Meet Sophia Wolov | Writer and Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sophia Wolov and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sophia, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
. As a South African, theater was my entrance into the creative arts. Throughout school, I was deeply inspired by the plays we studied in drama class. We spent hours studying work created by playwrights such as Athol Fugard, John Kani, and Lara Foot. They all have the ability to condense a complex socio-political landscape into a world that forces the audience to confront painful topics of South Africa’s Apartheid history, mental health, and domestic violence. I realized that creativity, in a way, is a magic trick. We’re able to lure the viewer in through characters, humor, and an interesting world and then allow them to confront the world around us. I have a very dark sense of humor, and my favorite shows have been a huge influence in motivating me to pursue a career in the arts. These shows are Fleabag, Shameless, and Six Feet Under; they use humor to trick the audience into feeling deeply for the characters in these worlds.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
In terms of my personal journey and where I am at at the moment: I studied a little bit of Theatre in my undergrad at The University of Cape Town but then transitioned to filmmaking when it became clear that you can reach a more diverse audience. I made a few short films, all touching on topics I hope to continue to explore. My thesis film was made during Covid, and the aim was to create an archival snapshot of what it was like being a student during this historical period in our lives. It was created on Zoom, and ‘Topsoff!’ followed a group of nine diverse students on a birthday call, during the height of the pandemic, and everything goes wrong.

Before moving here to pursue a Masters in Television Writing and Producing at Chapman University, I lived a couple of different lives. A few memorable moments have been working on Love Island South Africa and on a few smaller productions. I was part of a group called Freedom Filmmaking where we created movies and small adverts for NPO’s and NGO’s in South Africa. An extremely important project was producing and shooting a short film on the pangolin, which is the most endangered species in the world. This was an opportunity I will never forget. I am probably one of the only people in the world that can say they’ve been licked by one of these cute and harmless little creatures.

At the moment, I’m at Chapman University, and I’m having the best time. The ultimate goal is to make a career out of this and stay in the incredible Los Angeles. I love it here! It’s been such a privilege to learn from so many people in the industry. It’s really cool to be surrounded by a culture of film and TV lovers. It seems like everyone touches the industry in some way. It’s really the lifeblood of the city. It’s great.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
So, my friend visited over the summer, and we spent a week in San Francisco and another in LA and Orange County. We did all the typical touristy stuff. I’m a beach lover, and she’s a surfer girl, so someone recommended a ‘secret’ beach in Malibu. We explored Rodeo Drive, caught a Dodgers game, and I have to say, visiting the Hollywood Bowl is a must. I recently watched Hozier there, and the location was absolutely stunning.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
There have been teachers, from school to sisters, family, and friends, who have all continued to believe in my journey and what I’m passionate about. Of course, my late dad, who had two sayings that have become integral in pushing myself: ‘Do what you love with humility and hard work,’ and ‘TINA – there is no alternative.’

Chapman has been amazing, and the community here is all about pushing each other to be the best version of themselves.

Instagram: sophia_wolov

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sophia-wolov-1aa171198/

Facebook: Sophia Wolov

Youtube: Sophia Wolov