With the recent Netflix release of Residue, we spoke to Taylor Hickson about her emerging career and the rewards of both television and film work.

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Can you start by telling us a little bit about how you got started as an actor?

I was referenced to an agency shortly after I graduated early out of high school. I was 16, and a family friend whom I call my aunt is an actress out in Vancouver. She knew I had been into the arts since I was very young, (i.e. singing, tried dancing, was in some theatre productions when I was in grade 1). I had graduated early to focus on my music and songwriting. She contacted me saying an agent was looking for female teens for his roster, and had shown him my photo which peaked his interest and he wanted to meet me. I explained to her I never came down to Vancouver (4 hours away from my hometown) so it was unlikely as well as I majorly lacked in acting experience. She told me experience wasn’t needed and all he wanted was a meeting. I said I’d let her know if I was in the area and I’d ring her.

Later that week, I found out that my sister had a soccer tournament in Vancouver that weekend. I went in, read some audition material with him and he signed me that day.

The catch was I would have to drive 4 hours to and from every audition, often several times a week.

What was the moment when you knew that you wanted to act?

Probably being on the (massive) set of Deadpool. It was like watching a colony of ants run about, each with a specific role and task, yet all focused on a common goal.

Having that much attention on me was utterly terrifying yet riveting and slightly addictive at the same time. I’ve loved attention since I was a little girl and I’ve always been one to make a scene whether it be at the grocery store or making my entire family sit down during Christmas dinner so I could perform “ballet”. My whole fam has called me “Drama Queen” since I can remember, so I thought: How entirely suitable is this?! I’ll juggle both my music and acting.

Recommended Reading You Can Act On Camera Click a cover for more details The Art of Voice Acting Secrets of Screen Acting

You’ve acted in both film and television roles. What is your preparation like for a film role vs a TV role?

TV is very cool because I can stick with a character for 6+ months at the time of shooting. I get to grow with the character and learn more about her and myself as we both journey through dynamic storytelling. The bonds you make with crew and cast are also very intense; working alongside people almost every day from sunrise to sundown, you make a family.

That being said, some of my best experiences were on indie films. The limited amount of incredibly creative minds that come together to make art both simple and intricate blows my mind.

One of your recent projects is the film Residue, where you played Angelina Harding. What can you share about this experience?

When I had my prosthetics on, I had to be escorted around set as I was completely blind as WELL as in high heels. Double uncoordination.

What was the biggest challenge of your career that you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

A hard one would’ve been losing the series. I was very close knit with the cast and crew, I really miss them! That being said, it opened the door to new opportunities. I directed my focus to working towards my next project and having some down time with my family.

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“Keep your ground. Remember who you are.”

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Deadpool is one of your most well-known projects. What was the highlight of that experience for you?

Definitely the creative flexibility we had. Working alongside such highly touted creative minds was what inspired me to push my career in film.

What would be your best advice for young actors in Vancouver?

Keep your ground. Remember who you are. The people you see on the way up are the same ones you see on the way down. Your safety is FIRST. Don’t let anyone walk over you. Stand your ground and what you believe in.

What acting-related books and authors have been influential in your career so far?

None have at this point but she is always open to reading and gaining new inspiration from all walks of life.

What projects are you working on right now?

I just got off G.L.O (Giant Little Ones). One of my favourite films I’ve worked on to date!

Where can people find out more about you online?

As easy as punching in my name! Anything and everything you wanna know should come up. They can also follow me on Instagram, Twitter, or Facebook.

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Thanks to Taylor Hickson for speaking with us! Residue is now available on Netflix.

Photo Credit: Taylor Krause

The post The Biz Interview: Taylor Hickson appeared first on Biz Books.

We asked James Clayton to take us inside the dangerous world of Residue and tell us more about his career.

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Can you start by telling us a little bit about you and Residue?

Residue is a supernatural action horror written and directed by Rusty Nixon and will be released on VOD and iTunes July 18 in North America. The film is produced by Blaine Anderson & myself through our company Motorcycle Boy Productions. It’s being distributed by IndustryWorks Studios and Xlrator Media.

