From alien invasions to heartfelt drama, India Brown is proving that there’s nothing she can’t do, and showing us that the two may have more in common than you think. Best known for her standout role in Apple TV’s Invasion, Brown injects her craft with the depth and maturity of a performer who was born to tell stories. Ahead of a new
season of Invasion and her latest film Honey Bunch, India sat down with THE REAL to talk sci-fi, set memories and the strive to give it her all.
India, thank you for talking with THE REAL! At such a young age, you already have an impressive repertoire of professional work. When did you know that you wanted to pursue acting?
I started acting professionally at the age of 9, but I attended weekly acting, singing and dancing classes from the age of 4. Acting, specifically, has been something that I’ve always gravitated towards, enjoyed doing and never stopped loving. So, I would say in my heart, acting has always been something I’ve wanted to pursue from a really young age. An age consciously I can’t remember.
Invasion is a smash hit on Apple TV, with a new season dropping every week from August 22nd. Were you a fan of sci-fi before starting the show?
I was most definitely a fan of sci-fi before starting the show. I love films that thrill! I think that’s why I was so captivated by the concept of our show. It was everything sci-fi but with a twist. Our show subtly subverts the genre by making humanity the main characters of the storyline, rather than the aliens being the prime focus and spearhead of the show.
You play Jamila, who, in Season 1, is caught in the chaos of the invasion and separated from her mother. Your performance across that first season is phenomenal – what is your favourite memory from shooting?
Thank you so much! My favourite memory from shooting Invasion has to be from Season 1, filming the bus crash scene. For us kids all under the age of 16, I remember it being such an exciting sequence to film. It took place over a few days and none of us had performed in an action sequence before. Even seeing the team make decisions on what cuts and bruises each kid got from the crash was quite amusing too.
Do you prefer these large-scale projects or more small-scale, stripped back productions? Which do you prefer to act in?
To be honest, I don’t have a preference. For me, it’s always about the characters and the storyline no matter if it’s large-scale or small-scale productions. I’ve always followed my heart and intuition with what feels right in terms of characters, concepts and storylines I feel connected to.
Meanwhile, your new film Honey Bunch sounds like a big shift in tone from sci-fi. What can you tell us about your character?
I play a young girl called Josephina who’s suffered from a traumatic accident. Whilst she is battling through rehabilitation, she constantly wants to please her father even though it might be detrimental to her.
How do you like to get into character? Do you have a routine or mindset that you like to tap into before the cameras roll?
After the process of hair, make up and costume, I step onto set and then I become the character.
You have already won a hugely impressive selection of varied roles – do you find yourself drawn to a particular genre or type of character that you haven’t explored yet?
That’s such a great question. I like a challenge. I’m drawn to characters that force me to step out of my comfort zone and try something new in a way that helps me explore another side of my acting. To have been able to play such a wonderful group of characters and be a part of so many different genres, has been something I don’t take for granted. I like variety and I don’t want to put myself in a box.
Where do you find inspiration? Which other actors and storytellers do you personally admire?
I admire Octavia Spencer. I think she is an outstanding actress, and her work is so extensive, it’s commendable. I think I’ve watched nearly all her projects, and I admire her ability to not be put in a box. She’s an actress that can do it all and one of my biggest inspirations.
What has been the best lesson you’ve learned so far about professional acting? What advice would you give to someone else trying to start out?
The best lesson I’ve learnt so far is give everything 100%. At least you would know within your heart that you tried your absolute hardest and put your best foot forward.
Beyond acting, is there anything that you wish to creatively pursue in the future? Could we see you writing or directing one day?
I am writing, and I hope to produce those one day. Regarding directing, that is something I would also love to pursue. There are so many avenues in storytelling.
Invasion, Season 3 is available to stream on Apple TV+ now.
Follow India on Instagram @india_m_brown
Photographer: David Reiss
MUA: Joy Adenuga
Hair Stylist: Nicola Harrowell
Fashion Stylist: Prue Fisher
