EDITORIAL - Oliver Trevena Is Making Moves
Say hello to Oliver Trevena —the man who is known for his interview and hosting skills. We’re flipping the script and this time we are giving the interview and sitting down with this famous British host turned actor (alongside his adorable pup Georgie) to catch up on his latest projects. Here’s what you need to know: Oliver making moves and is working to make the world a better place. Between shooting several movies (Rising Hawk, Embattled, The Reckoning, Out of Death) in the past couple of years and growing his new business Caliwater with his partner Vanessa Hudgens, Oliver is using his talents to help spread awareness of forced child marriage in India. Serving as producer for a docuseries entitled Unmuted, Oliver hopes to produce content to unmute the voices of girls and young women in India who were forced into marriage too young. He also works closely with the Not For Sale Campaign, which provides resources to end human slavery and trafficking. Inspired? We are too. For more on Oliver Trevena, please read our exclusive editorial interview below.
Where are you based?
Between Los Angeles and London, but primarily Los Angeles.
Can you give us the story of how you found yourself in Hollywood?
Originally came here to visit a friend and then by a chance meeting with a big manager out here - he signed me, got my visa and the rest is history!
We know you’ve been able to be on camera in different capacities - host, interviewer, actor. What has each role (host, interviewer, actor) taught you?
In hosting, I’m pretty much myself. It’s all about engaging with the guests and making them feel comfortable, so I guess I’ve learned a lot about listening and the importance of knowing who you’re next to!
As an actor I get to play characters so it’s important to access my emotions to help with each role and the performance, so acting has helped me to honor and embrace my emotions and to also be present.
What was the most exciting thing about shifting from hosting/interviewing to acting? What was your first role during this shift and how did you prepare for it?
The challenge was the most exciting part. It was a big risk. I had done quite a few acting roles and a ton of theatre prior to hosting, but it was still a risk as I went from a regular gig/employment to unemployment and it was my choice which some disagreed with!
The first role post-hosting was “The Rising Hawk” and that was incredibly challenging as I had to learn a lot of new things like the stunts/sword fighting, etc.
In 2020 you wrapped The Rising Hawk, Embattled, The Reckoning, and Grand Isle. Were you working on set on any of these films during the pandemic? How was it?
Actually, I had wrapped them all before the pandemic, but I did film a couple of movies during COVID - one that I just wrapped in Puerto Rico with Bruce Willis called “Out of Death.” It was interesting as it was obviously different to a normal pre-pandemic set, but the crew and producers/director dealt with it brilliantly.
In “The Rising Hawk” we see you do a little sword work. Is this something you’ve done before? It looked amazing!
Never! Haha.
In Hollywood there has been a push to allow for more diverse representation. How have you been able to support more diversity in Hollywood? What changes would you like to see?
I’ve always helped friends wherever I can no matter what their background is and treat everyone equally and will continue to do so. I’m glad that Hollywood is finally settling a level playing field and making the positive changes that needed to happen and pushing out the negativity!!!
Okay, so we hear that you’re a founding team member for Caliwater (alongside Vanessa Hudgens). Can you tell us more about this brand?
Yes, Vanessa and I are the main two owners of the brand. We are extremely excited about it. It’s a cactus-based health beverage; essentially an alternative to coconut water with fewer calories and less sugar and tastes GREAT as a mixer!! It really is insanely tasty!!
Why cactus water?
Because of the health benefits!! It’s SO good for you!!!
You have a new clothing brand you have been working with, Change Of Heart. Can you tell us a little bit about them and their ethos to connect and contribute to urban communities?
Yes. It’s an affordable streetwear brand, but with the same quality as high-end competitors. We also partner with community-based non-profits on the give back part too.
Jejune loves that you work with the Not For Sale Campaign. What is their mission and why is it important to you?
Not 4 Sale is an organization fighting against slavery and human trafficking. I’ve been involved for around 10-years now. I got involved after attending an event and hearing how bad the issue is around the world. I couldn’t not get involved. I’ve now been around the world with NFS and it’s become a big part of my life.
What do you want people to know about human trafficking?
That it’s a major issue and it’s happening all over the world.
If someone is unable to monetarily help with the Not 4 Sale Campaign, what are other ways they can get involved?
Spread the message! Talk about it!
You have a recent project “Educated Not Trained” that you produced and made in India. Can you tell us more about it?
Yes. It’s part of a docuseries I’m producing called “UNMUTED;” telling the stories of female voices around the world that are unheard. The one in India is around the importance of female education and the issue surrounding forced child marriage in India. I spent a month there and it was a tough, but incredible experience.
Documentaries are such powerful tools for social change. What audiences do you hope to watch “Educated Not Trained”? What do you want them to take away from the documentary?
It’s something that everyone should see. No matter what age, gender or race - we all need to know about the issues humanity faces.
What project are you working on next?
Producing the rest of the docuseries along with producing a scripted TV show/an unscripted TV show and 2 movies! I also just invested in a company called “MOBOT” if you look up www.MOBOT.com.
Finally, your pup Georgie can be seen all over your home in art form, and we were lucky enough to shoot her. Can you tell us a little bit about her and your relationship?
She’s my ride or die. I’ve had her since she was a puppy and she’s turning 14!! She’s the best. Been through it all with me!
How have you been staying positive during shelter-in-place?
Staying grateful. Keeping fit and healthy and lots of breath-work and meditation.
What is your life motto?
It’s always ok in the end. If it’s not ok, it’s not the end.
Please list any websites and/or social media that you would like Jejune to promote:
Twitter: @olivertrevena
Instagram: @olivertrevena
Media Company: @ollywoodmedia
Team Credits:
Photographer: Kira Bucca
Stylist: Alex Clough
Groomer: Alisha Bailey at Rouge Artists
Photography Assistant: Davis Chitlik
