Stephen Graham & Ashley Walters on Their Chilling New Crime Drama | This Morning

Summary

In this insightful conversation, Stephen and Ashley discuss the powerful inspiration behind their latest project, which tackles the disturbing rise in youth violence. They share their personal reflections on societal responsibility, the influence of social media, and the challenges of portraying such raw, emotional content. The actors also delve into the unique experience of filming in a single take, the collaborative nature of the crew, and their research into police procedures. They touch on their past experiences in other notable projects, including a Springsteen-related film, and emphasize the importance of storytelling from diverse perspectives.

Takeaways

• 😀 The inspiration for the show came from real-life tragic incidents involving young people and the increasing frequency of such events.
• 😀 The creators wanted to explore how societal issues, such as parenting, schools, and social media, contribute to such tragedies.
• 😀 The series presents a new perspective by focusing on the family of the perpetrator, making it a unique narrative in the genre.
• 😀 The show’s production involved extensive planning, with weeks of rehearsals and the intention to film in one continuous take to heighten realism.
• 😀 The cast and crew worked together closely, creating a team dynamic that was crucial for the success of the one-take format.
• 😀 There were challenges during filming, including one of the actors, who suffered from a bad back, yet still pushed through to deliver the performance.
• 😀 Despite the physical challenges, the cast continued to perform dynamic scenes, including running scenes and difficult moments.
• 😀 Owen Cooper, a young actor in the series, was praised as a rare talent, with his performance being described as magical and generational.
• 😀 The actors and crew took great care to understand the psychological aspects of their characters, including the perspective of the police involved in the story.
• 😀 The show’s director, Philip Barini, was highlighted for his calm and measured approach, and the cast appreciated his professionalism during filming.

Q & A

What inspired the creation of the series discussed in the interview?

The inspiration came from real-life news stories about young people committing violent acts, specifically a girl being stabbed by a boy. This tragic event, along with the emotional response from the creators, led them to reflect on societal issues, parenting, and the influence of social media on youth today.

How does the series address the issue of parenting and societal responsibility?

The series highlights the collective responsibility in raising children, emphasizing the roles of parents, schools, society, and even political structures. The creators stress the impact of social media and how it 'parents' children just as much as their actual parents do.

What unique storytelling technique was used in the series?

The series was filmed in a single continuous take, which required extensive planning and rehearsal. This technique allowed for a naturalistic and immersive portrayal of the events, drawing viewers into the unfolding drama.

What challenges did the cast face while filming the series in one continuous take?

The cast faced significant pressure to perform without interruption, as any mistake meant starting over. Rehearsals were crucial, with two weeks spent practicing before filming, and each scene was shot multiple times to ensure perfection.

How did the actors prepare for their roles in such an intense and realistic production?

The actors immersed themselves in rehearsals and research. One actor, in particular, mentioned attending a raid with the police to understand procedures, but also recognized that the heart of the role was not just about being a police officer but also about being a parent.

What is the significance of portraying the story from the perspective of the perpetrator's family?

By showing the story from the perspective of the perpetrator's family, the series explores the complexities of normal families and challenges the viewer to consider how such tragedies can happen to anyone. It invites the audience to reflect on the human side of such difficult situations.

How did the director manage to capture the spontaneous energy of theater in a film production?

The director combined elements of theater's spontaneity with the naturalism of film to create an energetic yet grounded experience. This approach made the production feel alive and allowed for unexpected, powerful moments.

How did the cast feel about their director and the crew during filming?

The cast praised their director and crew for being the best they had ever worked with. The teamwork and support on set were central to the success of the production, with everyone working in sync to achieve the desired outcome.

Can you describe the role of Owen Cooper in the series and his performance?

Owen Cooper, a young actor, was described as a 'once-in-a-lifetime generational talent.' His portrayal was so impressive that he left a lasting impact on the cast and crew. He is regarded as having a unique ability to bring depth and realism to his role.

What was the experience like for the actor working with Bruce Springsteen on 'Deliver Me from Nowhere'?

The actor described Bruce Springsteen as a humble and wonderful man. Although Springsteen's character in the show was complex, with a troubled relationship with his father, the actor appreciated the opportunity to work with an icon and the nuanced portrayal of their relationship.