ISABELLA BLAKE-THOMAS

Transcription

Question: First of all, @nbd1824 asked: "What was your reaction when your manager told you: "Hey! You are going to play on Once Upon a Time!"?

Answer: I was overjoyed. My mum found out before I did and so she called me. I immediately burst into tears and was so happy. It was my favorite show so it was a dream come true to be on it. 

Q: @michybb_1118 wondered how you shot the scenes where you had to use magic?

A: It was different for each “trick”. The scenes that I didn’t actually move anything, they used visual effects. The scene where I had to move the logs, they filmed the same movement multiple times, each one with the logs in a different place so that when they added the effects of them flying, it was natural. 

Q: @luthorsdream asked what the experience was like? And are you still close to one or more of the cast members?

A: It was incredible. Everyone welcomed me like I was part of the family. They were kind and caring and made me feel at home. I’m still in contact with a couple of the cast and before COVID would meet up with them for coffee to catch up. 

Q: @laughandsing3 wondered what it was like working with Rebecca Mader? She seems hilarious! Do you have any funny stories from the set to tell us?

A: Bex is fabulous. She’s as funny as you’d think. She’s so outgoing and honest and makes you laugh with everything she says. She’s super sweet and always has a smile on her face. We would talk about our dogs and share stories. 

Q: Since you and your mother have a very close relationship, what was it like to play a character who, on the contrary, has such an absent and evil mom?

A: One of my favorite things about acting is to pull from experiences I’ve had and feelings I’ve felt. They don’t always have to be the same situation but happiness is happiness right, no matter where is coming from. I was able to use Zelena's feelings to connect to her. 

Q: @hookersarmy wondered what other character in the show you would have liked to play?

A: If I could be any other character...it would be Young Emma because she’s got such a layered character and is really interesting to watch. I love characters that always have a new feeling that is seen and a new feeling that they are hiding. A character that hides things is always fun to play. 

Q: @captainswanfan4 asked what your favorite Disney movie is?

A: Probably...Mary Poppins because I grew up with her. She was a huge part of my childhood and I used to sing all the music with my mum. I was so happy when they released a sequel that I cried watching it. To this day, I can watch that movie on repeat without getting bored. 

Q: @ajewishpirate wondered which member of the cast you hadn't acted with but would have liked to?

A: I would’ve loved to have scenes with Jared. I got to know him really well because we would do school on set together. He’s super cool and it would’ve been fun if the show timelines had worked out for us to be in scenes together. 

Q: She also asked: "Can you describe, in a few words, your upcoming TV show, Secret Society of Second-Born Royals? " And by the way, congratulations on this new project ;)

A: It’s actually a movie :) It’s about a group of second-born royals (the second child in the family), that have special powers and are put in a summer school to try and figure out how to use the powers. Of course like every good Disney movie, there’s also a classic villain that they all have to face. 

Q: I wondered what or who inspired you to become an actress? And to become a singer?

A: For me, it wasn’t so much an inspiration to start those things, rather I fell into them because I loved performing. If we’re talking inspiration in life, that’s definitely my mum. She has taught me everything I know and continues to every day. 

Q: Also, the show has inspired a lot of people, and some of them want to become actors and actresses. Do you have any advice to give them, especially starting as young as you did?

A: My advice is to work hard, practice and keep going. It’s super easy in this industry to give up when things feel like they aren’t working out. If you keep working the “acting muscle”, work hard when you are working and put the time in, it will pay off. Also, it’s important to love what you do then it never feels like work!

Q: Finally, the show still has a huge influence even though it ended a couple of years ago, what would you like to say to the fans who are still here?

A: I’d like to say thank you! Thank you for all your love and kindness and support. I appreciate you all so much and wouldn’t be where I am without you. Thank you and here’s to many more years together! I hope they love my new role as much!