The Level Up English Podcast (Natural British English) #360 What Actors Know About Learning Languages (That You Don't) - Ivan Doan
Jan 21, 2026
Ivan Doan, a multilingual actor of Ukrainian-Vietnamese descent, shares his fascinating journey in the world of acting and language. He emphasizes the importance of practice in both performing and language learning, and the ways actors turn nerves into powerful performances. Ivan discusses his experiences in European and US productions, tackles the fear of judgment, and highlights tips for improving pronunciation. He also reflects on the evolving impact of AI in the industry and shares his love for films like "2001: A Space Odyssey" and the influence of shows like "Twin Peaks."
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Working U.S. Productions Filmed In Europe
- Many U.S. productions shoot in Europe and hire local actors for cost and logistics.
- Ivan worked on U.S. projects filmed in Europe, like Ponies shot in Budapest and elsewhere.
Use Nerves As Performance Fuel
- Transform nervous energy into useful performance fuel by directing it toward the character's situation.
- Face fear directly and use it as opportunity to grow in language learning and acting.
Learn In Short Bursts With Real Media
- Use short free moments to practise a language instead of doom-scrolling.
- Consume media in the target language to expose yourself to living, modern usage.