Irish actor, writer, and producer Siobhán Aislinn shares how she took charge of her career by writing and producing the award-winning feature Blurred Lines. From creative drive to business savvy, Siobhán speaks honestly about building something from scratch, and what actors should know about doing the same.
Date Tuesday 25th March 2025
FP Host Aislinn Aungier
Guest Siobhán Aislinn, Actor and Producer
KEY TAKEAWAYS
1. Create your own work to take control of your career
• Siobhán began writing Blurred Lines out of frustration with waiting for auditions and a desire to showcase her full range as an actor.
• Don’t wait to be picked – create the roles you want to play.
2. You don’t have to be a writer to start writing
• She started with one scene she felt strongly about and built the film around that.
• If you know the kind of character or moment you want to create, start there.
3. Collaborative writing can elevate the work
• Siobhán co-wrote with director Mark, combining perspectives and learning from creative differences.
• Collaborating helps you see the story from all sides – not just your character’s.
4. Budget shapes the script
• Writing with budget in mind (e.g., one location, limited cast) helped make the project feasible.
• If you want to get your project made, think practically from the beginning.
5. Producing and acting simultaneously is intense
• Juggling logistics and creative demands was emotionally draining, but ultimately rewarding.
• Be honest with yourself about what’s manageable. Delegate where you can.
6. Post-production is a steep learning curve
• She didn’t know what a DCP was or how to manage sound issues but she asked questions and figured it out.
• You don’t need all the answers, just the willingness to ask and learn.
7. Rejection is part of the journey
• Despite setbacks, the film was accepted into major festivals and earned awards.
• Keep going. The rejections don’t negate the value of your work.
8. Social media is a tool, not a performance
• Promoting the film felt uncomfortable at times, but it was essential to getting it seen.
• Marketing yourself isn’t vanity – it’s part of the work.
9. Festivals are a game of timing and persistence
• Early bird submissions, smart strategy, and perseverance helped the film get noticed.
• Learn how the festival circuit works – it can open doors.
10. Support makes the process sustainable
• From crew to co-writers, Siobhán credits her success to working with people who believed in the project.
• You don’t have to do it alone. Surround yourself with people who share your vision.
MEMORABLE QUOTES
“I was tired of waiting. I wanted to play the roles I knew I could do.”
“Sometimes simple works. One house, one cast—and a lot of heart.”
“When the camera stopped rolling, I had to step right back into producer mode. That was tough.”
“We didn’t get funding. We got private investment. And that meant I had to learn how to sell a film.”
“I didn’t know what a DCP was. I just kept asking questions.”
“There were so many rejections. But we kept going – and then the successes came.”
“It’s not ego. It’s my job to promote this work. People are counting on it.”
“Imposter syndrome is loud but you have to keep showing up anyway.”