective thrillers such as Seven.0.

Featured photo credit: Happy Hour Productions

We Speak Actors

‘Elkhorn’ star Travis Lee Eller talks Westerns, character-building, and the art of the perfect hat

Published

1 week ago

February 12, 2025

Anna Sutton

Travis Lee Eller isn’t just an actor—he’s a storyteller deeply immersed in the world of Westerns, both on-screen and off. Whether portraying rugged frontiersmen or crafting authentic, weathered cowboy hats through his business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, Eller understands that every detail—especially the right hat—helps define a character. Currently, you can catch him in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, now streaming on YouTube. Later this year, he’ll appear in two Western short films, ‘Darlin’’ and ‘Stubborn’, both directed by Robert Gamperl and set to make the film festival rounds before landing on streaming platforms. And, of course, fans of ‘Elkhorn’ can look forward to season two, premiering in late 2025 produced by Morningstar Entertainment on the INSP Network. We caught up with Eller to talk about his career, the legacy of Westerns in Hollywood, and why the perfect hat is more than just an accessory—it’s the finishing touch that brings a character to life.

You’re known for acting in Western film and TV projects. Which ones are you most proud of?

I don’t think I play favorites when it comes to my projects. What I remember most are the experiences on set, the incredible people I’ve worked with, and the lessons I’ve learned along the way. Each project pushes me to grow as an actor. That said, I’m especially proud of my latest script, ‘No Man Was Civilized’. It’s a story I’ve spent years developing, and I’m excited to see where it goes.

What are you working on at the moment?

Right now, I’m filming season two of Elkhorn for the INSP Network. The series takes place in the 1880s and follows a young Teddy Roosevelt as he ventures west to prove himself as a cowboy. I play Joe Ferris, the town shopkeeper, and the story is rooted in true events. The new season is set to premiere in late 2025. Beyond acting, I recently finished writing a Western feature film called ‘No Man Was Civilized’, which weaves together four short stories into a single, cohesive narrative. Writing has been a long but rewarding process, and I can’t wait to see it take shape.

Your business, Ugly Outlaw Hats, is also connected to Western projects. In what way?

My hats are known for their worn, distressed look—it’s a craft I’ve spent years perfecting. Over time, actors, directors, and costume designers have reached out for custom pieces to fit specific characters. I even wear my own designs in my work. In fact, the hat I’m wearing in ‘Elkhorn’ season two is one of mine. I’ve always believed that in a Western, the hat is the final touch that defines a character. It tells a story before a single word is spoken.

How do you balance your business and acting career?

During my downtime, I’m usually making hats.The two never really interfere with each other—if anything, hat-making is therapeutic for me. I often find myself running lines in my head while working in my studio. If it weren’t for acting, I probably wouldn’t have started my business in the first place. Over time, I’ve found a rhythm that allows me to balance both without feeling overwhelmed.

What advice would you give to actors who want to appear in Westerns?

Every actor has their own approach to storytelling, character development, and capturing the right tone. There’s no single “right way” to do it. But for me, my love of Westerns comes from a deep passion for that era of American history. I grew up in a household where Westerns were always on TV, so it became part of my DNA. If I had to give one practical piece of advice? Don’t wear your hat backward. I see it happen in movies and TV shows all the time, and it always makes me cringe a little.

What upcoming projects do you have?

Right now, you can watch me in ‘The Rebel’, a Star Wars fan film directed by Casey Oberhansli, available on YouTube. Later this year, I’ll be in Darlin’ and Stubborn, two Western short films directed by Robert Gamperl, both of which will hit the festival circuit before streaming. And, of course, Elkhorn season two arrives in late 2025, produced by Morningstar Entertainment.

Beyond that, my agent, Beverly Brock, is always pitching me for new opportunities. I’m excited for whatever comes next and grateful for every step of the journey.

Featured photo credit: Morgan Weistling