[MIS] Hello Christian and thank you for granting us this interview.
First thought that comes to mind, when did you start acting? what got you started?
[Christian] Quite late! After getting gifted a course by my girlfriend at the time, and really enjoying it, I started at Rose Bruford in 2016 – and went from there!
[MIS] Treble Me This is a film with a unique title. Can you tell us about your character in the movie and any memorable moments from the set
[Christian] Frank is a hard-nosed detective with hints at a dark past. He serves as the audience’s eyes throughout the story, as he (and they) slowly piece together the crimes that have been committed.
The main thing I’ll remember from set is the beautiful location. The hotel we shot in, Abbots Grainge, has an incredible 700 year history, and has entertained guests from Oscar Wilde, to Mark Twain, to Claude Monet…the list goes on! I was lucky enough to stay overnight after we’d wrapped – and, sitting around an open fire, surrounded by artworks, you could really feel the history of the place!
[MIS] As an actor, you’ve worked across different genres. Do you have a favorite genre to work in, and if so, why?
[Christian] Not really – I just love stories with truthfully written characters, that enable you to get under the skin of the person you’re playing and understand what makes them tick.
[MIS] How do you approach character development? Are there specific rituals or methods you use to get into the mindset of your characters?
[Christian] It very much depends. It always starts with the text – understanding your character, but also their role in the story. I always make sure I understand their relationship with every character in the story, the places they find themselves in, and how they’ve found themselves there. And once I’ve got that clear sense of person and place, I’m a big fan of writing before I go on set from their perspective – either a stream of consciousness of what they might be thinking and feeling, or if I’m struggling, their opinions on any list of subjects.
[MIS] How do you balance your personal life with your acting career? Are there any specific hobbies or activities you find particularly helpful for maintaining that balance?
[Christian] Badly! Unsurprisingly, there’s never enough hours in the day. The one thing that’s essential to both personal and professional is staying in shape mentally and physically – going to the gym and meditating every day really help.
[MIS] In the ever-evolving landscape of the film industry, how do you see the role of actors changing, especially with the rise of streaming platforms and digital content?
[Christian] You’d hope that it means more opportunities, but there’s also more actors than ever before – and with the economic context, it’s harder than ever to make a living from acting. The decline of traditional TV advertising (and the £1000+ buyout fees it attracted) also gives actors less opportunities to make money through their craft. So whilst there’s growth, like any growth, what matters is how equitable that growth is.
[MIS] How do you stay inspired and motivated in your acting career, and are there any actors or filmmakers who have been particularly influential in your journey?
[Christian] Managing your mental health is job number 1 – and for me that starts with physical health, exercise, and meditation. Ensuring that you follow your gut and find projects that speak to you creatively is key. So when you take that approach – I feel like every actor, filmmaker, writer or director I work with influences my journey – you make some incredible connections on set, and really bond over the shared desire to produce something you’re all proud of.
[MIS] Can you share any upcoming goals or aspirations you have in your acting career?
[Christian] Stay happy and healthy!
[MIS] What advice would you give to aspiring actors who are trying to make their mark in the film industry?
[Christian] Be clear and comfortable with your casting type, write your own stuff, act less and listen more.
