Geelong High School student and ‘Blueback’ actor Ilsa Fogg on juggling study and movie making

Geelong student Ilsa Fogg has juggled her VCE studies and her first movie role. Here’s how the ‘Blueback’ star has done it.

Actor Ilsa Fogg stars in the new movie ‘Blueback’ alongside Radha Mitchell, Mia Wasikowska and Eric Bana. Picture: Brad Fleet

Ilsa Fogg has juggled being a movie star and VCE student.

The Belmont High School student was cast in the film adaptation of Tim Winton’s ‘Blueback’ about two years ago, and has been balancing her VCE studies with movie obligations.

The 18-year-old stars as the teenage version of main character Abby in the film, in cinemas on New Year’s Day.

Ms Fogg said it was an amazing experience taking on her first role and VCE at the same time.

“When I found out (I was cast) I was at the fridge getting lunch ready for school,” she said.

‘Blueback’ actor Ilsa Fogg said she burst into tears at the news she had been cast. Picture: Brad Fleet

“My mum came in and told me I got it, and I just burst into tears.

“I never expected to get it, and I was so happy.

“I’ve loved everything to do with ‘Blueback’.”

Ms Fogg said the film didn’t distract her from trying her best in her VCE years.

She said it was nice to have something else to focus on separate from study.

Ms Fogg travelled with the cast and crew to Western Australia for filming, to the coastal town of Bremer Bay.

She said a highlight of filming, aside from the “family sense” among the group, was discovering freediving.

“I never knew freediving existed, and then saw in the script that Abby does it quite a bit,” Ms Fogg said.

Ilsa Fogg took up freediving for the film and said it opened up her world. Picture: Roadshow Films

“All of a sudden I was doing it, and learning about holding my breath and what my body can do.

“It has opened up my whole world.

“The ocean is scary but beautiful … I’m definitely going to keep doing it.”

Ms Fogg said jumping between school and film commitments was hard but worth it.

She said the Covid-19 pandemic actually helped her manage the two obligations.

“I always expected it to be hard,” she said.

Ilsa Fogg said the Covid-19 pandemic taught her to manage multiple demands at once. Picture: Roadshow Films/Nic Duncan

“But having Covid (as a factor) made me more capable of managing filming and school actually.

“It has taught me different ways of dealing with things and balancing elements.”

Now finished with final exams and looking forward to the film’s release, Ms Fogg said she was looking forward to the next chapter of her life.

She said with ATAR results day approaching on December 12, she would be happy with whatever result.

“I’ll be happy with whatever because I tried my hardest,” she said.

“Whatever I get, it’ll be fine.

“I did what I could.”

To follow the Geelong Advertiser’s coverage of VCE results on December 12, visit geelongadvertiser.com.au

Originally published as Geelong High School student and ‘Blueback’ actor Ilsa Fogg on juggling study and movie making