Veronica Jean Trickett is a Meisner-trained, Spotlight screen actress, filmmaker and model, born in East London and raised in The Midlands, England. From early childhood, Veronica was always a creative – dabbling in poetry, story-writing, amateur drama, painting and photography. She took a leap into informatics when she moved to Brighton to study Artificial Intelligence at The University of Sussex and discovered video-editing, digital-marketing and online multi-media production. As a result of her creative nature however, this unconventional path put her in contact with opportunities at national film studios, her local TV company and with British indie filmmakers. She began working as a professional actress and filmmaker not long after. Veronica has worked in short film, TV pilots and in independent feature films both behind and in-front of the camera. She has been maintaining her acting career alongside her film work training at ACT Brighton, The MN Academy, Square Film workshops and The Actors Temple.
My latest role: @LaylaZakaria‘s short #film for #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek #BAME #DP @AnyaKrasnikova #WomenInFilm RT https://t.co/Fm7tosVsfn
— Veronica Jn Trickett (@VJTweeting) May 12, 2017
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Veronica: My background of training is a combination of secondary school training, work experience and courses. I have taken courses at Act Brighton, The Actors Temple, MN Academy & The Square Film Workshops. I was very influenced by Gary Condes at The Actors Temple – his words and work with us were life-changing. I also lived in Madrid for just under 2 years before I started acting professionally. During this time I met and became very good friends with an actress who was studying there. I used to accompany her to her classes and agent interviews. The schools let me stay in the classes and learn from them, and I was asked by agents if I wanted to be represented. I feel that was the first time I believed I could take my passion seriously.
indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Veronica: I like to draw from the Meisner Technique – it is a very organic method which requires you to ‘live truthfully under the imaginary circumstances’
Today #onset of @DebEspect‘s new #film: ‘#TheWorldCanWait‘. Pix by @EJBPix #Lesbian #LGBTQ #Diversity #BAME #ActorsLife #BehindTheScenes pic.twitter.com/CblL3aFonF
— Veronica Jn Trickett (@VJTweeting) July 5, 2017
indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Veronica: I am always looking for courses to improve my craft – I think any good actor knows that they have to do this to keep on top of their game. I really adore The Actors Temple – it’s been a long while since I was there, but I recommend it and can’t wait for my next opportunity to go back.
indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Veronica; ‘Constantin Stanislavski: An Actor Prepares’, – gifted to me by a best friend, ‘Stanford Meisner on Acting’.
indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Veronica: Physical fitness is very important to me and I believe it has a great impact on a person mentally too. I have a dedicated exercise routine, but vary between Yoga, Hot Yoga, Gym workouts & long distance running. I’m happy to mix it up once in awhile with new things that come along – but those are my go-tos. To make sure I’m ‘mentally fit’ outside of that I’m always keen to attend workshops or networking events so that I have an opportunity to meet with peers. It’s so lovely being able to meet with like minds and discuss issues and experiences. Social media pages & groups like British Actors Network are always a great information resource too.
Poster for Jedi’s Code Star wars fan film
indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role, when you get it?
Veronica: Apart from going over scripts numerous times, I like to get to know the production and the creative teams motives – I feel it really informs a story and role if I see how it came together. I also like saturate myself in similar media to the script/story – if it is horror I watch horror films, drama, etc. Asking the director questions about the story always helps too!
indieactivity: How do you create a character from a script into a person?
Veronica: A well written script speaks to you – it’s like when you read a book – your mind pieces together a person (from your own experiences and life), the character comes to life within you. Once I’ve gotten the script locked in my head it’s just a case of applying techniques to convey an authentic emotion and working as a team to bring the character to life: getting feedback from the Director; rehearsals – which are a great opportunity to play around with the character too, by interacting with your co-stars and gauging their response to your performance; taking some time to reflect and think on what motivates the character – and trying not to judge that. When you get up to perform in front of your co-stars/the director/crew/an audience – if they are affected by your work, it’s a good sign that the character is believable and your performance is on track.
