Nichola Balestri interview

​We are thrilled that Nichola Balestri who plays Ruby in Three Summers Ben Elton's new film ( released in Australia on 2nd November)  agreed to answer a few questions. Thanks to Nichola for her answers about the film, her career and what she learned from stars Robert Sheehan and Rebecca Breeds. X

Nichola
Hey guys! Sorry it's taken so long to get to you, we're all in the middle of exams in Aus so it's a hectic time for us young actors! Thanks heaps for inviting me to do the interview, Three Summers is a film very close to my heart and I've absolutely loved being a part of it. 

Q. Can you tell us something about your character in Three Summers
My character Ruby is your typical 13 year old. She starts out sweet and innocent, but due to her Mum’s lack of affection and always being on her phone, she has a dramatic attitude (and costume!) change in the second year where she comes back full-blown Goth! However Ruby’s character is still three-dimensional in that she’s very politically and socially aware, and plays a large part in transforming her Grandfather’s (Micheal Caton’s) prejudicial attitudes.

Q. Was this your first professional acting role and is acting the career you want to pursue?
This was my first feature film, yes! And I’m incredibly lucky for it to have been such a fantastic experience. Acting is always something I’ve wanted to pursue, I’ve always loved to perform and entertain in front of crowds so I’ve always done a lot of theatre as well, but I also love film a lot. 

Q. We know it was a short shoot so time was crucial, Ben Elton said it was a very happy set. Were the shooting days long? 
The shooting days were my favourite days and yes they were long but I didn’t want them to end!

Q. Did you have any scenes with Robert or Rebecca in the film and what are your favourite memories of them? Did you learn anything from watching them act?
It’s hard on film sets to meet every single star in the film because we’ve all got different shoot dates. I met Rob and Rebecca a couple of  times post-shooting at events and things, and I think what I learnt most from both of them is to stay humble. They are obviously very different people but both are extremely down to Earth, and I think that’s really inspired me to remember to always be humble and levelheaded.

Q. What was the funniest moment on set? There were a fair few funny people in the cast and crew!
 
I was getting hot in the sun and Magda Szubanski started making up rhymes about how I would die on set! “Here lies Nichola, she died of ebola, we wrapped her in cola…” 

Q. It must have been great to go to the premiere at Melbourne. We saw clips of Rob and Magda playing the theremin. Did you have a go ?
Yes! The theremin is such a difficult instrument! It was so fun to have a go on stage but I think we should all leave that to the professionals…

Q. Have you been involved in promoting the film?
Yes I’ve done quite a few Q&A’s with Ben Elton and a couple interviews here and there.

Q. Describe your character in three words.
Grumpy teen goth.
 
Q. Describe the film in three words
Australia in-a tent!

Q. What is your favourite film (apart from Three Summers) 
Any musical!
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Thanks again Nichola, hope the exams went well! 

​All pics are © Getty, Melbourne International Film Festival or Nichola Ballestri.