Steve is a radio presenter from Liverpool. He is currently broadcasting in Spain and will be appearing in the new Jason Isaacs (Lucious from Harry Potter) movie The El Escorial Conspiracy in September.
Steve's favourite moment from his Liverpool radio show was interviewing his musical hero Jay Semko in 2006. Jay is such an awesome musician that he was picked by Paul Haggis (Oscar winner and writer of the new James Bond movie) to compose the theme and score for the hit Canadian show Due South. A special programme featuring a mix of Steve's interview with Jay and some of his classic tracks will be broadcast on Spanish radio in the summer.
In October 2007 Steve filmed his scenesfor the new Jason Isaacs movie The El Escorial Conspiracy (La Conjuradel Escorial). We caught up with him in Spain and asked the radio host turned actor for his unique insight into what it's like working onthe set of a big movie production with Hollywood and Pinewood megastar Jason Isaacs...Full interview (updated 29 March 2008)
How did you end up in a Jason Isaacs film?
I went for the audition and then I went to the Palace where they were filming and met Jason and began filming myscenes the same day.What about working with Lucious from Harry Potter then?I've had the time of my life meeting and working with (fellow Liverpool actor) Jason, who, I think, will forever be remembered forplaying evil Lucious in the Harry Potter movies. Although he's known for playing the villains, I must say that Jason is the nicest guyyou could meet.He is a really nice bloke and he's really funny. When you think about it, he's a massive movie star, especially after The Patriotand Harry Potter, but he's very down-to-earth. Everybody I spoke to on the set said the same thing. He clearly hasn't lost hisLiverpool sense of humour.As with all major films, there is a lot of standing around waiting. He's very professional but he always keeps the cast and crewentertained inbetween scenes.So, the big question. Are you now friends with Jason Isaacs?
(Steve smiles) Am I now friends with Jason Isaacs? I'd like to think so. We got on really well. It was great talking with him aboutLiverpool and everything and we chatted quite a bit whenever we met.What's this about Doctor Who?
On one occasion, as I'm a life-long Doctor Who fan I couldn't resist asking Jason if he would ever consider a future role as theDoctor if the BBC asked him. After all he is friends with Christopher Eccleston, so he already has a good Doctor Who connection. Jason clearlyhas no shortage of work given his megastar status, but he hasn't (I'm happy to confirm) ruled out a future Doctor Who role. Justthink how cool it would be if Jason were to become the next Doctor.We talked about the way he wouldn't be the first bloke from Liverpool to play the Doctor as he'd be following in the footsteps ofPaul McGann. So, never let it be said that a Scouser can't play the lead role in Doctor Who.When is the film out?The film is due out (I believe) in September this year. That's probably the best time. The new James Bond film is out in November soit will be better to release our film before rather than after that.Is this the start of a new career then?
I've really enjoyed making friends and working with Jason and all of these Hollywood movie stars but this was my first go at actingand I'm keeping both feet on the ground. I wouldn't hesitate to do it all again if I had the chance, but for now it's back tonormal for me. I won't be giving up my day job just yet.Did you meet any other stars?During filming I had the chance to meet another English Hollywood star, (Surrey born) Julia Ormond (Sabrina, First Knight) who plays Princesade Éboli and also starring in the film are the famous Spanish actors Jordi Mollà (from Philip ll of Spain in Elizabeth - The Golden Age) who plays MateoVázquez and William Miller who plays Captain Rodrigo de Villena. I met them both when they were having tapas in one of the local bars. That wascool!Tell us about the plot of the film...The film is directed by Antonio del Real and financed by lots of European film companies and institutions. It's a Spanish Renaissanceperiod drama an tells the story of betrayal in the court of the 16th century ruler King Philip II of Spain.John of Austria sends his personal secretary, Juan de Escobedo, to intercede with the King but witnesses the secret romance between AntonioPérez (Isaacs) and Ana de Mendoza, the Princess of Éboli (Ormond). At this point the plot against the King is beginning to unfold. It's atrue story and all the facts are well documented but I don't want to spoil it for you.Did you recieve any personal instruction from the director?We had personal instruction from the directors assistant on how to 'turn and march'. I've never had to march whilstwearing body armour before. Not as easy as it sounds believe me! So much effort by all of the production crew goes into making the scene lookas authentic as possible. It's so impressive. Very educational for me too.What's your role in the film? Are we going to be able to actually see you in thefilm?One of my scenes takes place during a fancy-dress ball at the palace. I play the role of a Nobleman and later a Spanish Inquisition Guard. Ican't wait until the film is released, but I'm being realistic too. It's a cruel world we live in and I know there's achance that my scenes could end up on the cutting room floor, but that's showbiz I guess.
Whatever happens, getting an acting role inthis film has meant a great deal to me. When I was on my way to the audition I had no idea I was about to meet Jason. It's not often Iuse the word cool, but in describing the whole adventure, that's the word I have to go with. Being a part of this movie has been the mostamazing opportunity for me ever.Suffice to say my biggest scene is when we have to march into a room. Basically I have to open the door and then we march in, with me in front.As I open the door (very big and heavy doors by the way) Jason (in the arms of his lover) has to turn and look at me. I never realised how muchacting was required to 'march' into a room. We all had our markers on the floor (the position where you had to walk up to andstop) but obviously you couldn't look at the marker whilst you were walking. Mine was yellow.
You had to look straight ahead (inmy case, making eye contact with Jason the whole time) and if somebody stopped in the wrong place we had to do it all over again. Sothere's me walking in towards Jason, with him looking straight at me and I'm getting nearer and nearer and all I'm thinkingis "Where on earth is that yellow thing?" Then all of a sudden, out of the corner of your eye you see a yellow fuzzy blob and you think "Ah,thank goodness for that!" I tell you, the movie business - nothing beats it!
How do you feel nowthe filming is over? All in all, this was literally a once in a lifetime opportunity that I couldn't miss and thankfully - I didn't. From Jason andthe other actors I met to the director, his assistants and the guys who served the lunch, I'm very grateful to everyone who made me feelat home. Really gonna miss all those lovely cakes and hot sandwiches they served us every day too!