YPDaily: Paula Brancati

After Paula Brancati received her first role as Cally on the hit TV show Dark Oracle, she knew she was meant to be an actress. Ever since, Paula has been singing and acting her way to stardom, while setting a good example and staying true to herself and her passion in today’s YPDaily…

Elevator Pitch: Describe your job in a nutshell.
I have been a working actor in TV/Film/Theatre since I was 9 years old.

Why did you start working at your company? What was the inspiration for this career route?
I was always incredibly passionate about music and the Arts in general and acting was a natural progression for me. Musical theatre was a big part of my childhood and it wasn’t until I booked my first lead in a series at 14 (“Cally” on Dark Oracle) that I was certain I wanted to make acting my career. I loved the responsibility of being in nearly every scene every day, having creative input in the show, and learning about all aspects of the pre/post-production world.

What is the best part of what you do on a day-to-day basis? The most challenging part?
The best part about my job is that it often doesn’t feel like “work”. No day is ever the same, which allows for a great deal of spontaneity and I constantly feel like I am learning new things about myself from the awesome people I’ve had the opportunity to collaborate with in the industry.

The most challenging part is balancing work with your personal life. Days on set can often be quite long (16-18 hours) and all consuming. I think it’s incredibly important to find time to nurture relationships in your life despite a hectic work schedule.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years I’d love to have a successful film career and to also be involved in other aspects of the industry; I’d like to be producing films and hopefully work up the guts to act/write/direct in a project of my own.

What does success look like to you?
To me, success is feeling personally, creatively, and professionally fulfilled.

What is the most memorable milestone in your career?
I was very surprised and honoured to be nominated for 2 Dora Awards in the same year (2009). Both respective theatre productions were projects that I was so passionate about doing, one of which was my first lead in a professional musical.

Do you have any advice for other young professionals?
Don’t lose sight of what made you get into your profession in the first place. Always check in with yourself to make sure you are still as in love with it as you were when you started. The entertainment industry is an incredibly fickle world so I think it’s important to stay curious and always continue learning and bettering your craft (whatever it may be!)

Do you support any charities? If so, which one(s) and why is that important to you?
I am a proud Ambassador of Because I am a Girl, a charity that empowers and celebrates women. They do a fantastic job of creating awareness about the mistreatment of women around the world. They are also such an accessible charity – on their website there are lots of fun suggestions on how people can initiate fundraisers in their own schools or communities (ie: Hosting a Pink LemonAid Stand!)

Blackberry, iPhone, Android, or Other?
Blackberry (though I feel myself being pulled in the direction of the iPhone…)