Walkden Entertainment (aka Peter Walkden) had the honour and pleasure of chatting with Lauren Metcalfe, the lead actress of Control (2023), available on DVD and Digital from April 3rd, thanks to Eagle Entertainment.
Let’s break the ice with a fun question: do you own a self-driving car?
Haha! No, I don’t. It was really fun driving them, but I must say, after being trapped in one, I shall be steering clear!
Let’s break the ice some more: what’s your favourite thriller?
I must admit I love all the Mission Impossibles, and John Wick is a pretty close second—though I wasn’t happy about the dog!
How did you react when you discovered you would star in a film with Academy Award winner Kevin Spacey?
I don’t think it all actually dawned on me until I was in the studio with Kevin. We were running through the script together, and as Kevin was delivering his lines, I came out of character for a second, took a breath, and turned to our Producer, Adam Southwick, with wide eyes. He just nodded approvingly, and I carried on. It was a very special moment.
While working on the film, did you interact with Kevin Spacey’s voice, or was this added later?
I spent months listening to The Voice’s Lines delivered by Kevin in the car at every opportunity I got -on the way back from school runs, on the way to interviews, on my ear pods at the gym! So when the filming took place, I not only knew the way in which he delivered the lines but also the pace. During filming, The Voice’s lines were delivered through an earpiece by the very talented Adam Hooper, who also listened to Kevin’s lines over and over to get the right inflections. He did a great job!
Given that the film is mostly set in a self-driving car, was it ever challenging to be stuck in such a small, confined space to act and perform with such energy?
I just loved it. I never once felt personally confined or trapped. After a few more emotional scenes, I had to get out and breathe/ stretch my legs, but I had a really supportive team behind me. To be honest, when you’re in a studio with loads of crew staring into the car at every angle, sometimes even with sound or the DOP Jamie in the back of the car, I was never alone.
Was it like working with Director and Writer Gene Fallaize?
Wow, what can I say about Gene? His knowledge of this industry, creativity, and drive are awe-inspiring. Working with him was a pleasure, and I am so grateful for the opportunity. Directors always have a vision for their art. As an actor, you may read the script and see the scene /character a different way. Still, from the beginning of character building through to filming, Gene was supportive and allowed me to create and feel at ease enough to explore Stella’s intentions within the script. Don’t get me wrong, sometimes it wasn’t what he was looking for. Still, he would clearly explain and give me ways of getting to where the scene needed to be. I’d work with him again in a heartbeat.
Tell me a little bit about the main character, Stella. Is there any key aspect about her that you find relatable to yourself?
That’s a tricky one. Stella obviously has a fierce side and a heart, which she tries to hide throughout. Ultimately, this is a tale of a love story gone wrong. I find aspects of Stella I can relate to, and I’m sure many women will. Maybe not to the extent that we see here as she is pushed to the limit, but I think we all have a warrior and a girl who needs protecting inside. Stella certainly does!
While making Control, what was your biggest challenge while playing as Stella?
Keeping warm in the end scene! haha
What was your most enjoyable moment while working on this film?
I really don’t think I can pinpoint just one. As I said before, I just loved all of it. Working with such an incredibly supportive and happy crew was a game-changer. It was all such a team effort.
What advice or encouragement would you give to upcoming actors?
Never give up. Keep honing your talent and expanding your skill set. Then, don’t stop contacting and networking with people. If you don’t get anything for a while, get creating.
Do you have any upcoming projects that you can reveal?
I am currently working on a new feature, but I’m afraid I can’t say anything more. But a few things in the pipeline.
As our interview ends, why should the people of Australia check out Control on DVD & Digital from April 3rd?
It’ll take you on a wild ride through the streets of London from the comfort of your living room!
Control (2023) is available on DVD & Digital in Australia starting April 3rd!
18th March 2024
Written by Peter Walkden
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