By Sunday night, you’ll know just who 17-year-old Natasha Bassett is.
The young actress lights up the screen as Gemma, in the OPTUS ONE80PROJECT winning flick, ’Dungoona’.
Gemma is a bright but troubled teen, who looks likely to drop out of school and turn out just like her booze-swigging, unsettled mum.
That’s until an enigmatic teacher called Mr Berlin comes in to her life and offers some hope. But with all of Gemma’s boy, family and best friend issues, can she come out the other side?
We caught up with Natasha and got the lowdown…
MTV: Dungoona is so gritty – how was it watching yourself on the big screen?
Natasha: I hate watching myself back. I get a bit embarrassed especially when other people are watching at the same time. The sex scenes, with everyone watching I was a bit like (covers face) It was my first sex scene but it was okay 'cos I was close with the guy who plays (on screen boyfriend) Darren and it was only really the director and camera man outside of that.
MTV: Did you do a lot of research before your audition?
Natasha: I hardly practiced, I just went into the audition really natural. And afterwards I was like: ‘Wow that worked really well.’ Then I got a call back and I thought: ‘It does work. I should do that more often.”
MTV: Have you ever lived in a town like Dungoona or had similar problems to Gemma’s?
Natasha: “No and I’ve never had any friends go through the same things that Gemma did either. I find it easier playing roles that are totally opposite to myself for some mysterious reason.
MTV Was Darren Berlin, who plays Mr Berlin, as inspirational in real life?
Natasha: The director Reuben (Field) told me that Darren Berlin was cast as Mr Berlin because he was essentially playing himself. He was lovely.
MTV: Twilight star Xavier Samuel was at the Dungoona premiere – are you a Twilight fan?
Natasha: “I’m not a Twilight junkie but I’ve seen both films and I’m definitely a fan of Robert Pattinson. Xavier was lovely, too.
MTV: What’s next for you?
Natasha: “I’ve been inundated with scripts, which is so good, and I recently got an American agent – and scripts have started to coming over. I’d like to work with an Australian director on something gritty again”
MTV: Finally, what are your favourite MTV shows?
Natasha: I can definitely get into The Hills and I love just having music videos and chilling out.
MTV: Thank you, Natasha, we think we’ll be seeing lots more of you in future!
TUNE-IN TO MTV ON CHANNEL 124, SUNDAY (DECEMBER 13) @ 9PM FOR THE PREMIERE OF 'DUNGOONA'.
For a sneak-peek at 'Dungoona', click here.
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Copyright : MTV Australia
