Neal grew up in Derby and attended St. Benedict’s School of Performing Arts, where he studied drama and Performing arts. He furthered his training at the International School of Screen Acting at Three Mills Studio. At the start of his career, he played Barry Owen in ‘Holby City’ and various lead roles in shorts and playing the notorious part of Johnny in the online hit ‘D.A.Y.S’ by Kris Rimmer.
Neal landed a lead role in the twitter funded feature ‘Invasion of the Not Quite Dead’ which is a cult indie horror film crowdfunded on twitter before all of the crowdfunding sites! All in all, Neal has been working none stop for the past 8 years pursuing his passion and talents and always pushing his goals higher and higher.
We had the pleasure of speaking with Neal about his career. Check out the interview below.
Hi, Neal! You have an impressive resume, and we can’t wait to speak with you about your projects! Let’s start with Two Graves. You play Finn. This film is taking vengeance to the next level. Tell us more about Finn and your role.
Well, to be honest, this was my first UK feature where I had the chance to really get into a role with an incredible cast.
I’ve been working tirelessly in the background as an actor for around 13 years in several short films and extremely low features which either didn’t get a release or just didn’t progress anywhere. I had worked on several quality short films and music videos in 2016, one being ‘Howls heard from miles around’ directed by Tin Zanic and produced by BAFTA-winning producer Ser En Low. The cinematographer of this film, Adam Barnett went on to be the DOP for Two Graves, who happened to drop my name to Director/writer Gary Young who penned the classic British thriller ‘HARRY BROWN’.
They had cast the whole film bar the role of Finn and needed to fill the role ASAP as time was ticking. So Gary and producer Shantelle Rochester finally took a look at my reel and past work and gave me a call to offer me the role.
This is very rare in the industry to be just given a role and I’m sure many actors work towards this for the whole of their careers.
Obviously, I obliged.
Three days later I found myself on the set with a powerhouse cast feeling a little overwhelmed. I had several scenes with British powerhouses in the industry Kathy Tyson, David Hayman (who days before I had been watching in Tom Hardy’s TABOO!) and working with one of the UK’s greatest writers Gary Young!
So anyway, back to Finn and the role.
Finn is one of the central characters of the story in Two Graves. He is the son of crime lord Tommy, (David Hayman) He is kidnapped and tortured by the two female leads Margaret and Zoe (Kathy Tyson and Katie Jarvis) as they believe Finn has killed Margaret’s son! He goes on an emotional journey of mental and physical torture as they try to extract valuable information of how her son died! It’s a fight for his life and the truth.
I won’t give any more away but that’s just a sample of what Finn has install for him. If you wanted to see the film first at the UK Premiere at Curzon Soho on the 9th June @ 6:30 P you can grab a limited number of public tickets here: https://www.curzoncinemas.com/film-info/buff-2018-two-graves
Do you feel that this film delivers a unique plot?
Two Graves does deliver a unique plot, especially in the industry at present. It features a female lead revenge thriller where women have the power. This is so important in this climate as there is a huge demand for female lead content and Two Graves delivers this and more. The story explores twists and turns and delivers some incredible performances from household names such as Josh Herdman (Goyle-Harry potter) and Danielle Harold (EastEnders).
What should the audience expect?
The film is an emotionally charged rollercoaster from start to finish. There’s not one weak performance in the whole film. Both cast and crew dedicated all they had and more to create a brilliant piece of British cinema.
Shantelle (producer) pulled together a great film and will continue to make great cinema and empowering women along the way.
Hats off to everyone involved.
What did you do to prepare for the role?
I only really had a few days to prepare for the role as I came in really last minute. A key technique for me is to just read my own lines and only really look at other characters cue lines.
I find that you don’t need to know what other people are going to say… they will tell you that when you’re filming a scene. I believe its key to listen just as much as you speak. It adds a certain rawness to performances, an actor can say a lot more when they are saying nothing.
So, I just jumped into the deep end and listened to what other actors were giving me, and let’s be honest I had some of the best to bounce off in this film! Dave Johns (I, Daniel Blake) was especially great to work with as he has this natural ability to bring a truth, but also an air of comedy to situations of great peril. It was a real masterclass for me on the set of two graves.
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These types of films can evoke a myriad of emotions. How do you unwind after starring in this type of movie, where blood and gore is the focus?
I always find finishing a film a really hard time. You’re running high on emotions and 9 times out of 10 you’re physically and mentally exhausted by the end of the shoot.
I’ve struggled quite badly in the past with depression /anxiety so coming off such a high can leave an actor quite lost.
As actors, we know that when the funs over, which for me is the filming process, we must be looking and searching for the next job. For me, not being a known actor, is even more difficult as I knew no one would see the film for at least a year. So, plugging away and having to work to pay bills in the meantime is increasingly difficult living in London.
So, I always find time to be chipping away behind the scenes, contacting people within the industry to keep the ball rolling.
I’m the first in my family to pursue a career in film so it’s not as easy as asking Mum and Dad for their influence and advice, although they have been my rock since starting out as an actor. They have been nothing but supportive, just a phone call away back in Derby when times have been tough. I couldn’t continue chasing this dream without them.
After a successful film and television run, you’re appearing in short films, too. Tell us more.
I probably like shorts more than I do features. You usually find a hell of a lot more passion and drive on a short film. Short films are a place to explore talent and try things you wouldn’t usually do on a feature. You get paid a lot on TV to do what’s required but with a short, you have your own artistic license.
