Scott Davis chats with Casual Encounters star Ceri Bethan…
Thank you for taking the time to speak to me for Flickering Myth and congratulations on your latest film role in ‘Casual Encounters’.
Scott J. Davis: How have your family reacted to your career choice and your move from England to the US? How has the transition been for them?
Ceri Bethan: They have been amazing and I truly couldn’t do this without them. They are so supportive and knowing that they have my back and are championing me every step of the way is what helps me keep going. Moving away is never easy, but they have always known this was my dream and they are only a FaceTime away! I’m very lucky to have such a wonderful family.
SJD: Was it always your dream to be an actress and move to Hollywood? Have you had vigorous coaching and training since moving there?
CB: I have always wanted to be an actress, ever since I knew there was such a thing. My sister and I used to put on little shows at home for our parents, and at age 7 I was cast in my first role, playing Cinderella in a local youth performance! From there, things just went from strength to strength. I’ve always had an inner knowing that I would move to the States to pursue my dreams. I never saw myself doing anything else.
After graduating from university, I moved to New York to attend the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. It was a really wonderful experience and the training was exceptional. From there I was encouraged to move to LA and it was the best decision for my career. I found my home when I trained at Warner Loughlin Studios. I love the technique there. It teaches you to fully build a character and memories for that character separate from yourself, which I have found to be a much safer approach. I create as much detail as I can so I know how she thinks, what she feels, how she reacts and why she does this. So much of what we do is created from our own history, so it’s important to develop a strong one for your character. I also like to go to my acting coach, Jamie Wollrab, for some one-on-one coaching.
SJD: You recently starred in the romantic-comedy ‘Cavemen’ opposite Chad Michael Murray (Marvel’s Agent Carter). How was that experience?
CB: I had such a wonderful time working with everyone on set. Our director on that movie, Herschel Faber, was great to work with and I am very proud to have been a part of the film. There was no shortage of laughter between takes, and often during!
SJD: In your latest film, set for release next month, ‘Casual Encounters’, you play opposite Brooklyn Decker (Grace & Frankie), Taran Killam (Saturday Night Live) and David Arquette. Can you tell us about the movie? What was it like to work with everyone on set?
CB: It’s a romantic comedy about one man’s (Taran Killam) online dating failures; a story of a search for love and all the messiness along the way. The camaraderie between the cast and crew on set was such a joy to experience, and I don’t think I’ve ever laughed so hard making a movie! Playing opposite Brooklyn and Taran constantly elevated the comedic stakes, which pushed and challenged us to deliver our best work. It was wonderful to be a part of such a supportive, generous, and kind team.
SJD: I understand that you are the only Brit in the film. Can you tell us about your character? Were you able to keep your British accent?
CB: I was yes. It’s always fun to be able to add a splash of British into Hollywood!
I play Emily, who is the best friend of Brooklyn Decker’s character, Laura. She is a very strong, willful and blunt woman who is the owner of an art gallery. I really enjoyed the process of getting to know her and it was so much fun to delve into her world. There is a great dynamic between Emily and Laura. Emily is that dependable friend that you know that no matter how busy she is, she will always be there for you.
SJD: You have been involved in quite a few romantic comedy films so far. Do you prefer working with this genre more so than others?
CB: I certainly feel at home in comedy, but I wouldn’t say I prefer one genre over another. One of the aspects of acting that I love is the variety it offers. You get to become another person and show their life. Sometimes it’s funny, sometimes it’s hard hitting and sometimes it’s magical. It’s a gift to be able to experience all the different ways to tell a story. My most recent short film, Chasing the Past, is science fiction and it was really fun to play in that realm. You can catch that on ShortsHD on June 5th!
SJD: Do you prefer working on films to that of working on TV shows? As an actress is there a difference to you?
CB: There is definitely a difference. Filming wise, TV moves a lot faster. There is a quick turn around and you see quicker results. With film, you might shoot over six weeks, but editing and post takes a lot longer. For the actor, I find in film there is a lot of work I do on my character in rehearsal to develop the moments we might not see, as a film could show 10 years of a characters life, condensed into a three month shoot. But with TV, you might develop a character over several seasons so it’s a slower progression, and you watch them grow on screen. However, I think the underlying approach to developing the character is the same no matter which medium, and both offer unique opportunities.
SJD: Are there any actors or directors you would love to work with in the future? Any actor you’d like to play alongside?
CB: My list is pretty endless! I have been lucky enough to have already worked with some fantastic people. I think the dream though is Meryl Streep. She has always been my idol. I saw her in theatre once in New York and cried! She has that rare gift that just seeing her perform enhances you somehow. Robin Wright would also be on my list. She is an extraordinary actor, and I admire so much of the work she does on screen as well as off screen. I love the work the Duplass brothers are creating. It’s so real and honest which is refreshing in this town. Plus anything with Shonda Rhimes! I have a feeling her new show, Still Star Crossed, will be high on my list.
SJD: Do you get to go to the cinema much? Any films you have enjoyed lately?
CB: I am very fortunate to be a member of BAFTA here in LA and we are treated to many screenings, so I try my best to keep up to date with cinema releases. Most recently I went to see The Nice Guys and just loved it! Ryan Gosling is fantastic. Talk about comic genius – he is hilarious!
SJD: I understand you are represented in Hollywood by renowned international agency Bohemia Group. Do you have any plans to work back home in the UK, or are you focusing on American productions for now?
CB: It would be great to come back to the UK for work. My management company has recently set up an office there so hopefully soon! There is so much fantastic television and film coming out of England at the moment. I am very proud of where I come from and would love the chance to work there if the opportunity arises.
SJD: Finally, any advice you would give an actor who is trying to break into the US?
CB: Firstly, make sure you want it more than anything else because it will always be challenging – this is not an easy career path to choose, and in those tough times it’s the brightness of your dream that keeps you going. Secondly, never, ever, ever give up! There is not an end point when it comes to being an actor, so keep going and keep hoping and it will happen.
To borrow more words from Maya Angelou, I’d have to say, “Just do right.” Hollywood is full of temptations and VIP passes in exchange for less than stellar decision-making. Distance yourself from things like that. Just try to be the best human being you can be, and people will notice you. Follow your heart and trust your instincts. If you keep doing right, the right things will come to you.
SJD: How can people follow your career? Instagram…. Facebook etc.
CB: Yes I am on twitter, instagram and Facebook. You can reach me at @ceri_bethan. I look forward to sharing what I get up to with you all!
Thank you Ceri – we are all excited to see you in ‘Casual Encounters’ being released through Lionsgate on June 7th.
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