James McDowall (actor)
Miles:
Hello James,
Knowing the origins of our surnames, there’s a good chance that you, me, Andie MacDowell and Malcolm McDowell are very distantly related. My plan is to talk to all of our clan.
So, why acting? What led you to the craft?
James:
I'm not too sure if I'm being honest.
I had a very inspiring teacher in secondary school who told me I could act properly. However, when you are 16/17, I don't think you really know what you want to do, as you haven’t experienced the world yet.
I guess I'm still trying to figure out why I do it, and maybe that’s a good thing in itself.
At the end of the day, it's definitely a gut feeling, almost like something that was predetermined. It’s like my brain says, “you have to do it”, no ifs or buts and that - if I were to say no to that voice and pack it in, it would be something I would truly regret later on in life.
I’d love to give you a big philosophical answer.
Miles:
Did you attend drama school or receive formal training?
I presume you did drama at secondary/sixth form too?
James:
Yes I did. I studied it at secondary school and went on to study at Rose Bruford in Sidcup.
Miles:
Were there any big takeaways from your education? Any pros/cons with respect to your career or fulfilment?
James:
The difficulty of drama school is that it teaches you how to act but not necessarily how to be an actor.
When you are there, you are in drama school 5 days a week and you are acting every day. When you leave, you are on your own. It's down to you and the effort you put in. So, the biggest thing, is you have to treat your ‘craft’ more like a business.
You also have to ask yourself: are you doing things that fuel your creativity? Are you living your life in a way that inspires change? Are you growing as a human being?
These are all questions that will inform your work and help you to improve.
Miles:
What’s your process like for getting into character, and does it vary between different projects?
James:
So first and foremost is finding some kind of truth in the script.
Not all scripts that come your way are gunna be showstoppers, but there’s always some truth that touches on something human or important. For me, once you have that, it's always about play with the other actors.
At the end of the day, acting is all about reacting. It’s fairly difficult to act just on your own.
I would say the process is pretty much the same when it comes to anything. But I'd like to think my process is going to develop and change as my career goes on.
James (cont.):
A character’s clothing is really important too.
It's hard to know what your character will feel like until you’re dressed as them.
With The Duel (a period short-film, shot recently), I remember the Director, Simon, originally wanting to go with something quite grand originally for Alex, but the costume we went for in the end was something I felt more of ‘Alex’ in.
I can't quite explain it, but it just felt more like him. The shoes, the jacket, the cravat.
Returning to my point though - it's like all the work you’ve done on the script finally materialises once you put those things on.
Miles:
I take it the Duel was a rewarding project to be on?
Editor’s note: The Duel is in post and so far unreleased but we’ll look forward to seeing how it turns out.
James:
I felt a sense of euphoria working with the cast, crew, location and script. The fact that I was trusted as the actor to just get on with it - was very liberating, and the character of Alex was just a joy to play.
I am very grateful that it happened, I was able to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to similar experiences.
Miles:
The landscape is a bit challenging in our industry at the moment. For those who are maybe considering acting, can you share some insight or personal experience?
James:
I think one thing I wish I knew when I started is that it’s ever-changing, and you have absolutely no control over it. So just keep in mind that you’ve got to go with the flow, instead of trying to control it.
You also have to find something that gives you creative control.
I write and play music. These are things I can do for free, and there’s little in the way to stop me.
Lastly, and connected, you do need to pay the bills, etc., but if that job can be something that you love, that’s not attached to you as an actor, you will enjoy your day-to-day life a lot more, rather than saving that happiness for acting only.
Miles:
Is it difficult for others outside the industry to understand what it’s like working as an actor (and growing your career), do you think?
- Who do you have that supports you?
James:
Yeah definitely. We are like social outlaws. But I think that goes for freelancers in general within any creative industry. But then alternatively, we can't understand what it's like to have a ‘normal’ 9 to 5 either ya know?
My family and girlfriend have gotten me out of some bad spots before. Especially my girlfriend.
It's probably like a weekly thing that rattles my head about why I'm doing this pursuit of something that seems so infrequent currently, but she always gets me back on track.
Miles:
Where did that interest in writing come from, and how does it fit in with acting?
James:
In the last couple of years, as with most, I haven't been getting as many auditions as before, and I felt like maybe I wasn't really even an actor.
So it’s about being empowered as a creative. It’s something I can do for myself.
And, it definitely helps inform my acting. You begin to understand where the writers are coming from, be it story, character, or language. The process makes you think more from their point of view, and that informs a better approach to acting.
Miles:
Are you writing anything at the moment?
James:
There is one that I’m focused on right now. It’s about a guy who starts a stream in effort to change his life. That’s all I’m gunna say…
Miles:
Are you looking to collaborate with people at the moment? If so, what kind of projects would interest you (for those who may read)?
James
Definitely.
The great thing about being an actor is being a team player and collaborating. The same can also be said for writing. Having enthusiasm, listening to others and bouncing ideas are fulfilling things in the process of creating.
I think the films I currently like to watch are ones that expose the grittier sides to human nature.
Not necessarily horror, but questions of morality, corruption, and circumstantial peril.
The stories that interest me at the moment are the ones that ask, ‘Would I/you find yourself doing things in the same circumstances?’.
There’s value in stories that question who you are or what you stand for.
Miles:
Where would you like to be in 5 years’ time, or what would be the kinds of projects you’d like to work on?
James:
This question is really hard to answer as an actor because you can have hopes and dreams, but if you are too attached to them, you'll only let yourself down. The industry is complex, which is both a blessing and a curse.
So my hope, really, is just to be working consistently on projects that connect with me creatively - acting and writing.
Miles:
Can you tell us some of your favourite performances by others in film and TV?
James:
I mean, without stating the obvious, Daniel Day-Lewis in everything he's been in.
I've been watching The Wire recently, all brilliant performances. Wagner Moura as Escobar in Narcos. Luca Marinelli in M Son Of The Century. Kōji Yakusho in Perfect Days. Sang Kang-ho in Memories Of Murder. To be honest, the list is endless.
Miles:
So many goodn’s there.
Miles:
This has been great, James. Nice to visit you in Crystal Palace too.
Having not been here properly before, the name was setting up for disappointment though. I should have properly read the Wiki page.
James:
I mean don't come to CP expecting to see a Crystal Palace, but it’s got charm. It’s a good relaxing day out, good pubs, and the park is lovely! Especially the dinosaurs there.
Miles:
Dino Palace. Fantastic. What a well-rounded place.
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