Actor Naomi Rose Pfyl joins us on Close-Up Culture to talk about her background, the challenges of her profession, her ambitions, and much more.
Can you tell us about your upbringing and what put you on the acting path?
I grew up in a small village outside of Zurich, Switzerland. My father is Swiss and my mother is Filipino. Acting was never a part of my life till I was in my early twenties. Back home in Switzerland we don’t have drama clubs in high school. Also the industry is extremely small, so I never considered it as a possible profession.
As my family went several times on holidays to Manila, Philippines I got approached to do modeling. My father encouraged me to try it out and so when he moved to the Philippines I went with him. There I had my first commercials and experiences on set. I felt the urge to learn more about acting and came back to Switzerland to start my first acting education. Since then things just moved and happened and I ended up in Los Angeles.
What motivates and excites you as a performer?
I think to live life to the fullest. Even though this career path is so unsure and you never know what happens next, I feel the most alive I have ever felt. For such a long time I had an 8 to 5 job and just knew I don’t want this to be my life. I can’t explain exactly where my motivation comes from, but acting is just the thing I want to do. There is no other option. What excites me are projects that mean something to the people creating it. Thinking out of the box and creating stories to tell.
What do you look for in the people you collaborate with?
I think I look for open, kind, fun people and who have the same work ethic. It is important to be on the same wave length. I like when they have a clear vision of what they want to create but still are open for collaboration and like new ideas.
Who are some actors you enjoy watching, and why?
There are too many to name them but I would say actors like Benedict Cumberbatch, Eddie Redmayne, Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt to name a few. I love those actors because you never know what kind of character they have created. It is always a surprise when you watch the movie.
What do you enjoy most about acting, and what does it bring to your life?
It’s just the most fun and interesting thing you can do. You are never done learning about the craft and industry. I enjoy the most when I am surprised at myself after an audition, scene work or on set. Growing as an actor and as a person.
What, for you, is the most challenging aspect of being an actor?
Being patient. As a young actor you just want to do everything as fast as possible but develop yourself as an actor, a brand it takes time. To be very honest, I am also just figuring out the game here in Los Angeles. There are thousand things you can do, taking classes, castings, events, networking, self producing, so sometimes it’s just overwhelming.
What’s your favourite way to unwind away from the camera?
Nature. California is so diverse and has so many spots to discover.
What are your hopes and ambitions for the future?
Keep working for great projects and having the best time. One day I want to be able to produce a documentary that can give attention to things which mean a lot to me. One goal that I have and can tell is to be either on off-Broadway, Broadway or West End for a classic theater piece.
Follow Naomi on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/naomirosepfyl/