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A very British character: a conversation with Billy Cook
Billy Cook is one to watch in British film. Having been encouraged onto the silver screen by his father, David Essex, it’s no wonder that he has taken to classic British film like a natural, in projects like Traveller. We were lucky enough to catch up with the up-and-coming actor about football, his career, and his upcoming projects Blink, The Hooligan Factory, and BBC1’s The Crimson Field.
Your upcoming film, The Hooligan Factory, is about football hooligans. Are you a football fan?
I’m a West Ham United fan!
What was it like working on a British comedy like The Hooligan Factory?
It was a fun day. To be honest, I am barely in the film: I only have one scene in it, but I’m really looking forward to seeing it.
You’re set to appear in another project, a short film called Blink, which is much more dramatic and philosophical. How was it working on two such different projects?
Very different. I did a lot of driving in Blink and used a chainsaw a lot in The Hooligan Factory…
Do you prefer working on comedies or the more serious stuff, like Blink?
I can’t really say, I like both.
In Traveller, which was released last year, you actually worked alongside your father David Essex. Was it tough working with family, or was it good to have some familial support on set?
My dad is a great guy, I was given a lot of support and encouragement from him and everyone involved in Traveller. From beginning to end it was a great experience, I learnt a lot from it and at the same time wish it never happened! But it’s the reason I have had the opportunity to act in things like Green Street 3, Never Back Down and The Crimson Field, with some real professional actors.
I’m sure your family’s performing success must have helped, but how did you get into acting?
Yes, it’s all my dad. I wouldn’t be into any acting if it weren’t for him.
Is it something you’ve always been interested in or did it take time to develop a passion for it?
I have always been a fan of movies and the stories, and because of my dad I’ve been to many theatres and seen shows, as a kid and as an adult. When I was really young, me and my brother would try to make movies, dress up like Batman, make up stories, and get our mates involved, with my mum holding the camcorder! I broke a window pretending to be a baseball player once! I love movies and theatre: I like how they can make things in life special and how they inspire people when they are told and shown stories in certain ways. They can bring up all sorts of emotions.
You’ve got some really varied roles under your belt, what can we expect to see from you next?
You can see me in the final episode of BBC1’s The Crimson Field in May.
Would you ever make a move to theatre, like your father, or do you prefer working on film projects?
I would do theatre, but they don’t want me! I just haven’t had the opportunity to do it yet.
Lastly, if you could play any role whatsoever, what would it be?
I can’t say really at the moment – any role would be good! Maybe Tony Montana! Or someone in a good boxing movie, like De Niro in Raging Bull or perhaps James Bond! A cowboy movie would be really cool as well.
Phoebe Person
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