Interviewing actor, filmmaker, producer, and writer: Damien Lanceley

1-. How was your childhood?

I had a positive childhood overall; however, I struggled with behavioural challenges from a young age. During the 1990s, ADHD was not widely recognised or understood, and children who exhibited such traits were often simply labelled as “naughty.”

At the age of eleven, I was placed into a children’s home because my parents were unable to manage my behaviour. Growing up in care was both difficult and isolating. It was an environment shaped by survival rather than emotional development, and there were limited opportunities to experience consistent love, stability, or guidance.

At fifteen and a half, I was moved into a bed and breakfast, and by sixteen I was living independently in my own home. I had to mature quickly and navigate adulthood largely on my own, often without clear direction. The challenges, life experiences, and trauma I faced during those years profoundly shaped me — not only as a person, but as an actor.

In many ways, this journey became a blessing in disguise. While statistics suggest that many young people in the care system can fall into crime or addiction, I was determined to forge a different path. I chose to confront those odds and strive for something better, and that resilience continues to define who I am today.

2-. From what age did you decide to be a actor and filmmaker and how did you know you had the skills to go on TV?

I decided to pursue acting and filmmaking in 2023. It wasn’t something I planned from childhood — it was a decision I made as an adult when I realised I wanted to challenge myself creatively and step into a completely new world. Since then, I’ve fully committed to learning the craft, gaining experience on set, and building my career in both film and television.

I bring strong on-screen presence, confidence, and the ability to adapt quickly to different roles. I’ve developed skills in character work, script interpretation, and performing under direction. I’m comfortable playing intense and physical roles, including action and villain-type characters, and I continue to train to improve my range, discipline, and professionalism on set.

Being reliable, taking direction well, and understanding how a production runs are just as important as performance — and I take pride in bringing all of that to every project I’m part of.

3-. Did your parents support you in the decision you made to be an actor?

Honestly, at the beginning, my parents didn’t know — and neither did I — that this journey into acting was going to happen. It wasn’t some big, lifelong plan. I just took a step, followed the opportunity, and went with the journey as it unfolded.

Over time, what started as a new challenge turned into something I truly committed to. Now, my mum and dad fully support me and are proud of how far I’ve come. What makes them proud isn’t just the acting — it’s the fact that when I say I’m going to do something, I take action and follow through.

This path might have been unexpected, but the support I have now means everything. And I’m only just getting started.

4-. What was your first appearance on the screens?

One of my first appearances on screen was in the music video “My Honey” by PJM. That experience gave me my first real taste of being in front of the camera and understanding how a professional set works.

It was exciting, fast-paced, and a great learning curve. Being part of a music video taught me about timing, expression, working with direction, and staying present on camera. It definitely helped build my confidence and pushed me to take acting more seriously.

Every opportunity counts — and that was one of the moments that helped start my journey.

5-. What was the role you liked the most?

The role I loved the most was playing Lance, a Viking, on the TV series Realm. Filming alongside Julian Seager and living on set with the cast for three days was an incredible experience.

We actually lived as Vikings during that time, which was amazing for building my character and for team morale. It wasn’t just acting — it was fully immersing ourselves in the world, the culture, and the mindset of the characters.

The show was directed by Warren Elkin and Paul Elkin, and this role really showed me the power of collaboration, commitment, and bringing a character to life in a fully authentic way.

6-. What do you think led you to Fame?

I think what’s helped me gain recognition isn’t just one role or one project — it’s taking action and fully committing to the opportunities I’ve had. From my first appearance in the music video My Honey by PJM, to indie films like Cursed Souls, and immersive TV roles like Lance the Viking in Realm, I’ve always given my all.

I also believe that consistency, hard work, and showing up when you say you will make a difference. My journey wasn’t planned; it was about embracing the experiences, learning on set, and building trust with directors, cast, and crew. That dedication, combined with the amazing support from my family and mentors, is what’s opened doors and helped my work get noticed.

Fame is never instant — it’s the result of small steps, persistence, and passion.

7-. What types of characters you would like to interpret?

I’d love to dive into a lead role as a werewolf — exploring the transformation, the intensity, and the darker side of the character would be an amazing challenge.

I’m also drawn to villain roles in a Marvel movie. Playing a complex, larger-than-life antagonist gives you the chance to really stretch as an actor, create tension, and leave a lasting impression on audiences.

For me, it’s all about characters that are intense, dynamic, and memorable — the ones that push you to your limits and make the audience feel something.

