WHAT WOULD JULIE DO | Omeleto

An actress prepares for an audition.
WHAT WOULD JULIE DO is used with permission from Grace Alwyn Ashworth. Learn more at polaricreative....
Alison is a talented actress, but her career isn't going the way she wants. She pays her bills as a fishmonger, but auditions bring out her anxiety.
But when she encounters the casting director who she embarrassed herself in front of years earlier, she attempts to call upon the inner guiding spirit of her acting idol, popular Coronation Street actor Julie Hesmondhalgh, to give her strength and confidence. With the help of her inner ideal thespian, Alison finds a way to get through the audition -- and stand up to her bullies in the process.
Directed by Grace Alwyn Ashworth from a script written by Valerie Bundy, who plays the lead role of Alison, this brisk, effervescent short comedy focuses on how anxiety can derail us from the lives we want and the people we want to be. Alison has tremendous promise as an actor, but her anxiety cripples her in crucial professional situations. But she's working on the problem, with the help of a visualization and inner dialogue with her acting idol, Julie Hesmondhalgh, who plays herself here.
The film has a natural yet brightened look in the visuals, perfect for a modern comedy, but Julie is captured in ethereal, softly glowing light that endows her with an almost divine presence, which she bestows upon Alison with grace and largesse. Yet, true to Hesmondhalgh's Northern English roots, she's tough, down-to-earth and does not mince words, especially as Alison confronts a catty professional rival at a key audition.
Things get even thornier for Alison when she discovers the audition is co-run by a casting director that she once threw up upon at an earlier event, compounding Alison's already considerable anxiety. Yet Alison soldiers on, and the film stylistically delights in the creative, mental and emotional zig-zags that she goes through, as the casting director, determined for Alison to fail, throws all kinds of curveballs at her. As an actor, Bundy shines in this sequence, demonstrating a comic deftness and agility as a performer, coached and guided by Hesmondhalgh, who is delightfully funny. But Bundy never loses sight of the emotional reality of a woman whose anxiety is peaking at the worst moment possible.
Luckily, Alison has her inner Julie, and together they make it through the audition, with Alison finally accessing the backbone needed to face her doubters. Alison may not be sure she landed the part, but she has overcome the hurdle of letting anxiety run her life. This arc brings WHAT WOULD JULIE DO a relatability and resonance, as well as an appreciation of the role that a well-chosen inner voice can play for us. Alison may have Julie (and watch the credits to see a cameo by another British acting legend, Julie Walters.) But we can tap into our own inner best selves, calling on their insight to lend us a little confidence when we need it most.

[@dandeliondreamer3365]

Cute, I liked seeing all the people she imagined herself as, made me smile, fun short 👍

[@eugenetswong]

This would be a fun way to make a demo reel.

[@Findingloveonpaper]

🍿🍿🍿🍿 I could easily enjoy a series with just the two actresses attending auditions. Great concept

[@deemiller5024]

This was lovely. I almost missed the ending. Stayed...wish granted💖

[@tonechoir]

it was worth staying for :D

[@zelphiaellerson6283]

So glad I read the description first!!

[@TeriHargraveartist]

Julie H, legend!!!

[@plicketyplunk]

Omg Hayley!❤❤❤

[@KayWoodward-ky4zi]

Very funny.

[@Monster-Man-kb8bi]

I liked it, I really did but who is Julie supposed to represent?
Never mind had to read the full description 😅

[@markxist]

Bludiel, your film gets Julie Walters and Omeletto put links to other videos over her face!

[@fvrshl77]

Hello 👋🏾

[@crystalweible152]

Nope. Too much right out of the gate. 😕 character development is absolutely vital.