Tori Bailey Disney Channels Australia Interview

Tori Bailey Disney Channels Australia Interview

Tori Bailey, the winner of Disney Channels Australia and New Zealand's 2010 "Casting Call", has been nominated for 'Best New Talent' in the 9th Annual ASTRA Awards. The award category recognises outstanding new talent on Australian subscription television. At 16 years of age, Tori is the youngest finalist in the 2011 ASTRA Awards, and in the 'Best New Talent' category, she is the only actor (not presenter) to be a finalist.

Tori Bailey's nomination is in recognition of her outstanding contribution on Disney Channel's locally-produced 'As The Bell Rings', where she plays the role of 'Mia' - a guitar strumming, artistic new student at Paterson High School, who never hesitates to sing or play the guitar to help her get out of a jam or to assist her fellow students. Last year, Tori joined an already established and credible cast in season four of the series, and the show was Tori's television series debut.

Tori will also be presenting an award at the 9th Annual ASTRA Awards evening to take place on Thursday 21st July at Sydney Theatre, Walsh Bay. The theatre style ceremony will showcase the best talent, production and programming of subscription television.

We chatted to Queenslander, Tori Bailey when she won the Disney Channel's 'Casting Call': www. girl.com.au/tori-bailey-as-the-bell-rings-interview

Interview with Tori Bailey

Question: Congratulations on your nominate Tori, did you ever expect you'd be nominated for Best New Talent after winning the 2010 Disney Casting Call?

Tori Bailey: Thank you! No, I never expected to be nominated for the Best New Talent award after winning the competition. It has always been an aspiration of mine to be involved in the ASTRA awards so I am completely thrilled not only to be a part of the night but also to be nominated.


Question: How did your expectations of the set of As The Bell Rings differ from the actual filming process?

Tori Bailey: It was very different to what I expected but in the best possible way. I didn't realise how close the cast and crew become over the filming period.


Question: Was filming and learning your lines more difficult than you expected?

Tori Bailey: No not really, learning lines quickly is one of my strengths. The filming was challenging at times because there are deadlines to be met but I learnt so much from David McDonald (Director) and I feel far more experienced as an actor now than I was before.


Question: You already played the guitar, but have you had to have more in-depth guitar lessons to play the character of Mia?

Tori Bailey: Well for the last year I have had guitar lessons every week so that definitely helped with the filming.


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

Tori Bailey: I am very similar to my character Mia in a sense that we both love music and have a passion for singing, we get a long easily with people and we make the most out of each day.


Question: How has playing Mia in the fourth season of As The Bell Rings change your life?

Tori Bailey: It has given me a greater appreciation for the film/TV industry and it definitely made me realise acting is the career I want to pursue in the future.


Question: Are your family and friends from Queensland excited to see you, on television?

Tori Bailey: Yes - I have amazing family and friends who are all very supportive.


Question: Have you been watching yourself in As The Bell Rings - what do you think when watching yourself on the television?

Tori Bailey: Yes I have, it's weird watching myself on television. At first I was slightly nervous but now every time I watch myself it gets easier and becomes almost normal.


Question: When we spoke with you last year, you had only met one cast member. How have you got along with the other As The Bell Rings cast members?

Tori Bailey: The cast were incredible! We were like one big family by the end of filming. Everyone is so supportive of one another and we have all had some memorable moments both on and off set.


Question: Are you excited about presenting an award at the 9th Annual ASTRA Awards, also?

Tori Bailey: Yes, I am presenting an award with Katie Noonan and I cannot wait!


Update Unfortunately, Tori didn't pick up the award for 'Best New Talent'. Although was humbled to be in the line-up and also to be able to present an award with Brisbane singer songwriter, Katie Noonan. Tori looked stunning wearing Catherine Malandrino.

Interview by Brooke Hunter