SARAH ALEXANDRA MARKS TALKS SNOWDROP

Interviewed by Culture Coast Talks editor Daniel John. Interview transcripts might have been edited for length and clarity.

You're wonderful as Izzy in the film, but I also want to give some roses to Nicola Wright and her performance as Izzy's own favorite person in the world. This is a film that takes a turn, but at the heart of it, there's a very heartfelt and real relationship between a mother and daughter?

Thank you for your kind words. Yes Nikki is fabulous, and when I was writing I knew that it would be Nikki that I would ask to play Gwen and thankfully she said yes! I have worked with her a couple of times and on one of those occasions she also played my mum. She is such a joy to work with and has a natural yet raw quality to her performances. She gives you so much in every take which strengthened the flow of each scene. I truly couldn’t have asked for a better cast member. 

How did your mother influence your creativity?

I remember my mum took me to my first ballet class at a very young age. I loved it so much and quickly explored all of the different dance styles. I would do a show every year with my dance school, Jean Hewitt’s. My mum would watch, every class, and I felt so proud to have her with me. It made our bond so magical and creative. 

What was it that you found in acting?

I was always very shy at school, but when it came to drama class, I came out of my shell. It was my favourite class. I always preferred to be active in class and get creative.

What was your first big audition like?

My first big audition was for a comedy feature named 'Pulp'. I made sure I knew my lines inside out so I could go in confident. It was still very daunting, but I remember leaving feeling like I was on cloud nine.

Did you get the part?

Yes I did book the job and it was fantastic. I had a brilliant experience filming for two weeks in Birmingham with the most fantastic team. A memory I will never forget. 

Do you think your dancing background has given you a lot as a actress, when it comes to giving it your all?

Yes I think the discipline I learned from being a dancer has transitioned over into my acting. I have always had thick skin when you get no’s, and I have always believed if it’s supposed to be for me I will get it.

The leap from dancing to acting is not that unusal, but was writing and directing something that you ever had thought yourself doing before now?

I have always enjoyed coming up with ideas but not necessarily writing itself. I never really pictured myself directing my own work but when Louis James offered to help me make the film he also suggested I directed as he knew the subject matter is very close to my heart. So we made it happen and Louis went into full on pre-production and Blake Ridder helped us shoot it in a day. 

So what kind of a director did you turn out being?

We shot pretty much the whole film in about ten hours. It was a sort of one take film as time was of the essence. I cast Nikki because I knew she would deliver. I became quite an open director to others ideas, as I know how frustrating it can be for an actor who has a director with closed ears. I like staying open to input on set, which was made easier as I was working with two very experienced filmmakers, Louis and Blake whom I also wanted to learn from.

Did directing give you new perspectives on acting?

Directing the film did make me think how important it is for the actor to be fully prepared for a director. An actor should have bold, clear choices ready to trial, along with their lines learned inside out. This allows for the optimal fusion between actor and director. 

Do you see yourself staying in the director’s chair?

I would love to direct again. It was stressful but at the same time very rewarding.