An actress to watch and a talented music artist, Triana Terry is a name that’s about to take the industry by storm. We had a chat with her to find out more about her current projects and future plans.
Q. How’s your Summer going?
This summer has been wonderful so far! I’ve been spending some time here in London and in my family home in Spain.
Q. Triana is an unusual name – where does it come from?
Triana is a place in Seville. It’s like calling a child, Chelsea or Brooklyn.
Q. When did you decide that you wanted to become an actress?
I don’t remember the exact age, but I was tiny. I used to annoy my family and friends by making them sit as an audience to watch me perform either with my god brother, Sid Phoenix (now also an actor) or just alone. My mother encouraged me by taking me to singing and drama classes ever since I was 7 years old.
Q. You studied drama at The Poor School – how was that?
Well, it definitely toughened me up! What was great about it was that they had a sink or swim method of teaching. You had to find your own method or technique, one which suits you best. I think it was a good introduction to the industry.
Q. You had a small role in Stalker directed by Martin Kemp – how was he as a director?
Funnily enough the first time I met Martin was when I was a boarder at school and one day my headmistress asked me to show Mr and Mrs Kemp and their daughter, Harley around the school with the idea that she might attend.
I find that as a director he knows what he wants in a scene and he gets it done. He’s direct and to the point. It’s always great to work with actor turned directors because they see it from your point of view also. Martin is a talented and a kind man and it would be a pleasure to work with him again.
Q. You have a music career too – tell us about that?
It gives me great joy to sing! Back when I was 7 I was in a choir and sang in different venues including St Paul’s Cathedral. After drama school I joined a band. Which was fun! We did a few gigs. The producer, William Orbit, heard me sing and we got on really well and so we were quick to lay down some vocals which we developed into the track ‘Drop it on Me.’ Shortly after that I was signed to Orbit’s record label and we went on to create an Alternative Pop Album with 12 tracks . In 2012 after Playing Mephistopheles in a Fringe production of Christopher Marlowe’s play ‘Doctor Faustus’ Orbit and I went on to compose a ‘symphonic opera’ based on the play.
Soon after that we Dj’d for the Queen at her private Christmas Party at Buckingham Palace. There were around 2000 guests and it was my first proper gig. That was a huge adrenaline kick! It was such an honour and a pleasure to meet her Royal Highness. I’ve not had a great urge to Dj since then but who knows what the future will hold!
Q. What’s your view of the current state of the British film industry?
The industry is constantly flourishing with new talent. It’s especially brilliant at classical period drama productions. Which I hope I can take part in someday soon.
We have wonderful film studios like Shepperton, Pinewood and our beautiful and diverse landscape at our fingertips. However it remains to be a constant and difficult slog to produce good independent films and I’m amazed of how many Jonathan Sothcott has produced in such a short space of time. It is very impressive! It seems a lot of people are just not willing to take risks and explore new ideas. Many good films are made but unfortunately never see the light of day! I would like to think that it’s changing for the better though!
Q. What are your feelings about the #MeToo movement?
Well, It’s about time we have a movement like this. I mean, all industries are effected not just the film
Industry! The Me Too movement isn’t about sex but about power. It always has been about that really.
Everyone hears about casting couch stories but it is a wonderful thing to encourage people to come out with their experiences so that others don’t feel afraid or forced into a situation. To have the courage to say ‘NO’. I’ve had the pleasure of meeting Rose McGowan, not only was she lovely to me, she is definitely a force to be reckoned with! She has given a lot of people the strength to speak out unfortunately there are still so so many men and women who have kept quiet about their situation. But I must say this is a great step towards a better and healthier working environment.
Q. Are you excited about The Krays – Dead Man Walking being released next month?
Yes! I can’t wait! I’m very grateful to be a part of this film. I love films that are based on a true story.
