Lucy Boynton Interview
Lucy Boynton
Actress Lucy Boynton was discovered by casting director Priscilla John for her role as a young Beatrix Potter for the 2006 film Miss Potter. Since then her professional work has led her to work with the likes of Emma Watson and Richard Griffiths. Lucy kindly answered a few of my questions. Read on to hear about her acting experiences and favourites.
Tell us about your big break into acting – how did it feel to get your first professional role?
Well it was really just by luck that I started acting, I kind of fell into it. A casting agent came to our school and watched over our drama lesson. Then the next day two of us were sent home with letters asking us to come to an audition for a film to play the young Beatrix Potter. So within the space of a few weeks I did a couple of workshops with other girls, which then turned into private auditions. Then about an hour after the final one, we got a call saying I’d actually got the part! Since the biggest thing I’d done before this was a school play I was so shocked. I literally can’t describe how excited I was.
What’s the number one piece of advice you’d give to an aspiring actor?
I think it’s really important for everyone to have confidence and know they’re going into it for the right reasons. When you get turned away from an audition it can kind of knock your confidence but I think you just have to remember that sometimes they are going for a specific look so it’s nothing against your acting. All you can do is keep trying.
Do you have any tips to make a good impression at an audition?
I would definitely say it’s important to have read the entire script or done some background research on your character before going, just so you really get a feel for the character. This way it probably comes more naturally and feels less like your pretending to be someone.
How was your experience of getting an agent?
Well after I did ‘Miss Potter’ the casting agent Priscilla John recommended me to Olivia Homan and Lindy King at United Agents. So we went to meet them, and now I’m with them!
What’s your favourite film?
At the moment I’m absolutely in love with the film ‘500 days of summer‘, but my other favourite films would have to be either ‘Moulin Rouge‘ or ‘The Secret Life Of Bees‘. For some reason I love pretty much any film that can make you cry!
What is your dream acting role?
I’d love to do a really emotional film, like maybe a really sad film. The films that I think stand out the most are those that have the power to make the audience laugh or cry, be happy or be sad.
Which actor or actress inspires you the most?
I think I’m most inspired by actors and actresses nearer my age, such as Saoirse Ronan or Dakota Fanning, as it just shows what can be accomplished by such a young age. I have so many favourite actors and actresses though it’d be hard to choose just one.
What are your hopes for the future with your acting career?
I would absolutely love to carry on acting and pursue this career as an adult. Now that I’ve had a glimpse of what it’s like I couldn’t imagine doing anything else. For a while I’ve had to concentrate on school because of GCSE exams but I really hope I’m going to be able to get back into it once they’re over.
Thank you so much Lucy and best of luck with your exams!
Published on Straight From School Thursday 28th January 2010