Billy got the main part in an IKEA comm: "you're our star of the year"

Watch Billy in the IKEA commercial here

– Hi Billy! You recently moved from Denmark to Sweden, how did you find StagePool?

– I heard about StagePool through a former media teacher in Denmark, so I took the chance to join StagePool immediately after moving to Sweden.

– How was it to be new to Sweden and having acting ambitions?

– It is very hard to find jobs in the entertainment industry when moving to a different country and barely knowing anyone. While starting my private learning process of the Swedish language back then, I was very eager to start building my professional network and my career of acting and doing commercial films.

– And shortly after joining StagePool something happened, right?

– Yes, I saw the job ad saying "Actors for IKEA commercial". Nothing more, and nothing less! I took the chance right away and applied, without any hesitation, and no fear, rather a huge flow of excitement and eagerness. After approximately 14 days of membership with StagePool, I got my first reply from an agency, and not just any agency, it was IKEA agency! 

"Thanks to StagePool and the IKEA commercial film, this wasn’t the only casting I got, and it definitely won’t be the last."

– How did the casting go?

– I would lie if I told you that I wasn’t nervous at all, but mostly about what the Swedish casting agencies focus on. I did some research on internet beforehand, asked a friend of mine who's a musical singer/actor for advice, and got myself ready mentally and physically for the big day. While I was impatiently waiting in the lobby for my turn, I was visualizing a successful audition, which all helped me to be prepared to convey the type of confidence that will get me the role. Pernilla Olsson, the producer and the project manager of MINT production agency, welcomed me in, with her friendly and kind relaxing character. After finishing the auditions, I was told to accept a call in case I was chosen.

– What happened next?

– One week later, I got a call telling me that I got a main role in IKEA digital as "Max". To have gotten my very first audition, and my first role in Sweden in just two weeks was positively overwhelming.

– Do you remember anything particular from the shooting of the commercial?

– Yes, on my last day of filming working with a group of extras, I got the comment "Billy, is our star of the year", which filled my heart and mind with joy and feelings of success. I was, and is still very thankful for the role that I was chosen to. The entire cast were extremely "typically Swedish nice" to me. 

– What experience did you make with this production?

– Well, I put all my efforts to prove my acting skills, and my group and stress free working abilities. Proving to myself of my capabilities and making the whole agency proud of my work, and mainly representing StagePool in a good manner. 

– How did the career develop after this assignment?

– Thanks to StagePool and the IKEA commercial film, this wasn’t the only casting I got, and it definitely won’t be the last, as long as I'm a member on this helpful website, I’ll be a non-stop package of energy, competence, and eagerness!

After the IKEA commercial I've gotten plenty of different roles, both as supporting actors and extras, and also gotten offers to do modeling, and private free lancing in still photos sponsoring.