Chanel on track to grab LA dream
She's only 19 but already Perth-born actress Chanel Marriott has proved she has what it takes to succeed in Hollywood's highly competitive entertainment industry.
Since moving to Los Angeles four years ago, Marriott has gone from strength to strength, landing roles in short films and high-profile TV series.
Back in town to visit family and friends, the young star said she had never regretted her decision to leave Perth to pursue her dream.
"There's a lot more competition but also more opportunities over there," Marriott said.
"Some weeks I'll go out for two or three auditions a day.
"In Perth, you would never be going out for auditions for big-budget films and TV series on a regular basis."
Last year was a busy one for the Manning-raised teen, who appeared on popular TV shows including Hawaii Five-0 and Days of our Lives.
"Hawaii Five-0 was a phenomenal experience," Marriott said. "They flew me to Hawaii with first-class flights and a first-class hotel and I worked with William Sadler (of The Shawshank Redemption fame) and Daniel Dae Kim from Lost.
"I also shot a pilot for a show called Subject 5 which was pitched to Sony. In that I worked with the 87eleven Action Design stunt team who did the Bourne films, Mr & Mrs Smith and The Hunger Games, which was amazing."
Adding to her growing list of achievements, Marriott was also the first Australian female to be named Best Actress in a Short Feature Film at the prestigious Young Artist Awards in Los Angeles last May for her leading role in Penny Arcade.
Since its inception 35 years ago, the Young Artist Awards have recognised the work of stars including Emma Watson, Scarlett Johansson and Leonardo DiCaprio.
"I'm blessed to have won that," Marriott said of the accolade.
"A lot of well-known actors and actresses have won Young Artist Awards previously, so it's definitely an honour."
After a month at home, Marriott will head back to Los Angeles this week, where she will start work on three feature films.
