Dianella-raised actress Shannon Berry nominated for Logie for role in Offspring

THE set of hit television series Offspring is a masterclass on acting for Dianella raised Logie finalist Shannon Berry.

The 17-year-old, who trained at Filmbites Youth Film School then dropped out of Mt Lawley High School last year to pursue acting, is already caught in a whirlwind of career opportunities and praise.

Berry got her first break in sci-fi series Hunters, but when it was not picked up for a second series, she scored the role of runaway pregnant teen Brody Jordan in Offspring.

Back in Perth to shoot her first feature film Love You Twice, Berry spoke to Community Newspaper Group about her skyrocketing career and high profile award nomination.

“I quit school to focus on acting, I wasn’t learning a lot about what I wanted to do,” she said.

“My parents were like ‘oh maybe you will get into WAAPA or NIDA; we did not expect this to happen’.”

Berry explained how she filmed her biggest acting challenge so far – a birthing scene.

“I don’t have kids yet so it was a lot of YouTube clips, which have scarred me, but it was a big help to have that at my fingertips,” she said.

“When I read the script I was like ‘oh she is on all fours and where is Nina putting her hands?’

“I just wanted it to be realistic so that people who have been through it felt it was accurate and not overdone.

“On the set, instincts just kick in, the director calls ‘action’ and you are like ‘let’s go and just leave embarrassment behind.’”

Berry recalls her reaction when she found out she was up for the Best New Talent Logie.

“I thought there was no way I would get it and when I saw I did a little dance in the car,” she said.

“It is wonderful to be nominated; it is all very much a mystery and very exciting.”

Logies voting closes December 18.

Go to http://www.filmbites.com.au to enrol for holiday workshops.