Today I have the immense pleasure of welcoming a very special guest, actor Ken James, to CINEMATIC REVELATIONS for an interview. Ken has acted in several motion pictures over the years such as THE INTRUDERS, THE BOX [my review of the film can be found here] THE LAST I HEARD, and THEY’RE A WEIRD MOB. He has also been prolific in theatre over the years, starring in many notable plays and musicals. In this interview Ken will be discussing his role in THE BOX movie, acting, cinema, theatre, television, and, the beauty of food and cooking.
Welcome to CINEMATIC REVELATIONS Ken!
Athan: When did you first realize that you wanted to be an actor?
Ken: At the age of 12 - I was very fortunate to be born in an era when television was just in its infancy. A lot of demand but not much supply. My neighbour took her daughter to a casting agent and I went along.
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Athan: Where did you study acting?
Ken: I won a scholarship to NIDA in 1968. I was offered the role of Mark Hammond in Skippy, so opted to accept that instead. I learnt on the job by working with some wonderful people.
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Athan: Your performance as Tony Wild in THE BOX was one of its best features, giving the film both humor, and pathos. What did you most enjoy about playing Tony in the movie?
Ken: It was a difficult role to play because it was an actor playing an actor playing an actor.
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Athan: THE BOX had an excellent ensemble cast including George Mallaby, Belinda Giblin, Paul Karo, Judy Nunn, Barrie Barkla, Fred Betts, and Cornelia Frances. What was it like working with these performers in the film?
Ken: We were like a family. We spent so many hours working in such an emotional and creative environment. The production team, Crawford productions put together were the best of the best. Hector Crawford once gave me the secret to success – he said ‘always surround yourself with good people’
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Athan: What did you find most exciting about the experience of making THE BOX movie?
Ken: Four and a half years of constant work made me a better actor.
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Athan: For you, what was the most demanding, but emotionally satisfying segment of filming THE BOX movie?
Ken: We had a special effects guy who was supposed to sink Hector Crawford’s houseboat - except he did it a day early!
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Athan: Have you kept in contact with any cast members and crew from THE BOX?
Ken: Sadly, Lois Ramsey, Fred Betts, George Mallaby have passed away, but still in touch with other cast members and have very fond memories.
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Athan: THE BOX was directed by Paul Eddey, who mainly directed and produced episodic television, and for whom THE BOX was his sole movie credit. What was the experience of being directed by Mr Eddey in THE BOX?
Ken: Paul was extremely helpful but as he explained to me you’ve been playing this role for three years - you know the character.
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Athan: You have acted in many plays over the years, with Anything Goes, The Naked Vicar, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, Jack & The Beanstalk, and Run For Your Wife just a small sample of your credits. What is it that you find most compelling about performing in the theatre?
Ken: The live experience – immediate rapport with the audience which you don’t get with television.
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Athan: Aside from film, you have also acted in many classic television series such as Skippy, The Box, Matlock Police, Division 4, Cop Shop, Sons and Daughters, Skyways, and Prisoner. In terms of comparing and contrasting acting on film, and acting on television, what differences are most striking from your experience?
Ken: The time spent. Television is so immediate. Working on a film set there is a saying – hurry up and wait!
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Athan: You have a deep interest and appreciation for food and cooking, having a cooking segment on Good Morning Australia for many years. Being a foodie, this is very understandable. What is it about cooking and cuisine that makes your heart race?
Ken: The creative process from sourcing the food to preparing, enjoying is a creative experience for me.
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Athan: Do you have any upcoming projects of which you would like to tell readers?
Ken: Just my grandson’s 10th birthday.
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Thank you so much today for your time Ken, and for the keen insight you have provided into the art of acting, THE BOX, cinema, theatre, television and, of course, glorious food. It has been wonderful having you on CINEMATIC REVELATIONS. You are welcome to return whenever you wish.
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Ken James links
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