Check out our interview with Australian actress, triple threat, and creator Paris Joy, who can be seen behind the impactful short film ‘Final Curtain Call.’ Paris’s talent is limitless, from starring in the original Sydney cast of the Royal Shakespeare’s ‘Matilda the Musical’ to leading roles in recognized short films. A seasoned performer for Disney and Nickelodeon, Paris’s career spans commercials, music videos, and the Peter Allen ‘Not the Boy Next Door’ mini-series. Her passion for making a difference led her to address human trafficking in her latest project.
Follow Paris @iamparisjoy
Hi Paris, please tell us a little about you.
Hi, I’m Paris Joy, an actress and content creator from Australia. I’ve been passionate about entertaining others since I was a little girl. I’ve danced since I was two and acted since age five. I love summer, the beach, reading, and health and fitness.
Describe yourself in three words.
Determined, Optimistic, and Resilient.
How did you get started in acting?
My journey in acting started when my dance teacher recognized a spark within me. Being well-versed in the industry, she noticed my enthusiasm and confidence during performances, leading her to advise my mother to seek representation from an acting agency. Later, at age 5, I was signed and started on a series of auditions.
Over the years, I’ve been a regular presenter for Disney and Nickelodeon. My resume includes appearances in short films, commercials, and music videos. I was a dancer in Peter Allen’s “Not The Boy Next Door” mini-series and leading roles in acclaimed short films such as ‘The Tender Dark,’ ‘The Forgotten Tree,’ and ‘The Flying Adventures of Amelia.’ I had the privilege of being cast as an actor in Opera Australia’s production of ‘Simon Boccanegra,’ where I shared the stage with Robbie Williams.
My theatrical journey extended to notable productions like ‘The Wizard of Oz’ and ‘Annie,’ which ultimately paved the way for my portrayal of Amanda Thripp in the Royal Shakespeare’s rendition of Matilda the Musical. Throughout high school, I remained committed to studying drama, nurturing my passion. Once graduating from high school, I pursued my dreams further by auditioning for and gaining acceptance into the American Arts Film and Television Academy (AAFTA) in Los Angeles, where I dedicated myself to studying acting.
How has this changed your life?
It changed my life by providing me with opportunities I dreamed of as a little girl. After being accepted to study with AAFTA, I came to LA to complete my four-week intensive course. I was asked to return for the Actors Conservatory course when it concluded. I learned from incredible teachers, including Jessica Orcsik, Robbie Ryde, Nick Cassavetes, Gina Cassavetes, and Ron Orbach. From there, I was offered a position in an acting mentorship called the Artist Lab to continue my acting journey.
What is the best and worst part of being an actress?
The best part is the opportunity to portray a wide range of characters. I love diving into a character’s personality and dissecting their unique story. It’s almost as if I’m allowed to live 1000 different lives. Entertaining and emotionally moving audiences brings me great joy as I can immerse them into a world where they, too, can experience new journeys. The worst part is the difficulty in making a “big break.” There is no easy way to pursue acting. Every successful actor has had their journey; thus, it is a challenging career to follow. 90% of auditions are unsuccessful, and you need to have a strong sense of determination, perseverance, and work ethic not to give up. Auditions are not simply based on talent but other aspects out of your control. All you can do is your personal best and see every audition as an opportunity to be seen and improve your craft.
How do you prepare for a role?
I begin by reading the script, noting all my first impressions. Next, I break down my character, the scene, and the character’s world. I memorize my lines, and while I keep my character’s core principles engraved in me, I throw the rest of the work away when performing the scene. This allows for truthful and organic reactions based on my scene partner/s.
Tell us about your work in “Final Curtain Call?”
