Life & Work with Mallory Ivy

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mallory Ivy.

Hi Mallory, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
It certainly hasn’t been linear. I started at Cartoon Network by the encouragement and help of a family friend. While I loved being on set, there was a lot that young me didn’t understand…what is acting? Is there a safe way to explore characters? What is actually expected of you in the day in and day out and on a usual shooting day? My analytical brain was always in combat with creative imagination and I didn’t know which I necessarily expected to bring to the table. I worked with Cartoon Network Fridays for a few years before taking a hiatus to recalibrate and focus on school.

By the time college rolled around, I was dead-set on a path to medical school and disease research. I was always curious and genuinely enjoyed research and observing the world under a microscope. For whatever reason though, there was the occasional masochistic instinct to go to auditions. Mid-way through college, a bribe in the form of a Mellow Mushroom pizza put me back on set for the first time in 15 years. I fell hook, line, and sinker all over again. One crew in particular was extremely supportive in my journey to rediscover film. Even though I was a stand-in, each day a different department took me under their wing. It was honestly the greatest gift anyone could give me, and because of it, I learned I was naturally drawn to PA/AD work. Once I graduated, I decided to allow my Microbiology degree gather dust and go into production.

Now, I’m fortunate enough to be in production full-time. Not only do I have a better understanding of all that the beautiful, complicated world of entertainment entails, I’ve also found a deep appreciation for the craft. Over time, I’ve discovered balance using both sides of my brain and confidence in that unique ability (amongst others) that I can bring to my projects. Of course, I’ll never stop learning and honestly, I think I’d want to quit if I ever “mastered” acting or film. That’s one of the many reasons I adore this field. There’s always more research to be done and more effective ways to do what we do. I’m really thankful to be where I am. It’s exactly where I dreamed but didn’t truly believe I’d be.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Oh absolutely not! As I mentioned before, I had to take a hiatus for about 15 years. While I did not have the opportunity to join a theatre or take classes, my best friends and I would recreate our favorite film scenes and direct backyard musicals. I distinctly remember sitting in front of a TV for hours handwriting every action and line from Disney’s Alice in Wonderland to bring to life in our basement.

While I was finally able to join the theatre in high school, I found more solace in the laboratory than I did the stage. I will say, if it had not been for our student teacher Pichler, I would not have ever wanted to go back to theatre. She introduced me to improv and created a safe place to play.

By the time I was in college and realized I wanted to do production full-time, I felt there was a lot of “catching up” to do. How do I explore a character genuinely and safely? What are the red flags on a set? I managed to gain a few tactics and street smarts between trial and error… and COVID.

During COVID, as I’m sure you’re aware, several studios were generous with their time and offered more affordable classes online. Prior to, finances and time were unfortunately very limited. I would not be where I am today without that period of time where I could dive in headfirst to studying the craft.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m a jack of several trades and the great thing is, I feel entertainment is exactly the space open to exploring that! At the most basic sense, I act, assistant direct, and produce. However, I also have a degree in Microbiology and fluency in French. There’s nothing I won’t try once and the hobbies I’ve developed from those adventures are numerous! Anything from surfing to pole dancing to learning Russian! I have such a hunger for knowledge that while I may not have a specialty, there’s hardly anything I’ll shy away from.

Humans are diverse and complex and filled with their own interests and desires. I’m uniquely myself as is the next actor which makes what we do so wonderful! Every “bend” of myself leads to new worlds and stories to share that are unique to me. That’s something to be proud of in my opinion.

Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
For me, I find I’m most productive creatively and otherwise when I’ve had the opportunity to move. Whether that’s going to the gym, pole conditioning, or doing squats at home, staying active keeps me in a healthy, happy mindset and frees my brain to create.

In terms of physical resources, I’m constantly reading non-fiction. I’ve really enjoyed exploring other acting techniques and autobiographies from an actor’s perspective. I find I learn a lot from others instead of over-analyzing myself. Specifically, I’ve enjoyed Jenna Fischer’s book. I also admire Brette Goldstein. She’s a casting director and coach that offers wonderful, to the point advice on social media and private sessions. She has so much passion for what she does and an insane intuition. I’ve always been inspired by what she shares.

Other than that, I am religious and spiritual and find that both help keeps me grounded in the unpredictable ups, downs, and turnovers the industry throws at me.

Contact Info:

• Website: malloryivy.com
• Instagram: www.instagram.com/malloryivy/
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/themalloryivy/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcYbo6e1grwrDDO8NbmCHXg

Image Credits
Hayden Kobza, Robbie Glen Photography, Moe Soy-Boricua, DB Photography in Atlanta Style Weddings, UAB Pathology in Focus