Interview with South African Born Actor Scot Cooper

After Scot Cooper finished college his first job was the lead in a Pepsi commercial for MTV Russia. Scot didn’t expect to get a job like that early on because he was still trying to figure out the professional casting process, and he was intimidated by it. Soon after that Scot Cooper got a role in the American war film 1968 Tunnel Rats, and as a result missed his graduation day because he was on set. Scot was one of only two South Africans cast, and though it was only a couple of lines it was so exciting to have that opportunity at that point in his career.

How did you become an actor
After being in London for two years after school I knew that I had to study something, and I think initially without even knowing it I knew that I wanted to be an actor. I was in the annual play every year at school, and remembering how much it really appealed to me I think that helped my decision to study the craft. I studied for a BA at the South African School of Motion Picture and Live Performance, and furthered my studies under other trainers, including Bill Esper at the Esper Studio in New York.

What acting technique do you use
I’ve studied Meisner, and use it in preparation to help be in the moment in rehearsals and when performing, it’s a great technique to get one focused. Otherwise I will use sense memory when needed, and the same with the method approach with certain aspects in developing a character, and getting into that headspace. Otherwise going on instinct and skillset is a great technique.

What wrong impressions do actors hold about acting
Many actors feel that talent alone will make you a successful actor, it couldn’t be further from the truth. This industry is tough, and hard work is needed in honing skills that talent can’t provide. Talent takes you so far, working constantly at becoming a better actor will take you further, and it’s always evident.

Do you take courses to improve your craft
I do. Currently I’m working with my acting coach Aletta Bezuidenhout preparing for a role in a play coming up. Course wise I recently worked with American actor D David Morin on an 8 week intensive in Cape Town at his ‘Hollywood Masterclass’ studio. Compared to LA & NYC there’s far fewer courses in Cape Town, but that is no excuse to work less because there is always something to work on as an actor. I also have private voice and dialect coaching to keep sharp with that aspect of it as well.

What acting books do you read
One of my favourite’s is the Meisner based book ‘The Actor’s Art and Craft’ by William Esper. And I also recommend ‘How To Stop Acting’ by Harold Guskin.

How do you keep fit as an actor
I keep fit as an actor by living life as much as possible, by embracing the good and bad of it. When I can I travel and educate myself on other cultures, I read, I go to the theatre, and physically I keep fit by going to gym, hiking, and playing sports. All of these experiences I believe aid me as an actor.

Scot Cooper as The Messenger in BBC’s Jamillah and Aladdin

How do you prepare for a role
Well after the initial excitement of getting a role (Make the most of it!) I get down to the work which will first in tale reading the script, and then the scenes I’m in many times over. I find after a while the lines just stick from reading them so often. I get familiar with the scenes, then break them down, and try to truly understand my character’s wants and needs, and how he fits into the world of the story.

How do you create a character in a script to a person
The more time I spend with the text the more the character comes to life. Finding something relatable in the character helps even more so. And more happens creatively in the doing, by physically creating the character with trial and error by finding the sound of his voice, how he stands, walks etc.

How do you stay fresh on a production set
One can be on set for 12 hours or more sometimes, and that’s why filmmaking can be draining. So stamina is needed for sure, and the more you do it the stronger you get with that aspect of it. Between takes I try reserve my energy as much as I can either by talking less, sitting down, hydrating, eating nutritional food, and having a good laugh when at all possible.

Describe a memorable character you played
There’s been a few, but one that stands out purely for the project more than the character is the co-starring role I got on Homeland season 4. It’s a big show, and it was a big deal for me getting that small role. And I got to be directed by Emmy nominated Lesli Linka Glatter. A memorable experience.

Explain one creative choice you took on set
If I can mention a play I did. It was a murder mystery story set in the Jordan desert, and I decided to gradually tan myself (makeup) every time I left stage, as well as add water for sweat. Whether it made a difference to the audience or not who knows, but to me it did. That desert was hot!

What do you want most from a director
Trust, and guidance. It gives me great confidence to do my job if the director trusts me as an actor with the character I’m presenting. And because the director is the leader I want to feel secure that he is guiding me with his vision in whichever way he goes about it (every director is different) so that we are on the same page to produce absolute quality.

The Trail – Short film

What actors do you long to work with
There’s many, but my number one is Sir Daniel Day-Lewis.

Why
He is an absolute master at his craft, has a rare focused intensity, incredibly disciplined, specific, bold in his choices, and you can see that he’s an absolutely giving actor. His performances are so engaging to watch. In a way he has been a mentor and inspiration to me as an actor with his performances over the years. It would be an honour to work with him.

What advice would you give to actors
Don’t give up! Stay positive, be patient, persistent, and keep working on your craft.

Briefly write about your career
My career so far has been quite the journey, a lot has happened, but often I feel like I’m still starting out with many great opportunities to come. It’s had its ups and downs, but it’s all been worth it, I know the best is still yet to come. I’ve had the pleasure of being in many short films which I believe has lead on to many other opportunities, and I’ve worked with many talented filmmakers more than once, which comes down to the relationship factor that is so important in this industry. This career is tough, so every opportunity that I’ve had whether it’s been for a TV commercial, film, TV series, or on stage has been a great gift.