Jennifer Breslin: Finding Freedom in the Unexpected
At Fishpond, it’s our privilege to support the incredible acting talent working across Ireland. We recently sat down with Fishpond actor Jennifer Breslin to highlight her journey, celebrate her achievements, and share her insights with other performers in our community.
A dual citizen of Ireland & the US, Jennifer has spent most of her time living and working in New York. She now resides mainly between Donegal and Dublin.
Jennifer, what’s been your most memorable acting experience so far?
I would say The Highest Brasil. Working on this film reminded me that this journey is a creative process and I just have to jump in at times not knowing what lies ahead. Reading The Highest Brasil, each scene was stranger than the next and I had no idea where this one could go.
When I saw the finished movie I was moved in awe and disbelief – this was something I had always been looking for but didn’t know what it was until I saw it unfolded before me.
As an actor, I never had a clear sense of my path but when I saw this truly odd-ball movie, my heart swelled. I was clear on the creative path I love – offbeat, dark comedies that make audiences cringe, laugh uncomfortably and feel intrigued. I’m glad I jumped on board with Jeremy Curl, the director and his crazy vision.
What kinds of roles do you find most exciting to play?
I love period pieces, I love how people’s mannerisms vary in different eras – how what’s going on in the zeitgeist impacts the body and who and what you are in relation to that time period. They say 90% of your communication is body language- I find all that fascinating. Body language is like an accent – you don’t notice it until it’s off.
Are there any upcoming projects you can tell us about?
I do have a superstition about talking about upcoming projects as so much can happen between casting and the finished project but I will say that I was recently cast on Bloodline Detectives – thank you very much Fishpond!
How do you typically prepare for a new role?
It depends on the project and the role, but because I’m a bit of a geek I’ve created a cheat sheet of techniques I’ve learned over the years. I will run down the list to see what might work best for a particular project.
The first thing I do is read the script over and over, trying hard not to make any decisions and to stay open-minded. I try out some different techniques and rehearse it in many ways to get my head thinking in other points of view. This way, the material is getting in but I’m not overly rehearsed in one way of delivering it.
My goal is never to aim for a certain performance, but to be prepared and ready to pivot. I’ve seen directors change their mind out of nowhere on set – and when everyone’s looking at you, I want to be ready to perform with the curveballs.
I never want to be precious about my choices. Ultimately, I have to do what the director wants and make them happy. It’s their project, not mine.
How do you deal with the emotional side of being an actor?
I have learned that nerves are my friend and that there is a sweet spot, a magic middle I want to be in. Too little – I’m not invested or alert. Too much means I haven’t prepped enough.
Regular practice helps me focus on getting better and being ready for the next audition, as opposed to waiting and wondering. It also helps me focus on what I can control versus what I can’t. I can’t control getting booked but I can control getting better.
Where would you like to see your acting career go in the next few years?
I would love to be involved in theatre here in Ireland for sure, to build stronger relationships with the casting directors calling me for auditions, and expand my network for more opportunities.
Things are changing so much – it’s crazy to think the SAG auditions that were impossible to get in New York are now being auditioned here in Ireland. Movies like ‘God’s Creatures’ and ‘In the Land of Saints and Sinners’ were shot on my cousin’s oyster farm and in my uncle’s pub in Ardara, Donegal. With AI looming on the horizon, who knows what’s going to happen, but I’m definitely going to give this more thought in my next Quarterly Review.
How has Fishpond helped you in your career so far?
Many ways, but I always come back to the Showcases and self-taping challenges. When they started during the pandemic, they were so incredibly helpful. Being isolated in lockdown, I felt so engaged and a part of a community week after week. Since then, it’s been such a great opportunity to watch other people’s interpretations and see things from a casting director’s point of view.
What’s the best piece of career advice you’ve received?
Know the game you’re playing. Know the stats, know the players and how they play. I’ve met many actors who quit too early, not realising what success looks like, how long it takes, or even what the job really is. If you’re playing golf expecting to score like you’re playing basketball, you will find it quite frustrating.
I once asked an agent of a big New York agency what his top actor was booking and his answer really surprised me. It gave me a much more realistic expectation of what to expect for myself, and I learned that I was actually doing a lot better than I thought.
Also, be sure to know the names of the people you are auditioning for. Know about the casting directors who call you in, the crew, make-up, whoever you meet. We are called ‘the talent’ but the truth is that there is loads of talent in this industry – enormous talent who wrote the scenes, called you in, people working behind the cameras and behind the desks. This is a team sport and we’re just one player of many.
Find out more about Jennifer’s work on her Fishpond profile here – we can’t wait to see what she does next.
