Could you first introduce yourself to the reader?
I am an actor, model, and reporter based in London.
What does your job involve? What happens on a typical day?
A typical day for me is researching and finding events and people with stories in the creative industry to interview. This is my work with FABUK TV, a fashion & film platform who have recently appointed me as their entertainment reporter. This can range from film festivals such as BFI London Film Festival to award ceremonies and fashion shows. However, if I have an audition, that takes priority and start working on the material right away due to the quick turnaround required.
What’s great about what you do?
I love the relationship-building aspect of it. I meet new people at every event and it’s so inspiring to hear their stories, as usually, they’re not from London!
What are the toughest parts of your job?
Sometimes the last-minute nature of things can be a bit stressful. However, you can fix that by just being well-organised. Also, people in the creative industry always understand when last-minute things come up!
What are the highlights of your career to date?
The highlight of my career to date would be interviewing Bill Nighy on the red carpet ahead of the release of his new film ‘Living’. Also, appearing in an OLAY commercial.
What's been the biggest challenge so far in your career? How did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge in my career and I guess in most actors’ careers, is rejection. When you’ve set your heart on a special part, and not getting it, it’s tough. The only way to overcome rejection is not to take it too personally and remember the struggles that even the greatest performers have experienced before their breakthrough. I have never given up and have carried on going for auditions. Even if you don’t get the part, you might make connections, and offers might appear just out of the blue. For example, when I auditioned for 'Bar Fight', an interactive game/film that will be released on STEAM (a gaming platform) in 2023 - I was initially up for a completely different role.
What was your career path into this job? Have you also worked outside the arts?
I studied at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts and whilst there, interned with casting directors, modelling agencies and did personal assistant work for an actor's one-woman show. I learned all aspects of the industry whilst studying, and not only techniques in front of the camera. Upon returning to the UK, I worked as a runner on a UK TV series and gained work experience in production offices. I followed the opportunities where they came up and ended up booking more acting and presenting work, so pursued a path in front of the camera. I now have a flexible job as well, where I recruit allied health professionals for the NHS. This fits in very well with my creative career and gives me a steady income.
Have you noticed any changes in the industry in recent times? If so, what?
I have noticed that we are almost 95% self-taping as talent now. That means, instead of going for a live audition, you make your own tape following the brief and send it in. This is great, as it means you can have more control over your audition.
How has your background, upbringing, and education had an impact on your artistic career?
My mother is a piano teacher and my father is a rural dean, so I definitely received my creative genes from my mum. I have never been very academic but excelled in creative subjects. I decided the best thing for me to do in life is choose something that interests me, work very hard at it and be consistent.
You’ve been granted the ability to send a message to 16-year-old you. What do you say?
Don’t feel like you have to go to university or college if you would rather start working right away. Really understand what you are naturally good at and genuinely interested in, and follow that path.
Do you have any advice for young people interested in your field?
Make connections and don’t be afraid of looking silly or making mistakes. Every piece of work leads to something else – even if you don’t realise it at the time.
Where can people find you and your work online?
Instagram: @gemmaegordon would be the best platform to review my work!
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