Daniel Ashley Morgan
Actor, Aylesbury
I am a multi-disciplinary artist who has a number of years performing both on stage as well as behind the camera for short, and major feature films.
I was offered a chance to still be a part of the film by playing one of the school kids, and I enjoyed this as I managed to gain some valuable experience to me on a film set, and my experience of playing sports such as basketball came in handy, as I managed to be involved in more scenes as the director of the film was impressed when, me and another actor were playing basketball in the opening scene of the day.
By following these actions, it has enabled me to realise exactly what path I wish to follow and that is to continue to train which will in turn help me to become a more diversified actor.
My hobbies include; cooking, football and experience working in the hospitality industry. I believe that these hobbies have helped me develop as an artist, as I am able to escape the struggles and stress that is related with being an actor.
The film that I am creating is looking into the mental health aspects of performing and, how actors and performers are affected by hidden illnesses that most lecturers and audience members are unaware of. Over the duration of my film I hope to shine a light on what is seen as a taboo, and touchy subject and that there are ways that people with hidden illnesses can adapt and overcome obstacles that may get in their way.
My passion to create work like this stems from the fact that I myself suffer from depression and anxiety, the main way that I have been able to cope is through performing as this is one of the times that I truly feel free, being on stage or behind a camera for a feature film gives me confidence as I can forget about all of the problems that I have and I can take on new characters and personalities which I enjoy doing.
I believe that creating work like this is vital as everyone deserves to have a voice and for that voice to be heard, I also want to be able to create work that will empower the future generations to come whilst also proving that no matter the obstacle or difficulty of the task that may be in front of you, that there is a way to get through it.
By fusing my skills of making music and performing together, I will be able to gain an advantage on others who have the same goal as me because my work would not only be different from what is already being created, but it will be a breath of fresh air with new ideologies being developed which in turn will lead to more in-depth discussions. I want to pull away from the cliché ways of making films or theatre productions and showcase new ways that this can be achieved for better dramatic effects.