I play a private investigator named Luke Harding who accidentally reads a demonic book that unleashes an evil force in his apartment. It boasts incredible ensemble cast which includes Leo Award nominated Taylor Hickson (Deadpool), Gemini Award nominated Matt Frewer (Timeless, Orphan Black), Alika Autran (Altered Carbon), Elysia Rotaru (Arrow), Costas Mandylor (Saw series), Blaine Anderson (Scary Movie 4), and William B. Davis (The X-Files).

What can audiences expect from the film?

Fun. I had the privilege to watch the film at the Academy Award-sponsored Sunscreen International Film Festival in St. Petersburg, Florida back in April of this year. The film is a thrill ride. The audience loved it and the biggest question we received afterwards was, “When is the sequel?” The film creates a very lush world and although it delivers a satisfying conclusion, it leaves the door open for an entire universe of discovery.

In terms of tone, it very much has elements of H.P Lovecraft, The X-Files, and a dash of Evil Dead.

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“Never stop. Be yourself. Enjoy the process.

Enjoy the people. Create your own work.”

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What kind of preparation did you do for this role?

For all my roles I do intensive preparation on the psychology and physicality of the character.

The previous film I did, Candiland with Gary Busey, I lost 55 lbs from my normal weight of 185 lbs. I’m just about 5’11 and I was 130 lbs during filming so it was a real challenge. We went into Residue next and I had to build myself up into a muscular but out of his prime detective. So I worked out quite a bit, ate a lot of burgers, and bulked up to 190 lbs. The physicality of a role really informs the psychology and I love the challenge. I also write an entire backstory for my character.

What was the most challenging part of making this movie and how did you handle it?

You know, there wasn’t anything exceptionally challenging about making Residue. Everything always came together, we had an amazing crew & cast, and post production was seamless. From pre-production to delivery it was only 12 months. It really flew by.

Recommended Reading You Can Act On Camera Click a cover for more details The Art of Voice Acting Secrets of Screen Acting

How would you describe the current state of the film and television industry in Vancouver?

Busy! I think it’s great how many productions are in town and it’s inspiring that the local indie filmmaker scene is expanding every day. There are some great filmmakers in this city and the international market will become very aware of our indie scene as time goes on.

You’ve done a lot of acting in both the film and television worlds. What do you enjoy about participating in each one?

I really enjoy the collaboration. You have to like people to be in the film industry because that’s what it’s built on. Great people. And I love meeting new people everyday and sharing stories. When crew and cast are in sync, that’s when magic happens.

What’s the most important lesson that you’ve learned in your career?

Never stop. Be yourself. Enjoy the process. Enjoy the people. Create your own work.

What film and television-related books and authors have been influential to your professional journey so far?

For the craft of acting: Lori Triolo who studied at The Neighbourhood Playhouse taught me how to act. She resides in LA. She should write a book because there is no one better. But I have read great books about the craft by Susan Batson, Larry Moss, Ivana Chubbuck, Stella Adler, Sanford Meisner, and Uta Hagen. Those are all essential reads. Linda Darlow, who also appears in Residue, is an awesome teacher and local to Vancouver. I encourage young actors to read her book Auditioncraft for some amazing practical advice.

What other projects are you working on?

I’m currently in preparation for an action thriller called High Caliber. The film is written by Niall Cassin and Rusty Nixon and will be directed by Rusty Nixon as well. Blaine Anderson and myself are producing it through Motorcycle Boy Productions and it will be distributed by IndustryWorks Studios. Think Die Hard meets Lethal Weapon. We begin filming late September of 2017.

Where can we find out more about you?

For updates on all the film work I do people can check out:
JamesClaytonActor.com
MotorcycleBoyProductions.com
Instagram.com/jamesclaytonactor
Twitter.com/jamesclaytonactor
IMDB

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Thanks to James Clayton for speaking with us!

You can see Residue at The Rio on Sunday, July 9th, 2017 at 3:45PM. The filmmakers will be in attendance. For tickets, please visit riotheatretickets.ca.

After that, watch for it on VOD and iTunes on July 18th.

The post The Biz Interview: James Clayton appeared first on Biz Books.