Heidi Bramwell is an actress who has been performing in one way or another since she was two years old. Heidi has also had training in several dance genres along with singing and musical theatre. She is currently furthering her screen acting at the ReelScene Screen Acting School in London.
Thank you so much for doing interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?
I started getting into the film industry through extra work and applying for as many jobs as I could. I wanted to get as much experience as possible and learn about being on set. I started putting myself out on all popular casting platforms and came across the ReelScene Acting School. I am a part of it now and I have been able to network with some very great industry professionals to learn as much as I can.
Who are you grateful towards your success and can you share a story about that?
Honestly, until a few years ago, it was a bit of a lonely journey, however, I think I am partially to blame for that. I am very lucky that now I have some very supportive people in my life. They are a lifeline in allowing me the opportunity to chase this dream of being a successful actor. I am extremely
grateful for the people who I train with and who continue to inspire and reassure me. Also, for my partner who works incredibly hard to support us. I am so grateful for my mum who encourages me along this path. I truly don’t think I would be able to do this without any of their support.
![HEIDI BRAMWELL](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5cc07c_f022efa06c4841c2a7c18d139674c932~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_326,h_488,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/5cc07c_f022efa06c4841c2a7c18d139674c932~mv2.png)
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
As a child, I grew up with the tales of Narnia (The Chronicles of Narnia, W.Disney Pictures) and I remember watching them and dreaming of being in the movies and TV shows just like this. I found them filled with imagination and wonders! I hoped to one day inspire another child like me, on the other side of the screen, that when things are looking a bit down, there are these other worlds to escape to. I had the honour of working with one of the lead actors William Moseley (The Chronicles of Narnia, The Royals) and for me, it was a pivotal moment in my life and a very surreal one too! I was telling my child self, ‘Look where we are now!’
​
What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
Being an Actor can be very lonely, frustrating and demoralising… Looking for jobs and endless applications can feel tedious and exhausting. Thinking about all the possible missed opportunities is so disheartening too. When I feel like this, I then think about how I feel when I’m working on a project and fully immersed in that environment. When I’m on set, I feel like I’m shining from the inside out. A truly happy glow. For me, that makes the hard times a lot more manageable, as I know that’s what I’m striving for. I want to choose life for me where I’m doing something that makes me shine with happiness, and acting certainly does that.
​
What are your “5 things I do to prepare for the role”?
I don’t think I have a set 5 things I do before a role. When I have been approached for a role, I read the script…over and over and over again. I try and grasp each thing that is said and understand it in the context of the scene. I then break it down and analyse it in parts. I like to research too, so if I can see that a part is in a certain country or time, I read about that era or place and see what other details I could bring to my character. I find that visual aids can be very helpful, perhaps photos of that country or seeing other films set in a similar era.
Another method I like to use, and should use more, is using big physical movements to add to a character’s personality and how they may move when they are experiencing different emotions. For example, stomping around with my hands on hips to feel big and powerful and then toning this
down to just walking around, however still with the mindset that I am strong and powerful, such as a CEO character. It connects the mind and body to a character.
​
What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
I try and find a personal situation, where I may have felt or expressed similar feelings to those of my character. In some circumstances, I have experienced what my character is feeling, and I draw from that real-life experience. However, in other scenarios, it’s obscure and so far from my reality, that this can be difficult. In such cases I then lay in bed, or walk around the house, imagining that this is something that has happened in my own life and begin to try and imagine how I would feel about that. I find that being able to get lost in my imagination is one of my greatest tools. When I’m at home, I find it very easy to do almost as second nature, however, onset, it can feel very different. So this is something I am still working on.
![Heidi Bramwell](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/5cc07c_9d400c5a615142318e0666f4ca4167c4~mv2.png/v1/fill/w_600,h_398,al_c,q_85,enc_auto/5cc07c_9d400c5a615142318e0666f4ca4167c4~mv2.png)
What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting out?
1. Get involved! Do as much as you can. Most of it may be student films or low budget projects, however, these can look good on showreels and great low-pressure experience.
2. It can be expensive to get started — getting onto casting platforms for example, so I would recommend having another income to fund this. Getting good headshots should be a priority. I didn’t realise just how important they were for applications.
3. Don’t compare yourself to others. This should probably be number 1. This industry can be savage, just be yourself, be positive and be patient. You are you. Be the best “you” there is!
​
What has been inspiring you lately?
I have been reading a few books lately about changing my mindset, which I find very inspiring. With a more positive mindset, I am happier and much more productive. I get through tasks more efficiently too. In one way they have nothing to do with acting, but all the things that I learn
from it, can be transferred to any skill, job or task.
​
What movie would you recommend watching and why?
I would recommend watching the Stieg Larsson trilogy of “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”. There is an American (Columbia Pictures, dir. David Fincher, 2011) and a Swedish (Yellow Bird, dir. Niels Arden Oplev, 2009) version and I think both are worth a look. They can be very gritty, but from an acting perspective, they can be great for analysis too, as to how they are filmed, with the action scenes and the difference between those and the more graphic
scenes. It is a powerful trilogy and definitely worth a watch. I’d recommend reading the books too!
​
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Thank you for your support and encouragement!
​
How can our readers find you online?
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm7162204
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/heidibramwell17/
Website: https://heidibramwell93.wixsite.com/website