Maristine Grace Browning (left in 1990) is now a Casting Director. Her exciting career includes working with Channel 4 and on films featuring Kate Winslet and Cameron Diaz. We asked her about her time at the Marist and her career in TV and Film.

Q. What are you happiest memories of the Marist?

Where do I begin? School plays, the field at lunch breaks, the chapel, and one particular practical joke we played on a classmate in the lower 6th which we STILL all have fits of giggles about even today. My closest friends are from school, and whenever we get together, it's rare that we go through a whole evening without mentioning school, and or someone or something that happened then. I think that is pretty impressive, seeing as we are all in our early thirties, and we still talk about school constantly.

Q. What is the most important lesson that you learnt from school?

I would say respect for your elders, and by that I mean teachers and anyone in authority really. We were nervous of Sister Mary Magdelene when she was headmistress; she commanded respect. I also mean the girls in the years above you; I always thought 6th formers were really cool when I was in year 10 for example. These days I don't think that happens so much in the wider world. I think it's a real shame.

Q. When did your interest in Film & TV begin?

I suppose because I come from a theatrical background, it was inevitable really, but from a young age I was fascinated by the power of television and film, especially television drama. We all watched "The Thornbirds" at school and would re-enact scenes on the playground. Later when I saw "The Singing Detective" on BBC One I was hooked and I knew it was something I wanted to get into.

Q. What was it like working for Channel 4 Drama?

It was an exciting time for the Channel back then, but after four years there I got a little bored, so they put me on a production they had commissioned as a runner to see what it was like actually working on a drama, to see how script became reality. It was a fantastic show written by Tony Marchant and directed by Julian Jarrold who recently directed "Kinky Boots". I also met my husband on it so I guess you could say I owe Channel 4!

Q. Tells us about your recent work on films?

"The Holiday" starring Kate Winslet, Jude Law and Cameron Diaz for Sony Pictures which should come out at Christmas, and "Perfume: The Story of A Murderer" based on the book Perfume by Patrick Suskind, which comes out this Autumn and stars Dustin Hoffman & Alan Rickman.

Q. What is the key to becoming a good Casting Director?

Knowing as many actors as possible, and not just big names, because you have to also know what actor can play a part that only has 5 lines, which can be hard work. Going to the theatre a lot, watching television dramas and going to Drama School showcases, which is where all the young talent is.

Q. What advice would you give to pupils who are interested in a career in acting?

If you want to act, apply for Drama Schools after your A-Levels. You can do this as an alternative to University or you can also do post grad courses. Most of the good Drama Schools are London based, apart from Bristol Old Vic and the Royal Welsh College of Music & Drama but this is where to go if you are really set on becoming an actor. They have showcases at the end of each year, where all the students perform set pieces to an audience of only Agents & Casting Directors, and anyone who is any good gets snapped up pretty quickly.

Q. What is next for you?

We are currently casting a new series for BBC 1 of "Robin Hood" which will start transmitting in September and is currently filming out in Hungary. It will go out on Saturday evenings at 7pm and will hopefully be a very good new family show.