Today we’d like to introduce you to Emily Dunlop.
Hi Emily, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Well, I suppose I started out rhyming the alphabet with descriptors of an ice cream Blizzard in a French accent, which led my mom to taking me to our local theatre instead of the desired Dairy Queen. Alas. Since then (age 11), I’ve been on stages of all sorts, my current one being the written page.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
A career in acting, being my entry point to the film industry, gave me strength of character and resilience. It also gave me some amazing experiences. I traveled to South Africa as a 16-year-old for a year with a performing arts group. I’ve learned to walk like a goose (actually), talk like a queen (actually), and think like a detective (actually!). I may not be saving lives, but I do have a passable talent in dance, tin whistle, singing, horseback riding, swimming, and most accents, if nothing else. Pretty accomplished, wouldn’t you say?
A career in acting is wrought with challenges, or, rather, opportunities, if you’re willing to embrace them. Which I am. So, although the road hasn’t been smooth, it has equipped me to make the most of every opportunity in life, on or off the screen. And, most importantly, it has given me a space for my curiosity, my drive, and my ambition.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Is it just me, or has anybody else noticed people getting more stuck in their ways as they get older? As in, the way they’ve always been, their little quirks, idiosyncrasies, nasty habits, have just become more pronounced as they age, right? No? Just me. Ah well. Being a working actor is forcing me to evolve. If I don’t, well then, I won’t work. I’m hoping this will be my safeguard against become stale in life.
One of the ways I’ve had to evolve is by willfully whirling into the world of writing. It was a vulnerable endeavor, but an education in acting has given me an insider’s view of countless scripts, characters, and story structures. A career in acting has given me drive, strength of character, and the resilience to fill a blank page. 15 months ago, I decided to give it a try, and since then, I have written three screenplays, five TV episodes, and five children’s stories. I’ve also story consulted for four colleagues on two short films and two features.
I guess we can add “writing” to my list of passable talents.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
If you ever want to trip somebody up, ask them a broad question about a field they’re a specialist in. I wonder how Ghandi would have answered, “What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?” No doubt he’d have an answer, and it would be profound as s*#%.
I suppose, for me, all lessons are important. I’ve found they sort of float to the surface of my mind as a reminder when I need them (Or maybe I’m just thick and keep learning the same ones). The one I’m currently reminded of is “there is time enough for everything.” Having lived in America most of my life, there never seems to be time enough for anything! I’m loving the lesson. I’m also suddenly breathing more.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.emilydunlop.com/
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/dunlopemily
- Other: https://imdb.me/emilydunlop
Image Credits
Gabriel Trujillo
David Cavan
