Interview by Carol Wright | Photographer: Hannah Cosgrove | HMUA: Lauren Phelan
We got to chat with actress Maria Austin about her role in the film Mercy, what sparked her interest in acting, and her advice for aspiring actors.
What initially sparked your interest in acting?
I think my Nan (Grandma) is to blame. She wanted to be an actress when she was young in WW2 and to this day she is one of the best storytellers I know. She used to enact stories about being evacuated and I was captivated. She has been an amazing support and she still helps me learn my lines! I was also a very nosy kid and loved watching and impersonating people.
Tell our readers about Mercy. How did you become involved in the project?
Mercy is a feature film that tells the story of Mercy, a factory farmed pig and the stories of those she meets on her journey. Wendy Morgan is an actor, who over the course of ten years wrote, directed and produced the film, her directorial debut. I crossed paths with her initially when we were both taking part in some Shakespeare play readings and we hit it off. Wendy poured her heart and soul into the script and when I read it, I was totally drawn into this underground world. Wendy has used actors to play out the stories of the animals and I found this to be powerful and interesting storytelling. I was intrigued to see how the audience would respond when they discover these characters they have connected with are not human.
In Mercy you play the title role. What did you do to prepare?
I worked very closely with the Director, Wendy Morgan prior to and during the shoot to develop Mercy’s character together. We also worked with our fight director, the lovely Martin Carrol, to find a physical language for Mercy. There is an innocence and hope to her that we really wanted to capture. Wendy also provided the cast with an array of CCTV footage of animal’s behavior inside factory farms and that was such a valuable resource.
Mercy opens up a wider conversation about the factory farming industry. When choosing projects is it important for you to be involved in ones that can help start a dialogue on critical topics?
I think ultimately I am drawn to a project because of the story. If I am absorbed and intrigued by it and sucked into the world then I tend to jump in with both feet. It was a privilege to learn and be part of Mercy’s story and hopefully add to the dialogue surrounding factory farming. Prior to my involvement with the project, it was an area I knew little about. I love to research and learn about new things, people and places.
The entertainment industry has gone through a lot of changes due to the pandemic. How have you kept yourself creatively motivated?
I think during the pandemic, people who are usually super flat out were suddenly able to spare some time to chat. I have been very buoyed by people being so kind with their time. I have also really enjoyed joining forces with other creatives to develop future work. I have been working with the brilliant actor/ director/ writer, Priyanga Burford on the development of a new feature about the later life of Mary Shelley (who wrote Frankenstein). It’s funny and dark – she definitely would have been a bit of a punk in another era! The pause has made me take a step back and have a think about the direction that I want to go next – I am so excited for the future!
What advice do you have for aspiring actors?
Look for kindness and offer it in return. There are so many kind folk in our industry. A wise friend always says ‘look for the helpers.’ I always find that a useful sentiment. Build a little tribe of fellow creatives as your friends, celebrate each other and be an ear when things get turbulent. Talk to people, be kind, be curious, be open. I have to keep reminding myself of some of these!