Interviewing Amy McPherson
A Conversation with Amy McPherson
In this interview, Amy McPherson reflects on her journey into acting. She discusses overcoming imposter syndrome on the set of Game of Thrones and the thrill of transitioning to a sci-fi role in Pandora. Amy shares how personal aspects influence her characters and expresses excitement for future projects, including a move to America, with aspirations for accolades like Emmys and Oscars.
Who inspired you to follow your career?
Probably Janet McTeer. I saw her in a theatre production of Dangerous Liaisons, and I thought, "That's amazing, that's where I hope to be".
Is there something you wish you knew when you started your career?
Yes, a lot. This whole career has been a learning curve, but I think something that I think it's a piece of good advice, and I give to younger actors as well, is just be more ballsy and go with your gut and that's something that I definitely didn't do in the beginning because I had imposter syndrome. And now that I am being a bit more ballsy, things are kind of working out. So yeah, that's something that I really wish I knew.
Can you tell me a little bit more about how did you get over your imposter syndrome?
Game of Thrones was a game-changer for me. At first, I was like, ", Oh my God, I'm around literally like the crème de la crème of the UK industry right now". Feeling small next to these experienced people, I thought, "I'm not that great." But then, acting with them made me go, "Oh, wait, I'm not too bad after all."
Game of Thrones gave me a major confidence boost. Since then, I've just been like, "Cool, I got this."
How was being part of the universe of Game of Thrones?
It's like everyone knew about it and watched it as a cultural phenomenon. Being involved in something like that was so exciting. I was really excited to see what they were going to do next because, honestly, I'm a fan of the show. If it was for me, I would have all the scripts (laugh).
How was working with Naomi Watts in GOT?
Amazing. She's so lovely. I was a little bit nervous, because I watched her from such a young age, and then having her playing my mum on the series; I can say that's been released. She is so talented, has such grace, and is so lovely to everybody on set. Honestly was such an amazing experience. I think she really is kind of like a role model. I've never told her this, but she's a role model because I was like: "That's how I would like to be on set going forward, and that's how I would want to have that kind of impact on people around me".
How did you decide to move from Game of Thrones to take the role of an alien in Pandora?
I think was just because it's something completely different, and it's so fun. Honestly, sci-fi is so fun. What I love about Game of Thrones is all about stakes and humanity, and how far humans are willing to go on each extreme, on each end.
Whereas, to play in sci-fi, I'm not playing a human, and anything is possible. You know, anything is possible, and we're in a completely new world. It's so interesting to be able to just dive into that and make up the rulebook as you go. Does that make sense?
Yes, it does. Do you find any aspects of yourself influencing your characters?
Yes! If I'm not hitting it, or it's not working, or I want to try something new, I will always go back to what would Amy do. Sometimes that's the easiest answer and the best way to tackle a scene that you're struggling with. So yeah, I think I do use aspects of myself quite a bit in that sense.
Do you think it is difficult to turn off from your character to your real life?
I don't think I've had a challenging character like that yet. I think it would be if I was doing characters that were going through a little bit more trauma, and the subject matter was a little bit heavier. I think I would find that hard. But I also am quite good at switching it off. I'm not a method actor. Hats off to people who can do it. It's not me. I'm very good at just being able to go back to Amy and talk to my friends and be like, "This was really hard."
Do you want to play someday something like that?
I would love it. Yeah, 100%. One day, I would love to do Lady Macbeth.
I know you are moving to America soon, how are you preparing for this change personally and professionally?
Personally, I'll have to wear a lot of sun cream since I'll burn in the sun (laughs). Professionally, everything's already in place; I've auditioned for a lot of American projects, and being there makes sense to me as most of my favourite filmmakers and actors are American.
Speaking of auditions, do you have a memorable or challenging audition?
One of my first auditions was for an advert for a menstrual cup. They asked me to wake up, throw myself into a yoga pose, and pretend to insert a bottle cap. I was like, where am I inserting this? They said it's just for the face, not actually inserting it. After doing it once, I decided I couldn't do that again. I told my team I wouldn't audition for menstrual products or food. No cheese adverts for me. That's probably the most memorable.
Do you have any upcoming projects?
I have a few things in the pipeline that I can't talk about. I'm also writing my short film; I'm not just an actor but a writer as well. I hope to get that project going in America, even though it's a British project. I'm excited about it.
What goals do you hope to achieve?
Oh, how big are we talking? Long term, I aim for Emmys, Oscars, and Golden Globes. Short term, I want to collaborate with excellent filmmakers and be part of special projects. I'd love to work on an A24 film; they're the best. Short-term goals include collaborating with up-and-coming filmpeople, especially working with a director on their debut project. So, long term, Oscars; short term, working with great people.
