Interviewing actor Charles Pearson

1. What first inspired you to become an actor, and when did you realize that acting was your passion?

"I first became inspired with the idea of being an actor watching the behind the scenes videos from 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy. The community ethos on set was something that I desired to strive towards in my own creative space. Alongside the idea that you could create such an authentic and fantastic world to inspire others. After that I became enamoured with researching the behind the scenes on Movies I enjoyed, especially looking at the works of Weta Workshop. However, my passion for acting didn't come till a little while later when I began performing in stage productions in secondary school. The stage opened a new world of acting that allowed me to truly immerse myself in characters - spending hours researching characters, theorising back stories and researching their interests. I enjoyed this so much because I love seeing other people's complex perspectives and finding the nuances within their characters. This first came as I played Mr Stapleton in an adaptation of 'Hound of the Basketvilles'. I studies Lepidoptera for hours to enter the mind of my character and it opened up a new wealth of perspectives for me to interpret his character. This was the moment I realised acting was my passion and I have been chasing the same feeling with all of my characters since!"

2. How would you describe yourself as an actor in three words?

"Preseance, depth and authenticity"

3. When you receive a new script, what is the first thing you look for in your character?

"When beginning the character devising process I like to read the script and note down the characters significant lore - people, places, passions and hobbies. This allows me to make my initial assessment of the character and helps inform the development of their voice and mannerisms. I like to have these in the early development stages before the first table read, that way I can note down my judgement of how these decisions work alongside the rest of the cast and their initial readings. Often times this allows me to adjust my character so they can properly fulfill their role within the cast without compromising character integrity."

4. How do you prepare yourself emotionally and physically for a demanding role?

"Frequent meditation and time away from the cast is very important for me in preparation. However the most important step is ensuring a good relationship with the ensemble throughout rehearsal process. Having like-minded and friendly faces to work alongside is the most important thing as it ensures comfort without having to take that time out."

5. Is there a particular character you have played who has changed you personally?

"I try not to allow my characters and their mindsets to affect my personal life in any way as letting it get too far can be dangerous, especially given the dangerous mindsets of many of my characters. However, the most effectual on me was when I played Gavin White in a production of Harold Pinter's 'Party Time'. Within the space I have been told I have a strong presence that holds attention. Being Gavin really allowed me to wield this presence to be a menace on stage and enabled me to really understand the potential this presence has, even without having many lines of dialogue."

6. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced during your acting career?

"Breaking into the scene and developing a reputation, especially on social media, has been the most difficult part for me. I know that alot of actors struggle with the same issue, not many jobs, very competitive field and often half the work is just knowing the right person at the right time. However, I am developing a lot of confidence in the community I am building around me and couldn't be more proud of what we have achieved. As for social media, that's a whole other story. I despise social media, however, I am also very aware it is a very important part of our developing field and an excellent tool for networking. I need to develop my confidence and understanding in social media in order to better use this valuable tool at my fingertips."

7. Do you prefer playing characters who are similar to you, or do you enjoy stepping completely outside your comfort zone?

"Personally alot of the enjoyment comes from playing something completely other from myself. It gives me more room to develop my understanding of people's perspectives as well as making it easier to dissociate anything the character is afflicted by from myself, which in some contexts can be very useful and important to do. If you try to see yourself in the character, or make your character like you, you develop a very dangerous habit that removes the act from acting. To quote an old lecturer of mine: 'That's not acting, darling, that's masterbation' -Caroline Hadley"

8. What has been the most memorable moment you have experienced on a film or television set?

"I prefer stage over Film and Television so far more of my memorable acting moments are from the stage productions I have participated in. However, In the film work I have done it was a pleasure being on the set of casualty In Cardiff this past year and, having brought my own costume, I caught the directors eye enabling me to later have a conversation with some more established members of the cast."

9. Which actor or filmmaker has inspired you the most throughout your career?

"It has to be the late-Great Sir Christopher Lee. I have adored him in every role since I started seeing him in 'The Lord of the Rings' as Saruman. The weight and authority with which he carries himself, as well as his calm but powerful demeanour have inspired me greatly. Not only this I respect him as a man outside of his career, with an extensive history of Advanced Military service, musical prowess, legendary lineage and exceptional experiences; he is truly what I would consider a great man!"

10. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received about acting?

"Always be prepared and friendly! The easier you make the job of those around you the better you are to work with. You should be ready and eager to help, however you can, and always ensure you know your job, script and character before you get to a rehearsal. If you are prepared nothing can surprise you! And of course, be nice! No matter how good you think you are, does not give you the right to treat other cast or crew poorly. You aren't better than them, even if you play a 'better' role so just treat people nicely. It costs you nothing and open a whole load of new doors, as well as making you someone that people want to work with."

11. Is there a dream role or a particular type of character you would love to play in the future?

"My dream role, since I first started enjoying movies and acting, was Sweeney Todd. Of course I originally admired Johnny Depp's performance on Film, however, over the years I have turned further towards the musical production. I find his intense passion mesmerising and his tragic backstory something I would love to dig into deeply and develop my own idea behind. Not to mention the enrapturing aesthetic of the whole piece and Gory technicalities that would be so fun to execute on stage... Pun intended!"

12. How do you deal with criticism and the pressure that can come with being an actor?

"I like to think I handle criticism well. Often times after a show I seek constructive criticism from fellow cast and audience members so I can further refine future performances. When it comes to pressure, I find that to be a great amount of the thrill behind acting on stage as the pressure creates a tension that helps me lock into character and pushes my limits on performance, often times allowing me to find details of the character I didn't know was there until the final performance."

13. If you could go back to the beginning of your career, what advice would you give to your younger self?

"Don't worry too much. Plenty of people will be putting pressure on you so you've got to make sure you look after yourself."

14. Finally, what does cinema mean to you, and what do you hope audiences feel when they watch your work?

"I hope that when people see my work their experience is tailored to the character I am playing. I don't want them to see an actor, I want them to suspend their belief and only see the character. This means the feeling I wish to invoke changes with every character I play and there is no way of describing a consistent feeling. As long as I inspire some kind of feeling, that's is the ultimate goal."