Tom Stuart has worked extensively as an actor for 15 years in theatre, film, radio and television. His theatre credits include numerous productions at Shakespeare’s Globe, as well as the Young Vic, Lyric Hammersmith and Manchester Royal Exchange. In film he has had the honour of working with, amongst others, Joe Wright, Michael Winterbottom, Ridley Scott, Tomas Alfredson and John Boorman.
indieactivity: Congratulations on the release of “Good Boy!” Tell us about your journey? Why this story?
Tom Stuart (TS): Thank you so much! The film is my directorial debut so it’s very exciting and validating. I was very lucky to grow up with an extraordinary mum who was funny, loving and naughty, unfortunately she died at the beginning of the pandemic very suddenly and unexpectedly.
This film is my way of processing my grief, trying to come to terms with the loss of her, and attempting to envisage a life for myself without her in it. I wrote the film about a year before it got made: with any short film the biggest stumbling block will always be getting it financed, and it took a while for all of that to come together. Ben Whishaw came on board very early so that really helped encourage others to have faith in the project too.
How long was the post-production process?
Tom Stuart (TS): We were lucky to have a brilliant post-production team including Selina MacArthur who began work on the edit straight away which I think took us a couple of weeks to complete. Because most of the team were contributing to the film for little or no money, we all had to work on the project around other jobs, so it took a couple of months for us to have our finished film.
The Official Trailer for Good Boy Starring Ben Whishaw Directed by Tom Stuart
What inspired the visual style of the film?
Tom Stuart (TS): I wanted the film to have the warmth and grounded authenticity of Little Miss Sunshine, with a some of the quirky framing and color schemes of Wes Anderson’s films. I watched a lot of Iranian films before the shoot because the filmmakers often find inventive ways to shoot in vehicles without huge budgets – Panah Panahi’s beautiful ‘Hit the Road’ was particularly inspiring.
You’ve worked extensively in theatre before “Good Boy”. What skills‘ did you find the most transferable when moving behind the camera?
Tom Stuart (TS): Definitely stamina! Theatre requires so much from you physically, and my experiences of this really helped me with the long days on set. Also, a commitment to character and story – having spent so long inhabiting characters and being on the inside of storytelling as an actor has given me a useful training; it has encouraged me to be economical with my scripts and find the truth in the character’s dynamics.
Ben and Marion are incredible talents. Did your theatrical backgrounds play into your working relationship?
Tom Stuart (TS): Yes, I think it gave us a shorthand that we all understood. They’re also not afraid to make bold choices, but they have the skill set to wield them subtly for the camera.
What were your goals with “Good Boy”?
Tom Stuart (TS): Everything that I work on comes from a place of trying to understand something within myself, so really I just wanted to express myself and tell the story to the best of my ability. The hope is always that something you make will resonate with others, that they might recognize something of themselves in the characters and then reflect on their own lives, so I really hoped people would see it and connect with it.
The film’s journey was incredible. What were the personal highlights for you?
Tom Stuart (TS): It has been extraordinary, I think I’m still processing it all now! Beng on set with this incredible cast and crew was one of the highlights of my whole career, I loved every second of it. At every screening that I’ve been to, audience members seek me out to share their own stories of grief, which is very humbling and special. And, of course, getting the phone call to say we’d made the shortlist for the Oscars was mind-blowing – like being told I was being sent to the moon in a rocket!
What’s next for you? What are you working on right now?
Tom Stuart (TS): I’ve got several projects on the go including a play and a few TV series, but I’m very focused on trying to get my first feature film financed and made.
What would you recommend to a new director? Any special courses, workshops, helpful books they can read?
Tom Stuart (TS): Embrace as much art, books, plays and films as you can. The best way to learn anything is by watching and listening, learning how others have done it before you. The other best way to learn is by doing, so once you’ve saturated yourself in other people’s films – get out there and give it a go. Don’t wait for anyone to give you permission to be creative, make your own work.
Tell us what you think of the interview with Tom Stuart. What do you think of it? What ideas did you get? Do you have any suggestions? Or did it help you? Let’s have your comments below and/or on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter.
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