Luana Ribeira is an actress, businesswoman, and PR expert. She stars in “No Such Thing as Zombies” on Amazon Prime and her comedy sketch show “It’s Luana” premieres at Cannes bext week. At Cannes, she’ll also launch Dauntless TV and film an episode of Dauntless Movie Hub. Luana also stars in the TV drama pilot “Deep Undercover” as Home Secretary Jasmine Gold. She is the founder of Dauntless PR.
Q: How did you get started in acting and PR?
A: I began my acting career in 2011. At that time, I also worked for an agency for actors, handling their PR. It was through this role that I discovered my passion for PR, and my journey in both fields started simultaneously.
Q: Can you tell us more about your film “No Such Thing as Zombies”?
A: “No Such Thing as Zombies” is a micro-budget film that we had an incredible time making. It’s now available on Amazon Prime. The film was a collaborative effort with a fantastic director and crew, and despite its modest budget, it received numerous awards. It was filmed in Anglesey, Stoke-on-Trent, and Stafford over 12 intense days, creating a close-knit, fun atmosphere on set.
Q: What was the funniest moment on the set of “No Such Thing as Zombies”?
A: One of the funniest moments was being woken up early by our director, who would sing and dance right in front of me every morning. It became a bit of a morning routine and a source of laughter for everyone on set. We were living and working together in a bubble, which led to many hilarious moments.
Q: Can you share more about your upcoming sketch show at Cannes?
A: The sketch show is premiering soon at Cannes next Wednesday (22nd May) , and it’s a project that’s very close to my heart. My friend and director, Eddie Bammeke, has been incredibly persistent in getting projects into festivals like Cannes for years. This show is a testament to his vision and our hard work. It features a diverse cast, including stand-up comedy and musical segments, making it a fast-paced and entertaining show.
Q: How do you balance your time between acting, running a PR company, and family life?
A: Balancing these roles is definitely a juggling act, especially with two young children. My days are filled with picking up and dropping off kids, managing PR tasks, and preparing for acting roles. Having diverse interests helps keep me motivated and engaged. Running the PR company allows me to stay connected to the industry in a different way, and I find that both roles complement each other well.
Q: What’s it like working on a project that’s both a comedy and a horror film?
A: It’s quite unique and challenging! “No Such Thing as Zombies” is described as a “zomedy” because it blends elements of horror with comedy. This genre-mixing required me to step out of my comfort zone, but it was very rewarding to see the positive response and the awards it received.
Q: How do you prepare for a filming day? Do you have any specific routines?
A: I usually get up early, around 5 am, to prepare for filming. I immerse myself in the character I’m playing by doing everyday activities, like shopping, in character. This helps me quickly get into the right mindset when filming starts. It’s a method that helps me connect with the character on a deeper level.
Q: What’s your ideal day like? Can you describe five things that make up your perfect day?
A: My perfect day involves:
- Relaxing in the sunshine with a good thriller book.
- Spending time at the beautiful beaches in Anglesey or my place in Portugal.
- Enjoying a leisurely meal at a local café or restaurant with friends and family.
- Attending a local festas or cultural event in Portugal, soaking up the vibrant atmosphere.
- Watching a movie or a play, as I’m a huge fan of both and find immense joy in these simple pleasures.
Q: How often do you travel between Anglesey and Portugal?
A: I live between Anglesey and Portugal, splitting my time based on work and family commitments. I intend to spend every school holiday in Portugal. Portugal offers a peaceful retreat and a change of scenery, which is refreshing.
Q: What do you love most about Portugal?
A: I love the values in Portugal that emphasise love and family. The local festivities, which can start as late as 1 am, are filled with singing, dancing, and a great atmosphere. There’s a strong sense of community and enjoyment of life, which I find incredibly appealing.
Q: What advice would you give to young people who want to pursue a career in acting?
A: My advice is to be proactive and create your own opportunities. When I was starting, many people told me there wouldn’t be many opportunities. But I believe if the opportunities aren’t there, you should create them. For instance, if there’s a role you want to play but can’t find, consider making your own film. Also, don’t rely solely on acting for income—find a related job or create a business that complements your acting career to avoid the stress of financial dependence on acting roles.
Q: How do you feel about your daughter wanting to pursue voice acting?
A: I’m incredibly proud and excited to support her. My daughter, Saren, who is 15, recently expressed her interest in becoming a voiceover actress. Despite her school not having resources to help her, I’m using my industry experience to guide her. She’s even taking a week off school to attend Cannes with me, where she’ll meet industry professionals and start building her career.
Q: Can you tell us more about your stand-up comedy experience?
A: I was thrown into stand-up comedy without much preparation, which was both terrifying and exhilarating. I did a short session in Stafford for filming purposes, and despite the initial nerves, it went down well. Stand-up comedy is very different from screen acting because the feedback is instant and you have to be able to think on your feet. I will have my first proper gig in July at the Shaftesbury Fringe.
Q: Do you have a favourite place to relax and read?
A: In Anglesey, I love the beaches, although the weather isn’t always great. In Portugal, I live right on the edge of a forest, which offers stunning views and a perfect place to relax and read. The tranquillity and beauty of the forest make it an ideal spot for me to unwind.
Q: What are your future plans in the entertainment industry?
A: I plan to continue exploring both acting and comedy, pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I also want to support my children in their pursuits, whether in the entertainment industry or elsewhere. Additionally, I’m committed to creating more content and finding new ways to engage with my audience through both film and live performances.
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