Harry Potter star Evanna Lynch lands role in Irish feature film
Actress Evanna Lynch has landed her first role as a leading lady - in a new Irish feature film.
But in spite of her Harry Potter success the 23-year-old yesterday said she had to battle for the part.
Details of the film will be announced later this week but delighted Evanna is thrilled to be working back in Ireland for a while.
She revealed: “I am doing a movie in Ireland and I had to fight for that one because they didn’t originally want to see me for it.
“There will be details later this week but I can’t say much as yet although it is my first Irish movie and my first lead part.
“It’s very exciting - we have been rehearsing and they have been gathering the rest of the cast so I am excited to start shooting next week.”
Evanna said she is delighted to be working at home and only found out about the film as a friend was auditioning.
She revealed: “It was always my plan to work in Ireland but it is harder and the opportunities are fewer.
“I read this script in LA as it came to me through a friend who was also auditioning but she actually didn’t in the end.
“She told me the script was amazing and as soon as I read it, I couldn’t think of anything else.
“So I sent them a tape and then when you get a part like that, it’s more rewarding when you have had to push for it and prove to people that you can do it.
“The reward is sweeter. And I don’t have to worry about changing my accent as well - although I have been told I’ve picked up a bit of an LA twang.”
Shot predominantly in Co. Wicklow and directed by an Irish director, the film (name not released) will follow the story of a 16-year-old girl’s road trip with a young English man.
Cameras are rolling today on Simon Fitzmaurice’s debut feature film My Name is Emily. Evanna will be joined by acclaimed Irish actor Michael Smiley (Kill List, A Field in England) to play her father Robert and newcomer George Webster will play Arden.
Award-winning film director and writer and father of five, Simon Fitzmaurice was diagnosed with Motor Neuron Disease (ALS) in 2008 – just after his 2nd short film The Sound Of People screened at the Sundance Film festival. Although now completely paralysed, he has typed the script for the film, as well as his best-selling book It’s Not Yet Dark by using his eyes and iris recognition software.
My Name is Emily is love story between two teens and a road movie. On her 16th birthday, Emily escapes from her foster home and with the help of Arden, the boy who loves her, she sets out to find her father Robert, a visionary writer locked up in a psychiatric institution.
Lynch said: “After I read the script, it and Emily were all I could think about for weeks; it is so different to anything I've read and yet so real and dynamic, and it is an absolute privilege and a joy to have the opportunity to help bring My Name is Emily to life with Simon and his team. Simon is an incredible person and he is embracing challenges the like that no director has had to contend with before and it is awe-inspiring simply to be in the midst of that."
Michael Smily commented: “It’s one of the most beautiful scripts I’ve read in a long time, it’s great to be involved and it will be really interesting to see how the work progresses.”
George Webster: “Not only is it an honour and a privilege to be part of the team that's helping Simon to realise his dream...but it's also incredibly exciting to be able to work with a script as good as this one, so early on in my career”.
My Name Is Emily is produced by Irish companies Newgrange Pictures and Kennedy Films and has been financed by the Irish Film Board, BAI, TV3 and the Irish tax incentive. There is also co-production finance coming from Sweden and Norway. The Irish producers ran a highly successful crowd-funding campaign in November last year which raised over €100,000 towards the costs of enabling Simon to realise his film.
Writer/Director Fitzmaurice says “Making this film is the realization of a serious amount of work and love from my wonderful producers. We are surrounded by the most committed group of cast and crew it has been my pleasure to work with. For me, it is worth every effort just to be there on set in the calm at the centre of the hurricane.”
Producers Kathryn Kennedy and Lesley McKimm have said: “It has been such a great and inspiring experience to work with Simon over the past two years of development and financing and we are absolutely delighted that he is finally getting to direct this wonderful film.” James Hickey, CEO of the Irish Film Board also commented "Simon’s courage, passion and dedication is remarkable. The Irish Film Board is delighted to be supporting My Name is Emily".
True, too bad these idiots at ONTD went back to their bashing, lifeless pricks.
Yeah, I'm really sorry about that. I have no control over it. It was only a few people this time, not everyone, because I have talked to some really nice people over on that community. It's not just limited to ONTD, either. The world is full of assholes and the Internet gives people a place to show it. I don't know what some of these people have against Evanna, though. Just don't get too defensive about it, love. Ignore them and let it go.
Although, I'm not going to lie. DH2 wasn't a terribly well-made film and Rickman's performance was problematic to me for the most part - not really his fault but largely because of David Yates' direction. But I won't get into that.
Today is the launch of @wearelumos's #LetsTalkLumos campaign. J.K.Rowling and Lumos are asking you to help shine a light for the 8million children around the world in institutions. You can start by uploading a picture of yourself with a source of light to your social media accounts #letstalklumos join the conversation and find out more here http://bit.ly/1riQofa (ps. Do be careful of open flames and cats...not advisable...)
Michael Smiley @mrmichaelsmiley My Name Is Emily smashed it tonight as the opening film of the @GalwayFilm Fleadh. 2 standing ovations!. @SimonsFilm. So proud to be a part!
4 minrachthetopPremiere of "My Name Is Emily" with the star Evanna Lynch who plays Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter! What a wonderful performance and an incredibly beautiful movie.
Emily is played by the wonderful Evanna Lynch. She gives Emily a lightness and ethereal quality, but is still a commanding lead, showing her inner pain with a subtlety beyond her years.
Evanna Lynch Saw this on Mugglenet this morning and have to repost!! Warner Bros. are holding an open casting call on Saturday for girls aged between 8-12 years to audition for the role of 'Modesty' in the upcoming #FantasticBeasts movie. I first heard about the Luna Lovegood casting call in January 2006 (almost 10 years ago!! Dang!) via Mugglenet so I know people do get parts this way! I was shy, awkward, too-sensitive-for-this-industry, had not one professional credit to my name and I faced many a raised eyebrow and skeptical comment when voicing my dream to audition to family and friends. I only went out of love for the books and a fierce desire to tell Luna's story the right way. But I was by all means, NOT ready or trained to audition for a role in a mega movie franchise. There was a lot of luck at play in the beginnings stages (like not being born a boy and being the right age and nationality) but when it came down to making decisions I think the sole reason I got it was because of love. I'm sure there were better, prettier, more established actresses who went for it but I don't think any of them loved Luna as much as I do. With that in mind, I just want to encourage any girls out there who are tempted to go for this but feel like it's impossible or bigger than you are, to put all those alleged obstacles out of your mind and just go as you, nothing more, nothing less. Considering the odds is a waste of time, in my opinion because no matter how many people audition, whether it's 5 or 50,000 there'll only be one who can play that role, like there's only one of you. Also, some personal advice, if your mum tries to talk you of auditioning for this then go sweet-talk your dad good luck anyone who's auditioning and enjoy it!! Aaaaand the rest of us can go cry into a pillow for being too old/male/already frikking cast, and then submit our headshots for a role as a crumple-horned snorkack. http://www.mugglenet.com/2015/07/fantastic-beasts-open-casting-call/
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Thankfully, this film has received a ton of support from a diverse group of people, including Alan Rickman.
Although, I'm not going to lie. DH2 wasn't a terribly well-made film and Rickman's performance was problematic to me for the most part - not really his fault but largely because of David Yates' direction. But I won't get into that.
https://vimeo.com/70440372