Kate Hardie first caught my attention as a kid. She was this great young actress in some gritty TV movie we were made to watch in school in about 1990-91. I remember thinking at that moment, “Wow, I wanna do that!” I ended up enrolling at The Anna Scher Theatre School in Islington where all the cool working class London kids went at the time, and she really helped cement the passion. I was about 12.
I was lead actress in the feature film The Wife & Her House Husband. Then lead in BAFTA qualifying Hungry Joe. A winner of 6x Best Actress in a lead for Hollow 2021, Killing Eve, S2 BBC America. Slow Horses, S2 Apple TV, and returning Guest in BBC Doctors 2021-22.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Laura Bayston (LB): I guess there’s a bit of Method involved. It’s about keeping the performance truthful. I have to feel a tactile connection to my character which connects it to the emotional side so I find there’s a few methods I use, but breath and breathing techniques are my go to, as it really helps to invoke a physical muscle memory. I listen to music, and usually create playlists for all my projects. Costume helps and I normally wear a piece of jewelry I associate with the character in some way. On top of that and most important is PREPERATION & Research.
Hungry Joe (2020) – Full Trailer – British Horror
How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Laura Bayston (LB): I’ve worked with Paul before and he asked if I would be interested in the role? Of course, I jumped at the chance.
Let’s take this project you did; how did you prepare for such a role: the cast, the physicality the terrain, the climate, weather and the demands of the project?
Laura Bayston (LB): Keep an open conversation, ask questions, question the reply, ask again, research the characters social status, situation etc., read the script, read it again, connect with it, know it inside and out and prepare to tackle scenes in the moment if you feel that’s going to give the most truthful performance.
As one of the cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Laura Bayston (LB): It meant I was ready. All the preparation was done before I stepped on set.
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How do you create the character from a script into a person?
LB: She’s simply a mum who only ever wanted to love and help her son in a difficult situation. She has to be relatable to be believable so it’s finding that balance.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
LB: Every scene should challenge you in some way.
Explain one creative choice you took on set of this production?
LB: I’m not sure on that one?
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
LB: The creative process, the challenge, the buzz of it. I love watching films, so to be a part of the process is a dream.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
LB: There’s too many to choose. Just, Paul is an incredibly visual director who understands actors.
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
LB: Find a connection, it usually starts with the eyes..
As main cast on the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Where you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
LB: I guess the vomiting scene was a bit off putting.
What did you take away from the film production?
LB: That I love what I do.
What do you like most about the director, and his collaboration with his team?
LB: Paul writes the most incredible stories, he’s has a real gift for creating genuine characters you care about and root for.
What is next for you?
LB: Hopefully something as amazing as Hungry Joe
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
LB: Just give into it, be in the moment and let the magic happen.
Tell us what you think of the interview with the filmmaker. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook or Twitter.
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