Marina Diraki Counter Play Interview

Counter Play is a Deviously, Delicious Drama Series

Marina Diraki is a 19 year old actress and model from Melbourne, Australia and is set to appear in the new television drama Counter Play. Marina has an extensive background in theatre and has proven to be a hard-working, talented and resilient young lady who is already making a large name for herself in the industry. Definitely one to keep an eye out for, Marina's drive and passion for acting has already led her to tremendous success. You can follow her journey and updates about Counter Play on her Instagram @marinadiraki

Interview with Marina Diraki

Question: How would you describe Counter Play?

Marina Diraki: Counter Play is a drama television series set in the fictional coastal town of South Point. It centers around three affluent families and follows the mysteries, scandals and luxuries of these families who all have devious secrets they are hiding that are about to exposed. The question is - play or be played?

Visit www.counterplayseries.com.au for the official teaser trailers!


Question: Can you tell us about your character, Tilly?

Marina Diraki: My character Tilly Stein is a teenage girl who attends the prestigious high school South Point Academy. She is a conniving and wealthy girl who has her ear to the ground and knows a few hidden secrets.


Question: How are you similar to your character, Tilly?

Marina Diraki: The funny thing is, I wish I was Tilly! I'd like to think I have the same great fashion taste, but no one can match her manipulation. She'll bake you a tray of cookies to get something out of you, and as fun as that is to play, we definitely differ in that regard. However something I do really admire about Tilly is her resilience and determination, she never backs down and always stands her ground and that's something we definitely have in common.

Question: What method do you use to get into character, on set?

Marina Diraki: I like to start off by hanging out with my co-stars and getting into work mode and taking in my surroundings to set the scene in my head before stepping away for some quiet time to really place myself in Tilly's (very expensive designer) shoes. I have to admit method acting with Tilly is one of my guilty pleasures! Another great way I like to get into character is by speaking with my director to get more in-depth details about the scene outside of the script and get advice from her about styles of acting and how best to portray my character in a specific scene.


Question: What was the best part about filming Counter Play?

Marina Diraki: Stepping into the shoes of a character that lives such a luxurious lifestyle; who wouldn't want to play pretend with diamonds? Also, having Counter Play as my first professional acting job, it's incredible to see how a production works behind the scenes and all of the tiny details that go into it that viewers at home wouldn't even think of, but that's what makes the magic of television. It's also incredible to be able to learn more about the craft of acting each time I'm on set by listening to the direction given by my director, as well as getting the opportunity to learn the behind the scenes magic that the crew such as the director of photography puts together.


Question: Will we see a third season of Counter Play?

Marina Diraki: Season 3 is currently in early pre-production.


Question: What inspired your passion for acting?

Marina Diraki: Ever since I was a little girl I have always loved performing arts. I used to put on concerts in my bedroom every day; however my dreams of singing didn't work out due to my lack of a singing voice. So I tried my hand at other forms of performing arts and did dancing for a few years which involved a little bit of acting. I found I was always chosen for the acting roles and thought there might be something there, so I began auditioning for school musical and theatre productions as well as joining a local theatre company. It was then that I discovered how fun acting is and how naturally I found it came to me. I was also inspired by the incredible performing arts teachers and theatre leaders I had, as well as watching so many movies growing up and wishing I could step into those worlds.


Question: What advice do you have for young aspiring performers?
Marina Diraki: A rejection is not a denial of your talent. In this industry even the top actresses and actors hear no, more than they ever hear yes, and the key to succeeding is to take every no and say thank you, I will try again. It is also incredibly important to have respect, both for yourself and others, including on social media which is your online portfolio. You need to ensure you are presenting yourself in a respectable manner. And the most important thing that I cannot stress enough is education. I am currently studying at University simultaneously whilst being on Counter Play because being a well-rounded human being is incredibly important and should never be replaced with anything. Never give up; your dreams can become a reality just like mine did.


Question: What's a typical day like, for you?

Marina Diraki: A typical day for me is very full on as I enjoy being a busy bee. I'll describe a day when Counter Play is in pre-production as we have commenced filming at the moment. My days begin with going over my scripts by highlighting my lines, reading over them in different tones and in the mirror with different facial expressions. I'll record the lines of my scene partner on my phone and use that to rehearse, as well as using the skills I've learnt from being on set with my director. After that I'll work on my social media and make sure I'm responding to everyone and keeping everyone up to date on my Instagram with Counter Play updates. Once I've caught up with all my emails I'll get some studying done in the evening to make sure I don't fall behind, before video chatting with some of my co-stars to go over our lines together and catch up. A hot cup of green tea before bed with a great book and snuggling up to my dog Mickey is great way to end the day.


Question: What's next, for you?

Marina Diraki: At the moment I'm focusing on Counter Play and it's launch on Amazon Prime on August 17th, and Channel 9 and 9GO later this year, as well as some theatre on the side and a few brands I'm working with on Instagram such as Chic Boutique which is an online fashion boutique that is actually featured in a fashion gala episode in season 2 of Counter Play, but aside from that we'll see where the road leads!


Interview by Brooke Hunter