We recently connected with Charlotte Fenton and have shared our conversation below.

Charlotte, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

I have many people and experiences to thank for why I got into acting and filmmaking. When I think about how this all came about and what sparked my passion and love for this industry, I think back to my childhood. I was lucky enough to grow up in the heart of the Durham Dales, Weardale, where we were a small community, and everything and everybody was embraced in all their uniqueness. Many of my family members were professionally trained dancers or musicians, and my passionate primary school teachers, who to this day I truly believe I would never have explored the arts without, all encouraged me in every way possible. I learned all sorts of musical instruments and dance styles thanks to my primary school teacher, Liz Gill, including clogging, which got us performing at the grand opening of the Sage, Gateshead and returned there to perform for their hosting of BBC Children in Need, we even performed as part of Youth Music at the Queen Elizabeth’s Hall in London, most of which before I was six! These were rare opportunities for where I grew up, but they blessed my path because of my incredible surroundings and community—one truly like no other.

When I was fourteen or so, although I knew I loved theatre and the arts and always had done, I was growing increasingly self-conscious, shy, and struggling with my mental health. However, Liz, who I still have contact with to this day, had set up a community theatre company called Drama in the Dale. Liz invited fourteen-year-old me to audition and join their upcoming production of “The Tempest” in partnership with the Royal Shakespeare Company as part of their “Open Stages” programme. Now, it wasn’t my best performance, we won’t lie, and we still laugh about it to this day, but the opportunity and the insight it gave me were enough to decide I wanted to keep trying and learning about this craft.

I started watching more films and TV dramas and often wondered how these young performers, like myself, were working on such amazing projects. So, I got myself onto an ITV drama set as a supporting artiste at fifteen and was there for around six months. Occasionally, I was asked to stand in for camera tests for one of the lead actresses, which I will always remember—seeing how intense it all was, it was like magic. This peak into the world of film and TV was enough to make me realise this is what I wanted to do and there was no industry quite like it. I went on to sign with my first agent and booked my first job playing the lead role in a short film at sixteen and I have never looked back.

So when I think about the question, “When did I first know I wanted to pursue this?” I think I always did. It’s something that feels like it’s a part of me; I didn’t choose this, it chose me. It’s helped me grow and learn about myself and who I am. When I struggled to voice what I was experiencing or feeling, there was always a character I could get behind to voice it for me, to relate to, and to feel seen.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a twenty-five-year-old actor, writer, and producer from the North East of England, having grown up between County Durham and Cumbria. Alongside my acting, I run an independent female-led film production company called Broken Illusion Pictures.

I grew up surrounded by entrepreneurs, including my parents, and I believe I inherited my business drive from them. I always knew I wanted to explore business in some aspect, though I didn’t expect it would lead to running my own company!

Despite my passion for acting, and because I was already signed with an agent, I chose not to study acting for my further education. Instead, I attended the University of Salford Business School, where I earned my Bachelor of Science degree. By the time I graduated, Broken Illusion Pictures had been formed, and it’s been all go since!

The company’s debut short film was “Internal Abyss,” which I wrote, produced, and starred in. The film allowed me to explore more deep and meaningful emotions and narratives as an actor, as well as raise awareness of mental health, domestic abuse, and toxic relationships.

I’m so proud of the company and where it’s heading. 2024 already has so much in store! We are already green lit for two films, with a third in the works! I aim to use this platform to advocate for voices less heard, focusing on female-led stories, mental health, and social issues.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

The most rewarding aspect of being a creative is witnessing the connections people forge with your work. Whether it’s a character I portray or a line I craft, knowing that it resonates with others makes me feel less alone, just as it does for them. It’s deeply moving when people express their belief in me. They entrust me to breathe life into a character, to narrate their story, or to transition a script from paper to screen.

Recently, I had the honour of being nominated for a Royal Television Society award for Best Drama Performance for my portrayal of Mia in “Internal Abyss.” This nomination meant the world to me, and I felt immense gratitude to be recognised alongside such esteemed talents as Brenda Blethyn (ITV’s “VERA”) and Ruben Reuter (CBBC’s “The Dumping Ground”). Not only that, but the film itself received a nomination for Best Short Film. As my debut short film under my own company, this was such a rewarding moment. Hearing how others connected with the story and my character affirmed that sharing this personal narrative was the right decision.

I have since been fortunate enough to win the Tees Valley International Film Festival scholarship, which provided the funds to create my next short film, “Please Come Home,” which I have written and produced. The film delves into themes of grief and the diverse ways we process it and will be directed by Daymon Britton. I will co-lead the film alongside the legendary Mark Benton. I’m genuinely thrilled to collaborate with Mark both as an actor and a producer. It’s going to be a really exciting shoot!

I have been collaborating closely with Zara Woolf, a writer, producer, and director from North London. She has been assisting in producing “Please Come Home” with me, and we are currently co-producing two additional short films together: “Breaking the Plateau,” which will be filmed in November, as well as “Forgive Me, For It Was Not I.” Broken Illusion Pictures has partnered with her company, Woolf Productions, to co-produce these two films. Working with such a like-minded creative is incredibly rewarding and inspiring for me.

In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?

Supporting your local artists is crucial, not only for the creative individuals themselves but also for the community at large. An artist’s ability to express themselves creatively is essential for nurturing a healthy and open-minded society.

Art, in all its forms, has the power to inspire, instil hope, and touch souls in ways that words alone cannot. You never know what might ignite inspiration in yourself or others, so having access to local art is a privilege for many.

If possible, attend a local artist’s performance, screening, or exhibition. Showing up in person not only demonstrates that you appreciate and value their work but also strengthens your community bonds. When these events are successful, they pave the way for their continuation, ensuring that your creative community remains vibrant and accessible for future generations.

While buying their work or making a donation are amazing ways to support a creative, if you’re not in a position to do this, following their social media platforms and liking and sharing their posts are free ways to show your support and are deeply appreciated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.brokenillusionpictures.com
• Instagram: @thecharfenton @brokenillusionpictures
• Twitter: @thecharfenton @_brokenillusion

Image Credits

Jack Fox and Josh Lenaghan.