It's no secret that as far as talent goes, there's no shortage amongst Australian actors. Over the last few years, Down Under has been brimming with some of the most exciting new faces leading the world's – and many streaming platform's – most talked-about series and films. So, it should come as no surprise that the surplus of brilliant creative minds taking over our screens, and hearts, will not be slowing down any time soon. One such talent, is actor Georgia Flood.
The Phillip Island-born star is having her moment. After starring in the highly-anticipated series adaptation of Apples Never Fall earlier this year, Flood is about to step into a brand-new world – one where the fantasy-action universe takes centre stage. As one of the leads in Stan's upcoming series, Nautilus, Flood is taking us on an adventure that goes beyond the seven seas.
In celebration of the series, we took a moment to get to know Flood – from unpacking her creative process to getting personal with her alter ego, Gelroyia.
What is the first thing we should know about you?
My alter ego’s name is Gelroyia. We met through a martini informed text she sent a random friend in New York.
What’s something you wish more people knew about you?
That I’m a budding writer and film producer. I’m currently creating opportunities for me to do both.
Your new series, Nautilus, is about to premiere. How was this project different to anything you have worked on before?
Nautilus is an action packed, period-set, high octane, fantasy bonanza. I’ve never been a part of anything like it.
The series is based on sci-fi adventure novel Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Seas – did you look to the original novel for inspiration for your role?
Totally. I had the book on hand for inspiration. I highlighted sentences where Jules Verne had depicted Captain Nemo. It’s almost like he loved him. I allowed myself, as Humility to feel Nemo’s presence, the way Verne described it.
There’s some incredible cinematography used in the series and the pace of the filming feels really dynamic leaning into the adventure genre. How did this impact the way you approached your role and character?
I just crossed my heart and hoped to live. What I mean is, we would react to blue screens or tennis balls. We pretended they were big whales, spiders or monsters. Because there was a LOT of CGI, I just prayed my acting would match those animations in the final cut. We were at the mercy of our production company creatives, who assured us the performance level would match. I wasn’t sure, but I realised that if it didn’t feel truthful, at least I knew it would be funny.
I did a lot of research. I watched tonally appropriate films, such as: Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Pirates of the Carribean and The Mummy. These references were very helpful when approaching the scenes.
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Your character, Humility Lucas, goes through quite an interesting character development throughout the series. Did you personally connect with any parts or experiences of her character?
Definitely. I connected with her identity as a woman in a mans world. To her desire to contribute, her hope and her sense of adventure.
It’s been an incredible year for you, having also starred in Apples Never Fall. What have been some of your biggest takeaways or lessons creatively this year?
One huge take away from Nautilus for me is that too much time-pressure can hinder creative freedom. The shooting period was actually incredibly stress inducing. The hours were arduous and for a small amount of time this is okay, but for ten months it took a huge toll on me. I would learn my lines each night for the next day, and sleep between takes during the day. It was a lot.
But a silver lining from Nautilus is that we were pretty much acting every single day for ten months. When you’re acting every day, you get more confident at taking risks. I got better at backing my own ideas.
Another lesson I’m learning about myself is that I do my best work when I feel creatively safe. I’ve spent some time creating stuff that doesn't feel aligned with the kind of artist I truly want to be. I’m ready to be artistically useful in a place where I feel safe to be my authentic self. I’m also learning it’s up to me to create these environments for myself. This excites me.
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Apples Never Fall and Nautilus are such different genres. Are you inspired by specific genres in your work or open to all possibilities?
Open to all. At the moment, I am particularly excited by satire, horror and psychological thrillers. I’m really loving what A24 is doing. I’d love to work with A24. Dream role would be in a Tarantino film.
I do also have a soft spot for the Sci-Fi genre, because the stakes are always so incredibly high. Arrival and Interstellar, for example, are two of my favourite films. I’ll always be passionate about comedy. In another world, I might have gone down the comedy sit-com route. So yeah, I’m open to all. As long as the story is strong and I feel connected to the character and relaxed in their shoes.
I’m not afraid to ...
Try new things, most of the time…
The bravest thing I’ve ever done ...
Being radically honest with myself.
My star sign is ...
Sagittarius.
It suits me because ...
Hairy legs and hooves pair well with my curly locks.
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The people I hold close are ...
My besties and my family and my late doggo Charlie, RIP.
I’m fortified by ...
The enduring love and friendship I share with my sister. And lifting heaps of kilos.
The music that energises me is ...
The music that energises me the most would be techno, electronic, garage and pop. Recently, I’ve been absolutely rinsing a track called On Board by Dosem. I’ve also got a Spotify playlist titled UK Garage Classics, on repeat. See Girls Like Us by B15 Project, Crissy D, Lady G.
I also really love what’s happening in the Pop world right now with all our new breakout female artists like Chappell Roan. It’s rare these days to play a whole album through from start to finish. I’ve been doing that with Chappell’s album.
Two songs that I return to if I’m low on energy is the classics Remember Me by Blue Boy and Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now by Starship. Very main character energy. The song I would listen to get energised to play Savannah in Apples Never Fall was Back in Black by ACDC.
The last book I read was ...
Phosphorescence - Julia Baird.
The quality I most admire in others is ...
Integrity.
I look after myself by ...
Being in or at the ocean, connecting with friends, going to the sauna, having a big cry then laughing about it.
Introvert or extrovert?
Extroverted introvert.
I’m inspired by ...
If I had to pick two things from life they would be cinema and music.
Music is my go to mantra to get into my characters. To get out of my own way and to feel joy. Music motivates me to do life. Artists like Angie McMahon, James Taylor, Hans Zimmer, Taylor Swift, Lucinda Williams, Nina Simone, Fred Again, Orbital, Oklou, James Blake, Joni Mitchell, Joan Armatrading, Reba McIntyre, Etta James, Dolly Parton… it never ends. I think the common denominator between some of these artists is that they all have heartbreakingly poetic, interesting and life-affirming lyrics.
Cinema I’m just obsessed with. I’m excited about the movies that are coming out right now. I’m especially inspired by directors, Emerald Fennell, Luca Guadagnino, Ari Aster, Coralie Fargeat and Dennis Villanueva.
I won’t compromise on ...
A fantastic glass of red.
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When I’m alone you’ll find me ...
Watching a film.
My personal heroes are ...
Hero? My Dad. He is just an absolute legend. He is selfless, kind and hilarious. My friends describe him as a mortal angel. I'm very grateful to him.
My words to live by are ...
“Stay open, who knows? lightning could strike.” (Anthony Hopkins - Meet Joe Black)
The achievement I’m most proud of is ...
Actually writing a song and actually releasing it (Cowboy).
I feel most myself when ...
I’m with my good mates, composing music, being in nature, traveling, acting…
I’m looking forward to ...
Doing all of that.
