Filmmaker Spotlight - James Rocks
Welcome to the Filmmaker Spotlight – this series shines a light on filmmakers, actors, editors, and more, as we ask them a few questions and uncover why they love what they do.
This time - James Rocks
Actor
Tell us a bit about yourself, how did you get into the industry?
I started my step into the creative industry back when I finished school. I was lucky to study performing arts at Stratford-upon-Avon College. Unfortunately, I was unable to go to drama school (as I desired due to financial/family changes). I then fell into the world of working. I have had a great career working in areas such as fitness, the fire service and as a well-established health and safety professional for various industries, including the creative industry.
Just after COVID, I received a call from a Supporting Artist Agency (I must have signed up to them some time in the past but could not remember doing it). I was required on set for two weeks filming a well-known streaming platform’s production. I was playing a Riot Police Officer. I absolutely loved this experience and it reignited all my passions and desires for performing and acting. After this, I decided to re-pursue my childhood dream and become an Actor. I built up credits via casting platforms, networking, workshops, etc. and completed training when I could. Soon I had landed myself an agent and was a Spotlight member. I have also been fortunate enough to have used my other career skills as a Health and Safety Professional within the create industry both at the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) and ITV Studios.
What’s something about being an actor that outsiders would never expect?
That it is not as ‘glamorous’ as one might expect. Many people who are not familiar with the industry presume that work is in abundance as they see well-known performers constantly working. The truth is that only ~2% of UK Actors make £50,000 consistently every year. 90% of Actors are out of work at any given time. This puts an enormous strain on performers wellbeing as they are constantly battling financial hardship and employment uncertainty, especially in a period where the cost of living is so high (and ever-increasing). Actors have to constantly train, practice and develop/maintain their skills like any profession. This can take a lot of time and effort often with financial costs involved whilst juggling this alongside other careers. Actors have to be as flexible as possible to record ‘self-tape’ auditions or attend in- person auditions whilst balancing this with their other work. Often, Actors are told (or not told) that they haven’t got the part so being resilient is also a key characteristic, or finding a way to develop coping mechanisms is also key. When Actors are booked for work, they often have to work very long hours travelling to various places in the UK or internationally. You have to be very passionate and dedicated to this profession. It is certainly not for everyone. However, when you are cast in a role, it is the most amazing feeling and you know you are able to do what you are passionate about and enjoy. It’s a proud thought to know that you have contributed to some entertainment that may exist forever and evoke different emotions for people.
What role pushed you furthest out of your comfort zone, and how did you handle it?
If I am completely honest, I have not had any roles that have taken me completely out of my comfort zone. I am usually typecast in roles related to the police, security, military, etc. I find these roles fascinating to perform and I am always very excited to portray them and their associated characters. I was once cast in a role because an Actor had unfortunately pulled out of the project. I was required to learn 13 pages of script within two days. This was a challenge but my learning techniques pulled through and I was able to learn the lines and perform with confidence. Always know your lines!
What have you learnt over time that you wish you knew when you started?
I learnt early on that this is a tough industry to break into. In the beginning, I tried to just do support artist and acting work supplemented by other casual career roles. Unfortunately, this was too unstable and I could not generate enough money to sustain myself (and my two dogs) consistently. I realised that I needed another full-time career to support my acting endeavour. I managed to hold out and luckily a role came up for my skills within the creative industry (the RSC and now ITV). I am now very fortunate to have two career endeavours. However, when I am cast, I get to do the best job in the world and I wouldn’t change this.
Who or what inspires you in your work?
All actors, creatives, crews and people inspire me. Where I can, I try to find elements of others to portray in my roles. They may inspire me to behave or think in a certain way for a particular role. This also transpires in my scriptwriting. I also admire many of the well-known (and lesser known) actors, directors, etc. Creating a piece of theatre, film or television is a huge achievement which takes a lot of effort, skill and resource. They are all truly inspiring no matter what the outcome of the project is.
What’s one project you’re especially proud of, and why?
Fortunately, I am proud of every project I have worked on, but if I had to pick one it would be my role on Guy Ritchie’s ‘The Diamond Heist’ which streamed on Netflix. I played an important character who was a member of the well-respected ‘The Flying Squad’. This was my first major streaming project that I was cast in. I did two days of filming, with precision drivers, road closures, supporting artists, etc. This was very exciting! After editing, I only featured in the show for a short time but anyone who is in the industry will know that this is how it goes sometimes. I am extremely proud of the acting credit, to portray such a well-respected and important (real-life) character, and to be a part of a production that was number 1 on Netflix for 2-3 weeks. This is an amazing achievement for me.
What kinds of stories are you most excited to tell as an actor?
I love to tell/portray stories that can inspire others to make a difference, do something differently, or even just to inspire them to think or behave in a different (more positive) way. Evoking positive emotions in someone or helping them to cope with certain situations in some way through your actions is always a great reward. I am not going to lie, I also love playing good old action-based or authoritative characters, such as those within the police, military, security, special forces, etc! I also like playing villains or not nice characters. If it means I can jump around, deliver dialogue that is different to my normal life, or play characters that are very different to myself, this is always great fun. However, I am always open to all.
What part of the filmmaking process (other than acting) fascinates you most?
Personally, I find the whole filmmaking process completely fascinating. It is so hard to create a production. There is so much effort, skill, co-ordination and resource that goes into the process. Everyone has an important role to play and focuses on their particular area of expertise that then comes together and operates like a complex military operation. It’s very challenging and commendable.
Favourite on-set snack?
Anything that involves oats, fruit or coffee. Although, I will never turn down a bit of cake!
Any advice for people wanting to do the job that you do?
Be committed, plan everything you can, continue to train and network, apply any skills that you have to your profession (this can be skilled physical activities but also other career related skills), find different revenue streams to support your ambition, practice wellbeing coping methods or work on your resilience, remember that you are a business and a brand, persevere, treat absolutely everyone with respect and kindness, have fun, keep smiling and know your lines! It’s the greatest profession in the world when the work comes in so enjoy!
Currently working on a project or want to plug something?
You can currently see me in the crime show ‘The Diamond Heist’ on Netflix and in feature film ‘Mr Hyde: The Untold Story’ on Prime. I have also recently attended a premiere for short film ‘The Aftermath’ which focuses on messages around dealing with domestic violence. I am waiting to hear back (or not) regarding some auditions so watch this space and keep an eye out for me. Thank you to everyone for their support and for being receptive audiences. We could not work in this profession without you all. Please do feel free to follow me on Instagram as every single bit of support helps.
James’ Spotlight Profile
James’ Instagram
