New Shoots:
Actors Awards

What advice can you share with your peers in the acting community?

I am a writer, director, and performer ... I think in terms of storytelling the best advice I’ve had is to start from a place of truth – what is your unique perspective on the world, what do you have to say that is true about this world and then go from there ... The first draft is always s***, but just write it anyway! I think that applies to acting too, don’t waste time thinking about whether or not you're good, just go for it.

What’s one scene from a film you would have loved to have performed in and why?

The scene in 'A Woman Under the Influence' where Mabel (Gena Rowlands, my favourite actress) has the big breakdown- it's a long scene, a single shot and it is so powerful, no matter how many times I see it I am in complete awe. I love that Cassavetes shot the film in chronological order, so that by the time they reached this scene the actors were deeply immersed in the world. The characters are complex and compelling and you feel that the actors were afforded space and trust by their director to go as deep as they needed to.

What key factors do you think should change in the industry to make it more inclusive and accessible?

The industry has made great strides and is always evolving, but there is always room for improvement. For example, there is still a habit for many to put 'white' as a default for casting, which can be quite disheartening. This is especially true when the character's race does not affect the story at all.

What key factors do you think should change in the industry to make it more inclusive and accessible?

Darkskin Black women are one of the least desirable groups when casting ... The few roles that are for black women are often directed towards light-skinned or mixed-race women, meaning that when those few roles are available they’re a lot more competitive in an industry that is already extremely competitive ... I believe that unless a character is written to be rooted in their race, casting directors could be more open to casting people of different races, shapes and sizes.

Is there anything you’ve done to support the acting community?

I support the community as an acting tutor to young talents at a theatre school called Love Theatre Arts ... Yet, my goal is not to teach them how to act, or to direct them in a certain way, but rather to truly inspire them.

What key factors do you think should change in the industry to make it more inclusive and accessible?

The industry has come such a long way in so many different aspects which is amazing to see. However, I do think there are still so many voices we haven’t heard from yet, like those living with invisible illnesses or disability. 

What advice can you share with your peers in the acting community? Is there anything you’ve done to support the acting community?

Celebrate your peers' successes as well as your own ... I always love to support my fellow actors in doing what they love - I give my time to play readings, feedback sessions, and watching and sharing their work. If I see a casting that suits one of my peers, I will definitely send it their way. We are all in this together and work is hard to come by.

What advice can you share with your peers in the acting community? Is there anything you’ve done to support the acting community?

The biggest piece of advice I will give is to join Equity. Our trade union looks after you in or out of work and is a great support in troubling times ... I'm part of the Equity Class Network steering group; we are here to make the playing field more equal for those from working class backgrounds and of lower socioeconomic circumstances. We meet every month to discuss and suggest policies and help those in need.

Is there anything you’ve done to support the acting community?

Alongside performing, I co-run Nexus Cast & Crew Network which was recently awarded Arts Council England funding to coordinate an accessibility accelerator for artists and performers through mentorship, co-working zooms, and actors workshops for those from lower socioeconomic backgrounds, free of charge, ahead of our actor Actor Jam showcase.

What’s one scene from a film you would have loved to have performed in and why?

The car crash scene in Lynch’s ‘Wild at Heart’, the role of the dying girl played by Sherilyn Fenn. It’s a really iconic scene that sums up the mood of the entire film, it’s privileging of icons and images over characters. Fenn’s character delivers her chilling monologue as she is dying, but really she is already dead, automatically replaying the story of her death like a terrifying recording. 

What advice can you share with your peers in the acting community?

I started making little sketches with friends that no one will ever see ... It is amazing how when you let go of desperately trying to climb an impossible ladder, you see other routes and other ways to be happy. Acting is collaborative and that can be easy to forget when you’re waiting for your phone to ring. Find your people.