We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily Mutimer and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Emily, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I chose to pursue a career in the arts because being creative allows me to be the most authentic version of myself. I’ve always loved watching entertainers and being an entertainer. Acting in short films in Melbourne, Australia became a part of my identity. It has led me to shine on television series’ and feature films where viewers can watch and connect with my characters from all over the world.
When I portray different characters on screen I get to dive into the human psyche and explore why we do the things we do, how we deal with emotions and discovering what makes every individual unique.
The best part about acting is that there are endless opportunities. Seemingly mundane tasks transform into gripping moments. The highs and lows of life are on display in the most fascinating ways. I feel connected to people when I get to embody a new character. I’m able to see life through different lenses all while doing what I love most.
I’m somebody who likes to understand why someone does something without any judgment, because there’s always a reason that makes sense to them. Acting allows me to tap into that without critique, there’s a sense of freedom in life and in the scene when I’m able to play different characters.
Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe my curiosity is what sets me apart. I always want to know more, do more and achieve more. Learning about multiple aspects of the filmmaking industry has helped me exponentially, not only in my journey as an actor but throughout my professional upbringing.
I’m especially proud of my resilience as this business can be full of rejection. However I was thrilled when I found out I landed the role of Astrid in the television series FLUNK, 2020 (link in the YouTube section). After we filmed season three, I was lucky enough to be a part of two feature spinoff films: The Sleepover and After School which have been amongst the top LGBTQ films on US streaming platform Tubi. The show’s had over 190 million views on YouTube, with fans watching from all over the world. Season 5 has just been released, which follows my character Astrid’s storyline. Being the lead in a tv series is truly a dream come true.
After I booked the role of Astrid, I felt like my confidence helped me then book the lead in an independent horror feature film “Slender Demoniac”, 2021 as well as the lead in the TV series pilot “Bunchie” directed by John Orscik (Cop Shop). In 2023 I went to Los Angeles to take some acting classes, while I was there, I booked 5 short films. One of them, over 800 actresses auditioned for, and I was lucky enough to be given the opportunity to portray the role of Jessica in the horror short film Hide and Seek filmed by students at the Los Angeles Film School. Another short comedy film (link in the YouTube section) titles “Y’all Don’t Know Marcy” is in the stages of being submitted to film festivals.
One of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt along the way, is to find what it is that you love about being an artist and remind yourself of these when self-doubt and rejection is more present. The love and passion helps fuel my determination to get back up and keep going when your inner critique is being loud. Being your own biggest supporter is one of the things you can control in a creative career, and it really helps to focus on my own beliefs, rather than seeking it elsewhere.
If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Melbourne, I’d take my best friend down to the Mornington Peninsular. The beaches down that way are amazing, I spend my summers down there, swimming in the water, you occasionally see dolphins and stingrays, I’d take them to the Peninsular hot springs and enjoy a spa day. For dinner, I highly recommend my local Vietnamese restaurant in Box Hill, Victoria called Indochine, my friends and I are obsessed with their Bun bowls (to die for). For the night, I’d take them to a dessert frozen yoghurt place called Yo-chi in hawthorn, very delicious.
Who else deserves some credit and recognition?=
I would love to give a shoutout to my incredible acting teacher and mentor Jackie Diamond. Over the years she’s challenged me to dig deeper, make stronger choices on screen and take risks as an actor. Jackie’s work ethic is unparalleled, she always has time for me and genuinely cares about improving my skills as a storyteller by bringing more truth to real life characters. Jackie’s knowledge and advice was absolutely paramount to my performances while acting in the television pilot Bunchie. Her devotion to my craft skyrocketed my confidence on set.
Also, shoutout to my mum Margie and dad David, who are my biggest supporters. They encourage me to step out of my comfort zone always and supported me when I decided to venture to LA and be immersed in the arts across the other side of the world.
I would also love to shoutout and say a massive thanks to Ric Forster and Melanie Rowland, who are the showrunners of TV series FLUNK, who cast me as Astrid in their show. I have been so lucky and I’m grateful that I got to continue playing the role for over 3 years.
Website: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm10957636/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/emilymutimer/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i4Z1kAcsT7w&t=235s
Image Credits
Melanie Rowland, Ric Forster, Thomas Rechenberg, Maurice Kadamani, Tash Koutoufides, Rachael Michelle