Meet Emma Maddock from Manchester who moved to LA three years ago to pursue acting.
How did your move to LA happen?
As I wanted to pursue acting for the camera, I researched acting schools in LA and came across the prestigious American Academy of Dramatic Arts based in Hollywood, which has a boastful alumni of screen actors and award winners. I had a lot of training back in England and had performed with West End actors, won public speaking competitions, received LAMDA training and performed in many plays, but LA offered something that I just couldn’t experience at home. I know it was the right decision because I’ve been able to build a successful career and meet some great people in the industry.
What do you miss most from home?
I miss my family of course. I moved out here by myself when I was 19 but thankfully my family visit when I can’t make it home. I definitely miss the food! I just want a really good Indian or to run to the chippy and get a cheap, easy dinner. And I miss the bread. Everything here is so sweet. Don’t even get me started on the chocolate…
What was your first impression of LA and has it changed since? If so why?
When I first moved to LA, I was overwhelmed. I was living in Hollywood with palm trees along the sides of the streets and star names lining the pavements. But I definitely got used to living in one of the most famous cities in the world. However, there are still times when I look down the boulevard or I have an amazing view from a house in the Hills and see the sunset and can’t help but feel that initial excitement of living in LA. The one thing that hasn’t changed is the feeling of vast opportunity.
What do you find the biggest difference is living here versus Manchester?
The weather and the people. Everyone knows Manchester for raining every day, but here, it’s a rarity and people go a bit crazy when it does actually rain. When I first moved here, a lot of people thought that I was rude or offensive because of my English sense of humour. They are much more friendly in general. They think that we’re mean, but we just tell it how it is! A great thing about the people here is that a lot of them are driven and goal-oriented, which is great to be around.
Do you have a hidden gem in LA that you want to share with us?
There’s an amazing Thai restaurant near me called Pa Ord on Sunset and La Brea. It doesn’t look like much on the outside but the food is delicious and it’s cheap. Definitely my most visited restaurant out here.
What would you suggest to others who are thinking about making the move here?
It’s definitely an experience I wouldn’t want to have been without. Try to make sure you have it figured out before you move. I had a roommate who came from England, was with us two nights, and then found out that her loan was declined and had to fly back home!
Lastly, how can we find out more about you? Are you working on anything at the moment?
You can find out more about me and keep up to date with my projects on my website www.emmamaddock.com. You can also follow my fan page on Facebook and on Instagram Instagram: @Maddock94.
Funnily enough, I’ve actually worked with a few English artists whilst being over here. I was featured in ‘The Vamps’ new music video for ‘I Found a Girl’, alongside Alli Simpson. The video already has millions of views and there’s even an online quiz to find out which one of us you would be. I also featured in the official UEFA Euro Cup music video by David Guetta ft Zara Larsson – This One’s for You. You can see me performing some football skills and I’m also the face of Russia and Ukraine in the individual videos for each country.
You’ll be able to see my acting work in a LGBT web series ‘Lovers and Friends LA’ in which I play the lead role of Dani. And a new web series called ‘This Is It’ which is about a group of friends adrift in Hollywood, where their dreams fade, and relationships crumble.
Lots of our members join our group Brits in LA seeking out words of wisdom – what is the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
Whenever I’m stressed, I talk to my mummy and she always tells me ‘Worrying won’t change anything so just focus on living your dream.’ She always seems to make everything seem a lot easier.
