Close-up Culture caught up with rising star Kate Buatti to chat about her recent acting projects, adoring Audrey Hepburn, the type of roles she looks for, and much more.
Q: ‘Would You Like To Try Again’ premiered at Dances With Films a few weeks ago. How did you find the experience of attending the festival and engaging with other creatives?
A: Having the opportunity to engage with other actors and filmmakers was such an amazing experience. I loved getting to watch other films and then interact with those involved in the making of the films. Everybody has some creative part of themselves and having the opportunity to express that in such a big way was such a privilege.
Q: What interested you about this character and this story?
A: The character had dealt with severe trauma and heartache and that’s always an interesting side of a character to tap into. In her case she took all of her sorrow and put it into beating a video game which simulated her life. In the end, she was able to acknowledge her wrongs and fix them.
Q: Many people will be familiar with you from the hugely successful short film, ‘Milk And Cookies’. How much fun did you have in this Christmas horror and the role of Delaney?
A: It was a dream come true! The set was incredible, and the cast and crew were hilarious to be around. Every scene was so much fun to film and I made many amazing memories on set.
Q: The film also gave you the chance to work with other talented young actors. Do you have any fun stories from the shoot and working with the cast?
A: In the last scene where the group is sitting at the table feasting on milk and cookies, we had so much fun filming it! While filming it though, we only had three hot cocoa mugs and there were four of us so I had to use a smaller milk glass and when we all clanked glasses, my glass cup broke and the milk spilled everywhere. We all laughed so hard and almost ruined the take in the process. It was an amazing bonding experience for the cast.
Q: People in the YouTube comment section are speculating about a sequel. Would you love to revisit Delaney in the future?
A: Absolutely! I loved playing such a strong forward female character who stuck up for what she believed in. I would love to revisit her story and her battling her inner demons as well as battling Walter the Christmas Demon. Having her get closure both personally but also on a bigger scale would be so fun.
Q: What do you look for in the roles and projects you work in? And what would be your dream role at this stage in your career?
A: I love projects that feature a strong female character in which she can overcome her troubles and grow as a person. I personally love doing dramas and tapping into the more serious side of a character. On the subject of drama, my dream role would definitely be a strong female in some sort of single-cam drama where the character grows in the progression of the storyline.
Q: How do you like to unwind away from acting?
A: I really enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Being an actor means devoting a lot of time to classes and refining my acting skills. When I have free time, I like to spend it being a regular teenager; shopping, going to concerts, hanging out with friends. I hope one day to look back on myself at this age and reminisce about the great memories I made both on set and in my personal life with the people I care about.
Q: You have a quote from Audrey Hepburn – my favorite actor of all time – in your Instagram bio. Who is your biggest acting inspiration?
A: Ever since I was little I have always adored Audrey Hepburn and I dreamed of being an actress. I chose her quote for my social media because it is very uplifting but it also reminds me that throughout everything to keep pushing myself to be the best version of myself that I can be.
I also look up to Lilly Collins and Emma Watson. I love the roles they play and I also love how humble and genuinely kind they are as people.
Q: What is next for you? Any ambitions or plans to share with us?
A: There are some exciting new projects I am working on coming out soon but I can’t say much about them yet. Stay tuned!