Ella Greenwood is an exciting emerging British actress who is set to star in two upcoming horror short films – Before Nightfall and In Front Of You.
Close-up Culture’s James Prestridge caught up with the London-born actress to chat about these projects, Harry Potter, her love for travelling, and more.
Q: You play the lead role of Grace in Daniel Bushen’s upcoming horror short film ‘Before Nightfall’. I’ve seen pictures of you on set wearing period costume and standing with a cute shaggy dog. How was the shoot and the experience of stepping into the horror genre?
A: The shoot was so much fun! It was my first time working with an animal, and shooting in a medieval village, so it was such an experience. I love to watch horror films, in particular thrillers, and so I was very excited to be a part of the project. I did have to run a lot though, which was probably my least favourite part.
Q: How did that experience compare to filming Adam Llamas’ horror short film ‘In Front Of You’?
A: The Portsmouth shoot was mainly outside, in a forest and a village, whereas In Front of You was mainly filmed inside, in a house. I think its more immersive to shoot outside but it’s more comfortable to shoot inside. Getting to film outside is great but unpredictable UK weather is a problem!
Q: What are your biggest takeaways from the two projects and your time working with these two directors?
A: I loved learning how to become my character more from each director, and the cast and crew of both shoots were lovely, so I’d hope to be able to work with everyone again in the future.
Q: I read that ‘High School Musical’ helped inspire you to take up acting. If they ever did a remake (I’m sure they will), would you rather play Gabriella or Sharpay?
A: I would 100% love to play Sharpay. I’ve always thought that she was more talented than Gabriella and she works so much harder. Getting to play the mean girl would be a lot of fun!
Q: What do you love about acting? And, what do you look for in the projects/characters you take on?
A: I love getting to become different people in different times, with different families, friends and experiences. Costume-fittings are one of the best parts as well. I try to take on characters who make you feel some way about them. I’d rather have people hate my character than not remember them.
Q: I live within a stone’s throw of the Harry Potter tour in Leavesden, so I am witness to the incredible international appeal of the Potter brand on a daily basis. What was it like for you to become part of this huge family by voicing the book ‘180 Harry Potter Facts’ for Audible?
A: Harry Potter has always been a big part of my life – the first film was released the year I was born so I’ve never been without it. I love anything to do with the Wizarding World and my dream role would be anyone that belongs to it. Well, anyone with magic, I wouldn’t want to be a muggle! I’ve visited the studios so many times and I never get bored.
Q: A glance at your Instagram shows how much you love to travel. What do you love about travelling? Any standout memories to share?
A: Getting to meet new people, see new places and also trying new food is what I love most about travelling. Some standout memories are seeing a Hollywood film studio for the first time, riding Camels round the Pyramids, Zip-lining over the ocean in Haiti, going up the worlds tallest building in Dubai and visiting Niagara Falls.
Q: Do you plan on working internationally in the future? Could we see you in another American project soon or perhaps even a French one?
A: I’m definitely planning on working internationally; I’ll hopefully move to either LA, Toronto or Vancouver in the future. With the ease of self-tapes now, I’ve had auditions for lots of American projects and I’ve also auditioned for French projects as well so fingers crossed!
Q: What is next for you? Any hopes or ambitions to share with us?
A: I’m currently doing my A-levels – which are intense – so I’m having a bit of a break from projects at the minute but I’ve got a few lined up for afterwards. I’ve had some really exciting auditions as well that I could still hear back from for next year.
I’d love to be a part of some sort of murder mystery series, like an Agatha Christie adaptation, in the UK and then I’d really love to film an American TV series; network or streaming!
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