Scarlet Grace is a young, fresh face in the movies, making her big screen credited debut in the Sherlock Holmes comedy adaptation Holmes & Watson with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. We had a chance to ask her about the film and her experience on set. Here’s what she had to say.
Hello Scarlet. Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions. It’s a pleasure to get to know you more. Let’s start with a little about yourself. How did you get involved in acting at such a young age?
Thank you so much for interviewing me. Well, when I was around five years old I started dance classes at my Grandma’s theatre school, Ridgeway Studios. After a year of dancing I begged my Grandma to let me join the older children and start the weekend Musical Theatre workshop, which I absolutely loved! Being part of all their shows, taking my LAMDA exams, and having masterclasses with West End professionals have been the best!
Has balancing your school and social life with acting been a challenge?
I attend a full time drama school called The Arts Educational School in Chiswick, London. Due to being at a school where everyone loves to do the same thing, it’s not a struggle to balance my school and social life. When I’m onset or working in a theatre, I usually still attend school, just miss a few days off throughout the week. We have a school group chat anyway, so I generally don’t miss out on much.
Your new film is a big budget project called “Holmes & Watson”, with Will Ferrell and John C. Reilly. You star as a girl named Pickle. I love the name. Can you tell me a little about the character?
I loved playing Pickle! Haha….Pickle was a real fun character to play. Pickle’s personality is quite different to mine, due to the era in which the film is set and her role in society, this enabled me to experiment with her as a character and play her in my own way. I’m so excited for the film to be released and for the world to meet Pickle!
Tell me a little about your experience on set with Ferrell and Reilly.
Will Ferrell and John C. Really were such fun people to work with! There is one significant memory I’ll never forget, which we kids shared with them – Will and John had the day off and went to a tourist destination called Stonehenge. The next day when we were back on set, they brought us these little coins which had Stonehenge drawn on them. John would frequently sit down with us for lunch, too. They were just such lovely, genuine, down to earth guys.
What was the most fun about making the movie?
Everything about making Holmes & Watson was super fun. I couldn’t possibly choose my favourite part about making it. We did have some fun training days learning combat fighting and pickpocketing skills. I’m really excited to see the finished product!
How long did you spend making the film and what was your average day like?
I found out I had landed the role in October 2016, I had my first cast read-through in the November just after my birthday where we met at Shepperton Studios where I met Bella Ramsey (who I love, we really hit it off and our mums got on so well) and the rest of the amazing cast and crew! It was very surreal with Bella and I sitting two seats away from Will and John. We started in early December for a solid few weeks up until Christmas then 3-4 days a week from Jan -Feb. So quite a while really and it was SO much fun!
An average filming day went like this: I’d wake up quite early, around 5, and a driver would pick my Mum and I up from our house, unless we were already staying at a hotel nearby set. When we arrived at our location for the day, we’d usually have breakfast then go to our own trailers to get in to our costume! After this, we’d go to the make-up and hair bus and transform into our roles! Once ready, depending on the time we were needed on set, we could go to a tent called Crafts which had lots of snacks, smoothies or hot chocolates! Or to our tutors for lots of school work! After this, we’d film for a couple of hours throughout the day, and then it was lunch! We were either needed on set again or if we were finished for the day we could go back to the hotel and go swimming, or even go to the cinema.
Are you a fan of Sherlock Holmes stories?
I haven’t actually read any of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes Stories, as Holmes & Watson was a comedic take on Sherlock Holmes and therefore it’s very different to the original stories! I’d love to read some of the novels in the future though!
You’ve been busy, touring in both “Les Misérables” and then “Annie the Musical.” You’ve also written and directed a short film. I’m sure you’re still exploring but is there one thing you like more than others? Tell me about it.
Touring in “Annie the Musical” and being in the West End Production of “Les Misérables” and “Annie the Musical” (again) was such an incredible experience! Theatre to me is so exhilarating! Especially performing in front of a live audience every day! I have recently written and directed my own 2 minute short film called “Guilt.” It was so different to anything I’ve ever done before. I would definitely like to write my own material and produce more films in the future. In regards to Film, TV, Theatre and Writing/Directing, I don’t have an absolute favourite, as they are all so different, which is what I love about them. For now though, I’m going to be focusing on my acting career.
Are there any upcoming projects you can tell our readers about?
I have a few things in the pipeline at the moment, which I’m waiting to hear back on. Fingers crossed. So you guys will just have to wait and see. Plus “Holmes & Watson” is released in two weeks. (December 25, 2018)
What’s your favorite movie and why?
My favourite movie is probably La La Land at the moment. I loved the film from the minute I watched it. The music throughout the film is incredible. I love everything about the film, the colors, storyline, and music. I’d love to star in a film similar to this one day.
Good choice. It’s a favorite of mine, too. Thanks so much for talking with me. I look forward to watching your career continue to rise. Good luck and I hope our paths cross again.
Thank you so much for interviewing me. I’ve loved answering your questions.
Everyone go and watch “Holmes and Watson” in theaters on Christmas Day in the U.S and Boxing Day in the U.K!!!
You can learn more about this young talent on her homepage and on IMDb
Follow her on Twitter @thescarletgrace and on Instagram @scarletgrace1