Chelsea’s smoking hot
Young Capetonian is getting her Hollywood dream act together
FOUR years ago, Chelsea Macleod, 24, packed her bags and left Cape Town in search of her dream. She isn’t the first and won’t be the last bright-eyed young woman to hit Hollywood in the hope of launching a career as an actress (remember Charlize Theron!)
After roughing it for a few years as a student, Chelsea may finally be on her way. She is working on a film with South African-born actors and producers Stelio Savante and Jean Barker, and alongside her business partner, Megan Nager, to launch an online TV show.
The production is about a South African student film producer who moves to Tinseltown after clinching a job with a “famous film producer”.
caught up with Chelsea to get the inside story this week.
Sameer Naik How easily did you adjust to life in Hollywood?
Luckily there is no language barrier in Hollywood. But the hardest is being away from friends and family. Then there are things like driving (on the wrong side of the road) and cultural differences. You learn, but not having family or the people you love by your side is tough.
What does it take to survive in Hollywood?
For me, it’s family, yoga and a passion for what you do. Staying true to yourself and keeping your circles small. Working from the inside out rather than being shaped by the things around you.
Tell us about the online show you’re working on?
We are still in the early stages but it’s a most exciting project that is about the good and bad parts in Hollywood – and ourselves. It was inspired by the showbiz town itself and all the characters in it. It’s based on much of my own life experience.
Has it always been your dream to be involved in the film industry?
From the moment I played the shepherd in my pre-school nativity play I knew I loved the stage. I continued with acting classes and acting coaches throughout my life. I began working as a model as a child and would sometimes shoot before and after school. I loved it.
What was your first acting job like?
It was on my first film when I decided I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I must have been about 14, maybe 13, I was more excited than nervous. Although the size of the set scared me and the actress I was working with was speaking to me in German, it was a great experience, which I will never forget. I was playing a really mean girl. My friends and family joked that I didn’t need to act – just be myself. They asked me to smoke for the role. And that’s really when I started puffing. My mom bought a pack of cigarettes so I could practise.
As an actress, which is the one producer you would love to work with? And as a producer, which actor would you like to cast in one of your movies?
As an actress I would love to work with producers such as Neill Blomkamp, Gus Van Sant, Xavier Dolan, Mike Leigh, Veronika Franz, Severin Fiala, James Cameron, Andy Muschietti, Darren Aronofsky and Lars von Trier. As a producer, I would love to cast Xavier Dolan.
What is the one thing you miss about living in South Africa?
Only one thing, it would have to be the people.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Telling stories; stories that make people think, stories that are meaningful. Doing what I love surrounded by people that I love. Hopefully with a puppy.