MILLY ALCOCK GEORGE ALICE
At just 19, the Australian actress already has an impressive body of work, including going toeto-toe with Tim Minchin in Upright (starts Sun., Dec. 1 at 8.30pm (AEDT); Fox Showcase).
What appealed about the role of Meg in Upright? As soon as I was given the script, I was like, “I have to get this part. There’s no way I’m going to get this part. But I’m going to give it a go.”We don’t see characters like Meg. A lot of young women are written as the perfect pretty girl or a tomboy. Meg is so multifaceted and three-dimensional. She’s honest then she’s lying, and she’s hurt and scared and angry and vulnerable. It was a role I’d never seen before. I adore her.
And she has a mouth on her.
Yes, it was so refreshing to get a script which had ‘f--k’ and ‘s--t’ in it, and it wasn’t used in an aggressive sense. As Australians, we swear a lot. What was it like working so closely with Tim?
I never felt like I was the young kid or the inexperienced one. I always felt heard and incorporated – it was a collaborative thing.
What did you do in the breaks between takes?
I would sit and read, and he would type on his phone all those important emails you have when you’re famous, but then we would also have great conversations. We developed a nice friendship. Did he take on a mentoring role at all?
Yeah, I think he did feel quite protective of me. Yes I have worked but I don’t have a reputation or a status. I’m not there yet. And people don’t explain the industry when you get in it; they just kind of throw you in and expect that you understand, which is not the case at all. He helped me process the whole thing.
What else has helped you in your career?
Being an underdog and having to really work to make it. My parents didn’t work in the arts – my foot wasn’t already in the door – so I’ve always been really driven and hungry.
Have you felt underestimated due to your age? Yes, and my physicality. Even though it shouldn’t matter how big you are, it’s interesting how people change their behaviour around you, and I really like to challenge those people.
The 16-year-old winner of Triple J’s Unearthed High has released her debut single, ‘Circles’, and has a number of shows and festival appearances this summer.
Is it safe to say 2019 has been a big year for you?
100 per cent. It’s been insane. I didn’t expect anything to come from Unearthed High, but going to the States and meeting [music industry contacts] has been incredible. Have you been taking it all in your stride or freaking out? Obviously, it’s a bit of a shock. A couple of months ago I was sitting in a maths classroom, but it’s not too daunting. What has helped you deal with it?
My parents are big supporters and they always reassure me that there’s nothing to freak about because I’ve wanted this since I could talk. They make sure I’m doing OK.
Are you a fairly calm person? I am now, but I used to be shy. Then I started playing open mic nights and getting out there more. It was terrifying, but I knew I had to do it because I was determined to make a career out of music. What has it been like juggling school and music?
I’ve left school now because it was insane to try to keep up with doing assignments and revision, and put all the steps in place to have a career. It was full-on, but I think I made the smart decision to focus on music now because you only get this opportunity once. What’s the best advice you’ve had about song-writing?
Not writing about obvious things and making sure nothing is shallow.
Have you felt underestimated because of your age? Everyone is super supportive but I also feel like they think they need to hold back the opportunities I get because maybe I don’t understand or in the studio they put heaps of AutoTune on. But
I say, “Look, I do know what I’m doing.”
How’s it feel to be compared to Lorde and Billie Eilish?
It’s crazy. I still can’t get my head around it!