Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel has revealed how she is trying to tackle diversity in cinema after admitting she ‘hasn’t always seen herself in the industry’.
The actress, 35, is hoping that she can use her success to open the door into film-making for others who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance.
She explained in a new interview on Monday that she wants to be a a ‘proactive part of changing the entertainment industry’.
The actress, who had her break out role in Channel 4’s Hollyoaks, told Defined Magazine that she is fuelled by her own experiences of not seeing herself on screen.
She added: ‘As somebody who hasn’t always seen themselves in the industry, I’m sure there are many people who don’t see themselves in the industry and I’d love to be able to be a platform for those voices and those talents.
Game of Thrones star Nathalie Emmanuel, 35, has revealed how she is trying to tackle diversity in cinema after admitting she ‘hasn’t always seen herself in the industry’
The actress is hoping that she can use her success to open the door into film-making for others who wouldn’t otherwise have the chance
The star has just finished on The Killer where she said she experienced a new creative freedom
‘When I think about the amount of people whose talent and art we haven’t had the pleasure of seeing, it makes me sad and I’d love to be able to be a part of changing that.’
Not feeling seen is something Nathalie fully understands and she told the publication that she struggled growing up in Southend-On-Sea to spot people who looked like her on-screen.
But despite feeling isolated in her home town she credits it with making her into the person she is today.
She first emerged on Hollywood before snagging a role on Game of Thrones as Missandei.
The job was her first taste of real stardom in the UK and across the pond and the star realised how important diversity could be on and off the screen.
The Essex native then quickly joined the Fast and Furious franchise as a computer Hacker called Ramsey and credits the role with championing diversity.
Nathalie revealed that she was ‘proud’ to be part of the film franchise and felt it re-cast ethnic minorities in new roles – this time as heroes.
She said the film made it clear that anyone could be a hero if they were given the opportunity to be one.
The actress, who had her break out role in Channel 4 ‘s Hollyoaks, told Defined Magazine that she is fuelled by her own experiences of not seeing herself on screen
Not feeling seen is something Nathalie fully understands and she told the publication that she struggled growing up in Southend-On-Sea to spot people who looked like her on-screen
Nathalie revealed that she was ‘proud’ to be part of the Fast and Furious film franchise and felt it re-cast ethnic minorities in new roles – this time as heroes
She added that the film made people realise ‘not only are we cool and capable and heroes, we’re also bankable and we’re going to make hundreds of millions of dollars at the box office.’
She added: ‘That isn’t what it’s about when you’re making art or you’re making entertainment, but that’s why so many people hadn’t done it, because they didn’t think people would come out and support it. And they were wrong!’.
As part of her stellar rise, the actress has landed roles in TV’s Four Weddings and a Funeral and the film the Invitation.
She has just finished working on The Killer and has a starring role in Ford Coppola’s epic drama Megalopolis.
And with her new Hollywood fame, Nathalie has revealed she is being given more creative power.
She explained that John Woo’s action flick The Killer allowed her to expand her creative role.
Nathalie has revealed she is now working on her own production company which will focus no giving a leg up to actors who wouldn’t otherwise have the opportunity
The movie, which is a remake of John’s own 1989 film about a professional hit woman, allowed the Army of Thieves star to train for and learn stunts in Paris and work with the director to shape the character – something the actress was not used to in her previous roles.
Nathalie revealed the experience left her feeling liberated and has influenced her own decision to work on her production company.
As part of her fledgling production company, the star is hoping she can build up young talent and bring in people who haven’t previously had the opportunity.
She said her main goal is to ‘I’d like to nurture up-and-coming talent who don’t historically get access.’
But for now the star is focusing on herself and is taking holidays and being with friends and family ahead of her new projects.
