This in turn led to her first big screen starring role in P.J.
They made it such a difficult decision, she recalled.
I spoke to my agent.
Richard Peña and Toni Collette in Qumra masterclassTristan Fewings/Getty Images for Doha Film Institute
I was like, I dont wanna leave and then never work again.
And she said, Well, theres this film.
Its not entirely funded yet, but I really think its right for you.
She only sent one person.
She had complete faith in me.
Acting in general is quite meditative for me.
I dont know how I do it because I dont see anything, I dont see the camera.
Im fully in this world and just become very present, she said.
I meditate now and see how theyre very similar exercises.
I just make a decision to work on something simply because I dont have to emote, she said.
I was thinking, This is not right.
The body actually doesnt know the difference between whats real and what isnt.
When Im working, I cant pretend, I have to feel things too.
I dont have to carry it around.
Its been an interesting process.
Collette revealed she was originally cast in film in the role of the friend played by Barrymore.
We kept getting people in and they would fall out… She said, Why dont you play that part, youre like that part.
Then it all fell into place, she said.
Collette said she and Barrymore had fallen in love during the shoot in the UK.
We were thick as thieves throughout the entire process, she said.
I think we both knew exactly what we were doing.
The minute we met, we were tight.
I will forever love Drew for sharing that experience of being so open.
She just came in completely open and vulnerable to this really beautiful friendship.
Collette will both star and produce under the banner of her company Vocab Films with Simons New Sparta Productions.
It is Collettes third production with Hardwicke and Simon afterMiss You AlreadyandMafia Mamma.
Chris is my producing partner and Im learning so much… After Doha, Collette will be heading to France to work on pre-production forA French Pursuit.
Its just stuff you dont get to do as an actor and its incredibly satisfying she said.
I think its important in life to keep learning so that you dont become complacent.
