The realm of acting has transcended conventional cinema and television, embracing social media and short-video platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. These platforms have emerged as the new frontier for both budding actors and established performers. On these channels, actors must excel in concise storytelling, scripting, and delivering compelling performances that captivate a global audience within the brief span of a few seconds to minutes. This is one avenue to leave a lasting impression in the digital age.
In the vibrant landscape of social media, where content creators and influencers constantly innovate to engage audiences, especially in a city like Dubai known for its daily surprises, Vlada Bulhakova distinguishes herself with her unique fusion of creativity and acting talent. Boasting an impressive 1.3 million followers on TikTok and 471,000 on Instagram, Vlada has established herself as a social media sensation and is now set to transition into traditional media with her upcoming Netflix series (details to be revealed later).
Vlada's journey into acting predates her social media fame. She reminisces, "It all began in 2015 when I discovered my passion for acting." Starting with theatrical plays in South Africa, where she lived and studied, she participated in three plays, solidifying her decision to pursue acting professionally. Although she couldn't study acting in New York, Dubai became her new base, a city rapidly evolving into a hub for both movies and social media.
In Dubai, Vlada harnessed her creativity and acting skills to build a robust social media presence. "I began my social media journey, integrating acting into my content. I was already very creative, so I merged everything, and here I am." Vlada has always known her path. "From kindergarten, I would stage short plays for my parents, dress up, and sing. I was very creative and never let that spark fade."
One of the major challenges in social media acting is the brevity of content. On platforms like TikTok and Instagram, videos are typically under a minute, requiring actors to convey their message swiftly and effectively. Every second is crucial, leaving no space for extraneous dialogue or actions. The goal is to grab the viewer's attention immediately and sustain it throughout the video. Vlada's approach stands out by focusing on short, impactful acting videos that tell a complete story in under a minute. "My videos often have a beginning, a climax, and an end, with a clear message. Whether it’s comedy or drama, I always offer my audience something new to watch."
Creating engaging content consistently is a demanding task, akin to a full-time job. It involves several steps, starting with a strong concept. Actors must generate original and relatable ideas. Once an idea is established, scripting is essential to ensure the story is coherent and impactful. Vlada describes her creative process as meticulous yet spontaneous. "I'm the scriptwriter of my own ideas. I collaborate with a team—a videographer, an editor, and a hair and makeup stylist. When I get an idea, I jot down notes, create a short scene, and call my team to film it." This collaborative approach ensures high-quality content and a steady flow of new videos.
Consistency is key to building and maintaining a following on social media. However, constantly generating new and creative ideas can be challenging. Successful social media actors often batch-produce content, filming multiple videos in one session to ensure a steady stream of posts. Vlada follows this strategy. "Creativity doesn't knock on your door every day," she said. "When I have a creative day, I write down multiple ideas and polish them. I film twice a week to gather enough content for times when I might not feel as creative."
Audience feedback and analytics are crucial in refining content on social media platforms. By analyzing metrics such as views, watch time, and engagement rates, creators can determine what types of content resonate most with their audience. Audience feedback is vital to Vlada’s growth and content refinement. "Audience feedback is important, especially on the analytical side. I check how my videos perform, how many minutes people watch, and how often they re-watch a video. This helps me decide what content to continue or stop."
For many, social media is a stepping stone to traditional media. The skills developed through creating short videos—such as concise storytelling, efficient production, and audience engagement—are invaluable in traditional acting roles. A strong social media presence can attract the attention of casting directors and production companies, opening doors to more significant opportunities. Vlada is not content with her social media success; she aims to conquer traditional media. Her upcoming project, with the working title "Bad Influence," marks this transition. "I've had this project in my head for two years. It's an acting show in the UAE, a female-driven crime comedy," she revealed.
The project is a work in progress, with a talented team including a renowned screenwriter and Netflix director Rodrigo Kirchner. Vlada is excited and nervous about this next step. "I’ve dreamed of this my whole life. From social media to traditional media, everything I’ve done has led me to this point." Vlada's vision for the future is clear. "In the next five years, I want to focus on acting," she said, aiming for Hollywood A-list status and eventually exploring directing. Her advice to aspiring actors and social media stars is straightforward: "Think outside the box, be persistent, make the right connections, and always stay true to your vision. Success might come sooner than you think."
