PRODUCER Over the Border and Through the Scenes How Andrea Bucko ventured away from Vancouver and found herself immersed in the cinematic city of dreamers—Los Angeles By Lydia Martin M ost people look back on their life at the age of 23 and can sense the air of uncertainty, insecurity, or indifference that arises from the timeframe of still feeling young, but also the surround- ing pressure to “act older” and more mature in the real world. Andrea (Richardson) as he battles a voice inside his head while making his first film. When a muse in the form of an aspiring actress (Curtis) enters the picture, he’s forced to face a tragic past he is desperate to escape. “The team of producers involved, and the actors, gave so much to this film. I can't wait for everyone to see it,” Bucko says. Andrea Bucko
Bucko is unlike most people. “At 23, I started my first business and ran my own marketing company,” says Bucko. “I ran [it] for three years while auditioning as an actress and absorb- ing as much as I could from all aspects of the industry.” Bucko’s initial drive and excitement for all facets of the entertainment industry ultimately led her on a road trip that would change her world indefinitely. “I always felt compelled to be in the driver’s seat of my life,” notes Bucko. “So I left Canada at 26 and drove my car to LA to pursue film.” She continues her saga with a laugh: “It’s funny... you hear stories of people coming to LA and living out of their cars. I remember my first three months, I was trying to find an affordable place to live and bounced around between living out of my car and staying with three [different] older women who basically became my LA family and momma bears!” The generosity of Bucko’s beloved LA family supporters allowed her to start actively auditioning and vigorously work toward her lifelong goals. After she booked her first national commercial for Suave®, Bucko was able to finally settle down, “get my own place, and really build a life for myself,” she says. According to Bucko, “even though acting was an incredibly special and rewarding part of my journey,” she actually prefers the production side of the entertainment industry. “There is something so magical about reading the words from a screenplay, and as a producer, bringing in the elements necessary to put the words onto the screen. It takes an army to make a movie, and I love the team player aspect of film making, because I am one myself!” It’s that innate team spirit-driven side of Bucko that has propelled her journey throughout Hollywood and beyond. Some of her favorite projects she’s had the opportunity to work on have involved intense teamwork and familial ties.
Bucko is also in partnership with Keith Kjar- val of Unified Pictures as an executive producer on the upcoming action film Tin Soldier , which is currently being filmed in Greece. Directed by Brad Furman, the film features an A-list cast in- cluding Jamie Foxx, Robert De Niro, and Rita Ora, among other Hollywood stars. “It’s been a rewarding experience,” gleams Bucko. It’s clear that this is just the beginning of exemplary projects Bucko is both proud of and excited to share with the world. Her passion for producing and determination for greatness feels unparalleled. When asked about her biggest pet peeves within the industry, Bucko replies with confi- dent resilience, “I would say having to constant- ly fight to be taken seriously in some situations as a young female producer can be difficult and incredibly disheartening.” While acknowledging the challenges as a young female in the realm of entertainment, Bucko keeps her head high and her heart hope- ful: “If you step into your power, know your worth, and demand the respect you know you deserve, you will always be taken seriously.” In spite of the hardships that come with in- dustry territory, Bucko has built the confidence and drive to continued success thanks (in part) to her marvelous mentors Mary Aloe and Debo- rah Moore, who now double as her partners in
Photo by Paul Smith Photography
One of Bucko’s first favorite projects to work on was On Our Way , starring Micheál Richardson, Keith Powers, James Badge Dale and Jordana Brewster. The surreal indie drama marks the directorial debut of actress Sophie Lane Curtis. Bucko fell in love with the project when she read the script, and recognizing Curtis’ raw talent, she wanted to help bring the filmmaker’s vision to life. Paul Ben-Victor and Ruby Modine also starred in the film, its story following a deeply troubled filmmaker
creating cinematic magic. “They always make me feel like an equal to them,” notes Bucko. “They value my strengths, my insight, and see my potential.” Next up, Bucko is set to produce and finance, under her new company, Sugar Mountain Entertainment, an iconic Janis Joplin biopic.
@andreabucko
16 | THE GEORGIA HOLLYWOOD REVIEW | FALL 2022
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