Performing in an Award-winning Film & Getting Callbacks Inspires Actor Irene Artal
“The best feedback in acting is when directors and producers express interest in working with me again. It means a lot to know they appreciate my professionalism, seriousness, and dedication to the work. They’ve also mentioned that they value my sensitivity as a person, which helps me connect deeply with the characters and the team. Knowing that my approach is respected and that they’d want to collaborate again is the greatest compliment I could receive.” — Irene Artal
Barcelona-born actor Irene Artal, who’s inspired by Golden Globe-winning movie Emilia Perez for “opening the door for more diverse voices and characters,” loves collaborating with directors, suggesting that working together is about finding the best way to bring her character and the story to life.
Indeed, Artal has starred in an award-winning short film (Por qué no llamas a Ernesto?), and several other short films (including Mucha Carne, La Invitada, Coliving), along with feature films (like Coda 77 and El Patio de Jim). She has also appeared in several national commercials and stage productions, including an upcoming play in Madrid, called La Revolución Según Charlotte.
Of what she brings to the table, Artal, who’s comfortable in both drama and comedy, suggests, “As an actor, I think my strengths are my dedication and flexibility. I always show up on time, prepared, and ready to do my best.”
Artal, who performed in Por qué no llamas a Ernesto?, which earned an award for Best Performance at the Ouigo Film Festival, talks further about her acting assets, and what she’s brought to various projects.
— How is acting different from stage to filmed projects to commercials?
— On stage, you need to project your voice and movements so the audience can see and hear you, while staying present and focused on your scene partner. In film, small details matter because the camera catches everything. And, in commercials, you need a lot of energy and a natural feel, with the goal of sharing a clear message that fits the brand.
— What did you bring to your character Cecilia in Mucha Carne (“A Lot of Meat”)?
— It’s about a young woman who wakes up at a table surrounded by people she doesn’t recognize, and they keep pushing her to eat a piece of meat, but they won’t tell her what it is, as the tension rises. I wanted to capture that feeling of unease and suspense, keeping the audience on edge until the surprising reveal. A fun story related to the film is that there’s a moment where my character is forced to eat the meat out of fear of what might happen if I don’t, but then I actually end up enjoying it a lot. The funny part is that it really happened to me! After filming, I even asked for the recipe. But when I tried to make it at home, let’s just say it didn’t turn out nearly as good. It was a total disaster!
— What was the director going for in horror short La Invitada (“The Guest”) with your character, Eva?
— Eva, my character, and Alba are waiting for Nico to arrive so they can head out for Halloween night. They’re just bored, not expecting anything out of the ordinary. But then, a mysterious guest shows up. Or maybe it was already there. The final scene is intentionally dark to build suspense and make the surprise more intense. The director wanted to build suspense by keeping my character’s intentions unclear. I had to create tension by trying to scare Alba while concealing my true motives.
— Going from horror, how did you bring some comedy to the national commercial for Orange, the telecom company?
— In the “Orange, Tengas lo que tengas” campaign, I portrayed a woman concerned about her partner’s excessive gaming. We visit a rehabilitation center to understand his condition, where a doctor humorously diagnoses him with “videojueguitis.” This comedic twist highlighted Orange’s diverse entertainment offerings, including gaming, sports, and movies. The comedic moment came from the unexpected diagnosis that left my character even more confused than before.
— What’s key to successfully acting in commercials, and how to get callbacks?
— The key is to keep it simple, natural, and energetic. You need to connect with the audience quickly and deliver the message clearly. To get callbacks, be prepared, professional and punctual, and show confidence. You have to make sure that you understand the product and show that you can bring your own personality to it.
— What did you want to bring to your role as Marta, a gay woman in Por qué no llamas a Ernesto? (“Why don’t you call Ernesto”)?
— I wanted to bring a mix of fear, shame, and the desire for freedom. I wanted to show that Marta isn’t just afraid; she feels trapped and really wants to open up. At the same time, Marta’s girlfriend, who hasn’t had the same family experience, is tired of being kept at a distance. She wants Marta to be more honest and stop holding back. This tension in their relationship is something I wanted to show, as it adds to Marta’s struggle to face her fears and truly be herself.
— Do you have any life lessons you apply daily?
— In life and acting, it’s all about trusting your instincts, being humble, and honest about what’s happening around you. Empathy for others is key, too; it makes a big difference in how we connect with people and the world.
Drop in on Irene Artal’s website, for her resume, reels and gallery of photos, and her IMDb and Instagram pages. Also, on YouTube, check out the award-winning short, Por qué no llamas a Ernesto?
