Guy Potter started acting at a young age in school plays Porte. He started taking it seriously in secondary/high school. After those career sessions where you choose your subjects going forward. Guy Potter didn’t include acting in his choices. He realized he’d’ made a big mistake leaving it out. It hadn’t occurred to him as an option. So Guy made up for lost time and went to classes after school.
He changed schools. Then found one with a good Drama department and made it his total focus. Training mainly in stage Guy Potter transitioned to film after he left, as that’s where his real interest lay. Guy Potter figured it’s a lot better to do what you enjoy and what you’re good at. Than something else just for the sake of it. You’ll never be good at something if you don’t enjoy it.
indieactivity: Did you study acting?
Guy Potter (GP): Yes, alongside my fairly intensive training at the school. I went to after school classes, singing lessons, improv classes, and stage combat too. All culminating in a stint at The American Academy of Dramatic Art, LA. For me in the film industry. Whilst it’s important to have the training to build on. I think what has been a big help is getting involved on a film set at any level. Even behind the camera sometimes and a mix of the two. If you can manage to get involved in a feature film. Watching some of the biggest actors in the world do their thing. That is the best masterclass you can have.
What acting technique do you use?
Guy Potter (GP): A mix really. I use sense memory when I have to and a bit of method too to some extent. It depends on what’s required. With every role thinking as from the ground up and imagining things they’d do. I create and then live in their shoes a bit. Essentially you’re aiming to bring your own experiences to the role. To adapt beyond that to create a character that people can relate to. If you can do that and people believe it, then you’ve done your job. Whichever way makes you get there – do that.
What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting?
Guy Potter (GP): The belief that people just stumble upon success. You definitely have to earn it and prove yourself capable. No one will give it to you, let your work speak for itself, and don’t let up. It’s not as glamorous as you think either, but the product is always worth the process.
Tell us about your experience on MI5?
Guy Potter (GP): I had a few involvements with ‘Rogue Nation’ actually, I started as a Stand-In for Jeremy Renner – like I said I’d do anything to be on a set, and being part of the 2nd team (setting up shots, rehearsing etc.) and working with the likes of Jeremy Renner and Tom Cruise was incredible & a steep learning curve. From there the casting people got in touch as they needed someone for pick-ups from the bike chase in Morocco, so I got involved with that too. It was my first major involvement with a feature and I’ll never forget it.
Tell us about your experience on the Netflix show The Crown?
Guy Potter (GP): So I’m singing in The Crown actually, I sent my audition over on self tape and the director liked it and brought me on board. It’s a cool little role. I can’t say much about it but it’s a great production based on Queen Elizabeth II & the Royal Family, it’s on Netflix over the summer.
Tell us about your outfit High Sierra Films?
Guy Potter (GP): High Sierra Films came about late last year. I wanted to be more involved in the filmmaking process, as the whole industry fascinates me, not just acting. You’d be surprised how many actors have their own production companies, often keeping it quiet, often part-funding things themselves. My first project with it is coming up soon and it’s very exciting.
Do you take courses to improve your craft?
Guy Potter (GP): Yes, stage combat & fight scenes for film need fairly consistent practice, it’s an important job for physicality. I was surprised how much it was like a dance at first. Stage is different to film combat though as a lot of the time there’s more than one point of view in film – unlike sometimes in theatre. On top of that I’ll do refreshers for acting too, as whilst I think a huge part of it is constant practice – you have to practice the right way. It’s also important though to do some extra skills like scuba diving, horse riding etc., have something different from the next guy. My biggest early jobs were a result of a motorbike license for example – you have to stand out.
