Maisie Williams: The Throne star

Game of Thrones star Maisie Williams speaks about working on the show from a young age

IT’S THE FANTASY show that has taken the world by storm. Such is the ferocity of support it receives; social media almost shut down for the day after the recent season five finale in order for those who hadn’t seen it to avoid any spoilers.

The cast members have become overnight sensations. “Fit” Kit Harington adorns most magazine covers while Emilia Clarke can currently be seen in the new Terminator film.

The youngest actor in the team, 18-year old Maisie Williams who plays Arya Stark has virtually grown up on screen since joining Game of Thrones in 2011. It is for this reason that she features in an upcoming CNN Ones to Watch, which continues this month with an episode dedicated to film.

The programme opens at the centre of the cinematic calendar, the Cannes Film Festival. This is the most prestigious film festival in the world, drawing an influential and famed audience, which Executive Editor of Variety and CNN Ones to Watch contributor Steven Gaydos describes as the biggest megaphone in the world.

Gaydos is also an award-winning screenwriter for films including Road to Nowhere, winner of the 2010 Venice Film Festival Golden Lion Prize. It is at Cannes that he nominates Maisie Williams as a One to Watch in the world of film.

The CNN special follows Maisie’s first steps from TV into film, witnessing her presented as a Shooting Star to Natalie Portman at the Berlin Film Festival.

This interview was made possible by CNN’s Ones to Watch. To catch the Maisie Williams episode, tune in to CNN at these UAE times:Friday, July 10 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm

Saturday, July 11 at 5.30pm and 11.30pm

Sunday, July 12 at 4.30am

Monday, July 13 at 7.30am

Tuesday, July 14 at 1.30pm and 8.30pm

Wednesday, July 15 at 7.30am and 12.30pm

You were just 12 when you began playing Arya Stark in Game of Thrones working with names like Sean Bean and Lena Headey. What did you learn from them?

It was a great experience as a 12 year old, I watched and tried to take in as much as possible, I learnt things like the vocabulary of a film set, how to behave...I know I asked lots of questions but no one seemed to mind.

You launched your professional career in Game of Thrones, a series which has become such an enormous global hit. Does the expectation of audiences bring pressure to the part?

Yes, it does but I try to focus and not let that get to me. I try to be true to the Arya I first envisaged and hope people like her.

Are there similarities between yourself and Arya, or are you very different in real life?

When we were younger we were quite similar I think but as I’ve got older I have matured into someone quite different.

You’ve been chosen as ‘One to Watch’ in the world of film by CNN – how does this feel?

It’s very exciting to fall into this category as my background is mainly TV but I am grateful to have the opportunity to widen my horizons. Thank you for choosing me!

As you add more film work to your roster – Gold; The Falling and The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea – have you noticed differences in your approach and technique?

Yes, creating a new character for a new film is vastly different and more challenging than returning to a character you have already portrayed. It needs much more preparation.

Jessica Biel, your co-star in The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, has complimented your work. What inspiration did you take from her?

Jessica was great to work with, not only did she make me feel relaxed and at home in a foreign city, but on set she encouraged me to go with my instincts, giving me confidence.

You’re set to guest-star in a forthcoming episode of Doctor Who – are you a fan, and what does it feel to take part in such an iconic series?

I did watch and enjoy Dr Who as a child as have most people! It’s quite daunting to be a part of such an iconic series but everyone was so lovely and they are such a great team, I slotted in straight away. I can’t wait to see what the fans think of it.

• City Times