Name:

Mitchell Winter

Current Locationt:

Yale School of Drama, New Haven, Connecticut, USA

Where did you grow up?

I grew up in West Pymble in Sydney.

 

When did you know you wanted to be an actor?

When I was 9, I was a little kid in the professional production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. The experience was so amazing for me, I loved the performing, I loved being backstage. I knew then this was something I wanted.

 

What do you do to stay inspired when the going gets tough?

Learn something new or different. It's always been important for me to fill my life with things that I love. Not just acting. I like to seek inspiration in other things. I think it enriches my life and my work.

 

What would you like to see more of in the Australian film industry?

I'd like to see more leading roles given to and also written for ethnic actors. I believe it's important that Australia be represented for what it truly is, a culturally diverse country.

 

Who do you most admire?

Hugh Jackman. It's an easy one. I admire the type of career he has getting to work on film and in theatre. But mostly I admire the way he engages in his work, his life, in people.

 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Splitting my time doing stage work and screen work in the US.

 

What has been your most exciting acting opportunity to date and why?

I actually have to say playing George Seurat in the Yale production of Sunday In The Park With George. It is a challenging role I've loved for a long time and the Tony award winning writer and director of the show James Lapine came to see it. Was pretty awesome.

 

If you could play any role, imagined or already in existence, who would it be?

I'm pretty obsessed with Manny Pacquiao, the Filipino boxer some consider the best pound for pound fighter in the world today. I would love to play him in a film about his life and career.

 

When you win your Oscar, who is the first person you'll thank?

Two people. Mum and Dad.

 

What is your favourite thing about being an actor?

I love the people I get to work with in the industry. Amazing, passionate, caring, curious, intelligent people. It's a really special community and I love the bonds that are formed when working on something.

 

If you could choose your Hollywood Leading lady, who would it be?

Marion Cotillard. I think she's unbelievable. Her work is always raw and courageous.

 

Who is your favourite film director and why?

Quentin Tarantino. He gets film making. He has a phenomenal ability to tell stories and build tension in a scene.

 

What do you enjoy most about the process?

I enjoy the moments that surprise you. The moments when you're working with someone and something happens that isn't planned, expected, or even necessarily ‘right' but just seems to work. It's almost like the acting gods are working with you.

 

What do you need help with as an actor? What would you like to know more about?

I think as an actor I need to work on the business side of it. It's something I shy away from, but it's an important and necessary part of it.

 

As an Australian actor living and training in the U.S., what advice can you give to Aussie actors with international aspirations?

Never stop learning and never lose your "Aussieness". Even though there are a lot of similarities between America and Australia, there is an essence and an energy that Aussies have that is unique and different and special. It can and will set you apart.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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