Up-and-coming actress Anya Monzikova is building quite the resume. In addition to guest appearances on such hit TV shows as “Medium,” “CSI” and “CSI: Miami,” Monzikova is also making an impressive transition into the world of film. She appeared in the Bruce Willis thriller Surrogates, and can currently be seen on movie screens everywhere in Iron Man 2, already on its way to becoming one of the most successful sequels of all time.

Anya plays Rebekah in the film, acting in a climactic scene opposite heavy hitters Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow and Scarlett Johansson. Anya’s ability to speak Russian (she was born in Russia and raised in Florida until the age of eight) came in handy on the set when director Jon Favreau needed her assistance in translating some Russian dialogue to be spoken by Scarlett Johansson. Anya not only translated the lines and taught them to Scarlett, but also gave her lines from off-camera when necessary.

MM recently caught up with Anya to discuss Iron Man 2, her martial arts skills and upcoming roles.

Kyle Rupprecht (MM): Tell us about your character, Rebekah, in Iron Man 2. What was it like being on the set of one of this summer’s most anticipated movies?

Anya Monzikova (AM): Working on Iron Man 2 was a thrill, really exciting to be a part of such a great cast! My character is Rebekah, it’s a really small part in the film, but in a very fun scene. I think that is all I am allowed to disclose. Sorry!

MM: You’re a devotee of Wushu, one of the most athletic and dynamic of the martial arts. Do you plan on utilizing your martial arts training in upcoming film roles?

AM: I would definitely love to! I have been able to use some on my weapons training before, like in “CSI,” but have yet to do Wushu. I guess I am looking for the right role!

MM: Looking ahead to the future, what kinds of roles are you interested in pursuing? Are you mainly interested in the action genre?

AM: I do love action films, though it’s not the only genre. I love to find challenging roles, a character that I can learn from or a film that I can take away something from the experience.

MM: You’re currently writing and producing a short with your fiance. What can you tell us about it? Any interest in working behind-the-scenes on a feature in the future?

AM: My fiance, Josh Fritts, is a director of photography, so he is always working on creative projects. We have teamed up to do a short together. He wrote it and I’m acting in it, and am also going to help produce it. It’s a thriller, but that’s all I’m gonna tell you because we are still in the early stages of the project. I definitely hope to work behind-the-scenes more in production. I love all the creative aspects of the film industry. Seeing a project through from script to screen is a very rewarding process and hopefully I have enough knowledge and patience to be able to work both in front and behind the camera.

MM: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to other actors looking to break into Hollywood?

AM: I guess my best advice now is that if you are gonna act, be in it 100 percent, because people come to LA and lose focus. The only thing that is stopping you is you. If you have talent, people will recognize it. Just don’t lose focus!

MM: What’s up next for you?

AM: Right now is pilot season and I’ve been auditioning and testing. I just found out I booked a pilot called “Nat & Olga!” I’ll be playing the part of Nat and it’s a really funny character, and I will get to use my Russian accent. I’m looking forward to starting production on that and hopefully it will get picked up!

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