Actress Emma Maddock.
We recently spoke with the talented and delightful Emma Maddock about her journey into the world of acting, her upcoming projects and her lead in the new LGBT series Lovers and Friends LA. As always, it was a pleasure catching up with this inspiring young actress, who is mature beyond her years and happy to take on any challenging roles that come her way. Here is what she had to share with the readers:
Please introduce yourself to the readers and how and when did you first get into performing?
I'm originally from Manchester, England and moved out to LA by myself when I was 19 years old to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, after earning a scholarship, and to pursue my acting career. I've always been into performing. When I was younger I'd always be dancing around if there was music on. I remember when I was little, I had a sleepover with my friends and we decided to put a performance on for our parents when we got picked up the next day. We spent all morning rehearsing 'Don't Let Me Get Me' by Pink and I was the front man of the band. Also, when I was 7 I got the lead role in the school nativity play, but I moved schools before I got a chance to do the play. I remember being pretty upset about it and I was too late to join the Christmas show at my new school, so I just had to watch. I guess that was my first taste of this harsh industry. I didn't let it stop me, and have continued performing, whether it be in plays, musicals, dance shows, choirs or bands, ever since.
What inspired you to get into the entertainment industry?
I loved the feeling I got when I watched a film. The way it moved me or made me laugh; either way, a good movie puts you in another world and awakens your emotions. It can give you someone or something to relate to, even if it is fictional. I wanted to make people feel and think and ultimately, I want to be able to make a change. I hope to get the type of roles in the future that will inspire people or give them someone to relate to so that they don't feel alone.
When I saw Hermione in the Harry Potter movies, it started to make me think that acting for film was actually attainable. Emma Watson was around my age and she was an English girl with frizzy hair. That was me! As time went on, as I would watch TV or movies I couldn't help but think that “I could do that” and “I want to do that”. After years and years of performing just as a hobby and after some deliberation on whether I wanted to go down the safe route or follow my dream, I chose the latter and applied to study acting amidst the best place possible for screen acting: Hollywood.
What kind of training have you had, if any?
I had LAMDA speech training at a young age which I think neutralized my accent slightly and helped with my annunciation as I had teeth problems which affected my speech.I took grade exams in guitar, flute, singing and music theory. I have always loved music and it was a big part of my life growing up. I started dancing when I was 13 and took exams in Hip Hop, Latin and Ballroom, Rock n Roll and Freestyle. The only one that I continue to do today is Hip Hop, although I wish I'd stuck with Latin and Ballroom too!
I took drama at college in England, but I moved colleges after my first year, because another college which had a dance program, offered me a place. So, at the new college I took performance studies and Dance A Levels, alongside Law. I went to a youth theater where we learned different acting techniques and styles and had West End professionals from shows such as Mamma Mia and Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat to come and teach us. After that, as mentioned, I attained my degree at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts where we studied everything from period movement, to stage combat and Shakespeare to camera acting and improv. I also believe that having real life experiences are very important as an actor, because it helps to bring more depth to a character and have more substitutions.
What has been your favorite role to play so far?
One of my favorite roles to play so far was Dani on 'Lovers and Friends LA'. Lovers and Friends LA is an LGBT web series that explores the lives of a group of people in the LGBT community in LA who have some very different views, opinions and lifestyles. I am really ecstatic to be able to play such a prominent character on an LGBT show as I'm able to combine my passion for acting with my advocacy for LGBT rights and representation. The role itself is a challenging yet fun one, for me. I play a young homeless teen who prostitutes herself just to get by.The first episode shows Dani and her best friend from the streets 'Frankie' breaking into a couple’s home. What happens from the break in could really change Dani's life. I can't give too much away about the plot as it hasn't been released yet, but it'll definitely leave you wanting more.
What has been one of the most exciting achievements of your career so far?
The launch in the very beginning of my career was very exciting, as my graduation was held at the Dolby theatre, home of the Oscars. Walking across that stage to get my certificate was the most inspiring and best beginnings that I could've asked for. I'm proud of my achievements no matter how big, or small. Every step in the right direction is something to celebrate. When I got my agent and manager, I was so excited as it was all becoming so real. As I continue to be asked to audition for big projects, I keep the excitement and gratitude inside me, because of how far I've come and what is still yet to be achieved.
What projects do you have coming up?
I'm currently working on a few projects including lead roles in a couple of web series. I play Dani, a homeless teen, in 'Lovers and Friends LA' which will be premiering November 15th. The show is a spin off, of the original 'Lovers and Friends' series which was based on the East Coast. Now they've brought it to LA and have kept a couple of original cast members.
I play the role of Landon in 'LA Webseries'. We've shot the teaser which you can check out at www.indiegogo.com/at/lawebseries. Production for the first series will begin later this year/early 2017. I also recently shot a feature film 'Twerk City' which is looking to be released Summer 2017. It was directed my Trina McGee of 'Boy Meets World'. The story revolves around my character who after losing both parents, is raised by her god mother (played by Lady of Rage) in the hood. She will do what it takes to make a better life for herself but doesn't necessarily go about it the best way.
Who would you most like to work with?
There are several people, but I would LOVE to work with Will Smith. I grew up watching him on the Fresh Prince of Bel Air and he was so funny and natural and then to see him in a variation of movies where he plays more serious roles, is so inspiring.
What are your plans for the future?
I'm excited for the development of the web series' that I'm in. This year has been a lot of hard work and has felt like a lot of preparation and filming. Next year will be big for my career as a lot of the projects that I've been working on, will be released and It's always exciting to see the final product.
What is your advice to aspiring performers?
It's not as easy and as glamorous as many people think. It's a lot of hard work and you're constantly being judged for your appearance, your talent, or who you know. As long as you're passionate, put in the required work and are in it for the right reasons, you'll enjoy the crazy ride. In the end, you'll be doing what you love for a living, which is what most people dream of.