Making a Name for Herself in the Acting World: A Conversation with Matriarch’s Charlie Blackwood for Home Entertainment Release
Charlie Blackwood is a talented British actress who is passionate about film in particular. After training as a dancer at London Studio Centre Charlie’s passion was ignited: in particular for acting on stage & screen and she immediately sought a place at one of the top drama schools in London - Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts, where she was awarded a BA (Hons.) degree in Acting. Charlie made her professional stage debut in Timon of Athens at The National Theatre, and her screen roles include appearing in Great Expectations (BBC TV Mini-Series).
Charlie has worked on numerous short films over the years as well as performing on stage at The Royal Opera House, Tokyo Bunka Kaikan and The National Theatre Singapore. Charlie's role as Rachel Hopkins in MATRIARCH is her first lead in a feature film and a dream come true for the actress.
Although Charlie likes to engage herself in all genres of the industry (including some producing) she would like to immerse herself in more female protagonist roles in film as she continues to make a name for herself in the acting world.
Headshot Photo © Nicholas Dawkes Photography
In our interview, Charlie tells The Fan Carpet’s Marc Jason Ali about her upcoming film Matriarch, her preferred genre and what impact Netflix and Streaming services will have on Cinema...
If we go back to the beginning, was there a defining moment for you to get into the Film Industry?
I don't think there was a specific moment, but for as long as I can remember I've been hooked on films. I remember our VHS collection as a child. I used to watch everything over and over again. I could also walk into a room when a film was on and name it within seconds, no matter what part of the film was showing.
That then progressed to a love of cinema too. I try and see almost everything that is released in the cinema. There's something quite special about the environment, that doesn't quite match being at home. It was also pretty cool discovering I had the same name as Kelly McGillis' character in Top Gun - Charlotte 'Charlie' Blackwood.
You last were seen on screen as Rachel in Matriarch, which sees a release in April, what can you tell us about the film?
Yes, Matriarch will be released on 9th April by Lionsgate in North America and will be available on DVD, on Digital and On Demand. An expectant mother (Rachel) and husband (Matt) crash their car in the Scottish countryside and are offered shelter by a farmer and his wife. Rachel soon realises there’s something very sinister about the farmers and just as they try to escape from the farm Rachel goes into labour.... I play 'Rachel', the lawyer who is eight months pregnant at the start of the film. When faced with adversity, Rachel has to become a fighter. She goes through one hell of a journey and constantly proves to be brave and determined. There's a lot of despair felt by Rachel, but her courage drives her forward. The role really is a dream come true for me. My character is put through her paces both emotionally and physically. It was a tough shoot for me, very demanding, but I'm so proud of what we achieved.
MATRIARCH IS RELEASED ON DVD, DIGITAL AND ON DEMAND APRIL 9
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