Liz Lin is an exciting Chinese-Australian actor. She has been paving the way for Asian representation in the Australian film and theatre industry. She starred in the Australian independent feature film titled Lonesome. Which recently sold out at the Mardi Gras Film Festival. It received an AACTA Best Indie Film nomination. It is currently playing in cinemas across Australia and US. She was also featured in Vogue Online for her attendance at the 2022 AACTA Awards.
She is particularly passionate about intersectional feminism and diversity on and off screens. Recently Liz starred in the sold out show Tough Titties, where many of these themes are explored. Liz Lin talks to us about her exciting, and promising acting career.
indieactivity: Hello Liz. Tell us, “how did you get into acting?”
Liz Lin (LL): Hello! I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I was like I want to be an actor. But, I do remember certain memorable events from a very young age, like 7 years old. I would put on performances for my parents, and drag my little brother into it. I think by that age, I was already voicing the fact I wanted to be an actor. But, it was actively discouraged by my Asian immigrant parents. Who pointed out that no one looks like you on screen.
Watch Official Trailer for Lonesome starring Liz Lin and directed by Craig Boreham
I had a moment in my final year of University; where I was watching Chinese dramas on Netflix. And, I was like… hey these people look like me. The fire and desire to act lit up again, and I was like OK. I have always wanted to try this out… I just gotta give it a go! And, so I signed up for some classes, and started on this crazy journey.
Are your parents on board now?
Liz Lin (LL): I’d say so. I think its often hard for immigrant parents to understand. They have no-experience with this stuff. Or even how to support a child who wants to go into the arts. Because, many (not all) live a lot of life in a survival-mode. The arts are not typically seen as very stable, so, it can be hard for them to wrap their head around it.
You’re an experienced and sought-after actor. How much work, do you put into your projects?
Liz Lin (LL): Gosh! I have no idea how to quantify that! Yet, I do everything to the best of my ability, and that may look different depending on the day. I have always had a strong work ethic. And, I think that comes from my upbringing, watching my parents hustle in a foreign country. A place where the main language isn’t their mother tongue.
I feel so fortunate to have the opportunity to pursue a career I love. So, I make sure that I work hard at it. Creative problem solving is something I love doing. I try to find that in all aspects of my job. Whether, it’s an audition, a new character, a new dialect, or even the business-side of acting.
You have worked on popular shows, and films, such as the critically acclaimed film ‘Lonesome’. How has working on this film impacted your work as an actor and your career?
Liz Lin (LL): Lonesome was such an interesting film to work on. It was shot during the pandemic. So, it was my first time going to set, and having to scan QR codes! That was an interesting experience.
Working with Craig [Boreham] was also incredible – he is so understanding and attentive to his actors and we had the luxury of a rehearsal period before shooting the film, which was so helpful. The film itself is just a masterpiece in queer cinema and is definitely a career highlight of mine so far.
You played a lead role in the short film ‘Fruity’. How did you prepare for such a role?
Liz Lin (LL): Fruity was my first role on a professional set, period. I didn’t really know what to expect so I made sure I did a lot of prep – understanding my character’s backstory and giving her specific behavioral life so that she would come alive on screen. And of course, making sure I knew all my lines and everyone else’s lines too.
How do you get into character?
LL: I do different prep work depending on the kind of character. Music is a big one for me – I like to create playlists for all the characters I play so I get into their headspace and their heart. Putting on the character’s clothes and jewelry definitely helps too.
What are your principles on a production set?
LL: Being respectful and kind to everyone – especially the crew. The crew are always the first ones there and the last ones to leave and they work so hard. Making a film or tv show is a collaborative effort and every single person is a vital organ of the whole. Also, staying hydrated is important!
What’s your experience been as an Asian-Australian actor in this industry? Is there anything you would like to see change or improve?
LL: On one hand, I am really glad that Asians are getting more visibility in the industry. And that Asians are being cast in Asian roles. But, on the other hand I still think there is a long way to go in terms of representation. Yes, there are now stories with Asians at the center of the narrative such as Everything Everywhere All At Once and the show Kung Fu.
But aside from stories where it’s centered on an Asian family or a show that explores Asian identity, how often do you see more than one Asian person in the lead cast if there is one at all? When will it be normal to see more than one Asian in a friendship group or workplace on screen? There is definitely more that can change in terms of our screens reflecting the demographic of the world.
What do you like most about being an actor?
LL: Telling stories that matter. Making people feel seen. I think as actors and anyone in this industry, we set the status quo of the world and cultural change often starts with us. I mean not long ago Asian men were always in roles that asexualised them. And Asian women would play overly sexualised roles and you could see this reflected in society – most mixed race couples were Asian woman and Anglo man.
Asian men were deemed unsexy – this was the narrative I was fed and bought into growing up too. I think this is starting to shift. So being part of the cultural change starting with the stories we tell is what I love about being in this business.
As an actor who has already enjoyed much success, what advice would you give?
LL: Don’t be afraid to go after what you want or speak up for what you believe in. And remember to give yourself time to rest.
Outside of acting, what are some of your interests?
LL: I love to dance! Hip Hop, Chinese Jazz, Choreography are my favourite styles of dance. Recently, I’ve been getting into K-pop too. I also like to train in Taekwondo. My favourite thing to do, though, is definitely hanging out with my dog. Her name is Korra, named after The Legend of Korra, and she is the sweetest girl.
Tell us about your new exciting projects?
LL: I have a short film that I am leading that’s in post-production called ‘Mansplaining’ which is a drama comedy about a girl (my character) who struggles to find her voice amidst a toxic retail workplace. I speak both Mandarin and English, which was fun to do! Aside from that, I am also soon to shoot another queer film project.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Liz Lin. 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 Instagram! Or join me on Twitter.
Liz Lin Socials
Website
IMDb
Instagram
Vimeo
MORE STORIES FOR YOU
The Key Facts Behind How Jeff Nichols Made The Indie Hit MUD
Jeff Nichols gives himself directorial challenges to master on every project.
In Conversation with Michael Oblowitz Director of Confidential Informant
Confidential Informant stars Mel Gibson, Dominic Purcell, and Kate Bosworth
