By: The Don
Miranda Martin is a rising star within the entertainment industry. She started acting at a young age in stage performances to now working on both feature and small budget films. Miranda also has a background in modeling and now writes screenplays, and is often an extra on movie sets. She is a confident woman and determined to achieve her dream if making it big in the film industry one day.
Interview
What is your name?
My name is Miranda Martin!
How long have you been in the Entertainment Industry?
I started doing theatre (regularly) when I was about twelve years old. From there, I performed in any theatre group or extracurricular I could in high school and college. When I moved to Philly after college I started taking it much more seriously, doing bit roles in films when I could and (currently) taking private lessons every semester to build up my skills, work with indie directors, etc.
So is acting something you wanted to do originally or did you fall into it?
Yes! It’s always been my passion. Being in Philly helps me to chase the dream since filming is so vibrant here!
Do you only focus on acting or other fields as well?
I also model on the side! I started doing that because my sister in law was a photographer for a bit.
How long have you been modeling?
I have been modeling for about eight years.
Has modeling helped you improve your acting craft?
I think it helps because you learn to take direction.
What was it like working on your first-ever set?
It was so exciting! I’ve always wanted to work in the industry, so having the time to work with the costume, hair and makeup departments felt so… bizarre (in a good way!) It was all very surreal.
What was your first-ever acting part?
Professionally, it was when 21 Bridges (2019) came to Philly! I signed up to be an extra and got the gig doing a background part on set.
As an amateur, it was when I was eighteen and got an acting gig at the Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre!
What did you love the most about theater performing?
I love how big you can be with theatrical performances. Film is more about subtlety (generally), and with theatre, you can just really be “out there”. You can be big, almost melodramatic at times and that’s really interesting.
So do you prefer doing theatre, film or both?
I enjoy both but there’s the subtlety of film acting that I really enjoy, Getting to live as your character in a subtle, hyper-realistic way under the lens of film is really special.
Did anything drive you to go into acting? Like, what persuaded you to say acting was for you?
I think it was my calling from a young age. I always loved being on a stage and being the center of attention at a production. It always felt like the most natural way to get people to understand me, or to show my emotions to people if that makes sense? It just came naturally from a young age (around four or so, when I did my first church plays) then as I got older I got more serious about pursuing it, because my love for it simply never stopped!
What was it like to hit the theatre stage and act in front of a large crowd live?
It was always exhilarating! I used to have really bad anxiety in general, but for some reason when I hit the stage and transform into someone else, all of that anxiety melts away. It feels right, like what I’m supposed to be doing. I feel so much more comfortable; it’s the best way I know how to express myself.
What was your favorite role thay you have played so far?
I once played Rapunzel in a stage production of ‘Into the Woods.’ That role was fun because she’s delightfully manic, and she has some intense vocal parts that were challenging yet fun to learn. I enjoyed it a lot!
How is it being a woman within the film industry?
As a woman, you’re often cast based on looks. Seriously… It’s weird and icky but true; you might get a role because of your looks, or someone else might, etc. because the industry can still be very shallow in that way.
Has the #Metoo movement made the film industry any easier or harder for you?
I think #MeToo is good for everyone, not just women but also for men, gender non-binary folks, everyone. It’s made everyone feel a bit safer, I think, which is wonderful. However, we still have a way to go.
Do you have a dream role that you want to act in or as?
My dream role would be to play something in a legendary series or epic, the way Emilia Clarke did as Daenerys Targaryen or how Liv Tyler did as Arwen in LOTR! Anything like that, something so fantastic and epic that sticks with people for years, that would be my dream.
Are you originally from Philly?
I’m not! I’m actually from West Virginia, the southern part of the state.
What got you to move up north to Philly?
My husband (who was just my fiance at the time) got a job offer in the area. I chose to come with him, and the rest is history!
How many films and theater performances have you done in Philly so far?
In Philly, I’ve been involved in three feature productions doing background and bit parts; one student production; and two theatre workshop productions (showcases) at Walnut Street Theatre!
How did you like working at the Walnut Street theatre?
Working at the Walnut Street Theatre has mostly been workshopping and honing skills for me, so it’s a great place to express myself!
How difficult or easy has it been finding work within Philly?
It’s a lot easier than finding work in other small markets, but it’s still no LA or NYC. I think someone could find adequate work here if they didn’t want to work exclusively on feature films or shows, but if you want to break into more major film and TV work I think LA and NYC are still your best bet. Luckily, NYC is very close and Philly is a great mid-market to make a name for yourself in, so I’m content here for now!
You also do writing too right?
Yes, I do! My “day job” is writing for content marketing’ journalism publications. My fun writing consists of poetry, short screenplays and short stories mostly.
What do you like to write about on your screenplays?
I find that I mostly write dramatic works; I find a lot of inspiration from music, so I’ll hear a song and try to imagine a song and try to imagine a story in my head. A lot of my ideas start that way.
How many screenplays have you written so far?
Only three; mostly while I was in college.
Do you have a favorite genre?
I’d say drama! I love a good dramatic story; a tear-jerker, anything like that.
Do you have a favorite movie?
Either ‘Across the Universe’ (2007) or ‘The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers (2002)’ What both of those films were able to do with costumes, hair, makeup, cinematography and emotional intensity is just so incredible.
Have you filmed in other locations?
Just Atlantic City, so not far from Philly! However, I had a chance to shoot in NYC recently and had to pass; definitely up for the experience whenever I’m able!
Have you been to the hub LA often for work?
Only a few times! I’d love to move there someday… someday!
How different is it working on a student production than say a feature film?
Working on a student or low-budget film of any kind is VERY different from a large production company’s feature, but not in a bad way. You’re a lot more involved in the small productions; you’ll be an actor, but you’ll likely also be doing other things, like working as a PA or helping construct sets. You get to be a lot more involved in the entirety of the process.
Do you have an inspiration you look up to within the Entertainment Industry?
For sure! I definitely look up to Henry Cavil, Margot Robbie and most recently Anya Chalotra. They’re both so incredible. I also have a long-standing love for Emilia Clarke and James McAvoy, two actors I just love to bits/ will watch anything they’re in.
I also look up to Lupita N’yongo a lot because her range is just out of this world- her performance in ‘Us’ (when she played two characters) was mind-blowing.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
I would love to be acting FULL time by then! Be in the union, and make a living by doing film and TV acting exclusively. As in, I’d love to be able to quit the “day job” life by then and just act for a living. Not sure if I’d be “famous” or anything, but just being able to do what I love and only that for a living would be my dream.
What advice do you have for others who want to enter the Entertainment Industry?
Never give up! It sounds cliché, but don’t stop trying. Also, don’t have the “anyone can be an actor” / “I don’t need to train” attitude. ALWAYS be training, taking classes (I take night classes at local theaters), doing whatever you can to hone your skills. It’s so important!
