Gillian Lesley Scott … making up for lost time
I’m chatting today with an amazing actress who is hitting the ground hard to make up for what she perceives is lost time because she only got started in acting a couple of years ago, in her mid ‘50’s. Already, she’s done more than enough to leave many of the younger actors in her dust. Gillian Lesley Scott is a name that you will come to know!
DB — HI Gillian. Thanks for making the time to chat to me today. I know that you’re super busy having done roles in two films just last week and are toiling away, getting ready for an upcoming theatre performance. Can you tell us a bit of your backstory in relation to acting?
GLS — I began by training at Beaumaris Theatre at the end of 2015, and did a years training with Verve studios but before that I hadn’t acted since primary school. I joined various Facebook groups and began training at studio Welder, which is affiliated to the Owl and Cat theatre in Richmond. I was able to access some great opportunities and everything has grown from there. I have completed 9 student/independent films and have 7 stage performances under my belt, two of which were at the Owl and Cat, where I also wrote and directed a short play. I’ve also been in two music videos and and two online series including an abc one.
DB — Out of all the films you’ve been on so far, was there one particular one that stood out? And if so, why?
GLS — I have had a ball on them all but one stands out “Locked In” by Giovanna Mercuri, a film with an important message about domestic violence, and the first one where I had quite a bit of dialogue
DB — Gillian, do you feel that having had a later start in acting has given you a better perspective on the craft that younger actors might not have?
GLS — I think that is definitely the case. I don’t know if I’ve really seen it all, but it certainly feels like it at times,I think I have a relaxed attitude, am willing to give everything a go and have easy access to my emotions.
DB — One of the films you are currently in is a dystopian movie, directed by Glenn Ellis, called New Dawn. I saw an amazing pic of you with a great big gun, so you have to tell me all about this project Gillian!
GLS — That set was awesome! They are a fantastic team to work with. I had a grand time looking intimidating and wielding that weapon. They had professional advisers on set to make sure I was ready to fire in the correct manner! The finished film is going to look amazing, and I loved taking part in it.
DB — I know that you’re only a couple of years into your acting career, but with having done so much already, have you decided on a direction that you wish to take?
GLS — I love being on stage and would love to write more for that but I also enjoy filming too, I just got my first lead with Footscray city films, so I am thinking next years training, which had been stage based up til now, will be in film and TV.
DB — Thanks for taking the time to chat to me today Gillian. Do you have any links where we can keep up to date with your career?
Links -IMDB & Starnow & Facebook
David Black regularly writes for Oz Indie Cinema
And is the lead singer/ bass player for Darkness Visible