Australian Actor Olivia Fildes is Eleanor Gray in How Deep is the Ocean

Like many other performers, I went through high school participating in drama & music classes, school plays, choirs etc. Anything performing  arts related really! I loved it. After high school I really wanted to gain skills and knowledge as a triple threat (singing, acting and dancing), so I  went on to study a Diploma of Musical Theatre. Later deciding I wanted to focus on acting, I went to study the full time program at 16th Street Actors Studio where I learnt all kinds of new skills and techniques.

From then I have worked with some amazing filmmakers and great people  on all kinds of film projects. I have a particular love for film in front of and behind the camera. There’s something fascinating about the  subtleties of human emotion that can be picked up by a camera which I really resonate with when it comes to storytelling

Watch the Official Trailer for How Deep Is The Ocean Starring Olivia Fildes, directed by Andrew Walsh

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indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Olivia Fildes (OF): I particularly love the work of Sanford Meisner, known as (you guessed it) The Meisner Technique. It’s all about being in the present moment  and being open to spontaneity. Pulling your focus away from yourself and putting it on your fellow actors in a scene. There is of course a lot  more to the technique than this but for me when I am acting, this is the most important take away. As Meisner put it himself acting is “Living  truthfully under given circumstances.”

How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would you still have got the part?
Olivia Fildes (OF): Not going to lie, it was a while ago now and you’re testing my memory! I think I came across a casting call online and applied. Initially I  actually wasn’t chosen for the role, having only done an interview and not an audition. Then after the original actress was unable to continue  with the project, I was contacted and asked to audition. After which I was given the role! 

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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?
Olivia Fildes (OF): My prep for the character of Eleanor was largely through rehearsal and conversation with Writer/ Director, Andrew Walsh. Discovering  things about the character as we went. As the scenes were largely developed through improvisation, all I could really do was understand  Eleanor to the best of my abilities so I was prepared for anything and could do as she does without thinking. Figuring out the core of who she is  as a person, why she makes the decisions she does and ultimately what drives her.

As one of the cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Olivia Fildes (OF): For me it was a really interesting and fun way to approach the script and build the character of Eleanor, allowing scenes to stay fresh and in  the moment while filming.

How do you create the character from a script into a person?
Olivia Fildes (OF): Given that a lot of the script was based on Andrew’s real life experiences and is very personal to him, deep discussions with him to bring  Eleanor to life definitely played a big part in the initial stages of production. I aim to know as much as I can about a character before I begin  shooting so I can be as authentic as possible when performing. This involves a bit of script analysis, a lot of questions and figuring out ways in  which I relate to the character in my own life. Things I can connect with.

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What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Olivia Fildes (OF): Eleanor’s story throughout the film was new territory for me. While I understand the highs and lows of navigating/learning about what can  be a pretty ruthless world at this age, Eleanor’s experience of life is far from my own. It’s always an interesting challenge to dig into the depths  of a character’s psyche, figuring out why they are who they are, when they are rather different to yourself. 

You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
OF: People are always there for the love of what they do. The indie film industry is full of passionate people who just want to create art and tell  impactful stories which is such a wonderful thing to be a part of. It creates a certain energy on set that keeps me coming back

Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
OF: The direction of fully submerging myself under very cold water at 7 o’clock in the morning was fantastic…thanks a lot Andrew! In all  seriousness though, Andrew would always bring me back to the circumstances with each scene. Particularly the scenes with heavier content.  Really helping me to get into the mindset of Eleanor, what she may be thinking and feeling at that stage of the story and in many scenes,  reminding me of the stakes. Giving each scene the justice it deserves.

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How did you collaborate with your cast members from scene to scene?
OF: All of the cast in How Deep Is The Ocean were incredibly easy to work with, so we were able to bounce off each other effortlessly. We were  able to build chemistry with each other through rehearsal which was fantastic when it came time to film, feeling really comfortable in each  other’s company. Although the chemistry came pretty naturally from the beginning which is also very helpful!

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?
OF: Not only was this my first feature film, it was also my first lead role in a feature film. I have played the lead role in many short films before  but I definitely felt a lot more pressure knowing I had to carry an entire film. I tried not to think about this too much though and focus on the  work that needed to be done, while also allowing myself to play with the character. Not taking it all too seriously until the role demanded it

What did you take away from the film production?
OF: A few costumes actually and some snacks from set. No, no, Just kidding (I think). There hasn’t been a project I’ve worked on where I haven’t  learnt something. Working on How Deep Is The Ocean really showed me that you don’t have to have a big budget or a high profile cast an crew  to make a meaningful, well made film. If you are passionate about the story and can find like minded people who you trust and work well with,  you can make it happen!

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What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
OF: Andrew is an extremely open minded director, always willing to hear suggestions and ideas from anyone without judgment. When you know  you can talk to the person who is running the show freely and feel your input is valued, it creates an incredible safe space for creativity. This is  something I really admired while working with Andrew.

What is next for you?
OF: I have quite a few projects in post-production at the moment. Another feature film and some short films which I’m very excited for! In the  near future I’d really love to travel overseas to study and work but no plans are set in stone yet. I’d also really love to create my own work which is  something I’ve been thinking about for a long time. 

What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
OF: I’m sure a lot of actors have heard this one before but I think it really applied to the work I did on this project. Do as much preparation as  you can on a character, so you can let the work go while acting and just be in the moment. 

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