Being Connie and Playing Challenging Characters: A Conversation with Kate Lister
Kate Lister is a Melbourne-born actress. Kate has had a consistent run with the most diverse of roles. With her brilliantly in depth performance in Sony Pictures Fox Trap as the cunning Connie to her heroic female lead in her new horror film Unhinged (Proportion Productions). And in between working as a leading lady she has put time aside to produce and lead in 7 Storeys Down, The Warriors (ABC), Neighbours and more. Kate is also a Co -Founder of “Little Fish Films” & Founder of “Acting for Service“.
Kate Lister plays the role of Connie in Fox Trap, it saw a Home Entertainment release in America this week, Connie is best described as a no filtered ‘Queen Bee’ type who doesn’t seem to have a conscience.
She’s a talent that’s one to watch out for and as one of the leads in Fox Trap, Kate is captivating and believable as Connie, bringing a richness to proceedings, in our interview, The Fan Carpet’s Marc Jason Ali talks to Kate about what got her into the Film Industry, what it was like working on Fox Trap and what’s on the horizon for her…
If we go back to the beginning, was there a defining moment for you to get into the Film Industry?
It really kicked in when I watched the movie Blue Valentine at the cinema. This film struck a cord with me and I have never looked back – I fell in love with Acting and the way Michelle Williams was so raw and truthful inspired me.
Fox Trap just had a home entertainment release in America, what can you tell us about the film and where your character fits into the story?
I play the role of Connie in Fox Trap and I must say I loved every moment of it. Connie is the ‘Queen Bee’ of the group and let me just say that she does not have a filter or a conscience. Connie really holds her own and doesn’t like to rely on anyone. It was such a fun set to be on, so many undiscovered talented people all living under the same roof. It’s a project I look back at very fondly.
Do you have any memorable moments from making Fox Trap?
Most definitely when Alex Sawyer who played Niall was chasing after me in a scene yelling “Connie Connie” he fell flat on his face in the gravel – honestly I could not stop laughing. He kept falling over in scenes and if you look close enough in some of them you can tell we are trying not to laugh.
You’ve been in a few productions from Proportion, can you talk about them?
I always feel like a learn a lot on the Proportion Production sets as they are so fast pace and intense, you really have no time to relax and get comfortable. They have crazy concepts and I just love getting my hands dirty.
The most recent film I was cast in is called “Deadly Callback” (the title is subject to change) and I fell in love with my Character Kia Anderson, she was such a strong, passionate yet vulnerable character – I cannot wait to see how that film turns out.
What attracts you most to the roles you pursue?
I love playing characters that scare me. I know that sounds crazy but it’s the most exciting and challenging so they seem to be the ones that I get most attracted to.
What is your preferred genre?
I love Drama and I am really keen to try Comedy – I think it’s very hard but I feel it would be lots of fun. so that’s my aim for the near future.
Are there any other aspects of the Film Industry that you would like to pursue?
Absolutely!! I have been working on my Directing Skills lately as I would love to take on some more projects but on the other side of the camera. I think having a great director is crucial to a film and mostly an actors performance.
You have an eclectic range of credits, are there any genres that you haven’t done yet that you’d like to?
Comedy as I mentioned before is at the top of my list, it’s scary but that’s why I think I am drawn to it at the moment.
You’ve worked with a great crop of talent, do you have a wish list of who you’d like to work with?
I have the biggest wish list EVER!! Hahaha – I have a vision board at home with many brilliant actors pasted to it – the list is massive but a couple who are on the top of it are …. Allison Janney, Michelle Williams, Christian Bale and Daniel Day-Lewis
Who inspires you within the industry?
Joel Edgerton – He is an Aussie to start with haha, but he has worked extremely hard to get where he is and book amazing roles for big films yet he still makes his own here in Australia to support the Australian Film Industry.
What else are you working on?
At the moment I am auditioning here in Australia while working on my own project that my partner and I created, it’s a 6 episode Crime Thriller TV series. So that is keeping me very busy.
‘Murder’ is a Little Fish Films production that myself and Phoenix Raei have written, produced, directed and acted in. It’s a crime thriller set in the outskirts of Melbourne, Australia. It explores the lives of a famed author, an introverted detective, a failing artist and a suspect whose paths intertwine when a local Iranian girl is brutally murdered. Their obsessions to redeem their past while investigating the murder leads them down a very dark rabbit hole.
Our Production Company Little Fish Films has three projects on the go at the moment, 7 Storeys Down ( Feature Film) Schnook ( Short Film) and Murder a 6 Episode TV Series.
You do a lot of work with Vamp, what can you tell us about that?
Vamp is my DJ Duo with my best friend Sarah. We DJ and Sing at big events – so that definitely keeps us busy when we are not on a film or TV set.
Fandoms are a big part of the industry, who or what are you a fan of?
I am a fan of people who create their own content, this is a hard industry so actors who don’t sit around and wait for the phone to ring – I am a massive fan of them.
Is there a book that you are a fan of that hasn’t been adapted to film yet that you’d love to be a part of?
Oh gosh, I need to read more. It’s one of my goals for 2018, I seem to always be reading scripts and acting books so I will find one and get back to you.
And what advice do you have for someone embarking on a career in the Film Industry?
Be kind to yourself and keep turning up. Enjoy the journey and breathe.
FOX TRAP IS AVAILABLE NOW AT AMAZON
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