ISABELLA SERMON
Photographer: Jemima Marriott
Stylist: Ruta Jane
Stylists assistants: Emma Bell & Medhawi Limbu
Hair & Makeup: Daisy Holubowicz using Fenty Beauty & Got2B
Interview: Ines Shubshizky
When I meet Isabella, she is not only in the middle of an intense period of film promotion, but also studying for her GCSE exams. Even though she is juggling so many things at once, she has the most laid-back energy and comes across as such a lovely and genuine person overall. Hearing her thoughts on success, committing to projects and exploring different roles is so inspiring, and makes her an absolute pleasure to talk to.
Isabella is playing the role of Maisie in Jurassic World Dominion, which is currently in cinemas.
Hi Isabella, congratulations on the release of Jurassic World Dominion. Why should people go and see the film?
Well, even when I first read the script, I realised that there is a message in it for everyone. So if you are looking for something to gain or learn, you will definitely find it. I think one of the most important messages is that humanity will only function well if we all learn to live together and live together peacefully. Otherwise, it could get a bit messy.
‘I think in a role I like to relate to the character, even if it’s just a small similar trait.’
What was your most memorable moment on set?
There’s a scene we filmed for the end of the film where Chris [Pratt] and Bryce [Dallas Howard] and I are sitting around the campfire making s’mores. Being British, I had to have them teach me how to make them the proper American way. I tried really hard to do it right myself, and I ended up acting like an idiot. I made one and when the camera was on, I bit into it and it just blew up in my face. It was so embarrassing, but in retrospect it is really funny.
The whole cast is really incredible. Is there anything in particular that you have taken away from working with your fellow actors?
I think, especially as someone who is quite new to the industry, I’ve definitely learned something, even if I’m just watching people work. Things that are probably basic for most, like being on set on time and knowing your lines, are still kind of a learning process for me. So I think it was helpful to have that experience.
Did you face any particular challenges while filming?
We were shooting during the pandemic, so it was a bit difficult not being able to see my friends, which always helps me to relax and take my mind off the work. Also, I was staying with my mother in a hotel, but my dad was at home, so I couldn’t see him for a long time. I would say that was quite difficult.
What role would you most like to play?
When I was filming, I realised that I really like playing action scenes. I love Nancy Wheeler in the third and fourth seasons of Stranger Things and basically every character in Black Widow. Also, I would love to play a character in some kind of coming-of-age drama, something along the lines of Ladybird.
Did you have to prepare for the action scenes?
There was a lot of running in this film, so I had to make sure I was fit and able to keep up. For the first film, though, I had to know how to traverse climb and there was a scene where I’m falling off a roof so I had to learn how to do that with a harness. That was pretty cool and who knows, maybe that’s a useful skill for the future as well.
Besides your acting career, you also still go to school. I would imagine it’s very stressful to balance those two aspects. How do you manage that?
Honestly, it’s difficult at the moment. I try very hard because I value my education and I love acting and all the promotions it brings. I don’t mind juggling both, but I have to make sure I have a good distance between the two. I relax by meeting up with my friends, drawing, reading and so on.
“I like that I always give everything I do 100%”
How do you decide on a role? Are there any red flags for you when reading through a script?
What I really liked about the role of Maisie was that she is quite similar to me, apart from the fact that I’m not a clone of course. I think in a role I like to relate to the character, even if it’s just a small similar trait. I haven’t discovered any red flags yet and I like to try everything. I guess that’s one of the perks about the job, that no one character is exactly the same as another.
What made you want to become an actress?
I remember when I was younger, the first time I realised I liked acting was in a school play of Roald Dahl’s James and the Giant Peach. I played James and realised that I really enjoyed playing different roles and pretending to be someone else. It’s incredible that you can transfer feelings that you have in everyday life into a role. So you can relive them and re-experience them in a way, which I find very fun.
What qualities do you admire in others?
I really like people who I can trust and who are loyal. I also enjoy a good sense of humour. Plus, if someone is curious and willing to try anything, that makes them interesting to me.
‘It’s incredible about acting that you can transfer feelings that you have in everyday life into a role and to re-experience them that way.’
Is there a particular work of art that inspires you?
I’ve recently become really interested in art and there are so many inspirations for me. A few days ago I was in LA and we saw the permanent exhibition by Barbara Kruger, which I really enjoyed. I also like the photography of Helmut Newton. When it comes to music, I would say Dominic Five, Elliott Smith, Fleetwood Mac and Billy Joel inspire me most.
What do you find cool about yourself?
I’m not very good at complimenting myself, so that’s a difficult question for me. I like that I always give everything I do 100% because I think there is no point in doing something only 50%. It’s not easy to do but I am trying my best and I think that’s cool.
In reference to the magazine’s namesake – what do you think is cool about America?
I think America is cool because there are so many different cultures and every single state has a different culture and vibe.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in the industry or wanting to go into acting?
I think I would say to give it your all if it’s something you really enjoy doing. Even if you don’t always succeed in getting roles, you then don’t feel like you’ve only half done the job. If you really go after what you want you will at least always have the feeling that you’ve done enough.
For more exclusive images of Isabella, you can purchase the SUMMER 22 issue of Cool America Magazine out 17th June
Cover image: Dress: Romani, Jewellery: 15 Degrees London
___