Are you a gadget fiend or a technophobe?
I was a technophobe for years but I’m warming to it now, mainly because I have to. It’s part of my job – sending audition tapes to America involves know-how with cameras, then uploading to Vimeo or Dropbox. Actors are also meant to have a social media presence these days. So the industry is changing and I’m scrambling to keep up.
Do you have meetings and auditions over Skype too?
Yes, it’s weird. There’s always those awkward pauses. You do a take, then there’s an excruciating four seconds of silence when you wonder whether they’re totally unimpressed or it’s just the time delay (laughs).
Do you research roles online?
Definitely. The internet’s an amazing resource. I’ve recently started – particularly for [Channel 4 period drama] Indian Summers – finding archive footage and 1930s photos, bookmarking pages on Pinterest and creating a mood board so I can immerse myself and flesh out my character’s world.
What’s the most technologically advanced project you’ve worked on?
Stardust [2007 fantasy film] was a massive production at Pinewood: huge sets, lots of green screen. I’ve also just shot a sci-fi film called Genesis in which I play a scientist in a post-apocalyptic world. Often you don’t see so much of the technological aspect on-set, it tends to come in later and get done elsewhere.
Was there much CGI on Indian Summers?
We filmed in Malaysia and obviously didn’t have the Himalayas around us, so mountainous wide shots were filled out afterwards. But the landscapes of Penang were so luscious, they often look CGI even when they’re real!
What was it like working in that extreme heat?
Challenging. So humid, it was like being permanently wrapped in a damp blanket. We were forever using hairdryers on our frocks and all got addicted to an isotonic drink. I don’t what’s in it but it really pepped me up. Three cans and I’d be raring to go.
You travel a lot for work. How has technology changed that experience?
It’s a bit old-fashioned but I’ve got a dictaphone that I take everywhere and use to rehearse lines. I watch a lot of TV online. I’ve just bought a little keyboard for my iPad, although I must admit it’s still in the box – anything involving the words “wireless” or “Bluetooth” tends to scare me. The iCloud is bewildering too. I’m improving but haven’t nailed that side of things. I even did some classes at the Apple store.
How was that?
Surprisingly good. This guy at the Genius Bar was helping with my laptop and said: “It’s like you’ve purchased a house but only put a chair in it,” – which made me determined to sort myself out. I feared it’d be shaming – just me and a load of 70-year-olds – but it was cool. I learnt basic Garage Band and iMovie. Highly recommended.
Are you an Apple addict then?
Yes. I deliberated for a while because I’d heard great things about Samsung Galaxy, but ended up getting an iPhone and have since gone completely Apple: MacBook, iPad, iPhone – the full set.
What’s your most expensive gadget?
My Canon SLR camera. I’m forcing myself to improve my photography. Again, I shouldn’t admit this, but I’m still mainly using an expensive camera on automatic setting. I’m slowly learning how to use it manually.
What are your favourite apps?
Snapseed transforms my pretty basic images into something a bit more special. LineLearner is also great.
Is your phone on the table at dinner?
No, I tend to think it’s rude. Although I was guilty of it myself on Indian Summers because the cast had a WhatsApp group to stay in contact. It worked beautifully but did dramatically increase the messages coming in, so I was probably tapping away too much.
Do you use textspeak or emojis?
Never textspeak or smiley faces but I have three emojis I use a lot: the three sparkly stars; the lipstick kiss, which I use in quite a camp way; and the red flamenco lady – she’s fun.
Have you got flash gadgetry at home?
I’ve had no permanent abode for a while, so haven’t been able to make bulky purchases like widescreen TVs and walk-in fridges. But I’m in the process of buying a flat and I’m looking forward to all that hugely. It’s a new build and comes with a wine fridge which makes me feel incredibly grown-up. It means I’m a proper person. I got a pension recently as well. (Laughs)
Do you love or loathe social media?
Love. I enjoy Instagram and Twitter. Facebook’s my more private one for staying in touch with my university friends.
If you could time travel, where would you go?
I’d like to have grown up in the early Seventies. My parents always make it sound so much fun – festivals and free love. I probably should’ve said something worthy about Tudor or Roman times, shouldn’t I? (Laughs)
