Interviewing actor Kevin D. Stones again

1.-What inspired you to become an actor, and what drives your passion for the craft?

My formative years saw me on stage at the school Nativity Plays & school projects which I found exciting and liked it but knowing drama and acting was not in my parents remit I ended up in an agricultural apprenticeship. Married at 21 we brought up our family. Subsequently Acting and Drama was put on back burner, luckily a good decision as as a family we would never have been able to survive on most actors wages.

Not until my late 40’s did I ‘drift’ into Television & Film, I was extremely lucky to secure a limited place for ‘Elders’ at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts for two years, subsequently I was invited to participate on some various Student films and television shows, including a couple of reality show series on Sky ‘Tony Stockwells Psychic School’, ‘ Mind the Age Gap’ on Channel 5 & Channel 4’s ‘Weighing up The Enemy’ but my passion was for acting not reality and I have secured some great parts firstly in student films, moving onto Horror and Festival Films winning some great Laurels in Mumbai, Oregon,Toronto. Further accolades followed with three more films.

2.-Can you tell us about your latest project? What was it like working on that film/TV show?

I’ve just completed a horror thriller, working title ‘Red Ink’ I play an angry narcissistic retiring head teacher. Having made many enemies of students I have caned, one made it his life’s ambition to confront his demon, ME! Having had the pleasure of previously working with this credited writer, renown Director I have no doubt we will once more earn some more Laurels. I have just finished working filming with a brilliant team.

3.-How do you prepare for a role? Do you have any specific rituals or routines?

Strangely no rituals or routines, as a method actor I’m usually confident but relaxed on set, most importantly one must learn the script to a high standard, however I do my homework in that I will enquire of the Director just how much ‘ improvisation’ he or she will allow me.

You’ve worked with some talented directors. 

4.-Who’s been your favorite collaborator, and why?

A difficult question, I have worked alongside one or two appalling, so called directors, I have been privileged to of worked with some fine unsung directors whom I always, well nearly always keep in touch with. So I don’t have a favourite Director as they are all different and all my favourite. It’s surprising just how a really friendly, relaxed director can bring out the best in an actor. It works for me.

5.-What do you look for in a script when 

deciding whether to take on a role?

Easy.

6.-What can I bring to this film ? Am I able to do justice to the character ? 

If the part offered, is not me and I’m not going to be able to stretch myself sufficiently to excel then I would and have politely declined at that particular time with that particular script.

6.-Can you share a challenging experience you had on set and how you overcame it?

Oh my word! Being ‘on set’ to me is always a pleasant challenge, however I expect the word ‘challenge’ in this context refers in this instance.

7.-  to some unpleasant challenging experience.?

I have been soaked to the skin filming in the rain attempting to rescue a young woman from some demonic creature, I’ve filmed a music video in the coldest warehouse you could imagine where it was almost impossible to continue, spending most of the day being an uncontrollable shouting angry man actually l lost my voice the following day. And again so cold it hurt in a disused laundrette with every flat surface covered in pigeon guano.

8.-How do you balance your personal life with the demands of your career?

I have been extremely lucky with my ‘career’ as I’ve always treated acting as my hobby. That way I’m not going to take rejection seriously, I consider each success in front of the camera a blessing to be proud of.

9.-What advice would you give to aspiring actors just starting out?

Unfortunately I don’t have the monopoly on advice, looking back on my own experiences I would say take most any offer that comes along that you feel isn’t taking advantage of you, you will learn your craft, never moan however cold or hungry you find yourself. Never be late on set, smile and listen well to directions and learn your script, enjoy yourself, this advice is in no particular order.

10.-Are there any particular genres or types of roles you’re drawn to? Why?

I seem to have drifted into the Hard-man, Drug Baron, Villain, Crime Boss roles, I’m very happy with this type casting, this type of acting does suit my height, voice and intimidating appearance and I feel I am particularly suited to this type casting and hey! I am very ok with it.

11.-Can you tell us about a memorable experience or moment from your career?

I’m not a fan of the stage, to me I find it very unforgiving should I fumble for a line how embarrassing ? but I do enjoy the inter action with my audience I remember winning £500 and had to entertain my audience which I all honestly were mostly people from my town who knew me so I certainly ‘hammed it up’ and we all enjoyed the night. However ‘on set’ if you fluff a line, you may hear “Cut“ and you get a second chance, you can then re set to produce an acceptable piece of work, of course after the editor has made you look good, never forget the editors work is so so important.

12.-How do you handle criticism or negative reviews of your work?

Self criticism is always a there, many actors feel the should/could of done better whilst everyone else reckons you’ve been fantastic, you can always get upset when an unknown troll is particularly spiteful just because they are a despicable person who would be nasty to anyone, “move on” its their problem not mine. Other than that a constructive criticism from a professional actor or Director should a learning opportunity to improve.

13.-What do you think is the most important quality for an actor to possess?

Flexibility to adapt and learn. Never be late on set. Don’t argue with the director, he is in charge.

14.-Are there any upcoming projects you’re excited about? Can you tell us a bit about them?

l am involved at the moment in a Psycho Horror, met the actors, crew & director recently and working on the feature film trailer. The feature filming starts in the spring, as I have signed a None Disclosure Agreement I’m not permitted to detail the film, however my character is a mentor type, authority feature with a good guy team fighting a specific evil. It is a wonderfully exciting script which I feel will be a formidable and dramatic challenge. It will be, in my opinion, a challenging piece of work, with some dramatic fight scenes, tense interactions, great lighting effects I’m certain the film will be a hit, the last film made by the same team is already out there, getting great reviews I feel truly blessed to be invited to script read for the part and be accepted, fortunately there is no fight scene for me! Yet…….

15.-What message would you like to share with your fans and followers?

What is a fan? I don’t know I have any fans, I do have friends who always ask what project I’m working on at the moment. Are you working?. I’m usually able to say I’ve just finished a little Festival film or working on some feature film, which I actually do start early next year. Thank you to my friends and those you follow me.