Even with Two Graves, I played a character I’m not usually up for. I usually play the unhinged, threatening type but with Finn, I was the complete opposite. Was such a challenge as I’m usually playing a menacing fella.
I got to delve deep into another area with Patrick Ryder’s ‘THE CODE’. I played Captain Penney in his wartime short which was beautifully shot by Richard Oakes. These two are absolute geniuses with their work ethic. Some beautiful scenes have been created on this film.
I’m not going to tell you anything about this role as it’s a small but pivotal part, and I don’t want to give anything away. It’s a huge step away from my normal casting bracket and Patrick gave me free roam to do whatever I wished, (within reason) after seeing my self-tape.
Both Patrick and Richard are two people the industry are not ready for. Be warned, because without people like them, I and several other actors would not have the platform to shine like we do. I owe a part of my career to them and the other directors and DOP’s I’ve worked with in previous years!
You continuously hone your craft. What keeps you inspired?
As most people who know me I’m a massive fan of Tom Hardy. I always find that having an idol that’s so successful, is key to reminding me that it’s all possible with hard work and dedication. We are the creators of our own world.
A close friend has always said that only ‘YOU’ can shape your life and we can positively or negatively affect our life with the decisions we make. I try to keep the focus and live a life that’s varied and true to myself.
To be a good actor, I truly believe you have to experience life’s ups and the downs, which is why I find Tom compelling to watch. I’ve had the struggles, I owe my presence and truth on screen to it. Too many actors overact… and in my eyes, a lot of actors miss the opportunity to tell the truth and be believable on screen and they rely on a theatrical illusion.
Tell the truth and say every line as if it’s the first time you’ve said it, with conviction and honesty and you’ll always be interesting to watch.
Thus far, what has been the best experience working in the industry?
I recently shot my second feature with another incredible asset to British filmmaking, director PAUL KNIGHT, on his latest movie ‘24 little hours’
It was shot in 8 days, with a cast of 30 including Kris Johnson, Danny Midwinter, Fiona Skinner and Marc Bannerman, in 15 locations and over 100 minutes in the can. It also reunited me with cinematographer Richard Oaks. So, to work on a feature with such a talented cast and crew was incredible.
I had met Paul a few years before at the ‘Rolling Film Festival’ and when he got in contact to talk about a role in his next feature, I jumped at the chance to be a part of it. Paul had been a supporter of my career and I find it is crucial, in this day and age, to have people like him working tirelessly in the industry to make films and give people like myself the opportunity to show their talents on a bigger platform.
British indie films have a bit of a reputation these days, but Paul is doing all he can to create films that are engaging and giving both well know actors, and new emerging talent, the opportunity to step up in the industry. Now, this is something that Hollywood doesn’t do, and I must say Paul is a key ambassador of this as he not only does his own films he also finances other filmmakers into producing their very first feature films.
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Do you have any upcoming projects that we haven’t mentioned?
I’m involved in ‘Invasion of the Not Quite Dead’ playing a lead role. This is a 10 year passion project from director A D Lane.
Anthony has been making this film for 10 years and has literally put his heart and soul into this project. He has overcome so many obstacles whilst filming this project and his determination and passion is a true testament to filmmaking. He has never given up and he has nearly completed his movie, even if it has nearly killed him. The film uses only practical effects, with no added CGI, which in this day is unheard of. Anthony says that INVASION is a film that if you took out all the blood and gore, it would still stand as a powerful, character driven drama. I believe he has achieved this and much, much more. A cult classic in the making that I’m so proud to be a part of!
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I’m also due to play SASCHA in Nicola Quilters ‘The attendant’ that’s going into production later this year. Again, another dark British thriller that has just won the JETS Berlinale film festival 2018.
I get to go back to my good old nasty, unhinged characters. I was offered the role when Nicola met me at the London film festival where I had been nominated for the Best Actor award for my role in ‘Howls Heard From Miles Around’
Complete this sentence, if I had an opportunity to do anything I want, I would do ___________.
I would continue doing what I have already done, only on a larger scale and hopefully clear a few debts at the same time.
Naturally I would like to work with Tom Hardy (that’s definitely on the TO DO LIST) and I think it could be on the cards. Taboo 2 is in pre-production so I’m out to get my foot in the door with Stephen Knight.
For me I suppose it would just be to work with the people I’ve worked with before and see their vison come to live on a bigger scale.
I definitely want to work with Paul Knight and Patrick Ryder again. They have been key in me getting some recognition for my work this past year, and I can’t thank them enough for their belief in me. Without it I would still be twiddling my thumbs.
There’s so many people I owe such a lot to over the years so if you don’t mind here they are:
My Mum and Dad and my sister. Sharon Sorrentino (worlds greatest casting director) who gave me the role in Howls, (without her I wouldn’t of been seen for Two Graves!) Joe Riley, April Kelley, Chris Anastasi, Frank Jakeman, Lance Stein Anthony Neilsen, Mark J Blackman, Roxy Holman, Patrick Chamberlain, Andrew Rutter, Charlie Sarsfield, Jordan Bond and my incredible friend Richard Lindsay.
All of the above play key roles in my life with constant support and advice, without them I wouldn’t be writing these responses. I thank you all.
SHOWREEL:
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