We discuss Safely to Shore, preparation as well as future goals and desires

Sharni Tapako- Brown is super-talented and driven, Midlands and London based, passionate actor and the winner of 4 Best Actress awards for her role in Safely to Shore. Written & directed by Matthew R. Ford, produced by Pretty Hate Productions & Daniel Alexander Films, is a multi-award winning short film that follows the life of a young woman, named Matylda, who is faced with the horrors of her life of a self-harming sex trafficking victim in a surreal internal dream-like sequence. Watch the trailer HERE.

It is a fascinating narrative and a humbling challenge for any actor willing to take on a role like this. Sharni Tapako-Brown shares with me the process of preparing for such a great character. How internalizing the character's thoughts lead to complete immersion. Not only that, but it lead to 4 Best Actress awards that Sharni took home with her proudly.

Let's take it back a notch to getting discovered.

Funnily enough, as I've said before and will say again, agents are not the pinnacle for jobs anymore, for actors who are still in the process of making a name for themselves. You can read more about the Myths around agents HERE. For this film, Sharni had, what I would call the perfect marketing strategy to attract the right jobs for herself.

Through her dedication to having a professional social media presence and profile, she got approached by the production company and offered an audition. How cool is that?

Then by absolutely rocking her self-tape she landed the greatest role, in her own words, in her career. Great work, Sharni!

Influences and Inspirations

Sharni is a great example of someone who understands where the industry is headed in terms of acting style, too. Knowing this gives actors the power to prepare the right way which she does so beautifully.

By internalising the thoughts of her character so strongly, she also connected with Matylda's physicality. This combination gives the audience full access to the narrative and makes Sharni really stand out.

One of Sharni's inspirations also is Meryl Streep and her passion to keep going no matter what anyone told her. Having somebody like that to drive you forward is an incredible factor that is crucial to anyone's success, even survival, in this industry.

Another powerhouse that has influenced Tapako-Brown is Viola Davis, but perhaps what lit the spark was Angelina Jolie's performance in Changeling (2008). Just because how raw Jolie's performance in a film that wasn't trying to portray her as the hollywood-style girl, she took you on a journey with her.

Crazy goals

The thing I was so happy to hear and what I would absolutely preach forever, too, is having a 'crazy goal'. Sharni uses this term when sharing with us her amazing desire to be in a programme that goes on for many seasons. She believes that this is the best way to really channel a character. To grow with them and really understand them.

How cool is this? I love goals like this, a compelling future. There is nothing stronger than this. It can drive you, it can keep you going when the going is tough and it can your 'why'. Nietzche says 'He or she who has a why, can bear almost any how'.

Honesty

I loved it when Sharni said that we have to be honest with ourselves. That we shouldn't beat ourselves up if we aren't going at the pace we thought we must. This is not helpful nor inspiring.

Give to yourself so you can give to others. If you need to take some time off- do it. If it's a Netflix day, then so be it. Don't beat yourself up over something you cannot control. What I would add is, strive to be better than you were yesterday. If you didn't manage to do this today- that's fine. Do it tomorrow.

Life, and the acting industry is a marathon. Whoever's in it the longest wins the biggest. It is not a sprint. So take your time and enjoy the ride.

You can get in touch with Sharni on her website. Follow her on instagram @sharnitapako.