Although many of you would remember Warren-Markland in the smash hit film “Gone Too Far”, the actress has also cast in another of Noel Clarke’s film called “4,3,2,1”. She was also among the early young stars who appeared in “Kidulthood”, and returns as Kayla in “Brotherhood”.
This could only mean that the girl has a good established working relationship with Clarke.
However, there’s more to Warren-Markland that just her name, she’s even written her own short “When Fragile Things Break”, and still has her sights on television. Shanika, has a chat with us with her strong relationship with Clarke, as well as gives humble praises to those who’ve she’d had the pleasure to work with that have gone on to bigger things. We also talked about the role of female filmmakers in the industry and the rise of the females. Plus, she give a small insight into her blog that she does in her spare time.
Everything about the trilogy, working with Stormzy, the new British cinema and diversity is all discussed her from the eyes of the beauty herself.
Hey, this girl has worked with the best of the best of the new gen, she’s pays her dues. Now, it’s her time to shine.
1. Finally! It’s been a long time Shanika Warren Markland. From being among the star cast in “Gone Too Far” alongside the likes of Malachi Kirby, Tosin Cole and Adelayo Adeyayo, to being in the Noel Clarke’s “Brotherhood” alongside Stormzy. Describe this special moment in one word.
Groundwork.
2. What was it like working with Noel Clarke again after 8 years since appearing in his second sequel “Adulthood” as Kayla?
I’ve worked with Noel Clarke a lot over the last 8 years since Adulthood: from starring in “4.3.2.1” to smaller parts in “The Knot”. We have a great working relationship and I trust him immensely as a real actors director.
3. What made you to stop pursuing television and to focus more on film? Aml Ameen, who also starred in “Kidulthood”, has gone on to appear in films such as “Maze Runner”, and is really making waves in Hollywood.
I never decided to stop pursuing television. It just so happened that it was film roles I was getting. TV is having such a brilliant moment right now and I would definitely love to do some next.
4. Give us a little insight into your character in “Brotherhood”. What was it like working with Stormzy?
Kayla is as strong minded and ambitious as she was in “Adulthood”, but this time round she has a family and responsibilities that are the main focuses of her life and her protection. She’s a bit like a female lion when it comes to protecting her cubs! I don’t actually have any scenes with Stormzy, but I hanged around on set to meet him one day, and he’s just as confident about acting as he is about music. He has an infectious energy and is destined for greatness.
4. Our condolences to Aaron Eaton, who was also amazing in “Absent Without Love” by Fredi Kruga. In celebration of his life, describe in a few sentences his spirit and presence.
Unfortunately, I never met Aaron Eaton so I wouldn’t want to do him an injustice by doing that. I will say it is always sad when someone is taken before their time and the whole “Brotherhood” family send their condolences to his family.
5. We see that you also got a fashion blog too! Is that something that you in your spare time, whilst pursuing your quests for film stardom?
Ah, my blog. It isn’t a fashion blog; more a lifestyle blog i.e.books I read, films I watched, theatre shows I saw etc. I felt a bit like the blog market was over saturated so took a step back. However, lots of people have said they liked it recently so maybe I should restart!
5. After watching your kicking ass sass moves in “4,3,2,1” ,we think that you could be a kick-ass superhero! You’ve done a lot of characters that were seductive yet with attitude, and your strong role as Kayla shows that there’s more to you than just being sexy. Do you have prospects of doing more roles that challenges your acting credibility? We’ve seen your potential with your short film that you’ve written “When Fragile Things Break.”
I think I would make a dope super hero! Thank you. I definitely want to take on some more challenging parts. I wrote “When Fragile Things Break”, to show another side to my performance abilities. I’d love to play a less upbeat character, maybe someone very twisted and dark or melancholy.
6. Describe your personality as a movie title that will make it become a Box Office hit.
Shadiva in the Stars; one London girl takes on Hollywood!
7. Raleigh Ritchie, Ashley Chin, Letitia Wright, Michaela Cole …all you’ve work with have gone on to great things. So what are your thoughts about the change of direction with British entertainment in terms of diversity? Do you think companies are compassionate about demonstrating the real view of the world? Or are they just into the diversity issue in on for the profit?
I’m so proud of those guys and all they’ve achieved, it’s very inspiring. I think the UK are woefully behind the States in terms of diverse representation. Even America itself isn’t perfect – just look at the #OscarsSoWhite movement. We still have a very long way to go over here, but I’m happy that so many people are drawing attention to it such as initiatives like Act for Change.
I think the only way to affect real change is for the decision makers, the producers and studio heads and broadcasters to be from a more diverse range of backgrounds; more women, more gay people, more ethnic minorities, more disabled people. People all want to see themselves reflected and if those people are making the decisions, more stories that are not about straight white men will be told.
8. There are also much female producers, directors and actresses out there. Do you have an eye on a female filmmaker that you’d love to work with? How important is it for you as an actress to go the extra-mile (knowing the sense of the colourism and sexism that is associated within the film industry)?
I’ve had the privilege of working with Destiny Ekaragha and Bola Agbaje; the director and writer of “Gone Too Far”, and it made me want to work with more female filmmakers! I would love to work with Amma Asante who directed “Belle” and Ava Duvernay who directed “Selma”. Also, I’d love to work with anything involving Shonda Rhimes!
The film industry can be a bit of a “Boys Club” and it sometimes seems like only one Black female is allowed to thrive at any one time. All I can do is work hard and speak out on these issues when I can!
9. Reflect on your journey as an actress; from your early days of filming to now. You’re gradually becoming an upcoming actress and we wanted to know the top three advice that you’d give to any aspiring actresses.
a) Find a local theatre company to work and train with.
b) Get as much experience as possible; create your own content if you need to.
c) Never give up!
10. “Brotherhood” reached No. 2 in the UK box office. Therefore, what do you think the future would look like for British cinema? We also want to know your exclusive prospects and projects for 2017 as an actress with an interesting portfolio.
“Brotherhood” did really well at the box office and we are all very proud. After “Kidulthood” and “Adulthood”, there were a lot of films in the same vein, but none were as successful and the genre started to die out a bit. Brotherhood’s popularity just shows that the original was the best! The trilogy had really built up loyalty and this was also respected. I can’t say what the future of British cinema will be, but the fact that people came out to the cinema was also in part due to awareness because of promotion; adverts on tv, radio, the tube, billboards, buses etc. If the industry stopped being so scared to spend money on different types of stories, took some risks and actually promoted diverse films, they will find that there is an audience for them.
Coming up for me, a few potential sequels I’m hoping get off the ground! Some short films and hopefully some quality television.
11. Who else do you recommend that we should look out for in the UK film industry?
Letitia Wright, Malachi Kirby and Tosin Cole.
12. How people follow you and be updated with the latest appearances, news as you continue to make your quest for stardom.
On Twitter and Instagram I’m @shanika_wm find me there!
13. You can say whatever you really want.
I’ve been laying the groundwork and foundations for this career of mine, I’ve been paying my dues. I’m ready to take over now!