Meet Talisha Elger | Screenwriter & Director

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

Hi Talisha, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
I honestly believe that if you keep going you will get to where you need to go. It may take months or it may take years, even decades. The most important thing is if you enjoy the process. For me, it’s always been a struggle, but I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. I look back at how far I’ve come and realise that I have actually made progress and I’m on the right path. To some degree, I do believe in signs from the universe.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I grew up with my parents taking me to the cinemas to see everything they went to see. I’m from a small country town in Australia too, so this wasn’t what most people did all the time. We went almost every week. In primary school, I would write little stories in a book I carried around with me, so that’s when I started writing. I was about 7 at the time. I guess cinema and writing just stuck with me so it always made sense to write and make movies. I honestly never dreamed about doing anything else. I’m now studying my Master’s Degree at the AFI Conservatory and it still blows my mind a little. I’ve always enjoyed studying and I’m the type of person who gains more from being taught than from being self-taught. The biggest lesson I learnt was to start writing screenplays earlier. I didn’t write my first feature screenplay until I was about 29 and it’s probably the biggest regret I have but I honestly didn’t know any better — I felt a little lost when it came to breaking in and navigating the film industry. Coming from this small town, it always felt so daunting.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Jon and Vinny’s for breakfast, lunch and dinner. I especially like to have the Nutella toast and avocado toast for breakfast there. They drizzle the Nutella toast with olive oil and add a sprinkle of salt, sounds weird but it’s life changing. I also love Gjusta out in Venice. The pastries are perfection. And speaking of pastries, if you are looking for a vegan option, Just What I Kneaded vegan cafe and bakery is to die for. And for a little LA classic Bob’s Big Boy in Toluca Lake is a favourite for more tradition American diner experience. For coffee, Maru is exceptional. There are a few locations but I go to the one in Los Feliz. The Stahl House is one of may favourite places to visit. I’m no expert on architecture but I find it fascinating and beautiful. The view from the house literally takes your breath away. Yes, you can go up to the Griffith Observatory but, honestly, the view from Stahl House is just something special and unexpected.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Well, I’d have to say my parents. They never questioned me about what I wanted to do in life. I wouldn’t be where I am now if it wasn’t for them.

Website: talishaelger.com

Instagram: @talishaelger

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/talishaelger