Eden Brennan, Holly Hajbok and Abrish Khan rollback the curtains on the production of In Bluebell Wood a short film filled that will enchant hearts of all ages. Set in a Scout Camp, ‘The Explorers’ head into the wilderness for a weekend of fun survival skill training. But what they find is more than what they bargained for! Eden, Holly and Abrish talk to us about their work with Laura Ellen Wilson…
indieactivity : How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Eden Brennan : I had worked with the director before and thankfully they remembered me for the role! I do wonder if I would have still got the part if I had to audition as there is such a talented cast!
Holly Hajbok : I worked with the director Laura previously and she remembered me and knew I was perfect for my role as she loved my energy.
Abrish Khan : We got connected to the project as we have worked with the director before. They remembered us from then. We didn’t need to have an audition.
indieactivity : What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What made you want to accept the role?
Eden Brennan : I was so thankful to have been offered the role and working with the director was a massive positive. The fantasy theme of the film will mean that I must use my imagination during filming which will challenge me. I’m also excited to work with other cast members who I already know and have worked with before.
Holly Hajbok : It sounded mysterious and fun and something I would love to watch myself. I just knew I had to go for this one after reading it with my mum.
Abrish Khan : The story sounded so good. It could be a real life story (with a difference) which intrigued me in wanting to be in the project.
indieactivity : You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Eden Brennan : its great meeting new people and I’ve met lots of friends with the opportunities I’ve had. That’s probably the best part! Every time I’ve been involved in independent films I’ve had fun on set and gained more experience. Some of the projects that I have been in, have tackled great topics.
Holly Hajbok : I love making new friends and learning new scripts. Every film is a new adventure and I love playing different exciting characters like this one.
Abrish Khan : I have worked with quite a number of students or new directors. I really enjoy being on set, with a range of new and old faces. I always make new friends!
indieactivity : this is a placeholder text, for the interview question?
Eden Brennan : Emma is a little like me in that she’s very active and has a big imagination. I’m practicing a lot at home with the script and have been working on expression to improve my non verbals.
Holly Hajbok: This character is very different to other characters I have played, and I need to bring something special and unique. Sorry, I can’t say more about it as my character has a lot of spoilers! I will be practising lots and lots making sure I have the right presence needed for my role.
Abrish Khan : I am doing a bit of improv to get into my character. We are all going to be meeting up for a rehearsal before we start filming too. This is going to be lots of fun as we are going to be meeting the cast and crew members we haven’t already met and of course, meeting old friends too.
indieactivity : As main cast on the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you are shouldering. Are you scared? Or will it fire you up? What scenes do you think will be difficult to shoot?
Eden Brennan : I think because I already know quite a few of the cast I’m looking at it as an adventure and think we will have a lot of fun. I know that it’s a big part and I can’t believe that people have so much belief in me. I am a little nervous as I really don’t want to let anyone down and know the rest of the cast is super talented. I’m working on the scene where I pass out, as that will be new for me and I know it needs I look realistic and not over dramatic.
Holly Hajbok: I’m really happy to have another lead role and this is one with some amazing child actors. Working together is going to be so much fun and we will all learn from each other, I can’t wait. There are a few scenes that will be fun and challenging to film which makes it such an exciting project and very different.
Abrish Khan : I am a little nervous but once on set, I think it will fire me up and all the nerves will disappear!
indieactivity : What do you think you will take away from the film production?
Eden Brennan : Lots of new friends hopefully and it will help me build on my experience and confidence. The plot looks likes it going to be so much fun to film and I know I will take lots of great memories away. This will be my first main part so it’s massive for me and I want to enjoy the experience as the opportunity might not come around again.
Holly Hajbok: I think it will make me want to do even more. Every time I film, I learn something new. I also think this has such great potential to move into a feature film and if it does, I would love to see what there is in store for my character Skye.
Abrish Khan : I will take away a lot of knowledge and experience of a new character. I can’t wait to make new friends and see my old ones too.
indieactivity : What do you like most about the director?
Eden Brennan : The very first time I met Laura Ellen Wilson, I was new to independent films and she just made me feel so welcome immediately and made the whole day pass so quickly, even though it was a long day of filming. She makes the whole day fun even when it’s feels like the 100th take and it really didn’t feel like work last time we worked together. As a brilliant actress herself she’s also someone to look up to and to aspire to be like.
Holly Hajbok: Laura is amazing. She is super fun, happy and bubbly like me and I always understand her direction as she is great with kids like me! We are both crazy happy!
Abrish Khan : Laura is lovely. She is funny, down to earth and easy to get on with. She’s very professional and passionate in all that she does.
Related Story: In Bluebell Wood by Laura Ellen Wilson & Laura Saxon Excites Greatly
indieactivity : What is next for you?
Eden Brennan : I’m always on the lookout for the next opportunity but want to put all my effort into this role and project. I’ve nothing planned after this but if I impress with this role who knows what could happen next!
Holly Hajbok: I have another short film, Alice in Wonderland, in the middle of filming. I play a totally different and very serious role and it is really in a hard hitting. In June, I will be filming the feature film, Dark Days, which is a zombie film but with great stories running through it. I just love how each role is so different!
Abrish Khan : The next step for me, is to carry on in the industry, either through my agency or by doing more student and pilot films.
indieactivity : What advice do you give other actors regarding what you have learnt about the industry so far?
Eden Brennan : It’s really hard when you go to auditions and don’t get the part, but I learn something new at every audition, casting and workshop. You have to still believe in yourself and just accept that there are so many talented actors and just because it’s a no for one role that there might be something else that you are perfect for.
Holly Hajbok: Keep working hard, you can do this and enjoy every moment. I love using my iPad to practise and learn scripts as I can record the other characters to play alongside. I can also record myself and play back to see if I can change anything or try something different. You should definitely try that!
Abrish Khan : Carry on doing the good work and go with the advice given by the directors and other industry professionals. Don’t lose your confidence, be yourself and most importantly, believe in yourself.
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