You might recognise her from Netflix’s Surviving Summer or new Aussie film Bosch & Rockit… 17-year-old actor, model, and dancer Savannah La Rain is racking up screen credits and accolades, proving she’s a force to be reckoned with. Teen Breathe caught up with her for a chat
Your character of Ash in Bosch & Rockit has a sweetness and big-hearted appeal – how did you make her ‘yours’?
I had an immediate connection to Ash and felt that the spirit and light she brings to the film was already in me. Since Ash wasn’t necessarily a real person in this based-on-true-events story, I was able to draw experiences from people and times in my life that made me feel how Ash makes Rockit feel. It was easy to be authentic, as Ash and I went through some special first-time relationship experiences together.
You share the screen with pro-surfer Rasmus King in his first movie role: how did the two of you connect?
I remember feeling like we were both very similar to our characters in terms of our personalities, and we also had a similar connection in real life to the one Ash and Rockit have on screen. I also think we both related to each other in terms of the nerves you can feel being relatively new to that sort of film.
What were the most challenging bits of filming and being on set?
The most difficult part for me on every job I’ve been on is finding my groove and getting into the flow of things in the beginning. But we had an incredible cast and crew that made me feel super safe and supported throughout filming, which is the kind of environment I feel I can thrive and grow in as an actor.
You play the role of Bodhi in the Netflix series Surviving Summer, about a rebellious American teen “finding family, friendship, and the perfect wave” after landing in a small Australia surfing town. Which part of Bodhi’s story resonated with you the most?
I had the most special time playing Bodhi in Surviving Summer! I’m very grateful every day that I got that opportunity. Right from when I got the audition, I knew I had to play her, because I felt so similar to her. We had the best cast (who I’m now best friends with!) and filmed in beautiful locations. One thing I really related to on a deep level was Bodhi’s imposter syndrome, which is explored more in episodes five and six. She struggles with feeling whether she belongs and is deserving of these opportunities instead of people like Poppy. I have felt like this in many areas of my life as I think many others have.
You get to surf in Surviving Summer – when did you learn?
I’ve always loved the ocean, felt super comfortable, and connected to water, and for a lot of my childhood even believed that one day I’d turn into a mermaid! The King family boys in Byron Bay introduced me to surfing after filming Bosch & Rockit – they gave me the exhilarating first experience of a beginner standing up. However, two months later I was put through a month-long bootcamp before we began filming for Surviving Summer. Although surfing is much more difficult than it looks – and I learnt that the hard way – I really enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of it.
What is your dream role?
My dream role has been the same since I was very young: it’s along the lines of a Katniss Everdeen/Lara Croft role. I like how challenging a job like this would be, pushing me not only with my acting but also with my physical actions. I feel like this strong female role is something a lot of younger kids can look up to, and I’d love to be that for a generation.
Have you had to make any challenging sacrifices for your career?
There’s nothing I’d rather do than live this life and have these opportunities. However, sometimes it can be hard to feel like I’m missing out on normal teenage experiences and being away from friends so much. In the last couple of years, I’ve had to study via distance education to be flexible for work, so right now I see all my friends attending formals and graduations, which I miss out on. But at the end of the day, I always see how lucky I am to be doing these things and wouldn’t want it any other way.
Have you ever had to deal with bullying or feeling like you don’t belong?
Because I’ve been involved in the creative industry from a young age, I’ve definitely had my fair share of negative and hurtful comments. My advice would be whenever you get negative comments, to just remember that the people who are hating on you are just projecting their own insecurity and self-doubt onto you for doing something you love.
I think that most people who are doing something creative or out of the ordinary experience feeling like they are out of place. Being different can feel super scary but it’s also beautiful. All the most influential people in the world have probably been described as “different” more times than they can count. Being unique should always be seen as a positive and I have learnt to take pride in it.
How do you respect your boundaries and look after your mental health?
I’m very good at noticing when I’m getting tired and need a break, and knowing the difference between whether I need to push through or when it is damaging to me. When I feel I’m too exhausted take a break for a few days to do things that are relaxing and let me be a kid for a second. This usually feels like a recharge, after which I’m excited to get back into the swing of things.
How would your friends describe you?
I always wonder how others perceive me and if it’s like how I perceive myself. I think my friends would describe me as loyal, as I always make a big effort about being there for them. And spontaneous, as I’m always up for an adventure… And hopefully kind, as that’s something I really try to spread: everyone needs a little more kindness in their life!
What makes you happy?
I’m lucky that I find beauty in the small things in life! Right now, some of the top things that make me happy include books, music, animals, sunsets, trying new food, travelling, rain, and working out. I try and write down things as often as possible that make me happy and I’m grateful for.
Bosch & Rockit (Rated M) will be in cinemas nationally from 18 August.
