Becoming Georgina: A Conversation with Lindsay Armaou

The worlds of small-time gangsters and burnt-out City Boys collide in the hugely entertaining, fast-paced crime thriller THE SMOKE, arriving on DVD and digital platforms from October 20th, 2014 courtesy of Signature Entertainment.

Starring Matt Di Angelo (TV’S Eastenders and Hustle), Anna Passey (A Landscape of Lies, TV’s Hollyoaks), Stephen Marcus (Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Kinky Boots) and Christian Brassington (Redemption, Elizabeth: The Golden Age), THE SMOKE follows city lawyer Brad Walker (Di Angelo) on the worst day of his life. His high-maintenance girlfriend Sasha (Passey) has unceremoniously ditched him for his so-called friend Tom (Brassington) and to add insult to injury he’s just been fired…

On a night out drowning his sorrows with old friend Dean (Jeff Leach), he happens to overhear a conversation between Phil (Darren Ripley) and Ben (Marcus) – two drug dealers working for small-time gangster Jack (Alan Ford). In no time at all, Brad manages to make off with a sports car, a call girl and £400,000 in cash… But that’s just the start.

High-octane, gritty, and with its tongue firmly in its cheek, THE SMOKE holds its own as an action-packed British gangster thriller that keeps its sense of humour – while showing just how quickly your luck can change in the Smoke…

The Fan Carpet had the pleasure of speaking to Lindsay Armaou who plays Georgina in The Smoke, ahead of its release on DVD and Digital Platforms this Monday.

In our interview, we go right back to the beginning, we talk about her influences for bring Georgina to life and she tells us what she’s a fan of…

Let’s go back to the beginning, what drew you to pursue a career in acting?

It was something I always wanted tot try but had no idea if I was any good at it so I went on a four day acting course at ‘The Poor School’ acting school just for fun. It was there that the head of the school offered me a place on their full time two year acting training. He only offered two people a place out of forty so I took it as a huge compliment. I thought about it long and hard as it was going to be a huge commitment but in the end I went for it and it’s one of the best things I have done. I discovered a new passion!

What drew you to The Smoke, and how did you get involved?

I was performing in a theatre production of ‘A Christmas Carol’ and a casting agent came up to me afterwards and asked me if I would be interested in going for an audition for the role of a call-girl in a feature film she was casting. She told me there was nudity involved so I had my reservations but when I read the script I knew it was something I wanted to be a part of so I went along for the audition and got the part of Georgina.

Can you talk about your influences for your character?

Well I don’t know any call girls personally so I had to use my imagination. I created Georgina as a cheeky, witty, and ruthless character and I think you’ll understand if you watch the film. 

Speaking of your character, can you tell us about her and where she fits into the story?

Georgina is one of two call-girls that get booked to do a strip in a corporate boardroom, leading to the sacking of Brad played by Matt Di Angelo and therefore setting a series of events into motion. She also ends up in bed with Dean (Jeff Leach) who is Brad’s friend.

Can you talk about any memorable moments on set?

Yes. The very first scene I had to shoot was the bedroom scene with Jeff. We had only met once beforehand for a quick read through of the script so we barely knew each other. We had a patch of material covering our modesty but I was naked on the top half. So there we were practically naked and I was siting on top of Jeff waiting for the director to shout ‘action’. I definitely had to let go of my inhibitions that day, it’s not something I’ll forget. We had a giggle about it though. After the 3rd take I was over it, it didn’t bother me at all. I felt liberated! 

What’s next for you?

I’m doing a lot of work with B*Witched at the moment. We’re doing lots of shows and we’ve just released a new EP called Champagne Or Guinness which has had great feedback.

I’m also writing and producing for other projects. One of the songs on the soundtrack to ‘The Smoke’ was written and performed by me. It’s called ‘No Smoke Without Fire’. I’m also waiting to start work on another acting project with an Irish theme to it but can’t say more than that right now.

Finally, we’d like to know what you’re a fan of in general?

It depends on my mood. Generally I like a good drama or thriller, but sometimes a girlie chick flick is all I want to see. I love films that have beautiful music in them.

I went to see ‘Gone Girl’ the other day which was good, but also very disturbing. It definitely made me think about how crazy we girls can be. But I think it’s what men love about us. It’s endearing is it not? 😉

Lindsay Armaou Profile | The Smoke Film Page

THE SMOKE HITS DVD FROM SIGNATURE ENTERTAINMENT ON MONDAY OCTOBER 20