Chasing Dreams with Megan Peta Hill
As a writer and born storyteller, I’m fascinated and inspired by every day life. I enjoy hearing other people’s stories particularly ones that involve chasing dreams and loving what they do. Being an author, I believe that there are three important ingredients in the process of story writing CREATIVITY, INSPIRATION and PASSION. These secret ingredients can flow into other professions too.
Through creative paths, Megan and my roads crossed. A little spark was ignited in me when I realised how similar we were. Not the obvious of course being that we are both Australian, it was much deeper than that. We had a passion for life and what we were doing. I interviewed Megan to gain some insight into the world of an emerging Actor.
Welcome Megan Peta Hill, and congratulations on your big move overseas and making your dreams happen. I’m looking forward to asking you some questions.
Why did you decide to become involved in acting?
It was never really a decision or a conscious choice, it has just always been a part of my soul, part of my being. I truly love the art-form that is acting. It’s such a beautiful means of storytelling, of escapism and entertainment, and of connecting people through an emotional experience. I’m so deeply passionate about the craft of acting, and hope to be playing grandmothers and great-grandmothers when I’m well into my 80s and 90s!
What has been your favourite acting role and why?
I have been so lucky to perform in so many wonderful projects and have loved my experiences on each of them. I have to say one of my favourites was the role of Pandora in the Australian Independent film FELL. It was an unbelievably challenging experience for me as an actor. When we first meet Pandora in the film, she is a young girl completely isolated, living in a post-apocalyptic world, and so there was a lot of physical and mental preparation required. The shoot itself – on location in remote, very cold difficult locations… etc.
What is the process involved from audition to final production?
The film-making process is very complex and multi-layered, and involves so many different moving parts. Actors will ordinarily go through numerous auditions and callbacks before being offered the role. From there you’ll have wardrobe fittings, make-up and hair trials, and rehearsals. Each director is different, some want to rehearse a lot, and others won’t want to rehearse at all, so as an actor you really need to be flexible with your own process so that you can adapt to each new project and each new director. Following the shoot, you may be required for ADR (Additional Dialogue Recording) which is the most fun – you get to show up with ugg boots and minimal make up, and work from an air-conditioned studio haha. There might be some re-shoots of certain scenes, or they may want to shoot additional scenes. Then there’s photoshoots and interviews for the promotional materials for the film. In the meantime there are exceptionally talented teams working around the clock on editing, marketing, and all things post-production. By the time the project is finished, hundreds of people have been involved in thousands of hours of work. It’s such a magnificent process to be a part of.
When writing I try to get my readers to relate to the character in the book. How do you relate to the characters you play? Or prepare for the roles?
My process for each project is always slightly different, but when it comes to relating to the character, for me it’s all about finding where the character already is within me. As an actor, I don’t want to be putting on a character the way you put on a mask or a costume. Instead I peel back parts of myself to find the qualities of that particular character that are already inside me. By finding the personality, mannerisms and characteristics from within, they are coming from a place that is real and true.
What piece of advice would you give to others who are chasing their dreams?
Don’t ever stop. It’s okay to slow down for a while, take a breather when you need it, but don’t ever stop. Dreams can and do come true if you work exceptionally hard and never quit. I would also say that you don’t have to do it alone. I wouldn’t be where I am right now without the unwavering commitment and support of my family and my team. So find people who believe in you, even when you doubt yourself, and chase the dream together.
Who inspires you? And why?
I find inspiration from so many people. Creatively, I am inspired by some of the greats, the actors who epitomize the craft of acting; Meryl Streep, Maggie Smith, Judi Dench, Cate Blanchett. They bring an integrity and a grace to the art of acting that I am so in awe of.
Thank you Megan for taking part in the Q&A. I know you are such a busy lady. Congratulations on all your success in the film industry.
All the best.
Juliet x
‘MEGAN PETA HILL is a young Australian actress who has made the big move overseas to further her career in the film industry. She has had the privilege to work with David Duchovny, Gillian Anderson, Doug Savant, James Wong (director), Jared Padalecki, Jensen Ackles, Georgie Henley and Skandar Keynes. Megan has appeared in the X-Files, FELL and the Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader just to name a few.
We all love to hear about inspiring young Australians who are passionate about their work. Go Megan.
The above information and photos have been provided by Megan.