We delve into the world of acting with the talented Ayvianna Snow, whose passion for the craft has led her on a remarkable journey through the realms of horror and beyond. From her humble beginnings finding solace in local theatre to gracing the screens with her captivating performances, Ayvianna Snow shares insights into her experiences, education, and the intricacies of her craft. Join us as we unravel the layers of her versatile career, from her renowned roles in horror productions to her dreams and aspirations as an actor.
Ayvianna Snow Interview | Student Pocket Guide
Hello Ayvianna, thank you for your time today. Can you start please by explaining how you got into acting? How old were you when you realised you had the talent?…
I still don’t know whether I have the talent! That’s something no one ever tells you about acting- you never reach a point where you feel totally confident! I was a quiet, introverted child, and I used to hang out at the local theatre as it gave me some form of solace. I still think there’s something magical about theatre. I acted in lots of amateur plays as a child, and applied for drama school when I was 17.
Can you talk to us about your education? You trained in the Royal Central School of Speech and Drama’s Youth Theatre course, for example. How important is the educational aspect when it comes to getting into the industry?
I started by doing a short course at Royal Central, then did a full-time Acting degree at the Arden School of Theatre. I am glad I did it. It helped me and gave me useful skills and information that I would not otherwise have had. But, having said that, if you don’t manage to go to drama school, for whatever reason, it isn’t necessarily the end of the world. Ultimately, you learn by doing and I have learnt more from actually doing it on set than I ever learned in a classroom setting.
You are renowned for acting in horror productions. What is it that draws you to this area within the film industry?
The independent horror film industry is thriving in the UK, so being a part of that means I am constantly working on exciting new films and part of an amazing community of creative and talented people. I am drawn to the horror genre as it’s so versatile. Horror works equally well as a period piece, a tongue-in-cheek comedy, a sci-fi – it’s so diverse!
Do you see yourself moving into US productions?
The great thing about being based in London is that this is a truly multicultural, global city and projects from all over the world film and cast here; I have worked on Indian, African, Irish and Pakistani films and I always enjoy cross-cultural projects. Who knows where I may go next?!
Which character have you most enjoyed performing as, and why?
I am proud of my performance in “Yellow” as a sex worker; the film was about the misogyny faced by women who do sex work, and I like being able to use my platform to draw attention to women’s issues.
You are keeping very busy and are returning to the screen with three new films for the first quarter of 2024! Can you explain more about these roles and movies?
“Burnt Flowers” has just had its premiere at Horror-on-Sea which was so lovely; it was really warmly received by a friendly audience. I also have “Punch” out on Amazon, and “How To Kill Monsters” screens at Romford Horror Festival in February.
What was it like working with Cult director Michael Fausti?
Such a privilege! He is a great visual director and writer; in “Burnt Flowers” he has recreated the sleazy, faded glamour of ‘60s Soho really well. I really enjoyed his previous film “Exit” so it was a dream come true to star in “Burnt Flowers”.
What was it like working with Amber Doig-Thorne, you have worked together before?
Yes, I love Amber; she’s delightful and very intelligent.
What is your strategy when it comes to taking on a persona? Are you able to switch on and off, when you go to, and leave “work”, or do you find yourself taking on elements of the persona in your own time?
I can usually switch in and out of character with ease, and I can chat to the crew between takes- I try not to be precious. The only time I make an exception is if I am doing a very intense scene; I filmed a rape scene last year on “Yellow”; and it took me twenty minutes or so to really get into it and feel the emotion; then I stayed in the zone until the scene was finished, then took half an hour afterwards to come fully out of it. While I was in it, I couldn’t make chit chat with the director or be spoken to by any of the crew.
What is your proudest career moment?
Both “Wyvern Hill” and “How To Kill Monsters” won Best Film at Dead Northern; “LOLA” is the only Irish film to win the Melies D’Or at Sitges Film Festival.
What is your dream as an actor?
To make a great film.
What advice can you offer students wanting to get into acting?
Be persistent. You will face a lot of rejection, but you must keep going. Plenty of people will tell you that you can’t do it, but you must never believe them.
Instagram: @ayviannasnow
