In the Netflix feature film Lou, which was released September 23rd, Ridley Bateman plays Vee alongside a cast including Allison Janney, Jurnee Smollett and Logan Marshall-Green, with the film being directed by Anna Foerster. Also this year, Ridley made her feature film debut playing Willow Decker in the thriller Shattered, which released in January, and she started her career working on a Domino’s Pizza National Campaign, starring with NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin. We caught up with Ridley, who told us about filming as Vee in the Netflix feature film Lou, playing Willow Decker in Shattered and starting her career working on a Domino’s Pizza National Campaign.

You play Vee in the new Netflix feature film Lou, do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role?

I do remember how I felt when I found out! I was really excited! Also, kind of nervous… but in a good way (if that makes sense). I screamed and jumped up and down.

Can you tell us about the film and your character and what was Vee like to play?

The film is an action, adventure thriller that is female-driven. It follows the story of two women who try to find an abducted child… me! I play Vee, who is taken at the start of the film and goes on an adventure through the woods in the middle of a huge storm. I would describe my character as brave, innocent, and very smart. You also get to see her fun and playful side. It was very fun to play her!

How was it working with the rest of the cast, which includes Allison Janney and Jurnee Smollett?

It was really fun acting with them. If Allison wasn’t filming, she was cracking jokes! Jurnee even did a sit-up competition with me (she thinks she won, but I know I did!). And Logan (Marshall-Green) was really nice too. We made up a secret handshake.

What was it like on set of the film and was there anything you enjoyed most about filming as Vee?

It was quite fun working on the set! There were rain towers and I got absolutely soaked. My rain boots got filled with water. It was super hot and we all had to pretend that we were freezing. I loved craft service! The strawberries and Nutella! I loved playing Vee because there was a lot of adventure and cool locations. The rest of the cast and our director, Anna (Foerster), made it all really fun too.

Why would you recommend watching Lou and who do you think it will appeal to?

I would recommend watching Lou because it is fun, full of action and adventure, and it keeps you on the edge of your seat the whole time. People who I think would like to watch it would be into action and adventure and thrillers. Even Stephen King liked it!! But it’s not really for kids.

In this year’s release of the feature film Shattered, you play the role of Willow Decker alongside Cameron Monaghan, Sasha Luss and John Malkovich, what was the film like to be part of?

It was fun, scary, and a bit funny at times. Once, Cameron walked by me in all his bloody makeup and just said “Hi, Ridley!” on his way to lunch with his fake broken leg. I was super confused and I laughed. We shot that movie in Montana and my brother and I got to ski for the first time. We were both actually pretty good! The snow was beautiful!

How did you prepare for filming and what was it like meeting the rest of the cast for the first time?

It was really fun meeting everyone for the first time. It was my first film and everything was really exciting. It was also a bit nerve-racking. But it was really fun. I prepared for the film by working on the lines with my mom and remembering moments from my own life when I was scared and had to be brave.

Do you have any favourite memories from filming Shattered and how was it working on a thriller film?

My favourite memories are of Montana and the beautiful snow! I also loved the moment when I had to crawl through the pipes to help my mom and dad. It was my first stunt and my dad is a stuntman! I also got to stay up super late to film a couple of outdoor scenes and that was fun too.

What do you remember from starting your career with a Domino’s Pizza National Campaign and how was it starring opposite NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin?

I remember the drive to North Carolina with my mom. I remember meeting Denny Hamlin and he was really nice. I was nervous too but I had my mom in the car with me so that was nice. I also had to learn and say all my lines in Spanish too but I never got to see the Spanish version (which is too bad).

Where does your love of acting come from and is it something you always wanted to do professionally?

My love of acting comes first from my parents both being in the industry. I thought it looked really interesting and I wanted to give it a try. I love that you get to meet new people and travel to new places and tell fun stories. I love movies and getting to be a part of moviemaking is super fun!

Is there anything you enjoy most about having an acting career?

The things that I like most about being an actress are telling interesting stories, meeting new people, and getting to explore new places.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

Some of my favourite shows are currently Zombies, The Owl House, I love Harry Potter, and I like musicals.

How do you like to spend your time away from acting?

The way I like to spend time when I am not acting is… umm… I like to do jujitsu, I love parkour, I like to make slime, I like to sing and dance and do artwork. I am also studying the piano.

What are you hoping the upcoming year brings for you?

I am hoping that the upcoming year brings me a role that is an action and adventure hero movie or a historical movie, like in the 1800s (or both!) with travel and lots and lots of fun! Thanks!!!

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