We recently had the chance to speak to the British Independent Film Festival’s winner of Best Supporting Actor, Marcus Griffiths, about his role In Unhollowed Ground (which also won the title of Best Horror at the festival) and his time at the Royal Shakespeare Company.
You star in the British Independent thriller Unhallowed Ground which recently won Best Horror at the London Independent Film Festival, Can you tell us a bit about the film and your character?
Sure, yeah the film is about a group of young private school students, three boys and three girls, who, as part of an army training scheme known as CTS, on the night of their last day of term are asked to patrol the grounds of the fictional Dhoultham Academy which the boys attend. Unbeknownst to them, this particular night coincides with the anniversary of a spooky legend that is attached to the school. Suffice to say what begins as a routine inspection of the grounds turns into something more than they bargained for. My character Aki, is the rugby captain of the school, very cocksure and full of himself but at the same time very brave and a natural leader.
Your character, Aki, is full of cheek, swag and confidence sometimes he comes across as a bit arrogant, Are you anything like your character?
Not really! I would like to think I have a lot more humility than Aki. But I went to school with a lot of Aki’s (Dulwich College in South London) so stole a lot from people I knew there as character references. Private schools in this country tend to produce a lot of ‘take-over-the-world’ types as you’re taught – rightly or wrongly, – that nothing is off limits to you. That mindset produces a lot of interesting characters from all walks of life, so I tried to tap into those reference points to build the spine of Aki’s personality. Saying that I had a great time at my particular school as it’s a fantastic institution that instils student with an inherent self-confidence to pursue whatever they desire.
Kids are usually intrigued by the occult, I know I was and did mess around with a Ouija board at one point. Have you ever dabbled in the occult yourself?
I’ll be honest, the occult has never really intrigued me, but I used to go round my friend’s house as a kid and stay up all night watching horror movies back to back. I’ve always loved the genre. I was also obsessed with Michael Jackson as a kid, so Thriller was always on repeat in our house… much to my mum’s annoyance haha!
You also won Best Supporting Actor for the role, I can imagine you were pretty chuffed with that.
I was! It was a big surprise, particular when I knew who I was up against. Just to be nominated was great but to win it was a genuine shock and a great feeling!
You seem to have a background in theatre, especially for the Royal Shakespeare Company and at the Globe, Why were you attracted to a role completely different?
I went into 2014 wanting to move away from classical theatre for a while and focus more on screen work. I love theatre, I trained in it, but I was worried I was becoming the “Shakespeare kid” so was actively seeking different material. When this script and character came along I jumped at it. It was my first feature film so it’ll always have a special place in my heart and the friends I made in the group, the “fantastic six” as we called ourselves, are, I feel, friends for life!
You’re currently in Stratford with the Royal Shakespeare Company, what plays are you starring in.
I’m back at the RSC now doing their Swan Summer Season which consists of three plays by contemporaries of Shakespeare. The Jew of Malta by Christopher Marlowe, Love’s Sacrifice by John Ford and Volpone by Ben Johnson.
Which role has been your favourite so far and why?
All great plays, but if I had to pick one, I would say my favourite character is Roseilli in Love’s Sacrifce who for me has the strongest arc of all my characters. The others are what me and my mate Paul Raschid from the film, like to call “impact characters”. Characters who come in fully formed as people that affect the story head on, which are also fun to play.
What advice would you give to young black actors coming through the ranks that want to play Shakespearian roles?
I’d say go for it! I never felt personally that anything was off limits to me. Coming out of drama school (Guildhall school of music and drama) where I played a wide variety of characters from 19th century Russian doctors to Greek kings, it widened my ambition for variety as an actor. I think for any BAME actor I would say be bold, be confident and go for it. There’s a lot more roles out there for you than just Othello!
What are your next projects?
As of right now I do not have any projects lined up. I’m locked into the RSC until September, but I’m sure by then I’ll be chomping at the bit to get back on screen. So I’d say watch this space…
Are you single?
I am a single man yes.
Would you say you’re a romantic?
I would definitely call myself a chivalrous man. I’d like to think any past relationships could confirm that. Romance is fun and cool. Spreading yourself around doesn’t really do it for me. But of course you should still have fun whilst you’re young.
If you really wanted to impress a woman, what would you do to make it a perfect date?
I think learning about a woman’s interests early on is the best way to certify a good date. If they’re into music then a concert is always good. If they like the theatre then book those tickets asap. A standard rom com and a nando’s gets a bit dry after a while.
Give us 3 things that are a turn on and 3 that are a turn off.
3 things that turn me on: positivity, ambition and humility.
3 things that turn me off: bitchiness, jealousy and negativity.
Unhallowed Ground will be released on selected screens across the UK on 12th June 2015, followed by the online and DVD release on 29th June and 13th July and the film will be introduced to foreign markets at Cannes 2015.
Follow Marcus on twitter @MMGriffiths1
Facebook: www.facebook.com/unhallowedground
Twitter: @unhallowedmovie