A Chat with Wilson Moore: Sharing Acting Stories and What He Learnt at Screenwise

Q: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?

I knew I wanted to become an actor early. I think I would have been around 12 when I was in My Place. After that experience, I knew it was what I wanted to do. Jono Bayliss was my first real speaking part. It was an unforgettable experience.

Q: One of your first major roles has been starring in the Aussie film ‘The Daughter’, alongside a-listers such as Geoffrey Rush, Sam Neil and Miranda Otto. Tell us about the experience?

It was an amazing experience playing Adam, the boyfriend of Hedwig. Simon Stone is a wonderful director and very easy to work with. He allowed me a lot of leeway in terms of improvising because he wanted the lines to be as natural as possible. He made the set a comfortable and safe place to work. I also learned a lot from playing opposite Odessa Young and Ewan Leslie. It was great to watch Sam Neil and Geoffrey Rush during the table read. It was great to see how free and open they both were.

Q: Already having experience as an actor for some pretty incredible productions, why did you decide to study a two-year, full-time screen acting course?

I wanted to continue learning and perfecting my craft. Landing roles is very difficult. To achieve this, you need to study acting and gain experience. Screenwise offered the diploma of screen acting course, which suited me. I really enjoyed the acting classes from Screenwise.

Q: Rewind back to 2012, how was your experience on set for the major Hollywood film ‘Lawless’ starring Jessica Chastain, Tom Hardy, Gary Oldman… the list goes on!

It was only a small part, however, it was a lot of fun. It was great dressing up as a poor southern boy from the 1930s. The costume gave me a feel for what it’s like to wear another character’s skin. I also had the opportunity to watch Gary Oldman perform and spent a couple of days talking with Shia LaBeouf and Noah Taylor.

Q: How has it been working with the tutors and staff at Screenwise?

I have loved being at Screenwise. I hope I’ve made some great contacts and relationships with all of my tutors. I feel so fortunate to have met tutors such as Denise Roberts, Ben Mathews, Anthony Ackroyd, Alan Flower and Philip Quast. I feel that they have improved my acting ability and confidence tenfold. I honestly feel I would be lost if I hadn’t enrolled in acting classes at Screenwise.

Q: Tell us about your recent role in the major Aussie film ‘Jasper Jones’ starring Toni Collette and Hugo Weaving?

Rachel Perkins is a lovely director, and I really enjoyed playing Warwick Trent, the town bully in her film. She made me feel very comfortable on the set. Craig Silvery, the author, is a keen cricketer. Talking with him and being a cricketer myself, we collaborated by working out the actions for the cricket scene.

Q: Currently represented by one of Australia’s leading agents, have you still had opportunities and roles come up you were able to pursue whilst studying the 10065NAT Diploma of Screen Acting?

Aran Michael Management has been really supportive of me attending Screenwise over the last two years. Thankfully I have managed to balance my studies and acting auditions over this time. I have had a few call backs, appeared in a few short films and have certainly become more confident in the audition room from what I have learnt studying acting at Screenwise.

Q: Highlight of studying at Screenwise so far?

Becoming more confident as an actor, meeting and working with some great tutors as well as developing strong friendships and contacts. Lots of people ask how to get into acting. Well, it takes a lot of work and commitment. Screenwise has been a big part of this.

Q: Any advice for aspiring actors looking to study the 10065NAT Diploma of Screen Acting?

Be prepared to work hard. Be prepared to be pushed. Two years will go quickly so it’s important you try and discover yourself within that period. Take full advantage of the incredible tutors you are fortunate enough to meet and learn from. I feel that I’ve been very lucky to attend Screenwise acting school, and that I’ve truly learnt a lot.

Since sitting down for this interview the 10065NAT Diploma of Screen Acting has been replaced by the 10869NAT Advanced Diploma of Screen Acting Click here to find out more.