Going From Stage To Screen: A Conversation With Lauren Metcalfe For Gene Fallaize’s CONTROL
From Brecon to the big screen
Lauren Metcalfe is a Multi talented professional Actress, Film Producer & street dancer gaining her merited Diploma and Degree from LIPA and Aberystwyth University. Since training she has worked on the stage as lead characters in musicals, plays, pantos and in 2019 made her move into the Film and TV industry.
She has worked on several BBC dramas and advertised for high end companies. She has currently just jumped off set as ”Stella Simmons” in Action/Thriller feature film ‘Control‘ as Kevin Spacey’s Co- Star.
She also produced the film and it is now selling worldwide and looking at theatrical release in December. She is qualified in screen combat with The British Action Academy and will soon to be filming her next lead role with a different production company whilst producing the next feature with Cupsogue Pictures in tandem, in which again she will have a prominent role.
In our EXCLUSIVE interview, the incredibly talented Lauren tells The Fan Carpet‘s Marc Jason Ali about her start in the industry, what it means to be a story teller and working on CONTROL…
If we go back to the beginning, was there a defining moment for you to get into the Entertainment Industry?
Wow what a question thank you! I have always felt performing has been in my veins since a young age. I actually wouldn’t say there was a defining moment, if anything I feel we all make our own path into the industry and everyone’s journey is different but mine was a slow steady progression trying all areas of the arts purely because they’ve always fulfilled me and that’s where I would do my best learning. I don’t recall having a ‘moment’ thinking I HAVE to do this, I just knew this was my calling from the beginning and followed that path!
What was it about CONTROL that made you want to be a part of it with such a prolific director in the independent space in Gene Fallaize, and what can you tell us about the story and Stella without giving away spoilers?
Control was written in September 22′, and once the script was complete I already knew this was something that from the producing side of things had legs. When Gene approached me for the role of Stella, I think I cried actually because I knew that not only is Stella on the screen the majority of the time (which is a lot of pressure to hold the audience’s attention for 86 minutes!) but she was an incredibly powerful character with so much depth, that I simply couldn’t wait to give her life. I was just so humbled by Gene’s faith in me even though we hadn’t worked together previously in this capacity before and I was very grateful for the opportunity.
The story is based on Stella Simmons, the Home Secretary who is secretly having an affair with the PM (Mark Hampton). On route taking his daughter home in her electric car she gets a call that shakes her to the core…and you’ll have to find out the rest on the December 15th!
What does it mean for you to be a storyteller and tell stories in this way?
Everything. I feel as creatives we have the power to express ourselves whilst bringing stories to life and create discussions and open thinking.
What is your preferred genre, and do you have any favourite films?
I love watching anything fast paced. Usually Action/Thriller is my favourite but I do love fantasy as well! Who doesn’t love The Witcher!? hmmm I’d say some of my top films would be – Topgun, Mission Impossible, Gladiator, John Wick all those goodies! But then I’m also a bit of a romantic and the films I know word for word are: Dirty Dancing, The Notebook, The Holiday, oh and of course F.R.I.E.N.D.S! (I’m THAT generation!)
Are there any other aspects of the Film Industry that you would like to pursue?
I’m currently training with The British Action Academy and working on outside skills in preparation for any female action role that may come up.
I feel strong woman roles are so present at the moment in so many films I would want to combine my acting with love of screen combat to be able to give as much to a character as possible by doing my own action.
You have an eclectic range of credits from TV to Short Films to Feature Film, are there any genres that you haven’t done yet that you’d like to?
To be honest I really do like expanding my range as an actor, you only start learning when you push yourself and so to be given some very different roles I count as a blessing as it means it contributes to my learning journey. Saying that, I would love to start putting my screen combat to work.
You’ve worked with some great talent both in front and behind the camera just in CONTROL alone with Kevin Spacey and Gene Fallaize amongst the names, do you have a wish list of who you’d like to work with?
Yes I have been very lucky! I mean I wouldn’t say no to working with Ryan Gosling! haha!
In all honesty I really don’t. It is obviously great working with the bigger names but if I’m honest they are just people doing their job the only reason it is exciting is because they have a wealth of experience that you can soak up and learn from.
If I’m honest I just love working with all talented people whether they are a name or not, I am in awe of so many differently talented people in this industry not just the actors but the creatives that GIVE so much to this industry and to make a project what it is but humbly don’t get recognised for it.
Who inspires you within the industry?
You meet a lot of people in this industry and there are so many in my life that inspire me and they all have one thing in common they are people who work hard and pull together to create the vision in front of them with a smile on their face.
Circling back to CONTROL, do you have any memorable moments from filming that you’ll take with you for the rest of your career?
Obviously working with Kevin was a huge one. I took so much from working with him and managed to develop my character to what you guys will see on the screen in December!
During filming one moment that sticks out was Gene shouting action for one of the more intense scenes, I was in the car and began the scene, I won’t give away the details of the scene but once I had finished the car door opened and Gene came and held my hand and said ‘you have just made the whole cast and crew well up and cry. Are you ok?’ I looked around and couldn’t believe my eyes. I just remember trying to tell everyone to snap out of it, it’s acting!!
But I do find it so amazing how as an actor you can really pull on so many heart strings. It really can be so powerful and affect people in ways you don’t realise.
Fandoms are a big part of the industry, who or what are you a fan of?
I just had to Google Fandom!! hahaha sounds like a new Disney Avengers film speaking of which, I’m a big fan of Disney and Marvel movies. I was basically brought up on them!
Is there a book that you are a fan of that hasn’t been adapted to film or TV or Netflix yet that you’d love to be a part of?
I actually started working with Gene through talking about adapting a book by the Author NGK. Unfortunately it didn’t happen but this then led to more exciting adventures together and now Nathan (Author) is a lovely friend. But in terms of other books for book adaptions- I’m a Producer and so I can’t give away all my secrets!
With the popularity of streaming services like Netflix, Disney+ etc. what do you think the future of Cinema is?
I love the Cinema and I really hope it opens back up to the extent it was before Covid. To be honest going to the cinema is an experience in itself, you don’t get the same buzz from sitting on your sofa. So I have high hopes, I mean if Control can go to cinemas then surely that’s a great sign.
Where can we find you online to keep up with everything you’re doing?
So I am on IMDb, Spotlight and my Instagram is @Laurenmetcalfe_official and you can find me on Facebook by searching Lauren Metcalfe.
CONTROL IS RELEASED ON DECEMBER 15
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