Maisie Williams wants networking app to give more power to creative people

Game Of Thrones star Maisie Williams has told how working on developing her new social networking app helped to keep her grounded after her work on the hit TV series ended.

The actress created the app Daisie to promote collaboration among creative people and help them connect with others.

Speaking to students at the University of St Andrews on Tuesday night she said that the app has kept her busy since her role on Game Of Thrones ended.

She appears in the final season which airs in April, and gave a hint of what her character Arya Stark goes through.

She said: “I’ve been working on Daisie full time for two months and probably will be until the summer, and then I might do a film or TV series later in the year.

“The final season, as an actor you try to call on your emotional memories and it meant that for the final season I was really not in a good place and I didn’t want to get better because I didn’t want to not be able to tap into those emotions.

“But since the end of the show I’ve taken time out, and being able to take the time and work on this company and get more of a routine to life has been amazing.”

In her talk at the Younger Hall, Williams said she hopes the app will help creative people progress thanks to their skills, rather than who they know.

She said: “There are so many talented people and none of them have the contacts they need to get to create a career for themselves.”

She added: “I think the key to success in creative industries is collaboration.

“If Daisie can help up-and-coming creative people connect with the people they need to elevate their work and advance to the next level then I believe they will at least stand a better chance of being able to showcase themselves, highlight their talent and nurture their creativity.”

She added: “In the industry there is a common phrase: ‘it’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ and with Daisie I hope to give that power back into the hands of the creator.”

The actress also said that she feels it is important to use her voice to highlight injustices.

She said: “At every opportunity I’ve felt it’s my duty to speak out about the injustices I see, even when they land me in hot water.

“I have a voice and I like to use it, especially when I’m talking to people who think I’m just a stupid actor.”

Jamie Minns, director of student development and activities at the university, said: “We are delighted to be welcoming Maisie to St Andrews.

“There is a thriving community of student performing arts societies at St Andrews.

“Maisie is an international star and can help to inspire our students who are interested in a career in the performing arts.”