Daniel Mays – 1917

By: Jamie Steinberg

Q) What are the recent projects that you have been working on?

A) Well, 2019 feels like it’s been my busiest year yet. I completed filming on a new comedy for Sky One called “Code 404” alongside Stephen Graham who recently starred in The Irishman. Most of the year was dominated by filming a new Netflix show called “White Lines,” which is a 10-episode murder mystery set in the nightclubs of Ibiza (tough gig…not). I’m currently filming a chilling 3-part ITV drama opposite David Tennant and Jason Watkins called “Des” about infamous British serial killer Dennis Nilsen. Following the success of its first season, filming will also soon begin on the second series of underground thriller “Temple” with Mark Strong. Lots of TV work and all of these projects will air in 2020.

Q) Please tell us the premise for the movie 1917.

A) 1917 is in essence a simple premise. It’s set in the trenches and landscape of the WW1 on the Western Front and is a movie that happens in real time due to the whole film being one long take. Lance Corporals Blake (Dean-Charles Chapman) and Schofield (George MacKay) are sent on a mission to deliver a message to the front to prevent a British attack that would most certainly be a massacre. The German front line has retreated but it’s a trap as a new, stronger, fortified line lay in wait. It’s a race against time to save hundreds of lives, including Blake’s older brother who is one of the soldiers due to go over the top with his company.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the film?

A) The chance to be part of this epic piece of filmmaking and to be directed by Sam Mendes in a film shot by legendary cinematographer Roger Deakins was just a complete no brainer. The script was sensational, and the ensemble of actors assembled were the best of the best. I was incredibly proud to be part of it all.

Q) How was your character Sergeant Sanders originally described to you?

A) Sam described Sergeant Sanders to me as your typical, bullish, battle worn Company Sergeant Major. He’s somewhat cynical and felt very pragmatic. He obviously cares and is in charge of his platoon and that manifests itself in humor and wise cracking with his men, particularly with Blake. With any Sergeant it’s about positivity and keeping morale up.

Q) What kind of research went into your portrayal?

A) I didn’t do any research as such as the script was so obviously rooted in a mass of research, which was immediately apparent as soon as you read it. However, I had recently watched Peter Jackson’s amazing film They Shall Not Grow Old, so that was rolling around in my head. To be honest, the combination of the incredible production design on set, costume, makeup, mass of extras and Sam’s sublime direction was more than enough to completely inhabit the world of the film.

Q) What advice did director Sam Mendes offer that you took to heart while filming?

A) More than anything Sam’s advice would be a marriage of technical notes due to the nature of filming a very long passage of dialogue down a very narrow, winding trench system and ingenious, grace notes in how to deliver certain lines, timing, pauses and inflection for example. With it being one long take on camera the importance of precision, knowing where the camera was and not making a mistake was paramount.

Q) What were some of your favorite scenes to film?

A) My favorite scene was the walk and talk with Blake and Schofield down the trench. I also felt honored to be the first line of dialogue in the film, “Blake. Pick a man. Bring your kit.” When you consider what the two protagonists endure after that, that line becomes particularly significant.

Q) What do you think it is about 1917 that will make it a timeless classic?

A) I think the reason 1917 will become an instant classic is the marriage between its groundbreaking technical achievements alongside how utterly emotional and immersive the experience of watching it is. It’s unforgettable cinema in its purest form.

Q) With The Rise of Skywalker out, what did it mean to you to be a part of the Star Wars universe?

A) I feel blessed to of appeared in Rogue One as I loved Star Wars growing up as a kid. Who didn’t? I was much more into that than “Star Trek.” More than anything, I think Rogue One as a film is right up there as one of the best in the Star Wars universe without question. I love how raw, dark and edgy it is.

Q) You’ve had quite a lengthy career! What have been some of your favorite projects to work on?

A) Obviously, this question becomes more and more tricky to answer the longer you stay in the industry. The two films I made early in my career with visionary filmmaker Mike Leigh, All or Nothing and Vera Drake, stand out. Atonement with Joe Wright. The Adventures of Tin Tin with Steven Spielberg. TV had also offered me some brilliant roles to play. Ronnie Biggs in “Mrs Biggs.” DCI Jim Keats in “Ashes to Ashes.” “The Red Riding” Trilogy. I think the best role I’ve play to date would be Danny Waldron in “Line of Duty,” which I received a BAFTA nomination for. Knock out part that was.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way to connect with your fans?

A) Social media was always something I was hesitant to do, as I firmly believed in being private and letting the work do the talking for you. But in an ever changing, faster and saturated world it does offer a great opportunity to connect with your audience and to highlight the various projects you have coming out, no question. The sheer number of people you can connect to is staggering.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and the work you do?

A) I’d like to sincerely thank anyone who has supported me over the years and has followed my work. 2020 marks twenty years, two decades, for me as a working actor. I’m very proud and lucky to have worked with some incredible people in a variety of roles, in some memorable productions. The key is to not rest on my laurels, discover new challenges and continue to find new and interesting roles for you all to enjoy. Thanks, Dan