Carys Jones
She played in Hendrik Harms’ Dollar Baby All That You Love Will Be Carried Away as Emma.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Carys Jones: Hi! I’m Carys, I’m an actor, singer and voice over artist based in the Midlands UK. I played Emma in All That You Love Will Be Carried Away.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Carys Jones: Well, I was three years old when I got my first role as the Christmas Fairy in ‘Titchy Titchy The Smallest Tree’, I managed to upstage Titchy himself by singing his eponymous song, and then my own, so I’d say it’s been a bit of an obsession ever since.
SKSM: How did you become involved in All That You Love Will Be Carried Away Dollar Baby film?
Carys Jones: Hendrik (the director) is an old friend and I follow his work. I saw that he had auditions for his latest project and was really excited to send in a self-tape to try out for it. At first, I went for the part of Mary but was then asked to read for Emma which suited me much more.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Carys Jones: As with most Stephen King stories it’s unusual and thrilling. I like stories with a psychological twist and I think this definitely ticks that box. Hendrik was able to adapt the original story to the version we have worked on and it’s really exciting to see how audiences will react to it.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Carys Jones: I had to audition – I was really nervous as I didn’t want Hendrik to feel obliged to give me a part just because we’re friends. Luckily, Emma was perfect for me – she has a thing for plants and so do I. It is a life goal of mine to have a part written specifically for me!
SKSM: You worked with Hendrik Harms on this film, how was that?
Carys Jones: Ugh, he’s the worst. I jest, he’s one brilliant power house of a human being and I feel very lucky to be involved in his projects. He allowed us as actors to have creative freedom over our parts and was equally as relaxed when directing on set. The entire project ran so smoothly and I have to give a special mention to Chloe Brown the producer who ensured everything went to plan.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Carys Jones: So many! As a cast we all got on tremendously and spent a lot of time together when we were not filming. When all 7 of us were filming in the hotel room, along with the crew and equipment the room got up to about 1000 degrees; we all were melting but kept in high spirits. One of my favourite memories is dancing to Whigfield’s “Saturday Night” at nearly 2am in the middle of the woods with Zoe who played Rosie. Also, all of the food we had was fantastic, Amanda and Teresa provided us with tasty meals every day! A local bakery supported us by providing sandwiches and cakes which was very well received.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Carys Jones: Yes! We all keep in contact fairly regularly, it’s so great to see everyone working on different projects and supporting each other which is so imperative in this industry. We all met up a few weeks ago in London for drinks and food, they’re a great bunch. I’ve seen Leona most recently as we both filmed self-tapes together a couple of weeks ago.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Carys Jones: I have just finished recording a few more episodes of an ongoing animation project where I play a young Scottish girl, I’ve been doing bits of radio work and independent film. I’m in an opera which has been ongoing in research and development for a few years but now the wheels are in motion to stage it. Hendrik and I are also in the process of writing new shorts for film/theatre.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Carys Jones: I am, I remember watching Misery for the first time when I was an undergrad in University halls and screaming at the television screen whilst simultaneously trying to hide behind a pillow! I’m excited to see the new Doctor Sleep as The Shining was such an influential work. My favourite is Shawshank which is an absolute classic and I think I could watch that innumerable times!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Carys Jones: I can pretty much master any accent with a bit of time and work, apart from Geordie – that’s so hard! I love cartoons so I am really pleased I am involved in one at the moment!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Carys Jones: Thanks so much for asking me! Hope that you all like our adaptation!
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Carys Jones: Always support your local artists, whether that’s by going to see their art exhibition, watching their short film or giving your support through social media. It’s so important and we are always so grateful!
