Actress Andrea Ware had her fair share of fighting fire breathing dragons on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”. Playing the character Burnheart, a brave warrior with a big heart, Ware helped bring the originally animated film to life. Beyond acting, Ware spends her time helping with creative programmes for disadvantaged youth at Roadworks Media and humanitarian work at her best friend’s organization FACE Africa. To learn more about Andrea Ware and her time on set for the live action “How to Train Your Dragon”, read on.

Where are you based?
I currently split my time between London & Barbados.

What inspired you to start acting?
My sister, I think, I joined the same drama club as her and got to experience performing on stage under the bright lights. I was hooked from the age of seven.

Who were your biggest acting inspirations growing up? Why?
Julia Roberts in ‘Pretty Woman” & Angelina Jolie in ‘Girl Interrupted'. And all of the performers in London’s West End Theatre district. Shows like ‘Fame’ & ‘Bloodbrothers’ would bring me to tears before the curtain was even lifted, it was so exciting, the energy in the theatre was electric and it moved me from a very young age, in fact that’s where it all began.

Congratulations on your role in the new live action “How To Train Your Dragon”! What can audiences look forward to seeing in this film? How will it hold onto the original but still stand out?
Thanks so much, it’s been a very exciting project to be a part of. Well I just got feedback from my friend’s 10 year old son and he was very happy with how aligned it was with the original animation, so I guess we did a good job of holding onto the original! I think it was important not to deviate too far from the original, the fans love this story, coming from the books or the animation, they know what they want to see, and I think we surpassed expectations. Perhaps there is a little more room to play with the story in the second movie. The fans will get an epic journey, a thrill like no other. Our Director, Dean, wanted audiences to feel like they were riding the dragon. I don’t know about you, but that’s exactly how I felt watching Hiccup and & Astrid soar above the clouds. So brilliant.

What can viewers expect to see from your character, Burnheart?
A brave warrior with a big heart! It seems Vikings in general were a wild and passionate bunch, and that’s certainly Braveheart! She would take her last breath protecting her people.

What was your favorite part about filming for “How To Train Your Dragon”?
All of it, it still feels like a dream. I had been working a lot in Canada and I had a yearning to work back home, getting to play a Viking in Ireland was majestic. The entire cast were exceptional, but watching Gerry bring Stoic to life was amazing, no one else could play that role. My costume was incredible, stepping into Burnheart’s fur lined boots everyday was an honour. Oh don’t get me started on the sets, wow!

How does your process for acting and developing a character differ when filming a movie versus a tv series?
Because you have more time on a movie, it feels like you can delve deeper into the world, although I think the process of building a character and establishing the world you are in is the same. TV moves very fast, so it’s a mental adjustment. In one day on a TV show you can work through multiple scenes, whereas in film, you can spend four days on a Viking ship shooting one scene! I do love working on massive sets, it’s such a thrill, you live and breathe that created world. On any given day on HTTYD there must have been at least 200 people working on our set, all equally contributing to making movie magic!

What is the best piece of advice you have received about navigating acting and the entertainment industry?
Get to know yourself and learn to love yourself, you need to be your biggest fan. Learn the business, know your industry inside and out. Surround yourself with good people, community is everything. It’s a jungle out there. Practice the art of letting go…if it’s not your role it’s not your role, yours is the next one. Keep the fire burning.

You have also worked for Roadworks Media, a company that offers creative programs and mentorships for disadvantaged youth, where you have taught acting and filmmaking. Can you tell us a little bit more about this company and your involvement?
Roadworks Media is an organization led by Quince Garcia, a brilliant human who had an epiphany on a bus, that he could write his own story. He swapped a life of gangs and crime for filmmaking. Roadworks Media is based in Southwark, South London and works with at-risk youth, running workshops in filmmaking, acting, music production, podcasting and writing. Quince is an artist, teacher and mentor to many in his community, we met through a play reading in London. I taught acting and filmmaking for Roadworks, our goal is to create a safe space where everyone is welcome and can express themselves freely. We strive to bridge the gap from community to professional work.

Why is the arts so important for the youth?
Art is hugely important for our youth, the next generation are shaping our future. Art shapes our culture. Creative expression of any kind is essential and every young person should be encouraged to express their he-art.

What changes do you hope to see for the future of the film industry?
More funding for independent cinema. The comeback of the movie theatre, cinema is not dead. Watching a movie on your laptop doesn't quite have the same magic as a packed imax theatre! Always equal pay. Full credit and recognition to our writers and casting directors and I sincerely hope the value of human connection and creation is never lost, art created from the human experience is utterly irreplaceable.

What advice do you have for young girls looking to start acting?
Explore your passion and understand your why. Believe in yourself, trust your instincts, study your craft and learn from the greats. Be confident in your choices. Find other hobbies outside of acting. Be ready.

Your best friend is the CEO of Face Africa. Can you tell us a bit about this organization and your involvement with them?
Yes! My best friend Pauline Egan is a filmmaker and actor (which is how we met), and she is also the full time Executive Director of FACE Africa. FACE Africa is a humanitarian organization founded in 2009, dedicated to helping some of the most remote and vulnerable communities in West Africa get safe drinking water, improved sanitation and health education. I have volunteered with, and donated monthly to FACE Africa for many years and love the impactful work they are doing. I love that they are a female-led and African-founded organization, and that their programs are focused on community-led approaches that are rooted in women's empowerment. There are so many causes to support in the world so I love that I get to see the direct impact of my support because my friend is always in the field sending me video and photo updates. You can follow them on Instagram and find them on their website listed below.

Are there any upcoming projects you are currently working on that we should be on the lookout for?
I’ve been working on raising my daughter this past year, motherhood has been my greatest role yet! HTTYD 2 is in pre production…watch this space.

It has been a crazy few years, and we expect at least four more. How have you been staying positive?
My family keep me positive, which for me is love. Being present and grateful keeps me positive. Not obsessing over what we can’t control is good practice, being out in nature and listening to a good podcast usually stops me from spiraling (Jay Shetty, On Purpose is my go to) watching the sunset or moon rise lift my spirits. Reading ‘The Secret” and practicing the law of attraction will change your path. Gaining wisdom from good books and meditating, breathwork, yoga…all the good stuff…I do not practice all the time but at least I know what is good for me! And I try to reset why I have the time!

What is your motto in life?
Follow your heart.

To learn more about Andrea Ware, please check out the links below:
IG: @andreamware
IG: @roadworksmedia / https://www.roadworksmedia.org.uk/
IG: @face.africa / www.faceafrica.org

Andrea Ware's Burning Heart