Listen up! Naomi is in the house
David Black interviews a stalwart of the Australian movie industry, Naomi Lisner.
David — Hi everyone, today I’m chatting with a name that would be familiar to many in the Aussie movie industry. Naomi Lisner has been active for many years, with an IMDB going back to 1983 , joining MEAA in 1981.
David — Hi Naomi, thanks for making the time to chat to me today. You described yourself as hard working, driven and impatient, so let’s jump straight into the interview. OK?
Naomi — Sounds great. I did take a long leave of absence to raise my sons. I have to laugh though; looking back I was always doing characters and voices with them. Once they finished school, I went back to classes in not just acting but in dialect, movement and even gun handling skills.
David — Naomi, you have had a solid background and have worked with some big names. Most actors would give their eye teeth to get such an amazing start. What did you study prior to being in Puberty Blues?
Naomi — Puberty Blues was my first time on any film set however I was only a featured extra, not a role. The male lead Jeff Rhoe was studying drama with me in Sydney at the Ensemble theatre at the time. I did catch up with director Bruce Beresford in February at the Malthouse theatre and we talked about the shoot and the film industry.
My first big shoot was six weeks filming At Last Bullamakanka the motion picture. While the film itself was a disaster, the experience wasn’t. The producer was David Joseph who had managed David Bowie and Manfred Mann. The DOP was David Eggby had previously shot the original Mad Max and later went on to work on Hollywood blockbusters. I was assigned a driver to take me to set each day and every moment was a fabulous experience for me.
David — I went through your IMDB and was blown away. I really couldn’t select any one movie to zero in on, so I have to ask, which was your most memorable role?
Naomi — I value every moment on set. Like most actors I have been in productions that I am proud of and some that were lemons. As long as I grow as an artist each time then I am grateful for the experience.
In Tracy, I played the role of Jade Patterson. It was the first time I had written my role. That was for me was special and memorable. Jade was a complex character to play. Jade is married to Lucky (Ben Rose) who has lost interest in her other than to make money for him. Jade turns to drugs and puts on a face to the world that she doesn’t care. Jade is in love with Daz (Derek Erskine). To Daz she is a toy that he uses when it suits him. Jade is aware of this but loves him regardless.
David — You’ve done more than just acting within the movie industry Naomi. Has your work as a producer, writer, director and production manager enhanced your skills as an actor?
Naomi — The other work I do gives me more insight into the work involved on the production side which includes a multitude of areas. What has really enhanced by skills as an actor apart from training is time and experience. The older I get the more life experience I have dealt with, he less I worry about what people think.
What I find the most perplexing is that the older you get as an actor male or female the less work there is. It seems ironic that the actors who have put in the hard yards, have immeasurable life skills and experiences to draw upon are valued the least.
David — You’ve been quite successful in your movie career, so what advice would you give younger actors who are just getting into the industry now?
Naomi — Be early for auditions, even if you have to wait in the car. I would rather be an hour early than five minutes late. Don’t just learn your lines but work on the character in depth. Be kind and respectful to everyone on set. Do not snub your nose at the extras as they are part of the story. Treat the crew with respect, they work the longest hours. Treat people how you want to be treated, never take anyone for granted.
David — Where do you see yourself with your career in 5 years time? What are your professional hopes and dreams?
Naomi — I will always work in the industry. I love writing and acting the most. I would like to make a film overseas at some stage. My happy place is always on set. I hope that one day we won’t be talking about gender equality, diversity and ageism that there will be balance. I would like the industry to grow where Australian content gets more funding. I would like to see less reality TV on screen and replace it with quality drama. My dream is to one day purchase a warehouse to convert into a studio/residence. I value my family and friendships and taking time out with them is important to me.
Thanks for taking the time to chat to me today Naomi. Naomi will be playing Margarita Cogni in up coming feature Heart of Fury based on the final days of Lord Byron. For those that would like to follow this amazing actress’s work, here is her IMDB.