DOLLY.COM.AU DOLLYMAG^7
Chelsea doing
her thing on the
set of thriller flick
The Reckoning.DOLLY
READER
COLUMN
Perth-born Hollywood hopeful
Chelsea Williamson, 20, fi lls
us in on what it’s like to work
as an actress on the big screen!dreams
your
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“Working on a
thriller meant
some awesome
special effects
and make-up,
LIKE fake blood.
THE taste was
really awful!”
T
he three words I had longed
to hear my entire life were
about to become very real.
I dreamed of who would say them
and where I would be. And when
they came, all the stories you’ve
heard about getting goosebumps
and heart flutters were proven
true... “CAMERAS ROLLING...
ACTION”. Yep, it was my first
day on the set of a feature film.
I have been so lucky to work
on two wonderful feature films
in the last two years. The first was
called The Reckoning, directed by John
V. Soto, who was recently named Best
Director at the British Independent Film
Festival. I worked long hours on this film.
It was late at night and freezing cold but
the stunt team, make-up artists, producer
and other set staff all worked as a family
to bring it to life. Working on a thriller
meant some awesome special effects and
make-up like fake blood. While it was fun
to play with, the taste was really awful.
Broken Contract was written and
directed by James Pentecost. Both movies
were filmed in my hometown of Perth,
WA and directed by people who believe
in supporting and encouraging new local
talent. The experience of filming brought
on a whole bunch of different emotions:
challenging, exhilarating and exhausting.
However, the amazing people I met and
all the things I learnt about the craft of
filmmaking is something I’ll never forget.I found my passion for acting at the
age of 16 when I was fortunate to be
chosen for a talent development program.
I travelled to the US to gain training and
experience in film and TV. Since then,
I have relocated to Sydney to continue
my acting studies and gain some more
experience. I travel back and forth to LA,
where I’ve recently secured a manager.
My next move will be to Canada this
year. There are a lot of exciting things
happening for Australians in the film and
TV industry over there. I feel like I’m at
an age where I’m still young and eager,
and that it’s the right time to spread my
wings and try something new. I’m very
fortunate to have been supported by
my family, as well as great mentors and
friends who have always believed in me.
Acting is a hard but extremely fulfilling
career ’cos you get to meet new people,
explore different characters and it could
take you anywhere around the world.My advice is that if you have
passion for something, no matter
what it is, follow it with all your
heart and have no Plan B. Just
be prepared to work hard, make
sacrifices, learn from everyone
you meet and always be grateful.
Recently I have ventured out and
created my very own fashion and
beauty blog called By Chelsea
(bychelsea.com), which combines
my love of fashion and style. One
day, I would like to be known for
working on projects that people
remember and to also give back to this
awesome industry in Australia, where
I have been given my very first start. bSO, DO YOU WANT TO BE
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