Danny Thomas – Edda Tudor

By starrymag | February 18, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I recently played a 70’s footballer in a scene for the German feature film Nahschuss. As an Australian actor in Germany, I am grateful for every opportunity here. I never imagined I would find myself on German film and TV sets speaking German.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Edda Tudor.

 

A) Edda Tudor is an indie feature film about an extreme brother sister rivalry. As Edda (Katrine Eichberger) grieves the loss of her husband, her brother unexpectedly reappears in her life causing further turmoil and pain as she tries to figure out why he has returned after more than a decade.

 

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

 

A) Opportunities to work on English productions here in Hamburg are rare. So, when I came across the project, I put myself forward. After reading the script I felt I could bring a lot to the role.

 

Q) How was your character Daniel West originally described to you?

 

A) He was described as a deeply resentful man struggling with addiction and serious undiagnosed mental illness.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) I drew inspiration from a well-known musician. Physically it was important for me to have dirty finger nails and some make-up scratches on my body from self-harm.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about this role?

 

A) Mental illness is invisible making it a challenge to play. I did research into schizophrenia and tried to grasp how debilitating it is for sufferers on a daily basis. It helped that there was a distinct arc to the character. I found it tricky to shake him off at times during and after the shoot. It was like going to the gym – there was some muscle soreness…and a lot of swearing.

 

Q) What advice did director Grace Denker offer that you took to heart while filming?

 

A) We discussed the importance of finding empathy with him both personally, so I could play him and ultimately for the audience.

 

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

 

A) We did a scene where I doused the front of a design office in petrol and attempted to burn it down. I used to work in design before transitioning into film. It was a nice metaphor for putting a flame to my old career.

 

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching Edda Tudor?

 

A) Forgiveness is an attribute of the strong and a gift you give yourself.

 

Q) We’ll also be seeing you in the upcoming series “Tippy Top” that recently won an LA film award. When can viewers expect it on our screens?

 

A) At this stage we have shot the pilot and are hoping to do more. The pilot has been selected to screen at web festivals around the world including Miami and Bogota, Colombia. It’s about the adventures of an international furniture moving team.

 

Q) You have written and directed a few projects. Do you have any upcoming plans to create more content? 

 

A) I am currently collaborating with actress Katrine Eichberger on a proposed feature film shot between Germany and Australia about two people who meet at a cross roads and decide to go on a spontaneous trip. It’s an exciting prospect.

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) Be true to yourself and never let anyone be dismissive of your dreams. Think about the type of stories you want to tell and do the work. There’s something to be said for creating your own content as oppose to waiting for permission to be creative.