Snap Chat: Emmett Skilton

Emmett Skilton directs Auckward Love.

My first job was ... Babysitting my baby brother on Friday afternoons when I was 9. I wasn't the most well-behaved or focused kid at school, to the point that my parents would get called into school a lot. Dad thought that looking after my baby bro (while my stepmum worked from home) would be a great way of building my attention and concentration.

It taught me ... that The Wiggles will keep a toddler entertained for at least three hours every Friday. #Winning

My big break came … When I was cast in Seven Periods with Mr Gormsby, by director Danny Mulheron, when I was 15. It was significant because it gave me my first real taste of working on camera and completely catapulted my desire to do it for the rest of my life. It was also my first chance to play and explore for a job - something I did so freely as a kid, but this time I was shown a chance to do it as an adult, too. A very empowering experience and f***ing fun at the same time.

The last job I quit was … I was offered a rad opportunity in a US series recently, which I had to turn down due to another work commitment - even though the current job was deeply satisfying, there is always a feeling of loss when these situations come up.

The most famous person I've ever met is… Jonah Lomu, someone whose journey I've followed since he rose to stardom. I was signing at a convention in England for The Almighty Johnsons and he was there too, with a big contingency from the British Lions. Our managers introduced us and we had a great chat about life and home.

He was … Humble, kind and incredible generous with his time and energy.

The best time I've had on set was … playing a very charismatic and fun-loving character, Victor Lownes, in the US show American Playboy. As a Kiwi, I was encouraged to stay in accent, which also led me to stay in character - Lownes was the life of the party and I loved every second of it.

But the worst was … Anytime I am under the weather when shooting - I absolutely hate not being able to give 100 per cent to a role, so I spend the day feeling like I'm climbing a mountain.

My dream role would be … The lead role in a unique, dark and compelling New Zealand TV series that breaks the barriers of censorship and conventional television.

• Emmett Skilton is an actor and the director of Auckward Love, streaming now on TVNZ on Demand.