British actor Neal Ward appears to be on an upward trajectory. Versatile, with a genuine screen presence, energy, and charisma, we look forward to seeing his career go from strength to strength. Following our recent review of the critically acclaimed horror flick ‘Hosts’, we caught up to talk about his career and what’s next.
Thanks for taking the time to speak to us. We’ve had the pleasure of speaking to you before but, particularly for new readers, please tell, us how you got into acting?
From an early age, I always had a passion for film! Watching 80’s classics such as Ghostbusters and Gremlins is always a clear memory for me! Then I’d move my way up to discovering more classic films like Terminator and Robocop after begging my dad to let me watch them. Either that or I’d sneak them off the shelf at home whilst my parents had nipped out to the shops!
I took drama for my exams and ended up being a lot better at it than I was at any other subject, and I absolutely loved performing in front of a crowd, whether that be on stage or in front of my friends! Rick Mayall was a huge influence at the time and I’d find myself constantly reciting scenes from ‘Bottom’ ‘Blackadder’, or ‘Monty Python’ during lunchtimes with my friends. Fast forward 5 years and I was living the dream in London! Little did I know that ‘the dream’ was being skint and spending most of my free time in bars! London was cruel and tough on any actor, the competition was huge and just trying to stay afloat was difficult, but I managed to land a few roles in some great films, although most of which went nowhere or just slipped into the void of films released that year.
To date, who have been your biggest influences?
I have had a few over the years. During my teens, it was Johnny Depp and Kevin Bacon! I loved their on-screen presence! Depp particularly because of his character acting skills, and Bacon because of his different appearance and his peculiar style of acting!
As I got older, I became fascinated with Christopher Walken for his voice, speech rhythms, and his intensity. His ability to completely wow me with his beats and intensity really spoke to me!
But now it’s TOM HARDY! Were remarkably similar in acting styles, I like to bring a level of unpredictability and unhingedness to my roles. The ability to mix humor with intense seriousness is something I channel with my work, in a similar way Tom does with his! I always try to be interesting to watch and so does Tom! It’s all in the eyes! If there was anyone I’d want to work with within this lifetime, it’d definitely be him!
Your latest project is the horror-thriller ‘Hosts’. Please tell us more about the film, your role, and what viewers can expect?
Hosts is a rollercoaster of a home invasion horror! The film explores family values and dark secrets we keep to ourselves! I play the lead role of Jack. A hardworking sensitive ‘average Joe’ who is returning home on Christmas eve to surprise his girlfriend Lucy with a thoughtful gift before heading over to the neighbors for Christmas eve dinner! Between the present giving and the dinner, Jack and Lucy become hosts to a malicious entity! Playing Jack required two performances; both the sweet, kind, and loving guy, and then the dark entity that terrorizes the family! Worlds apart in performance! The audience should expect a rollercoaster of a ride that doesn’t let up and teaching that keeping secrets and burying your own demons always find a way of catching up with you!
How did you get involved in this project and how selective are you with choosing roles?
I am very good friends with the directors Rich and Adam. They are my best friends! So I was present for the initial idea and birth of ‘Hosts’, and I was a part of the process from start to, even in the postproduction stages of the film!
Previously I had not been that selective with roles, I’d take pretty much everything that was thrown at me! Something I need to be rather careful with going forward in my career, but when you get an opportunity to be in front of Mr. Oakes’ lense, with a piece of writing by Leader, you pretty much clear the schedule right away!
‘Hosts’ was written and directed by Richard Oakes and Adam Leader. Please share your experience working with them, the cast, and crew.
Hands down these guys have been the greatest influence on me as a creative and as a human being! Their support and their encouragement of my work and career have been just monumental! Their belief in me as an actor was incredible. They worked so well in conveying what they needed from each scene and never stopped until they achieved what they needed for things to work! The levels of commitment to the production were second to none. Other directors should take a leaf out of their book!
Working under them, and alongside the other cast and crew was such an experience that I think ill never experience ever again! Being on a set where we are all equal, all working for the same goal with the same pay across the board from runner to DOP to lead actor! The feeling of family was hugely present during the making of HOSTS! Something rare to find when sifting through the ego and pretentiousness of the film industry!
If I could work in this way for the rest of my career, I’d happily choose an Oakes and Leader film every time!
You have worked on numerous independent projects, closely with up and coming directors. Have you considered working behind the camera yourself?
Funny you should mention that. Richard Oakes sometimes uses me as his camera assistant on his music video shoots! I always take an interest in how it all works behind the camera as I feel it is important to understand as an actor. The DOP and sound design are a key part of what makes us good as an actor and being educated in what they do can greatly help your performance and the outcome of a film! Were not the stars of the show without their incredible talents with the camera, or the sound equipment. Were all a key part of the engine!
I don’t think I’d ever cross over to the other side of the camera professionally, I’d be naive to think I could be good at it, especially when there are people like Rich absolutely slaying at the work he produces, but I’m always happy to help when I’m not busy giving my all as an actor!
Conscious of the COVID disruptions, are you currently working on any projects?
Well, I have just finished an incredibly hard-hitting film with Darren James King! A gritty, ultra-real film that shows the horrors of a school children’s prostitution circle in London!
April (Working title) follows the conflicting journey of Myles Connor, (my character) as he goes about his elusive business. Unknown to him, his conscience is not far behind pricking at him every step of the way.
Dragged up in a dysfunctional home and seeing his mother be on the receiving end of his father’s unconditional wrath and various other atrocities, he became a product of his environment.
Yearning to be wanted and to be part of something, he was picked up by a crazed criminal, Grant (Sean McPherson) who molded him into the animal he is today. The abundance of easy money is the solution to all his answers but one, purity. Myles fights his traumatic past, whilst living a nightmare present, with no hope of a deserved future.
I am also producing and starring in Patrick Chamberlain’s debut film ‘Sharkers!’ a cross between Trainspotting and Fear and loathing in Las Vegas! We’re currently hunting for finance for this one and aim to be shooting as soon as this shitty coronavirus disappears from wrecking all our lively hoods!
Where can our readers find out more about you?
Instagram: @nealynealy @hosts_movie
Twitter: @nealward @hostsmovie
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2600002/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nealward9
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