Aussie Actor Leigh Smith Takes on James Hunter in Sacrifice, a Beautiful & Unique Film

Having written the project I was connected from the beginning. I intended to portray “James Hunter” as he is someone who is very close to my heart. His heart beats within the mine and so it was essential that I bring this role to life.

indieactivity: As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Leigh Smith (LS): These choices ensured that James’ love for Blake came across on screen. Both leads are dedicated to their careers. The biggest challenge was showing how my love for Blake overshadowed all of this. James would give anything to be with Blake and this choice for me was simple. Sacrifice for the ones you love.

What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Leigh Smith (LS): Then writing this the part of the story that challenged me was understanding Blake’s perspective on his duty. As a person, I understand people’s dedication to their careers and their life goals but the challenge was balancing my love for him with this. The emotional vortex that James was thrown into in this film challenged me to realize just how much people sacrifice in the name of love. You can give your whole heart to someone and it still can never seem to be enough this for me personally has always been a challenge.

You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Leigh Smith (LS): I love working on projects that have something to say. And stories that come from an angle otherwise untold. Sacrifice was about showing a love story from a traditional angle. Something that had not yet otherwise been received into the world. This is what drives me as a performer and a storyteller.

Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Leigh Smith (LS): Anna was tremendous! Anna has been a dear friend from many years ago when we both started performing. Upon reading the script she knew exactly where this story was headed and where I wanted the message to land. Her work with both myself and the other lead in the film; Jesse was above and beyond. She allowed us complete comfort and safety in the choices and acting that we executed.

Australian Actor Jesse Everett Spills the Truth in Anna Maguire & Leigh Smith’s Indie Short Film, SACRIFICE

How did you create your character from the ground up?
Leigh Smith (LS): James as I have said was very much a part of me even in the writing process. In creating him I wanted to ensure that his own sense of style, duty, and work ethic was outlayed. I also needed the audience to see how deep his love for Blake was. Jesse and I have a long-standing history so it was easy to show natural chemistry and I worked on this with him for a long time before we started shooting.

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?
Leigh Smith: As both the main cast and the creator there was an enormous responsibility! This was also coupled with the fact that everyone on set was an industry professional who gave up their time to create this project based on the story which they all heavily believed in. I brought nothing but raw energy and emotion to the role of James and this very much fired me up and pushed me to new heights as a performer.

Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Leigh Smith: I made the choice to let James’ walls break at the most intimate moment in the film. He held on for so long and pushed Blake away for fear of not being able to deal with his absence. At that moment in the film, he realized that he wanted to be with Blake and love him without fear or restriction and this for me was a creative choice in terms of vulnerability and emotion or pure and unconditional love.

What do you like most about the director and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Leigh Smith: Anna was exceptional and the fact that we have been friends and colleagues for years really helped me be comfortable and safe with the direction that she gave. To say that she gave her whole heart to everything would be an understatement. She took the love of these characters and made it a reality in the world of film. Her passion and understanding of the emotional spectrum of both James and Blake cannot be compared.

What is next for you?
Leigh Smith: I continue to work on my craft and audition through the very hectic pilot season. I also have a feature film coming out later this year which I am extremely excited about having also cast this project. I look forward to continually expanding my skills in the industry as a producer, casting director, and of course as a performer.

What advice do you give actors regarding what you learned on the project?
Leigh Smith (LS): Do not hold back. When you feel something let it all out and love every single moment. You have the power to create and inspire and this is something that should never be taken for granted. You are more than enough and have the power to tell stories – a power which should never be taken for granted but embraced from every aspect.