Young Irish actor, Sam Lucas Smith is going from strength to strength, having recently received the Best Supporting Actor award at the Sydney Independent Film Festival for his work as Abel in the Imperative Pictures Feature Film Imperfect Sky. The film, directed by Graham Streeter, has gone on to achieve considerable success at international film festivals and recently released on the iTunes streaming service. You might recognise Sam from his previous work on the History channel's Vikings and his roles on BBC dramas such as Waterloo Road. With another two feature films in production, it's safe to say this busy young actor is one to watch.
I managed to catch Sam for a chat on a rare day off over the weekend.
Thanks so much for taking the time to talk. With your schedule, I'm impressed you found the time!
Sam: It's a pleasure. Things are very busy at the moment, but I happen to have the day off from filming.
You're filming right now. Can you tell us about the film?
Sam: I have two large feature film projects in production. Right now I'm filming the lead in a comedy feature called Dub Daze. It's a fantastic script written and directed by Shane J.Collins. The film is inspired by brilliant Irish films like Adam and Paul and classics like Trainspotting.
And the other film?
Sam: The other is a thriller from Two Jokers productions. I play the part of a young up-and-coming rally driver who gets pulled in to taking part in a bank heist.
Good-guy-gone-bad sort of thing. Of course, the heist doesn't quite go to plan.
How does it go?
Sam: That, you'll have to wait to see. I'm sorry! But you won't have to wait too long. The film will be released in 2018.
Comedy and a thriller. A good mix there! Did you intentionally choose contrasting parts?
Sam: Honestly, no. But I'm happy it worked out that way.
You are known for your previous dramatic work. Do you have any preference, or would you like to do more comedy?
Sam: I would love to do more comedy roles in the future. I trained in stand-up comedy at the Soho Theatre and improvisation at UCB Theatre while I was in Los Angeles. I don't necessarily prefer one over the other. The key thing for me is the material.
I'm a stickler for good writing. It doesn't matter if it's drama, comedy or anything. If the writing is good I'm in.
Could you tell us about an average day in your life?
Sam: Sure, I'm an early riser. Usually, I'll wake at 6 or 7. Depending on my schedule, I'll either be filming for the day, attending meetings or working on scripts. Before all that though, you'll usually find me in the gym.
So you're a gym bunny?
You could say that. I like to keep healthy. And, I'll admit, I'm slightly addicted.
Well, I'm sure there are worse things to be addicted to.
Sam: Definitely.
Congratulations on your Best Supporting Actor award [VIDEO]. Can you share your experiences working on Imperfect Sky?
Sam: Thank you.
Working on Imperfect Sky was truly life-changing. It was a very tough shoot as it was a such a raw and emotional script that demanded so much from everyone involved throughout our tight shooting schedule. But it was a rewarding experience. I got to travel all over Los Angeles and in various locations in Northern California. Plus, I worked alongside a brilliant cast of American actors and Graham Streeter, one of the best directors I've ever worked with.
What's next?
Sam: I'll soon be finished filming Dub Daze and I play the lead in a film called Anthesis which I shot with a great Hungarian director called Szintia Szekeres which is coming out soon. After that, Killers Within will be released. After a very long shoot, I'm definitely looking forward to that one!
Exciting!
Sam: Definitely.
Sam, thanks for chatting. I'm looking forward to seeing your upcoming films.
Sam: Thank you
