I had been aware of ‘A Landscape of Lies.’ I heard that London Knights Production team were making a new film. I contacted the casting agent myself. I sent over a couple of self-tapes and luckily I was selected.
As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Kris Johnson (KJ): I feel this role was perfect for me at this point in my career. I’d wanted to work with Paul Knight before and this seemed like the perfect project. Also I had worked with Danny Midwinter very early on in my career. He was very supportive so I was very keen to work alongside him as a lead.
What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Kris Johnson (KJ): I don’t know if this is a spoiler but I don’t actually speak throughout the film. It’s all action for me. Having just finished a project where I didn’t move from 1 spot and had only dialogue. With many long monologues I felt this was a great contrast for me.
You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Kris Johnson (KJ): I love acting more than anything else I’ve ever done. As long as they keep asking me to be in them, I’ll keep making them. It’s never the same, I get to be and live different people, different characters. I test myself and push myself to do and understand things that I never normally would.
Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Kris Johnson (KJ): We discussed in depth over many conversations before we shot anything, what this character was about, so I knew where he was coming from and Paul helped me to find that. As I stated before, this character doesn’t speak so it was more about finding a presence and temperament, and hoping that would come across on screen.
How did you create your character from ground up?
Kris Johnson (KJ): After reading the script, I had a solid picture of the character in my head. With help from my partner, discussing many costume changes and running those past the director we came up with a very strong look for the character. Again, without any dialogue, the look for this role was very important.
Describe the responsibility you shouldered. Did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Kris Johnson (KJ): Although I was one of the leads, I knew I was taking on quite an unselfish role as more of a vehicle between the audience and the many cool characters in this movie. It’s nerve-wracking to take on a role without any dialogue because you wonder if you will be able to get the character’s story across. For instance, sitting between two strong actors like Marc Bannerman and Danny Midwinter desperately wanting to join in while they improv and off the cuff acting, but having to stay silent and just look between them was very difficult for me.
Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Kris Johnson (KJ): As I said I had a lot to do with the costume for my character and I worked very closely with the director and swat team stunt coordinator when choreographing most of the fight scenes.
What did you take away from the film production?
Kris Johnson (KJ): I stole the mask!! And many good friends and colleagues that I hope to work with in the future as well a film I’m very happy to be a part of.
What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Kris Johnson (KJ): Paul and his team had a great vision and a very ambitious time scale which normally would be alarming. But how it was presented once I’d spoken to them I had no doubt that they were very capable of it, I was more than happy to get on board.
What is next for you?
Kris Johnson (KJ): I have three releases this year, 24 little hours being one of them. As well as a comedy called ‘I love my mum’ and a sci-fi thriller that’s due for international release later this summer called ‘Blacksite’. I have 2 projects coming up this summer but I can’t talk about those just yet!
What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Kris Johnson (KJ): Trust your instincts, if a project feels right to you, go for it, only you can decide which way you want your career to go.
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