Hi, I am George Carson, back in high school I wanted to go to drama school, but my parents encouraged me to get a trade first. So, I served my apprenticeship as a motor mechanic. During that time, I was active with the local amateur dramatic group and wrote a production (a pantomime) at age of 17 along with some friends, which was performed to a public audience December 1977.
In my mid twenties I joined the Fire Service based at Stirling Fire Station. I progressed through the ranks and for a while I was an Instructor at the Scottish Fire Service Training School in the mid 90’s where one of my responsibilities was training junior Fire Officers ‘Skills with the media’ which included TV interview technique and outside filming work. This led to being asked to present on local tourist board films and BBC TV Tomorrows World program. Following on from that, I had an agent who got me loads of work as an ‘Extra’ on various Films and TV shows, which I fitted into my days off from Firefighting.
@SeventhCrowUK @KMBFilms pic.twitter.com/UjtKQRAnWQ
— George Carson (@GCarsonActor) August 25, 2016
As I approached retirement from the Fire Service I mapped out a plan to get proper professional acting training and aimed to do as much work on stage and screen as possible. So that I was experienced and ready to take on the challenges of a self employed actor.
Did you study acting
I started part time acting training in Glasgow which was a great place for meeting other like minded people, many of whom are close friends still. I progressed quickly from there and on to professional training courses and workshops run by Unsub Actors Glasgow. They have allowed me to work with some great directors and tutors who are top of their game in the industry. I also study and train at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland on a regular part time bases which is challenging and entertaining.
My big adventure in full time studying acting was at the New York Film Academy based in the New York campus. Where I graduated in ‘Acting for Film’. It was exhausting work at times, but totally immersed in acting and filmmaking all day, every day.
Ewan McGregor & George Carson
What acting technique do you use
I am very fortunate to have been taught a whole range of techniques and studied the background to them. They are all valid in one form or another. What works for one person with one script with one particular director might not work with the next one. I think it is vital to have as much knowledge and experience as possible and then be open and flexible to be able work in harmony with those around you. You must understand what the director wants from you and then make bold decisions about your character. This is where the training and experience are vital. To use the skills, you’ve mastered as tools to help do your best performance in whatever the circumstances.
I know some people like one particular method over others and they may stick to that because it works for them. But I can’t do that. I use whatever technique is necessary to help. I’m sure I use a variety of techniques all the time.
Do you take courses to improve your craft
I am constantly training. It will never end. Currently I have booked workshops with Unsub Actors and I will continue at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland (RCS) for foreseeable future.
What acting books do you read
I have read several. Some I liked and some bored me so much I never finished then. However, a book that I would recommend all actors must have and read and study regularly is ‘Different Every Night’ by the wonderful Mike Alfreds. I trained with Mike on a week long workshop in London last year and I have another training week with him in April.
How do you keep fit as an actor
I run regularly. About three times a week. I am a poor runner, but I very much enjoy it. I was president of the local running club ‘Strathearn Harriers’ up until recently. I am also a member of the local gun club and shoot clays regularly. I have a couple of motorcycles and love touring round the Scottish Highlands.
How do you prepare for a role
Of course I’ll read the script a few times to get a proper feel for it. But the best way, I find, is to follow Mike Alfred’s guidance. Mike’s starting point is generally to ask the actor to develop a series of lists: Write down a list of facts about the character, and the ‘big chunky actions’ he or she performs.
- Write down what the character says about him-/herself.
- Write down what others say about the character.
- Write down what the character says about others.
This process ensures you have read the script properly as it forces you to go through it with a fine tooth comb.
The main thing about ‘Acting’ is the homework and preparation that you do yourself. Don’t wait until you’re in the rehearsal room to do the work. Start day one of rehearsal properly prepared. Then be open and flexible with your attitude to the scenes.
How do you create a character in a script into a person
It’s the best thing about being an actor, you get the chance to ‘play’ someone else. I don’t necessarily ‘create’ the character. The writer has already done this. My job is to analyze the script to find all the clues that help define the character. This is where Mike Alfred’s lists apply. Once I have all the evidence, I then have to make bold decisions about how I play the character. I was praised recently at an audition, where the director and writer were the panel. They told me to do the scene they had sent me any way I wanted. They wanted to see what decisions I had made before they were going to tell me about how they wanted it played. Luckily, I got the job and the writer sat me down and said I had done things he hadn’t even imagined this character would do. He wanted me to keep what I’d brought and we worked together to adjust the character to exactly how he wanted it to be.
Sometimes, you’ll be given a character brief from the director. Which adds more information about the individual that is not in the script. This would be worked out between the writer and the director beforehand.
How do you stay fresh on set
I can snooze on a knife edge. So if its quiet enough I’ll sit happily out of the way and have a snooze or read something. If I’m on set, working for someone else then it’s important to accept that I’m part of a team and everyone is working hard to achieve the same goal. I will lend a hand when its appropriate or stay out of the way until I’m called. If necessary, I will find a quiet corner out of the way and go through the script. Even though I know it. I will still refer to it.
Often, I am involved in many other things when I’m shooting my own films and it can be hard to do a scene when I’m problem solving other matters at the same time. Then trying to act in character.
Describe a memorable character you played
Even though I wrote it myself, I liked playing the father of Karina in the short film ‘Karina’ He is a kind man but a bit of a bumbling fool as well. I think it is time I wrote another Karina short film and have the bumbling Dad get into trouble.
Explain one creative choice you took on set
When I was in New York I was asked to play the role of a dying father for an Italian director. It was a lovely short film. My own father had died a year earlier and I said to the director that I would not do the performance until she was ready to film it. By that I mean we did a few rehearsals to check the camera and sound etc and I went through the process and said my lines. But, when everything was confirmed as ready, then I remembered everything about my Dad’s death as I held him by the hand as he drifted off. I acted out the scene imagining it as if I was my Dad. When it finished the room was in silence. The girl holding the sound boom had tears rolling down her face as did some of the others in the room. It was a very moving experience.
Hours just vanish when I’m editing! I don’t think I’ve got off my seat for over 5 hours! Better take dog for a walk! pic.twitter.com/nF1ShAmHxE
— George Carson (@GCarsonActor) September 1, 2015
What do you want most from a director
Clear concise instructions along with a really good understanding of the characters and how they should be played. Then leave the actor to perform.
What actors do you long to work with
Oh! . .too many to list, but to name four at random – Kevin Spacey, Robert Carlyle, Tom Hardy, Denzel Washington.
Why
I just love their work. They way they make me totally believe in the characters they are playing. Michael Caine once said “I don’t want an audience to say – Oh look Michael, he is doing a great job acting in this film. I want them to say Oh look at poor Harry Brown” That is great advice!
What advice would you give to actors
If you want to be good at anything, acting included, go learn as much as you can about it, practice it and enjoy it.
Briefly write about your career
I am still very much at the beginning of my career in the acting, directing, filmmaking world. I have been very fortunate to have met and worked with some wonderful people who have helped me every step of the way. I have written and produced several short films and plays so far. I have just completed a tour of my own play called ‘Home Help’ which I aim to take further next year. I’m also working on my first feature film which I hope to shoot next year.
I don’t look at it as a career as such. It is my whole life now. I am constantly writing, directing, acting, film making, teaching acting or training to be a better actor. It is my passion and my life. I am very fortunate to have my health and able to enjoy it. My friends are a very important part of it all as well. I couldn’t do any of it it without their help and support.
