Amanda Michaud grew up on the east coast of the US, and she was bitten by the acting bug at age 12 after watching Pirates of the Caribbean. She has since acted in a variety of short films and TV shows, including Panic 9-1-1, mostly playing victims and perpetrators. “I am currently living in California, pursuing my acting ambitions,” says Amanda Michaud.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Amanda Michaud (AM): I don’t use any specific technique! I like to think of it as a toolbox I can draw from at will. I think it can be limiting to operate within the confines of any one school of thought. Better to have different ways of drawing out different emotions. I’ve often used meditation, playlists I’ve customized to the character, costuming, and contrived circumstances to get me into the correct headspace.
How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Amanda Michaud (AM): applied via Backstage, sent in a self tape, and did a zoom audition with Nick and Marie before ultimately being cast.
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?
Amanda Michaud (AM): I had about a month to prep before flying over to England for the shoot. Most of that time was spent studying and analysing the script, and developing a voice for the character that I ended up scrapping entirely. You can make all the preparations in the world and often will just end up having to adapt in the moment.
How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Rebecca at her core is a deeply troubled and neglected teenager. I worked from the base memory of being an anxious teen myself, and added in layers based around her scripted behaviour and dialogue – the fact that she’s needy, desperate for love, manipulative, all qualities that developed from trauma in her past. I drew inspiration from other characters I’ve seen on film, and perhaps a bit from real people I’ve met. Each written element can become a throughline to physical demeanor and behaviours.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Amanda Michaud (AM): I was drawn to the opportunity to explore how trauma can turn a person into being the worst version of themselves: how out of control a person can become while reacting to their circumstances, and how they can invite bad situations as a reflection of their worth. I think her self loathing was hard for me, to muster that anger she has towards herself. In fact, I think that’s one of the things I could’ve developed a little more.
Explain one creative choice you took on the set of this production?
Amanda Michaud (AM): I remember really just letting myself be a bit sloppy. Rebecca is so tightly trying to maintain control of her surroundings and failing spectacularly, as you might expect. So I pictured her mentality as a cup filled to the brim and continually spilling.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Amanda Michaud (AM): This was actually my very first indie! I love storytelling, and indies are one of the only opportunities you get in the industry to play a bit, be creative.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Nick is, in my experience, a very trusting and observational director. The few times he stepped in to lead us in a different direction, it was always done very respectfully. In a way it was almost more nerve-wracking, knowing he trusted me to come onto this set, young and inexperienced as I was, and make the character my own. A very welcome challenge, of course! And working with him felt very safe. I felt totally free to try things, even if they ended up not working.
How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Most of my scenes were filmed solo on a smartphone, as Rebecca is essentially making a video diary. The few scenes I did with Marie had me nervous at first, because they’re of a more intimate nature. But she put me at ease instantly with her professionalism and easy going personality. In one take, I spontaneously kicked at her like a petulant child, and she took it in stride. She was great to work with.
As the main cast in the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Were you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes were difficult to shoot?
Amanda Michaud (AM): I was terrified, naturally! Coming onto an English set as an American newcomer, late into the shoot – I was incredibly anxious. Instead of fighting it I tried to let it feed into the performance.
What did you take away from the film production?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Aside from a sense of accomplishment from having worked with such a great team, I walked away feeling like I still had much to learn and that that was okay. There’s always a bit of imposter syndrome involved with making such a leap, and I’m really happy that this project was one of my firsts.
What is next for you?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Focusing on the business side of things and waiting for the industry to pick back up!
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Amanda Michaud (AM): Just do your homework, study your script, know it in and out – and then let it go and be in the moment. And don’t be too eager to sell yourself short.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Amanda Michaud. 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.
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