By: Kelly Kearney
Photo Courtesy of Saban Films
Q) You play Lorcan in the new horror film Feed, which centers on a group of influencers who rent a house near the burial grounds of the Irish vampire, the Dearg Due. What drew you to this story and made you want to sign onto playing Lorcan?
A) The fact that it was filmed in Ireland is always a draw for me and also the fact that Marco [von Belle] is an Irish director is also a big pull for me! The story was beautifully written and any opportunity to work with irish talent and locations is always a big pull for me.
Q) Lorcan is fiercely protective of his girlfriend and main character in the film, Orla. What was it like building that dynamic with Grace Collender?
A) Grace and I had a natural chemistry on set. It was easy to sit in the role of protector as Grace has a beautiful light and airy gracefulness that captivates everyone around her! I always wanted to protect that throughout filming with her.
Q) Feed blends an isolated forest setting with fast-paced psychological horror. How did the atmosphere while shooting on location in rural Ireland fuel the claustrophobic danger on screen?
A) The location felt like another character within the movie as we shot around Halloween, so it definitely added to the dark and uncomfortable atmosphere the film depicts.
Q) Feed grounds its vampire lore in Irish mythology through the Dearg Due. As an Irishman, what was it like exploring that folklore, and did you discover anything about the legend that caught you off guard?
A) I was completely unaware that Bram Stoker was Irish and that the story of Dracula was inspired by stories told to him by his mother. So, in essence, the original vampire story built its foundation in Ireland.
Q) He spends a huge portion of Feed tied up, restrained, and essentially used as a tool to manipulate Orla. As an actor, that means you’re often having to tell the story physically without having much physical freedom. Was it a challenge to play those scenes and find ways to show what he was feeling when you couldn’t actually do much to fight back?
A) For me it wasn’t difficult to play the scenes where Lorcan is tied up as I have a background in dancing and for me I’m a very physical actor, so any opportunity to use that skill set of physical prowess I’ve gained through my dance background is utterly exciting for me
Q) The Dearg Due relies heavily on psychological manipulation and turning friends against each other. What made this the perfect scenario for influencers?
A) The fickleness of their social media world made it a true test to see who was grounded in reality and able to push back against manipulation of the dearg due and whose identity was lost in the ever turning wheel of social media clout. It was an opportunity to see who they really are
Q) Speaking of influencers, the film plays on the title Feed by contrasting an ancient vampire feeding on human life with modern influencers feeding on online validation. Since Lorcan is at the center of this clash between the superficial and the ancient, how did you approach playing his grounded nature against the performative culture of the rest of the group?
A) Luckily for Lorcan, he comes from an accounting background so he is always grounded in reality by following the money, the numbers don’t lie so it’s in his best interest to never get carried away by the glitz and glam of the social media world like the others are
Q) How would you describe director Marco van Belle’s style on set?
A) Marco has a collaborative style of directing which involves all the actors and it allows everyone to share a part in the creative process which allows the ensemble to bond in a natural artistically satisfying way.
Q) Did he give the cast room to explore the characters and scenarios beyond what was on the page?
A) Yes, he did, allowing us to take ownership and authority over the characters from the page into real life.
Q) Looking back on the shoot, is there a scene that was exceptionally challenging to film that you’re now particularly proud of?
A) Yes, the scene where Lorcan fights evil Austin (Rhys Mannion), it was particularly cold on that day and most of the fight had to be cut because there was a snow storm the day before so we had to improvise! But when I look at it now, I’m quite proud of it.
Q) What do you feel sets Feed apart from standard entries in the vampire genre?
A) Feed is filmed in Ireland as a very Irish story, based in Irish roots and history, with Irish speaking characters. I think that, in itself, sets it apart from a lot of other vampire horrors. It has an authenticity that is visceral through the screen.
Q) We have to talk about your other role– Addam of Hull on the “Game of Thrones” spin-off series “House of the Dragon.” Addam goes from a humble shipwright to a pivotal player in Westeros after bonding with the dragon Seasmoke. What was your initial reaction when you learned you were going to be a dragonseed?
A) I screamed and ran up and down a random street in County Cork! I couldn’t believe it.
Q) When we last saw Addam of Hull, he had committed himself to Queen Rhaenyra’s fight for the throne, even as he warned his brother not to do the same for their father, Lord Corlys. How do you see that commitment shaping Addam’s journey moving forward?
A) It allows Addam to truly understand what he is fighting for and question if this is what is right!
Q) What is next on the horizon for you, and are there any upcoming projects we should keep an eye out for?
A) Currently in a crime drama series with Colm Meaney and Kate Mulgrew called “The Galway Bay Murders” coming out November 8th
Q) What would you like to say to your supporters back home in Ireland, as well as the new fans following your work around the globe?
A) I would like to say the biggest thank you for the ongoing support and I will never take it for granted.