Ramsay Philips has always been a performer. This Lexington, Kentucky native first discovered his natural ability to make people laugh when he would mimic his younger sisters to cheer them up after the untimely death of their father. From there he went on to perform stand-up at local clubs, eventually making the finals of the ‘Funniest Man of the Year’ contest. But, his desire to be a serious actor stems from James Cameron’s Titanic– he was blown away by the epic love story.
Since then, Ramsay made his way to Los Angeles and quickly started landing in stand-out indie projects. His notable feature film roles include the town trouble maker in the psychological thriller Falsely Accused, a young father in Juvenile, and an unfaithful pastor in the action-drama Keep The Faith. He also appeared in several indie shorts, including The StickUp, Room 120, Jacob Stone and the fan film Black Lightning: Tobia’s Revenge.
Now, Ramsay stars as twin brothers in the recently released mystery-thriller The Reunion. This indie feature was directed by Tim French (Intersection) and tells the story of three friends from high school who reunite for a haunting weekend they’ll never forget.
Watch the Fan Film, ‘Black Lighting: Tobia’s Revenge‘
indieactivity: How did you get into acting?
Ramsay: I was always mesmerized by T.V. and movies, how you click a button and people pop up on your T.V. That was fascinating to me and still is. I would always watch TGIF as a kid, I loved those shows. But it wasn’t until “Titanic” came out that I said to myself I can be an actor, and my dream was born.
Ramsay Philips from the film ‘The Reunion’ directed by Tim French
indieactivity: What helps you create a character?
Ramsay: Clarity, great writing, an open mind, and no judgement. The ultimate goal for me is to have clarity, to be clear with who the character is as a person. Great writing, an open mind, and not judging the character all go into me gaining clarity as I read a script. Then when I have clarity the creative juices can start flowing and I can sit with the character. I can add things or take things away that I feel will help flesh the character out into a full dynamic person.
indieactivity: Is there a specific moment when you know you’re fully prepared?
Ramsay: Yes! When I have clarity on who the character is as a person then I am prepared. Now just because I am prepared doesn’t mean the work is done. Having an open mind is so crucial to building a character. The longer you sit with a character the more you learn about him. An open mind allows for your creativity to flow while filming, whether it’s throughout the duration of the shoot or mid take when something spontaneous and beautiful could happen as the character that you wouldn’t have thought to do.
indieactivity: Briefly explain your role in the feature film “The Reunion.”?
Ramsay: So I play twins in the film Nathan and Cole. They are twins from different walks of life. Cole has a job he isn’t man enough to do himself so he gets Nathan to do it for him. Or so he thinks.
indieactivity: What was your first impression of the twin brothers, Nathan and Cole?
Ramsay: My first impression was like, alright this is awesome, I get to play twins. Let’s do this. I was so excited. My first impression of them individually was Nathan is more grounded, down to Earth. He lives in reality and in the present. Cole lives in his own reality where everything revolves around him. He dwells on the past and will do anything to exact revenge.
Ramsay Philips from the film ‘The Reunion’ directed by Tim French
indieactivity: How do you keep your performance fresh during long hours on set?
Ramsay: Rest! Lots and lots of rest. You can tire out very easily expending all of your emotional energy on camera. So resting throughout the day helps keep you sharp when the cameras are on. Also eating light healthy meals throughout the day so you don’t get drowsy.
indieactivity: What’s the best advice a director ever gave you?
Ramsay: If you can lie, you can act. When Choice Skinner said that to me I was able to relax, get comfortable, and have fun.
indieactivity: Any tips for actors you would like to share?
Ramsay: Stay with it. If acting or entertainment is what you want to do then stay with it and believe in yourself because you never know what amazing things can happen.
indieactivity: What do you want to change about the business?
Ramsay: I wouldn’t say change, I would say accentuate. My mission is to motivate, inspire, and empower people all over the world to go after their dreams. Life is amazing when you’re fighting for your dreams.
indieactivity: Who is your creative idol and what do you love about their work?
Ramsay: Well, Leo is who I saw that influenced me to be an actor and it’s been amazing to see how his career has progressed over the years. The last few years, it’s been Tom Hardy as well. What I love about their work is how believable it is, you see them and you believe them. They are present and listening when they work and that is amazing.
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