Anna Friel talks about filming in Australia and the importance of lighting

The British actor shares what she learned making a new medical drama and her thoughts on Australian people.

Anna Friel talks about filming in Australia and the importance of lighting

Anna Friel is starring in a new Australian medical drama called The F Ward. She said that watching some of the operations for the show was difficult to see at first, but she got used to it quickly. The show’s character, Dr Gloria Wall, is a strong female surgeon.

Friel explained that being a female surgeon in real life can be very challenging. She was worried her character might seem too harsh, but the real surgeons she spoke to said that female surgeons need to be tough and that they liked her character.

While filming in Australia, Friel noticed many things about the country. She said Australians often go for a swim every day, no matter the time. She also mentioned that Australians seem very confident, which she found different from the politeness of British people.

Friel shared that she has a special interest in lighting. She brings her own lightbulbs to film locations to change the atmosphere. She believes that good lighting can positively affect how people think and feel. She also likes collecting old furniture and finding ways to create a warm feeling.

The actor also spoke about her past roles and her thoughts on learning lines. She mentioned that she sometimes learns her lines while taking a bath. She also said that she enjoys watching comfort films from the 80s and 90s for a sense of nostalgia.


Vocabulary

drama — A play or film that tells a story about people's lives and feelings.
operations — Medical procedures where a doctor cuts into someone's body to fix a problem.
challenging — Difficult and testing your abilities.
character — A person in a book, play, or film.
noticed — Saw or became aware of something.
confident — Feeling sure of yourself and your abilities.
atmosphere — The feeling or mood of a place or situation.
nostalgia — A feeling of pleasure and sadness when remembering past events or times.

Discussion Questions

  1. What did Anna Friel find challenging about filming the medical drama?
  2. What differences did Anna Friel notice between Australians and British people?
  3. How does Anna Friel believe lighting affects people?

Based on an article from The Guardian.

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