8-. What actresses and actors do you feel confortable working with?

I feel most comfortable working with professionals who are passionate, focused, and collaborative — people who bring energy to set but also respect the process.

I’ve had amazing experiences with Julian Seager on Realm, and I enjoy working with actors who are open to experimenting, fully immerse themselves in their characters, and support the team.

For me, comfort on set isn’t about fame or status — it’s about mutual respect, trust, and chemistry that allows everyone to deliver their best performance.

9-. In what other genres of art would you like to participate? (Works of theater, music, among others)

I’m really interested in exploring music videos and stunt-based performances. Music videos like My Honey by PJM showed me how dynamic and expressive on-camera performance can be, while theatre offers the chance to connect live with an audience and refine my craft in real time.

I’m also drawn to action, fantasy, and horror genres, especially roles that allow me to combine physicality with storytelling — whether that’s playing a villain, a supernatural creature, or an intense action lead.

For me, art is about exploring new worlds, experimenting with creativity, and challenging myself in every way possible.

10-. Do you have any anecdotes that have marked you in your life and as a person?

Growing up in the care system meant I had to become an adult early. Life taught me to be resilient, resourceful, and self-reliant from a young age. I learned to fight for myself and adapt quickly — lessons that I’ve carried into every part of my life.

Those early experiences also shaped my passion for martial arts. Training in MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai allows me to channel that discipline and resilience, turning the challenges I faced as a kid into skills and strengths I use every day — both on and off screen.

Every role I take, every fight I train for, and every project I commit to is a reflection of the lessons life taught me early: perseverance, focus, and turning adversity into power.

11-. What has been your greatest achievement?

I’d say my greatest achievement so far has been taking action on my dreams and committing to a career in acting and filmmaking. Starting from my first appearance in the music video My Honey by PJM, to indie films like Cursed Souls, and immersive roles like Lance the Viking in Realm, I’ve consistently challenged myself to grow and push boundaries.

Along the way, I’ve also built a growing portfolio of film and TV work, including:

Ballistic (2024) – Max

Choc‑Chips (2023) – Alfie

JACK ’d (2024) – Donny Watts

Blink Time (2023) – Soldier 1

Snitch (Short) – Dante Datelo

Upshot (2023) – Dante

Geezers (2023) – Shotgun Jimmy

Death Does Us Part (2023) – Zombie King

Incari (2023/2024) – Ray

Killing Rainbow (2025) – Melling

Realm (2023, TV) – Lance the Viking

The Delivery Boys (recent) – Rico

The Recordings (recent) – featured role

Lobo Oscuro (recent) – Muerto Erranti

On a personal level, I’m proud of turning the challenges of growing up in the care system into strength, learning discipline through MMA, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and Muay Thai, and using those lessons to fuel both my craft and my life.

For me, achievement isn’t just about recognition — it’s about resilience, growth, and proving to myself that I can follow through on my goals, on screen and off.

12-. What projects will you make next and which ones do you have in mind?

Right now, I’m producing Lobo Oscuro, an action-fantasy project I’m really excited about. It tells the story of a lone warrior cursed to live between worlds, fighting to protect the innocent while confronting the darkness within himself. The mix of intense action, supernatural elements, and moral conflict makes it a project that challenges me creatively and pushes my storytelling skills to the next level.

Beyond that, I’m exploring a range of independent films, action projects, and immersive roles that allow me to expand as an actor and filmmaker. I want to continue telling stories that combine adventure, intensity, and character-driven drama, and I’m always on the lookout for new collaborations that inspire me.

13-. Would you like to make a movie in Spain?

Absolutely! Spain has such a rich culture, stunning locations, and cinematic history — from vibrant cities to breathtaking landscapes, it offers the perfect backdrop for all kinds of stories. I’d love to create a project there, whether it’s an action-packed adventure, a character-driven drama, or a fantasy story like Lobo Oscuro.

Filming in Spain would also be an amazing opportunity to collaborate with local talent, immerse myself in the culture, and bring a unique energy to the screen. It’s definitely on my list of dream locations for future productions.

14-. You like Spanish cinema?

Honestly, I’ve never really looked into it deeply, but I’m very open to exploring it. I know Spanish cinema has a rich history and produces some incredible stories, from intense thrillers to imaginative fantasy and passionate dramas.

I’d love to discover more Spanish films, learn from their storytelling style, and potentially collaborate with Spanish talent in the future — it seems like an exciting world to explore as both an actor and filmmaker.