The Final Curtain Call is a short film musical I created with Diversity Pictures, Ryde. Entertainment and Young One Studio will raise awareness of human trafficking. I became attached to the topic when I was cast as the lead actress in the music video ‘Rolling Back the Curtains’ by Jessica Jasmine, a song dedicated to removing the blindfold off society to reveal the issue of human exploitation. To prepare for the role, I researched the topic, and after filming, I had the urge to be a voice for the voiceless; my passion for spreading awareness on the subject emerged. I chose to combine the art of storytelling and the power of music to produce a dramatic, entertaining, emotionally moving, and digestible film to start conversations on an otherwise suppressed issue in hopes of preventing human trafficking.
You are the creator, co-writer, producer, and lead actress of this project. Please tell us about it.
AAFTA allowed me to be a part of the creative process of the film from pre- to post-production, which was eye-opening and unlike anything I’ve ever done. To have the ability to transform my vision into a script with music, producing, and starring in it allowed me to truly understand and have a well-rounded view of filmmaking from various perspectives. It was incredible to collaborate alongside Diversity Pictures, Ryde Entertainment, and Young One Studio to make my film possible, and it is an experience I will never forget. My recognition and admiration for every job on set during filmmaking has grown, and I will use my knowledge to be an educated actor.
How was working with such a talented cast?
It was incredible to collaborate with a talented group of like-minded people. I loved that everyone was multifaceted. Not only did the cast act, but they also took on crew responsibilities and sang. Sharing the process and seeing my film come together was surreal, and I couldn’t have asked for a better cast and crew to share it with.
What other projects have you been part of?
I was honored to land the role of Sydney’s original Amanda Thripp in the Royal Shakespeare’s Matilda the Musical. The experience was unforgettable and molded my strong work ethic and professional demeanor as I worked at such a high level at a young age. I was brought back to tour around Australia and New Zealand.
How do you prepare for a challenging role, especially when it requires stepping beyond your own experiences or personality?
I use the acting technique of substitution and “what if” to allow myself into the character’s shoes. I start by asking questions derived from the characters’ experiences. The questions begin with “what if,” and their purpose is to find how I could relate to the character or how I would feel if that were occurring to me in my life. I also use substitutions, which refer to imagining people in your life as the characters in the situations. This technique helps create an authentic connection because if you can see the character in your mind, the audience will, too. The most crucial step in these practices is to make them safe. To do that, I always ensure I have a way into the character and out. This guarantees that once my exploration has concluded, I can detach myself from the character, leaving their experiences behind and not letting them affect me.
Of all the characters you’ve portrayed, which one do you feel closest to or most proud of, and why?
I am proudest of being the lead actress in my short film musical, ‘The Final Curtain Call.’ Being able to portray a character in a project I created was surreal and a dream come true. Since my character, Ella, was being trafficked, it was challenging because I couldn’t relate to her. I used my acting techniques to safely put myself in Ella’s shoes and do the character justice. I am proud of the final result!
What roles do you like or would like to play, and why?
I love playing dramatic roles the most, as I have the opportunity to step into versatile characters with a range of experiences. This always excites me and challenges me to push my creative boundaries.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
The most rewarding part is taking audiences on an emotional journey. Acting is an incredible craft that allows viewers to feel as if they are living thousands of lives through the experiences they watch, and being able to be a part of that gives me great joy. I feel honored as an artist to make someone laugh, cry, or smile.
What advice would you give aspiring actors who look up to you and want to follow in your footsteps?
Never give up, and stay positive. This industry can be challenging, but you can succeed by chasing your dreams! Keep improving your craft, and know there is always something new to learn. You’ve got this!
Now, about music. Describe your sound in three words.
Expressive, Catchy, Soulful.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
Growing up in musical theater it taught me how powerful music could be. Its ability to convey stories and emotions and connect to people’s experiences amazes me. I was particularly moved by Delta Goodrem’s performance of ‘Memory’ from ‘Cats’ the musical. Being able to share someone’s emotions through music is fantastic. When I created my short film, I knew I wanted it to be a musical to connect viewers to a story.
Do you play any instruments?
