Interview with Tracey de Leon

Tracey de Leon_indieactivity

My Mother brought me to where I am. My mom had many medical problems towards the end, but Dementia is what took her life. In one of her last moments of clarity she turned to me and asked me to promise her that I would dedicate the rest of my life to the dream I once had as a child, let go of the past and fulfill my dream. I’ve seen it in your eyes ever since you were a little girl, you had it then go find it, do not give up no matter what. My Mom brought me to this moment and I don’t break my promises…ever.I

indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Tracey: I was on set of Two-Eleven playing a police officer, my very first time on a set. It was a exterior night shoot during a very emotionally charged scene, it was raining and rather cold that night. I just remember looking up, feeling the rain hit my face and saying to myself there is no looking back. I felt immense satisfaction in that moment.

indieactivity: What acting technique do you use?
Tracey: I have studied the Meisner Method, however I am gaining some interest in Method acting.

indieactivity: What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting?
Tracey: You have to become resilient in order to handle rejection in this industry. You will get a hundred no’s before you hit that yes. Prepare, work hard and allow yourself growth. Don’t give up…hang on for that yes.

indieactivity: Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Tracey: I have been to many workshops and have taken many classes, but I find the best way for me is to be on set and just observe my surroundings.

indieactivity: What acting books do you read?
Tracey: The book I am currently reading is The Sanford Meisner Approach by Larry Silverberg.

indieactivity: How do you keep fit as an actor?
Tracey: I have training up to four days a week, depending on my schedule and rearranging training days. My trainer, Jason Bruch is amazing. He always accommodates my crazy schedule even when his is just as crazy. He pushes me beyond what I think I am capable of doing, encourages me when I feel I can’t and tough when he feels I can do more. He is an awesome trainer! Just as hard as you train your body it is absolutely vital to train your mind as well. Mind: a beautiful servant, a dangerous master -Osho

indieactivity: How do you prepare for a role?
Tracey: When I get booked I become a recluse everyone. I go into the script with an open mind, I read the script several times to get a feel for the character and then just dive into memorization. The character just emerges for me after the memorization takes hold.

indieactivity: How do you create a character in a script into a person?
Tracey: I am an avid reader with an impressive imagination. I have to read the script over and over, take the director’s notes about what he visualizes the character to be and how I can relate my emotions/experiences to that of the character.

Tracey de Leon_indieactivity

indieactivity: How do you stay fresh on a production set?
Tracey: By communicating with other actors, going over the script and simply listening to the direction of the director.

indieactivity: Describe a memorable character you played?
Tracey: It was a UNCSA 4th year Production called All They Knew, I played April (I was aged 10 years for this film) and Jennifer Gray was the director. This was my first time on set as a principal, my first real audition and the memories that I have taken with me are of complete admiration for both the cast and crew. This film was a pivotal moment in my life and will always be my most memorable.

indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you took on set?
Tracey: Something as simple as leaning against a tree. Tanya Fermin, director of Haon, asked for more in a mild intimate scene. Listen to direction, be in the moment and you will give the director exactly what they were looking for.

indieactivity: What do you want most from a director?
Tracey: One who has a genuine appreciation for the script and one who allows me to be emotionally safe with my character.

indieactivity: What actors do you long to work with?
Tracey: Whoa, this one is the hardest question yet. I have so many, but the one who comes to mind first is Keanu Reeves.

indieactivity: Why?
Tracey: Similar life stories, a versatile performer and incredibly humbled human being.

Tracey de Leon_indieactivity

Tracey de Leon doing a scene

indieactivity: What advice would you give to actors?
Tracey: Keep moving forward, don’t look back.

indieactivity: Briefly write about your career?
Tracey: These are a number of the productions I have been involved with: Monitor, Miranda (Adam J. Reeb); What Matters, Cheryl (Andrew Gajadhar); Of A Grateful Nation, VO (Adam J. Reeb); UFO, FBI Agent (Ryan Slinger); Mom and Dad, Mom (Brian Taylor); 478, Passenger (Eliot Lester); Tiger, Boxing Commissioner (Alister Grierson); Family Possessions, Neighbor; (Tommy Haircloth); All They Knew, April (Jen Gray); Danny Freud, Ellain (Madeline Painter); Just A Body, Mother (Harry Rossi); Two-Eleven, Police Officer (Joe Covas); FOX Sports Nascar Commercial, Featured (FOX Sports); Good Behavior, Pit Boss (Mark Piznarski); Good Behavior, Stand-In (Mark Piznarski); Haon, Miriam (Tanya Fermin); Red Zone (Pilot), Background (NBC); Nashville, Stylist (ABC); Samaritan’s Purse, Principal (Billy Graham ENT.); Carolina Air Commercial, Mom (Brian deContaras); Wilma Magazine, Featured (Catherine Clark)

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About Dapo

I am a screenwriter and filmmaker. I am pre-production for my first feature film, Maya. I made four short films, sometime ago: Muti (2013), A Terrible Mistake (2011), Passion (2007) and Stuff-It (2007) - http://bit.ly/2H9nP3G