Simone Ashley compares starring in F1 to being in theatre
Simone Ashley has likened shooting the upcoming 'F1' movie to starring in a theatrical production.
Simone Ashley had compared starring in 'F1' to being in a theatrical production.
The 30-year-old star features in the upcoming motor racing blockbuster alongside Brad Pitt in an undisclosed role and discussed the unique challenge of filming scenes at the same time as the world's leading drivers were preparing for Grand Prix around the world.
Speaking at IWC Schaffhausen at their Watches and Wonders booth in Geneva, Simone said: "It felt just like theatre, like waiting in the wings, waiting to be called to go on to the grid or wherever we were filming. Sometimes we only had like five minutes or 10 minutes of access to film a scene.
"Every time we were filming on the grid or parc ferme we would all be gassed up and excited. Getting ready together, Brad would be playing music – even talking about it makes me have goosebumps. It was just indescribable."
The 'Bridgerton' star described getting to star in the picture as a "once in a lifetime experience".
She said: "(It was a) once in a lifetime experience. So grateful to be part of that film and part of the long journey that they've all endured.
"We got to experience everything in real time at the real races, the real Grand Prix, the roar of the crowds, the roar of the engines, the chaos, the energy. I got to travel all over the world."
Simone explained that she prepared for the movie – which IWC Schaffhausen have collaborated with by sponsoring 'APXGP', the fictional 11th team on the grid - by "immersing" herself with the cast.
She said: "I'm very grateful to be part of this movie and my preparation for it was to just be part of the team and to just immerse myself within it all. I made some great friends on this film, which really meant a lot to me."
F1 has surged in popularity in recent years thanks to the Netflix series 'Drive to Survive' and Simone expects its rise to accelerate further thanks to the movie, which is directed by 'Top Gun: Maverick' helmer Joseph Kosinski.
She said: "F1's just getting bigger and bigger. Movies are an emotional engagement to a world and I think that's one that F1 is going to experience. People are going to really feel it as well as see it and experience speed in a way that they have never experience before."
