We recently had the chance to interview Demitra Sealy who plays Natalie in Malibu Crush.
Demitra is an award-winning, multi-lingual actress, singer, comedian and competitive martial artist from Sydney, Australia now based in LA . Recent credits include: The Debt Collector 2 (Netflix Top 5), 5 seasons as host of MERAKI TV (Murdoch Media and Foxtel Australia), Co-writer/ lead of popular tongue in cheek skit comedy duo ‘Demi and Frenchy’, which has over 3 million captive followers across our various platforms and short film Euphoria, which she starred in, produced, directed and edited to the success of being nominated for the Horizon Award at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival.
Demitra thrives in the comedy space. Having won the grand prize for AACTA LMAO. She works as a stand-up and as a comedy writer on several projects. This year, she was selected for the Los Angeles MENASA Showcase. She was also a top 15 finalist in the Warner Brother TV-Actors In Training 2020 World-wide Talent Search, out of “many thousands of world-wide auditions”.
She has a BA from the Australian Institute of Music, and further training from the world-famous Actors Studio NYC, The Bell Shakespeare Company, Playwriting Australia, and the Upright Citizens Brigade. She has an extensive theatre resume, having worked with some of Australia’s most prestigious theatre companies like ATYP, The Q Theatre, The Hayes Theatre, Bell Shakespeare, KXT, Downstairs Belvoir play reads/developments, and numerous independent theatre companies and Off- Broadway productions in NYC.
What do you like most about acting?
I like so many parts of acting, I really couldn’t name just one! I love thinking and looking at the world/a character in different ways and through a different lens, thinking in ways I wouldn’t normally myself. Acting forces, me to do that. I’m a much better human being because of acting and having to put myself in others shoes. I love improvisation and the collaboration with other actors that comes with that. There’s a magic that comes with acting when you find your character, a feeling of easy that is just so addictive. I love this industry and I love my job.
How different is it to act in a movie and to act in a TV series? And which one do you prefer?
Both are great! Malibu Crush was such a fun experience- working in comedy and with improvisation is definitely my favourite thing to do. However, I really do love working in TV. You get to stay with a character for a longer period and as an actor, that is really appealing to me. Deepening your understanding of who this character is fascinating. I am learning, thinking like, making discoveries and growing with them in different ways. That is so exciting to do, and I hope I get to do much more of it.
What are your strong points as an actor?
I recently opened a self-tape studio in Hollywood called Stella Self Tape Studio. I have years of experience coaching and reading for self-tape auditions. Even though my entire focus is on the actor auditioning, I’ve made a lot of self-discoveries while doing this work. Now, as an actor, my focus is very much on my scene partner. Seeing what they are giving me and reacting off that. Actively listening to them. I’m not afraid to give offers and try things, to see what works and what doesn’t. All those skills came from reading opposite other actor’s auditions and trying to get the most honest performance out of someone else.
What have you learned from the directors that you have worked with throughout your career?
I have learned so many little titbits about acting, life and the industry from not just directors, but all kinds of people I’ve worked with. I always leave a set having learnt something new. I am constantly changing, adapting and improving. One of the most notable lessons I learned, and I try and live my life by, is “Hold on tightly, let go lightly.” One of the first directors I worked with in drama school taught me that. I interpreted that as; really fight and work for what you want but if it’s not working out let it go without regret and try something else. It’s made me kind of bouncy in this industry. I get right back up.
What do you do when you’re not filming?
I love expanding my world view and trying new things. I live in LA so there’s no shortage of great places to go and things to try here.
I stay active; training in Mauy Thai, doing things like hiking, dancing and rock climbing. I love food too and LA has Hella good food.
