|
|
|
|
|
Name: Bonnie Hunt
Home Town: Chicago, Illinois
Character: Margaret O'Malley
|
What attracted you to the Entertainment Industry and what was your first job or big break in the business?
I've always had a tremendous love and infatuation with the art of storytelling, whether it be in the forum of a movie, a book, a play, or a wonderful old man in a bar telling you his life story. My first break was getting hired by The Second City Theatre in Chicago.
What is the biggest challenge you faced trying to break into the industry and how did you overcome it?
When I first started in this business I was still working fulltime as an Oncology Nurse, so from my perspective, very little seemed challenging compared to the many heartaches and hurdles I witnessed so many patients overcome. But in my moments of self-indulgence, I was so frustrated by the never-ending loop: you want to get an agent, you send out endless pictures and resumes, you receive the same response, " What have you done?" And your answer will be: "I can't do anything unless I can audition." But you can't get an audition without an agent. But you can't get an agent without being somewhat established. But in order to get established you need the agent to get the audition so you can get the job, and then you're somewhat established and now you can get an agent. WHAT?
The only way to overcome it is to not let it define you, by this I mean, the rejections do not mean you are a failure, and by the same token, your successes do not mean you are a genius. Don't give up, keep going out for any open calls, try to get a play, a commercial, a film, and yes, there's always "extra" work. At least as an "extra" you can get a feel for the business and education in the vocabulary. If like me, you are also a writer, write just write. When I sold my first television series, I had written twenty-two episodes before selling the pilot. In other words, keep working your skills so you are ready when you get your break.
What advice can you give those trying to break into the "industry?"
Fail by your own standards and succeed with your integrity.
Please describe your character in "Stolen Summer" and why you were attracted to the role.
My character is the typical Irish Catholic mother in the 70's. She is the backbone of the family, full of unconditional love, very religious, and always letting her husband rule the house. I was attracted to the role for many reasons; I enjoyed the script, and however small the role I love to be a part of a good story. I couldn't resist playing the mother of eight children, I'm from a family of seven children and I am always nostalgic for my chaotic and loving childhood. And I loved the idea of working with a first-time writer/director. Having just been through the experience with "Return to Me," I wanted to participate and share the experience with someone like Pete Jones. There is nothing like the ups and downs and pure joy of making a film.
Can you share any tricks of the trade that help you work better as an actor?
Appreciate the team. By this I mean, always remember each and every person on the set is an important part of the team that helps bring the story to life and helps you bring your role to life.
Are you also a writer and if so, how many screenplays have you written?
Yes, I am also a writer; I'm addicted to writing. I've written four screenplays, one ("Return to Me") has been made, two have just been sold and the fourth we haven't even shopped yet.
What's the best lesson you've learned in regards to working in Hollywood?
Best lesson? In Hollywood? I have no idea.
What advice would you give to writers on how to craft a script that can help actors better understand or relate to their character?
I wouldn't attempt to advise on a style of writing. But I would encourage you to write from your heart, write to entertain, write to inform, write to make someone laugh, to make someone care, or just to get it off your chest. There is an actor out there for every writer's words.
What advice would you give a director on how to make your job as an actor easier on set?
I think it's important for an actor to feel they are protected by a director's talent, and it's wonderful when there is mutual respect and trust.
List your top five favorite films.
Having grown up with such a love for movies, it is very difficult if not impossible to pick only five favorite films, but here it goes and not in any particular order:
- Notorious
- A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
- Tootsie
- Goodfellas
- Anything with the Marx Brothers
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
