Audrey Hsieh can be seen in the new film Here Today. The film is a drama-comedy starring Billy Crystal and Tiffany Hadish. Here Today can be seen in theatres. In the film, Audrey portrays the character of Lindsay. Lindsay is Billy Crystal’s character’s granddaughter, and the two of them share some really nice heartwarming scenes. Aside from acting, Audrey also has a passion for the fine arts. YEM spoke with Audrey all about being a part of Here Today, her character Lindsay, and similarities between acting and the fine arts.
Young Entertainment Mag: What was your first experience on a film set like?
Audrey Hsieh: It was a surreal experience. You always have this idea of being eased into it, but never knowing how it actually starts, how that experience begins. It holds a really special place in my heart, not just as my first movie, but as a learning experience, cause truthfully I learned so much from that time I was on set.
YEM: When did you know you wanted to become an actress?
Audrey: Honestly, I’ve always had an interest in acting, but I never really thought I could make a career out of it. It was only until I got this role that actually solidified my passion for acting and how much I really love it! 😀
YEM: How did you hear that you got the part in the movie Here Today?
Audrey: I was in the parking lot of my local shopping area, just sitting in the car, and I got a call from my agent and manager. They ask “So, how much would you like this part?” and I respond “Well I would like it very much”. Then, they say “Ok, well I guess- I guesssss you can have it.” Hearing that, I had no idea how to react, I was just frozen. It was really funny cause I was just like “Oh that’s great” and my agent was like, “you don’t sound very excited?”. I WAS BUT IT HADN’T SUNK IN THAT I HAD ACTUALLY GOTTEN THE PART. It wasn’t until I was signing the contracts and being physically on set, that the reality set in.
YEM: What is something you learned from being on the set?
Audrey: I learned a lot of things being on set, most of it being how people work on movies, different acting styles, humor, camerawork, costuming, and just a lot of tidbits of information that accumulated into some very helpful experiences! I also learned how to skip rocks, which I also learned I am very bad at.
YEM: What is your character Lindsay like?
Audrey: Lindsay is a very lovable girl I’d say. She’s curious and bright and she just adores her family so much. She loves them with every fiber of her being, especially her grandpa, and really is just a sweet girl!
YEM: What is something that the audience can learn from Lindsay?
Audrey: Lindsay is a very bold girl in the decisions she makes, and I really admire that aspect of her. She didn’t just sit to wait for an answer from her grandpa or just believe her mom, but actively went searching for that answer. Nothing can get done by just having a plan, you have to have the guts to put that plan into motion!
YEM: How are you and Lindsay similar? How are you different?
Audrey: Like Lindsay, I care a lot about my own family. I try to spend a lot of time with them, especially with this pandemic and the Asian movement going on. Although I will say I am a lot more cautious than Lindsay! I definitely wouldn’t get into an Uber by myself or get lost in the woods cause I tend to get a little bit paranoid when it comes to safety! Got to stay alert out there :D.
YEM: Who are some of your acting inspirations?
Audrey: My inspirations are definitely the kind of people who can be really funny in their acting! Well, to start, striving to be further inspired by Billy Crystal and Tiffany Haddish.
Another person that comes to mind is Andy Samberg, because his role in Brooklyn Nine-nine is just so funny and I love it so much, the energy he has and the delivery in everything is great! Other people I think of are Aubrey Plaza and Chris Pratt from Parks and Recreation because of the awkward yet still very natural energy! Also I really like John Mulaney and Bo Burnham! My cup of tea :D.
YEM:. Do you have any advice for someone who wants to get into acting?
Audrey: Acting is definitely a commitment. Whether you are young or old, acting is pretty taxing in the sense that there are sacrifices you have to make for it from time to time. My biggest tip would be to not put unwanted pressure on yourself. I know a lot of people are constantly working really hard for acting, and that’s great and all, but remember that your health and wellbeing comes first! There’s a lot of trying to be better and finding what’s original or unique about you, but if you become so obsessed with this idea that you have to do everything correct and be the best, you’ll just become stiff and unnatural, which will translate into your performance. You don’t have to be quirky or unique, just find what’s most comfortable for you and roll with it, even if it might be considered “normal” or “boring”. When you’re comfortable with yourself and what you’re doing, you will deliver your best performances, because again, it translates into your performance! You want to be natural and genuine, and that really just means being yourself, no matter who that is. It is a lot easier said than done, but it’s one of those things that really takes time to understand and come to terms with.
YEM: What are your favorite types of films?
Audrey: I love thrillers! Horror, action, really just anything that can lock in my attention span and pull me into the mystery I love, as I’m not really a big fan of romances. I also find myself drawn to animations, whether it be anime or western cartoons, I love the exaggeration and how personalized different art styles can get.
YEM: As someone who likes the fine arts, do you find any similarities in that creative outlet and acting?
Audrey: Yes! As an artist, whatever it is, through painting, animation, dancing, acting, or writing, they all have the same purpose. They tell a story. In different mediums, of course they are expressed differently, but I find art just really captivating in how creative some people can be in telling their stories. I love all of it a lot!
YEM: What is your favorite thing about the fine arts?
Audrey: I would say the creative aspect is my favorite. You see movies, read comics, see plays, and all that stuff, but what amazes me is that all of it originated as an idea! The process of getting that idea down onto paper and into an art form that the audience can digest is the coolest thing to me! Someone thought of that, it didn’t just appear one day, but so much effort and people and funds have gone into one idea that one person had to make it happen.
