Laura is a British Actress and Martial Artist. She has been working as a Dancer/Singer on land and on cruise ships since 2011, taking on acting projects in between contracts. Laura has now returned back to the UK (2017), for full-time acting commitments both in the UK and overseas.
We had an opportunity to chat with Laura. Check out the interview below to learn about her latest projects.
Hi, Laura! We are excited over your new projects. Could you share some teasers about it?
Hi OCCHI!! I am also very excited. I would love to share some teasers for my projects currently in pre-production.
The first one being spiritual horror feature film, “Toll House Horrors,” shooting 2018. I play the role of Dr. Sandra Artemis and this was my first US production casting. Although I am unable to disclose more, there are some very exciting developments, that I can hopefully share very soon!
Finally, I am very excited to have recently been cast as the leading role of Emily in Matt Shaw’s book to screen adaptation, Monster. This role requires a lot of preparation and will be one of my most challenging to date. For those who like extreme horror, this is for you!! After reading both the book and the script, I am so excited to get started!
You threw yourself into acting after working overseas in resorts and on cruise ships. We love hearing how people get their start in acting. Do you feel those previous assignments were a gateway to the film industry?
Since the age of 7 or 8, I always knew I wanted to work in the entertainment industry. My first two contracts (15 months in total) were at a 5* Resort and Spa in Mexico – what an experience!! They were very long days (12+) hours and it was non-stop activities ie: dance class, waterpolo, aquagym etc for the guests. I was also a head dancer, so there was a couple of hours of very intense rehearsals every day too. We performed 12 different musicals over a 14-day turnaround. On my days off, I relaxed on the beach and did lots of fun activities.
Mexico is the main contract that sticks in my mind but I have had some wonderful contracts since. Disney Cruise Lines was incredible – everything you would expect it to be and the only word I can describe it as was Magical. I suppose the long days whilst working abroad, shaped me for long days on set!
I had always been interested in acting and in between contracts I would find projects to work on, mainly student films but I had a couple of feature films too. At the beginning of this year, I just had a complete change of heart and felt compelled to enter the acting world for good. Giving up the dancing shoes has been tough, but I am not sad that it is over – I am happy that it happened.
You have been busy this year! Tell us about the projects.
As well as a few student projects to kick off the year, below are what I have/am currently working on.
Film One: One of my first projects of this year was a short film called ‘Infernum’, in which I played the title role of Sam. It is about a young woman who seeks the help of a medium after she is plagued by visions of the dead. It should be released in the next couple of months. It is currently entered into a couple of festivals/competitions.
Film Two: My second project, which is still shooting, is feature film ‘Coven of Evil’. I play the supporting role of Talia and we have filmed in some great locations. An investigative journalist tries to save an innocent young woman from a Wiccan cult, but in doing so, is drawn into the bizarre and deadly world of modern-day witchcraft. This will be released in the UK & USA early 2018.
Film Three: Also still in production is a very exciting project called ‘Surprise’. The film itself contains one main narrative with 3 short films intertwined. The 3 short films are horror anthologies and contain the same 3 lead characters (including myself) in all, as well as in the main narrative. It sounds a little confusing but, trust me, this one you not going to want to miss! This will be released on Halloween 2018.
What do you love most about being casted in US films?
As well as being a huge surprise, I think the one thing you gathered about me is that I love to travel!! It’s exciting to think that I will be working in such an exciting country, with so many states, and different cultures in each! At the beginning of the year, the US seemed a million miles away. It was on my bucket list to be in a production over there but only in a few years as I wanted to get lots of experience here in the UK first. This first one came quite by chance – I guess everything happens for a reason!
What has been your best experience working in the film industry?
I am having great experiences on each production! I guess the best thing, which is on EVERY set, is that I am working with like-minded people who absolutely love what they do. I have been very fortunate to work on sets which are relaxed and as well as working hard, we can have some great laughs too. It’s wonderful to meet so many interesting people. Everyone has their own unique story as to how and why they entered into this industry and I love to hear all about it!
Thank you for chatting with us about your career. Is there anything else you would like to add that we didn’t cover?
Thank you for having me!! I guess the main thing I would like to add is that I know I am fairly new to this industry, having only fully entered at the beginning of this year, but the support and friendly advice (mainly online) which I have received has been really heart warming. It is very nice to know that, despite being initially told that it is a very selfish and lonely line of work/industry, there are so many people out there who prove that saying wrong to me every day.
I would also like to add that, I do have a couple of exciting role announcements coming up, which I have been unable to talk about in this interview. I update my social media regularly, so if you would like to keep up to date, you can find me on there!
Connect with Laura:
IMDB: http://www.imdb.me/lauraellenwilson
Twitter: https://twitter.com/Lauraa_E_Wilson
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraEllenWilson
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