1. Tell us about your background and journey.
I grew up in a country town 20 minutes from Byron Bay in Australia. A very beautiful part of the world. Coming from a little town I always had big dreams but they almost seemed unreachable - moving to another country where I didn’t know anyone seemed so wild but was something I always wanted to do.
My childhood was very much jumping off waterfalls, surfing with my brothers and anything that seemed like an adventure. I was a tomboy at heart and loved life.
2. Did you ever think or dream of being an actor?
I started my love for acting at 18 years old when I was a body double for Claudia Karvan in a movie called Day breakers, it was a vampire movie and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It was my first big movie set and I was like THIS is what I want to do.
After that, I started doing classes and working on other projects. I ended up taking about 6 years off acting and realized I missed it and it was the only thing I wanted to do that made me truly happy. My love for it was always there but I tried to push it away thinking to myself it was a stupid dream.
Then After a family tragedy and some eye-opening moments, I knew that life was too short not to follow my dreams so I got back into it and was like what the hell and moved to America 3 years ago. It was the best decision I ever made.
3. How can one approach their career and have the confidence and belief to become an actor?
We can do anything we put our minds to and the only way to be happy is to do the things we love and are passionate about. It’s certainly not an easy career and it takes hard work and commitment. I believe studying and learning the craft as an actor is so important, last year I graduated in the final year of my Meisner studies.
I learnt so much as an actor and worked on my skills. For anyone wanting to act, I say, get coaching, study with someone that works for you. Not all schools or teachers work for everyone so it’s about finding someone that you can relate to and learn from and absorb as much as you can.
4. If not this, what would you be doing?
I honestly don’t have a backup plan, I feel if you have one you’ll use it. But one day I would love to have a fashion label on the side as I had a label when I was younger called Chamberlain and I loved it.
5. How can one take care of their mental health in this high-pressure glamorous field?
Mental health is the most important thing to take care of, especially in this industry. We are constantly dealing with rejection, too short, too tall, too pretty, not pretty enough, too old.. honestly it’s 95% no’s and you have to keep your head up and understand that most of the time year just is not right for the role.
If you can learn to not take anything personally then you’re off to a great start. It’s important to always have a high level of self-love and do things outside of acting that makes you happy. I’m a big believer in meditation and starting every day writing your gratitude; it’s helped me a lot. I’ve certainly had many moments where I’ve felt so alone in LA and missed home, but I know that’s normal and all part of growing up. If we’re always comfortable we’ll never grow.
6. How important is social media validation in your profession?
I think social media can have such a big effect on people’s mental health and has so many negative aspects to it. People are constantly comparing their lives to others and always thinking they’re not enough. I’ve been trying to limit my time on my phone and just be as present as possible, I believe that the more present you are in life the happier you’ll be.
In saying that social media can be a great tool for business and marketing you as an actor also. Just use it wisely and remember that Instagram is not real life.
7. What is the common misconception people have about acting?
People can think that acting is easy and I tell you, it is not. You have to love it because it’s certainly a grind, but it’s worth it.
8. What are some of your future plans?
I have just produced my second project which is a hilarious comedic short film and it’s been so much fun. Eventually, I just want to produce all my films so I can work with my friends, create with great people and act in films I’m passionate about. That’s the dream. I have big plans and I’m excited to see them all come to life.
9. Which is your favourite book and why?
As of right now, my favourite book is Green lights by Matthew McConaughey. The audiobook is heaven as he narrates it and his voice is absolutely soothing to me. He has a great outlook on life and I feel gives a good balance of work, travel and a healthy mindset. Anyone looking to be inspired should read his book. I’ve listened to it 3 times now, I love it.
- Brooke Chamberlain
- Instagram: Brooke Chamberlain
- Interviewed By Pearlina Marie Rein
.jpeg)
){kind=link}
0 Comments