Teamie Spotlight: Dalila Jovanovic
I was born and raised in ex-Yugoslavia and lived in Saudi Arabia for a few years before immigrating to Toronto. I am living the Canadian dream!
I went to Ryerson for Film Production and have been working in several segments of the film/tv industry over the last 10 years. I've been in Vancouver since 2014 and love it as a home base but can't wait until we can travel again. Please vaccinate me ASAP. I have a three-year-old street dog named Chico who knows how to hold people emotionally hostage.
What was your first job?
My first job out of film school was at the Toronto International Film Festival. They had just opened the TIFF Bell Lightbox, which I would say is the BEST movie theatre in Canada. During my first summer there, I spent several nights a week watching Cinematheque films. From a 70mm print of 2001: A Space Odyssey to binge-watching every major French New Wave film on 35mm, I'll always remember that time extremely fondly (and slightly pretentiously). I still miss film!
How many years have you been working in this industry?
An entire decade!
What piece of advice do you wish you had been given when you first started working in this industry?
There is a place for your voice. In my younger years, I felt extremely discouraged in presenting myself as a creative because I thought my storytelling wouldn't be of interest to the mainstream, wouldn't hold a candle to my male colleagues, often wasn't supported by romantic partners, etc. It took me far too long to realize and I wouldn't wish that internal doubt on any young woman coming up in the industry.
If you could give one piece of advice on how to get through a hard day, what would that be?
I find that movement really helps - going for a walk, stretching, a workout, etc. When the thoughts in my head feel too loud, I find that getting into my body helps release the overall tension.
What qualities do you look for in a mentor?
Enthusiasm - nothing is worse than a corporate forced mentorship that no one wants.
Adaptability - the ability to THRIVE with the punches.
Humour - because it's better that way.
Who are the fellow leaders you look to for inspiration and guidance?
Female writers who are just CRUSHING IT - Michaela Coel, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Emerald Fennell, etc.
What continues to motivate your work, or has that changed over the years?
As someone who's bounced around studios, I haven't always had the chance to choose the types of projects I'm attached to. When working on something I don't have a creative stake in, I'm motivated by my own ability to grow through the project. Personally, I'm motivated by Origin stories, ancestral exploration, and the idea that "coming of age" tales happen at all ages.
What’s your idea of a perfect Sunday?
Hanging out beachside, hold the rain.
What is your superpower?
Transformation. Not to sound dramatic but I'm all about being reborn and dying, over and over again.