INTERVIEW
LEE
BADER
“Stay open, but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t let the industry push you around.”
Lee Bader is a Meisner trained actor and the co-founder of Bread Break Productions, a production company which champions women-made content. She has appeared on television and film; her recent credits include Mable Miller: Female Serial Killer and Sofia. Her writing and producing credits include Interwoven, a Blackpills contest finalist, as well as Super Lady, an official selection at the Grand Rapids Feminist Film Festival.
Thank you so much for interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?
I’ve been fascinated with the film and television industry ever since I can remember. I studied acting in London and New York, then during the gaps between auditions started to write and produce my own material.
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Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
I owe a debt of gratitude to Liri Navon, my creative partner in crime, and the co-founder of Bread Break Productions. I’ve always subscribed to the school of thought of Mark Duplass’s — “the cavalry isn’t coming” meaning — if you can do it yourself, what’s stopping you? But working and collaborating with Ms Navon had made me see how you can take it one step forward. We created a production team that champions women-led content, and we’re currently in pre-production on a new short.
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What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
I cannot seem to think of one particular obstacle that was the most challenging, not because I had none, but because unfortunately the path for an actor or creative is just paved with hundreds of them, or at least it has been for me. Most recently though, it would have to be the pandemic. And figuring out a way to still be creative during this time while being stuck at home. Whether it’s self-taping with a friend over zoom, joining online workshops and IG lives, or writing and developing material that can be shot in quarantine or in hopefully the not-too-distant future.
What are your ‘‘Things I do to prepare for the role” ?
I think every role is unique and requires a different kind of preparation. I read the material ad nauseam, that includes every bit of information you can get your hands on that relates to the story or your character. I love doing research! I enjoy emerging myself in a world that is unfamiliar to me and getting to know every knock and cranny of it. I love finding the right costume for a part. The right look. But even before that is possible, one odd little thing I tend to do is — draw my characters. I guess it helps me to visualise them, see them and their essence.
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What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
I try to put myself in their shoes. Think about what I would do in that situation. If the answer is not what they would do — I alter the situation in my head, find a parallel circumstance to that one where I would act as they would — and use that comparison when I approach the scene.
What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting out?
My advice would be:
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Stick to it! If you work hard enough and persist, things will happen. And most importantly, make sure, really ask yourself if you want it! Otherwise, there’ll be a million obstacles or “signs” along the way telling you to give up, and if you don’t have the drive and pull to push forward, you will end up listening to them.
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Stay open, but don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself. Don’t let the industry push you around. Stand up for what you believe in, don’t do anything you don’t feel right doing.
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Stay creative, whatever form that may take for you. Don’t solely depend on auditions to fuel your artistry, as it might frustrate you real quick. Take charge of your career and your creativity.
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What has been inspiring you lately?
I have been re-watching BBC’s ‘The Fall’(Artists Studio, dir. Allan Cubitt & Jakob Verbruggen, (2013–2016)) starring Gillian Anderson. Even the second time around, I am again just floored by the majesty of that show. In the writing, acting, and directing. It’s so disturbingly beautiful and ballsy. It does justice to its characters, managing to portray real humans, — raw, flawed, and engaging characters we don’t often see on screen, especially women. Unfortunately to this day, it’s hard to find such well rounded female character on our screens.
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What is one message you would give to your fans?
Be kind to one another.
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How can our readers find you online?
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/msleebader/
Website: http://www.leebader.com/
