Next week, 22nd July sees the British Premiere of debut director Michael Elkins film “BREAK”, the story of a talented young snooker player called Spencer, played by Sam Gittins.
Growing up in a single-parent household on a council estate in inner-city London, Spenser hangs out in the local snooker hall and is drawn into a life of crime and the murky world of drugs and is heading down the wrong path, a road to self-destruction fueled by bad decisions that will see him end up like many others around him, wasting his life and talent away, that is until a chance meeting that offers him a lifeline and a way out, but will he take it?
This week, Awayday radio caught up with the very talented actor and rising star Sam Gittings who plays Spenser in “Break”, to talk about the film and his own Journey.
Hello Sam, thank’s for taking time out to talk to us in what must be a very busy time for you, what with the premiere of “Break” next week?
No problem at all, more than happy to speak with you guys.
After speaking with Michael Elkin the director and writer of “Break” in a recent interview about how he earmarked you down for the lead role of Spenser a few years ago, he said how a few years later producers interested in the script were pushing for a more well-known actor to play the lead part, and even someone else to direct it, but he stood firm in his belief of his own and your talent and that people from working-class backgrounds who had passion needed to be given an opportunity to prove themselves, is it fair to say the story of Spencer does draw some comparisons in the film?
Yes, that’s very true, I first met Michael whilst I was working at a call centre where out of work actors could earn some extra money, and after a chance chat with Michael in the break room he said you would be perfect for the lead role in a script he had written, fast forward a couple of years and he got back in touch and offered me the role which I accepted immediately, but you’re right, it became clear he was put under pressure to replace me with a more well-known actor but he stuck to his guns even at the expense of losing the financial backing, in fact, I even considered pulling out for his own sake, but thankfully it all came good, so I’ll always be grateful to him for the loyalty he showed me.
So how did you get into acting?
When I was about 13 after a little persuasion from my mum I auditioned to get into the Brit performing art school, in Croydon near to where I grew up, and got in, spent four great years there and graduated, got myself an agent and then went on from there, it’s fair to say boxing was my first passion and still is, but my passion for acting soon followed.
What made you take up boxing?
I think it was seeing pictures of a family member in the ring, I joined a boxing club in Eltham and really enjoyed it, I had a very good amateur career and went on to be the English lightweight champion, I don’t fight now so much, but still train a lot and have done some coaching, I really find the training and the discipline needed to be a boxer helps concentrate my mind when acting and playing numerous roles.
You’ve already been in a quite a few films Sam, most recently being a couple of excellent gritty dramas, such as “Obey” and “Ray and Liz” and have won a “Best Actor” award at the Southampton International Film Festival for a short film called “Driftwood”, but I’m guessing it was quite an experience acting alongside side such a well-known actor in Rutger Hauer, what was he like?
Rutger was a mischievous character but in a funny way, and was great to work with, such a shame it was his last film before he passed away and we’ll all be thinking of him next week at the premiere.
Seeing as we’re a radio station Sam, what kind of music are you into?
I’m into my Grime and hip hop, but back in the day it was jungle then moving into to garage, and now I enjoy listening to all the big Uk artists from that sort of scene.
So, a bit about your early life Sam, I see you grew up in Luton and then moved over to South London?
No, in fact, I was born in Luton but almost immediately we moved over to Eltham in south London, basically because my dad wanted me to have Luton on the Birth certificate. ?
? oh right! So I’m guessing this is why I see you’re a big Luton fan, presumably because of your dad’s influence? Do you get too many games?
Yes, my dad started taking me when I was about 11 or 12 and I’ve followed them ever since, got a season ticket and go when I can and pick off a few away games.
I’ve always admired Luton as a club, they seem to be very much family-oriented and a hub for the community.
Yes, exactly that, we sometimes take things for granted living in other parts of the country where we live in multi-cultured communities, but places like Luton are quite segregated and the club has taken that responsibility on and tried to get the south-east Asian community involved with various schemes and have had quite a bit of success, I do believe football clubs can play a vital role in reaching out to the local community and breaking down those barriers.
Who are your favourite players Sam and can you see Luton staying up in the championship this season?
I missed out on the glory years, with the likes of, Brian Stein and Rick Hill, but growing up, Kevin Nichols and Carlos Edwards were my favourites, but now Elliot Lee and Cameron Carter-Vickers are the stand out players, yeah, it’s going to go down to the wire this season re relegation, we seem to perform well against the better teams but revert to playing like a league one team against the teams around us which is frustrating.
Seeing as the last game of the season is the same night as the premiere of “Break” will you be wearing an earpiece listening to Luton’s last game at home to Blackburn?
I’ve seen the film already, so no need to go! ? no, I’m really excited about the launch of the film, and the premiere will be a great night, but yes, I will be keeping a close eye on the proceedings at Kenilworth road, somehow!
Have you got anything else lined up or coming out in the near future?
Yes, another film I play the lead role in is due for release very soon, its called “To be someone” it’s loosely related to the 1979 movie, Quadrophenia, it’s directed by Ray Burdis and written by Pete Meadows, the film, stars some of the original Quadrophenia cast, including Gary Shail, Toyah Wilcox, Phil Daniels, Lesley Ash and Mark Wingett, the movie is not a sequel to the original Quadrophenia film, as its story focuses on the mod revival era, it’s also accompanied by a great soundtrack by a group called the “K’s”.
That sounds great, maybe we can get you on a future show to talk about it nearer the release date, we’ll that’s as long as your happy talking to our host Gary Harris who is a massive Watford fan! ?
Not too sure about that!?
Thanks for taking the time to talk with us Sam, and we wish all the best with the Premiere and your career going forward, and more importantly the Hatters retaining championship status!
Cheers mate, anytime, it’s been a pleasure.
Here you can find all the details for the premiere next week which is now free to enter.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/break-world-premiere-after-party-tickets-113876080422
