Megan Palinkas No Through Road Interview

Megan Palinkas, No Through Road Interview

Cast: James Helm , Megan Palinkas, Sam Barrett and Keagan Kang
Director: Sam Barrett
Genre: Thriller
Rated: MA 15+
Running Time: 85 minutes

A Nakatomi Pictures Production

The serenity of a yet another quiet evening alone is shattered for amateur photographer, Richard (James Helm). Desperate, frightened and uninvited, Samantha (Megan Palinkas) has taken refuge in Richard's sprawling, suburban home. Is there substance to her fear and paranoia, or are substances the cause? Is her arrival a break-in or an escape? As she seeks salvation from savage retribution, Richard is forced to fight Samantha's battle for survival in order to save his home, his life and his sense of humanity.

Only dawn will reveal the blood-soaked fallout of being alone in the middle of suburbia.....

No Through Road - one way in, no way out.

Megan Palinkas is a Perth based actor who is the lead actress in the film, No Through Road. Megan stares along side an all Western Australian cast and crew in the Saw-like thriller. Megan, tell us a little bit about the film, No Through Road?

Megan Palinkas: No Through Road is an independent feature film by director Sam Barrett. The film has picked up a heap of awards at festivals all over the world and will be out on DVD in Australia on the 28th April. You can pre-order it.


Who do you play in the film?

Megan Palinkas: I play Samantha. She's a drug addict with a dubious past who slams into an unsuspecting guy's life one night and brings a whole lot of trouble with her.


How did it feel to receive the award 'Best Actress' for No Through Road at the Melbourne Underground Film Festival?

Megan Palinkas: I was stoked. It's a nice validation for me and the film.


I hear you are currently working on a show at the Blue Room, tell us a little bit about this:

Megan Palinkas: That was a few months back now. I had an opportunity to write and perform a piece for the Blue Room's '25 Summer Nights' Program. I wrote a piece that presented the voice of a woman who has had her life tragically and unexpectedly cut short. Writing is a big passion of mine and I think that as an actor if you can create or a least contribute to the creation of projects it provides extra avenues of work. And that's always a good thing.


How do you feel when you watch yourself of the big screen?

Megan Palinkas: The first time was excruciating. You're looking at the screen going, 'Why did I say it like that?' or 'that's a really bad angle'. Naturally, you're your own worst critic but I've become a lot more comfortable with it.


Did you have any pre-conceived ideas about the acting industry?

Megan Palinkas: Many of my pre-conceived ideas turned out to be true. There's a lot of nepotism within the industry and landing work can definitely be a case of 'who you know' not 'what you know'. I never had any unrealistic expectations. I knew I had to work hard and expect a lot of rejection and not much initial reward.


What/who was your inspiration to go into your industry?

Megan Palinkas: I suppose my initial inspiration was an acting teacher I had in primary school. That's when I really got excited about acting. My aunty also used to take me to a lot of musicals and I remember I used to get such a shot of adrenaline through me as the theatre went dark and the orchestra started up. I wanted to be up on that stage.


You have been traveling, is this for work?

Megan Palinkas: Yes. I grew up and studied in Perth and it was wonderful but unfortunately living there is not conducive to a healthy acting career. For example, the last two feature films shot there weren't even cast there. They were cast in the Eastern States. It seems to be the assumption that the talent pool just isn't there. This is not true of course. I know many amazingly talented actors living in Perth but if you want the chance to work regularly you need to go where it is happening.


Car I want to own:

Megan Palinkas: Vintage MG convertible.


Car I own:

Megan Palinkas: I don't own one. I catch the tube.


I would never leave the house without?

Megan Palinkas: Mobile phone and lip balm.


What is your next purchase?

Megan Palinkas: Probably a new bed. It's like the springs on my current one are alive and out for blood.


Prized Possession:

Megan Palinkas: I'm not very materialistic. I've got some pretty lovely pieces of jewellery that I inherited from my grandmothers. They are pretty special to me.


What is the first thing you think of when you wake up in the morning:

Megan Palinkas: What shall I have for breakfast?