Veronica Jean Trickett in Phantom
indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Veronica: I love being on set so the experience is magical for me. I love to see how the whole production works, and admire the effort, concentration and physical endurance that the crew have! I often talk to my co-stars too and if we are not prepping for a scene, we might just chat in general, and that helps form a bond which shows later in performances. Otherwise reading a book, listening to some music or going for a walk help 🙂
indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Veronica: I loved a recent role I played for a Star Wars fan film called ‘Jedi’s Code’ by Carlos Bollinger which we shot this Spring (2016). I was brought in to the production by my best friend and talented DP for the film: Anya Krasnikova. I had some basic combat training from a previous role and she and Carlos thought I fit the part! It was the first time I had dedicated choreography however and the pressure was on to give a convincing combat performance. It was pretty intense as I had to train in the month up to filming – and I had a long way to go until I was happy with the results (I feel like I could have done more)! Nonetheless the film was a success – we’ve had a lot of great feedback and the film hit over 35 thousand youtube views this month. I loved having the opportunity to play such a fierce character.
Veronica J Trickett as Selwyn Lost Prince Of Avalon
indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Veronica: I did a indie web series called ‘Selwyn The Lost Prince Of Avalon’. It’s a great story about a young elven prince that escapes to the ‘real world’, as a baby – saved by elven warriors of the royal guard. My character ‘Phenir’ was the head of the royal elven guard – a complex character that was a bit of an anti hero. Essentially she is a mixed heritage Elf – part fire elf part light. It transpires in her story that she is divided on which side she must set her allegiance to. I related to the character, having mixed heritage, and not knowing where I belonged as a child – it may have been a very simple comparison to make but I remember feeling very frustrated when I was pointed out as different. So I brought it to the character on set – a young raw ambitiousness where the character wanted to prove herself and become acknowledged for her own merit.
indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Veronica: A fearless director who has a clear understanding of his vision! I admire someone who can lead and direct a team of people – like warriors heading into battle – because believe me, filmmaking is just that! Even if I feel outside of my comfort-zone. I’m happy to be pushed and tested to my limits.
indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Veronica: Robert De Niro.
indieactiivty; Why?
Veronica: He always gives me such a warm feeling when I watch him on screen and he’s a spit for my late father Denys Trickett. It would be an honour to work with such a veteran of film – he has transformed himself through the decades and I’ve been astonished at how well he has conveyed characters I would have never thought he would be cast for. It’s an absolute joy to watch him on screen.
indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Veronica: Somebody once asked me how long I planned on being an actor for, and I replied – ‘for the rest of my life’. ‘There’s no rush then’, he said – ‘you’ve got all the time in the world to make it.’ Those were the most invaluable words I have ever been told, and it reminds me to persevere when I have doubts. I think any actor would be blessed to have such advice.
indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Veronica: I am usually cast in dramas, thrillers and fantasy – in love roles, as a rogue or villain. I have also done some comedy. More recently I have been pursuing film roles with combat-training, sci-fi, fantasy and action. My training institutes include: ActBrighton, & MN Academy and The Actors Temple.
Aside from other productions that I have previously mentioned, Hard Tide was a turning point for me as it was my debut to the silver screen! It was such a journey and I was very fortunate to be involved. I met some amazing actors who I feel privileged to have worked with, and I got to experience the full glory of indie filmmaking at its finest!
My notable credits are Hard Tide, which had its cinema release earlier this year in the UK, and screened at Raindance, Berlinale & Cannes 2015. Star Wars fan film: Jedi’s Code, with over 35K views on YouTube. Years & Years ‘Desire’ music video (over 30 Million YouTube views). Starred in Domestic Violence Awareness’ Month short film ‘Phantom‘. Sony Workshop at Pinewood Studios: ‘Brandy & Whisky‘, starring in a story about unrequited love. My America debut! was as ‘Odette’ in horror ‘P.O.V.‘ (Distribution with Continuum Motion Pictures, Horror.TV)
