Reuters“I didn’t go to drama school, I didn’t have the opportunity… there could be barriers to getting into this kind of thing,” East London actress Naomi Scott said.
Four years ago, she co-founded the production company New Name Entertainment with her husband Jordan Spencer.
It now has a dedicated fund to help students from working-class backgrounds get into top drama and film schools.
“It’s not just about learning, it’s about navigating it. That’s very important to us,” she said.
“We set up the New Names Fund to allow certain students and people to complete drama school or National Film and Television School (NFTS) courses,” she added.
“I just think it’s really important.
“When it comes to the idea of barriers to entry, I think those who come from a lower socioeconomic status or come from an environment that doesn’t support that path… you’re not going to be successful.”
The fund also supports working-class students through mentoring and career development support programmes.
“I think it’s a blessing to be able to do something out of curiosity … and get into it,” Scott said.
“The idea for the new name was because number one, we always want to feel like we’re learning.
“We also hope to find new voices: new writers, filmmakers, ideas and stories.”
She added: “We can’t do it all, but we can do our part to help some people get more clarity about what they want to do.”
ReutersScott returns to the big screen on Thursday in Parker Finn’s horror sequel “Smile 2.”
Scott’s last major role was as Princess Jasmine in Disney’s 2019 live-action Aladdin, directed by Londoner Guy Richie.
When not filming, Scott said she enjoys traveling around London.
“I love being in London,” she said, “the best city in the world.
“I do enjoy riding the subway…it reminds me of being a teenager and feeling independent for the first time.
“I always used to go to London for castings, so I guess it has a bit of a nostalgic feel to me. And it’s great public transport.
“Elizabeth Line – love it. Air conditioning – top notch.”