Growing up, I loved trying to learn new instruments and was a quick learner. I played the violin, flute, piano, ukulele, and bass guitar, but my favorite was the piano.
Do you ever get nervous?
100%! Nerves show that you care, and it’s expected to get nervous; everyone does at some point. It’s essential to take a deep breath and remind yourself to be driven by doing your best instead of basing your abilities purely on results.
Any advice for aspiring dancers?
Never lose sight of the sport’s fun and freedom. The dance industry is competitive, but always remember why you love dance and keep going. Never give up; when you’re enjoying your performance, the audience will see and feel that, too.
What do you love most about dancing?
I love being able to feel the music and fully express myself. The ability to use facial expressions to show emotion and embody it entirely is a powerful way to take audiences on a journey. Dance also makes me feel free and present, like there is nothing besides myself and the music.
What type of dance do you like best?
My favorite genres are jazz and hip-hop because I love dancing energetically and feeling the beat. I find it’s the most enjoyable way to let loose and entertain people.
What are the most significant lessons you have learned in this business?
Consistency, Perseverance, and Resilience are essential. This business has many aspects that are out of your control, so instead, focus on what you can control. Be proactive by taking classes, always be prepared, do your personal best, and keep at it. If you don’t give up, your time will come.
How would your best friend describe you?
My best friend would describe me as caring, supportive, intelligent, and loving. She always tells me how brave I am for chasing my dreams, and I’m so grateful for her.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
‘The Journey of Life’ would be the title of my book because I’d love to share the exciting journey I’ve been working on getting to where I am today. I’ve been resilient and pushed through challenges; the one thing that has remained is my unwavering love and determination to pursue my dreams. Life is full of highs and lows, but everything always works out how it’s meant to, and my book would show that.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
Any book about improving as an entrepreneur is helpful, including ‘Branding Yourself,’ ‘How To Make It Happen,’ or ‘Faith Driven Entrepreneur.’ You can always learn something or discover new insights.
What’s next for Paris Joy in 2024?
I will continue chasing my dreams and work towards living my best life. For me, that means improving my craft, being ready and grateful to accept any opportunities intended for me, continuing to spread joy, inspiring my supporters, and sharing my journey along the way so you get to experience it with me.
What is your definition of happiness?
Happiness for me is living life as the best version of myself, surrounded by the people I love.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Meeting Zendaya would be an unforgettable experience for me. As a unique and incredibly talented artist, she has been a source of inspiration for my journey into acting. The opportunity to meet such a successful individual would be incredible.
Best advice ever given?
The best advice I’ve received is to trust God’s pathway, for everything happens for a reason. My mum always tells me this, and I wholeheartedly believe in it. What is meant for you will find you, so have faith in God’s timing, and it will all work out how it was meant to.
Do you support any charities?
I support Destiny Rescue, a charity dedicated to saving children who have been exploited. Their work is truly lifesaving, and it brings me hope that one day human trafficking can be stopped.
Where do you see yourself and your career in 5 years?
In 5 years, I see myself living my best life! I’ll have grown and learned new life experiences, and professionally, I’ll continue connecting with my supporters and have booked a significant acting role.
Favorite song? Why?
I love ‘Angel Numbers: Ten Toes” by Chris Brown. It’s so calming and reflects my love of angel numbers. This song brings me peace and good energy whenever I feel stressed or overwhelmed.
What do you think of social media?
Social media is an incredible platform to connect with people worldwide who share interests similar to yours. It’s a great place to draw inspiration from like-minded people, and I hope to inspire others and share my journey with them.
Where can we follow you?
@iamparisjoy on all social media platforms.
Book: ‘The Host’ by Stephenie Meyer
Quote: What’s meant to be, will be.
Movie: Divergent
TV Series: Jane the Virgin
Favorite Food: Acai bowls
Travel Destination: Hawaii
Sports Team: Formula 1 Ferrari