INTERVIEW
DENNIS
GERALD
“Make the word ‘NO’ your biggest source of inspiration!”
Dennis is an approachable, yet enigmatic creative. This individual, although not the tallest in stature has often been described as imposing, which probably has something to do with his big brown eyes, which come with a piercing stare, that he seems to be able to intensify at will. Dennis seems to have a naturally serious demeanour, but this comes with an infectious laugh and disarming smile. This sixty-something Dan grade Karateka is quietly spoken with a deliberate and measured speaking style which he utilises for dramatic effect when Acting, to underscore a point when Presenting or to paint pictures when doing Voicework. Dennis’s expertise and gravitas enable him to stand out from the crowd. If I described Dennis Gerald in a sentence it would probably look like this: He is a passionate humble gentleman with a fire in his belly that refuses to be doused.
Thank you so much for interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?
The truth is: I’m not sure if I ever got started in the film industry! If anything I see myself as being on the periphery of the so-called ‘Industry’. I will be sure to come back to you when I do though. It’s quite weird actually but my journey started at the beginning of the noughties in 2001, near a mortuary (Not in one, but near one) located in quite a large hospital in Manchester. Yes, located in a tiny room was ‘Radio Wishing Well’ just around the corner from the hospital mortuary. This was about 15 months of priceless experience, experience on many levels. When you think about it, our industry is all about communication. And whilst I enjoyed and learned a lot in this respect. It was time to move on and I was headhunted by a local radio station. (Now that’s a lie) I saw a role for a volunteer advertised, which offered ongoing training and industry certification too. I applied for the position and got it. Happy days! The next ten years as a Presenter in a proper radio station was priceless and gave me so many opportunities, directly or indirectly into Extra work (SA) on most of the major Soap-Operas in the region. So! I did my radio gig on Saturdays, while still doing a proper day job in media sales in the week, although this was starting to suffer as I would be moonlighting to work on Brookside, Corrie, Holly oaks or some other TV production. There is more: I started to do a lot of green screen presenting with a company in Burnley. This opportunity was the result of networking on a set. Hopefully, that’s not too patchy and gives you an idea of where my journey began.
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Who are you grateful towards your success and can you share a story about that?
Well, not wishing to be contrary, but success is a relative term. As far as my relative success goes, and any specific people or persons that I am grateful to, I would say there are many anonymous ones. People who thought and maybe wished that I would amount to nothing. I love to prove people wrong and if I have or do amount to something then I will be eternally grateful to the doubters and knockers that I’ve encountered and unbeknown to them have spurred me on. Bless them! Oh yes! All most forgot my English teacher: Mr Lansbury, do not know this was my best subject because of him or despite him. When it came to words and writing the love was reciprocal and we had a healthy admiration for each other. I still love words! Cannot add up, but I love words. Thank you, Sir!
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
Ok, struggling a little, but one situation that comes to mind is the one where I was asked by my agent at the time to go to attend an audition for a body double. The audition was in Liverpool and I was based in Manchester, so not a problem. The sun was shining, and it wasn’t too far to travel. And I was quite excited! Mainly, because I admire the actor in question and strangely enough, some say I resemble him, at least facially. But here lies the problem: my face was not going to be seen. But anyway, let’s just go, be positive and see what happens. I arrived in Liverpool on time. But, let me share something else with you before entering the building: Let’s tick some boxes. This actor is black. TICK ✅! He’s shaven headed. TICK ✅ What I’ve not got is: This actor is 6ft 3’’ on a good day I’m 5ft 8’’ This actor is 16 stones at the time I was 11stones and as for shoe size? He takes 13 and I take 8s. But I was not going to give up, I put on a brave face walked into the venue and this was when I realised the game was up. I thought I was in a scene from ‘Land of the Giants’ or Gulliver’s travels as I looked up and around the room at the other candidates all of whom were 6ft plus, and built if you know what I mean. Home time, I think! Put that down to experience eh? And NO! I did not get the gig. The actor by the way was: Samuel L Jackson!
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What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?
Interesting — I have not overcome it. The challenge… Caring for my mother who has dementia. It was challenging pre pandemic , but during the pandemic and to date, to say the challenge is challenging is a gross understatement. But life fortunately goes on, they (whoever they are) say that ‘what is meant for you won’t go by you’ somethings you just cannot juggle! Hey-ho.
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What are your ‘‘5 things I do to prepare for the role” and are you able to share a story or example for each?
Not sure if I have 5, but here goes:
1. I research the character
2. I speak with the director and or writer before hand to see how they see the character. Then I bring whatever skillsets I have to fuse with their vision and preferred treatment.
3. Lines, lines and more lines. I have forgotten lines and it’s a nightmare. Everyone is saying its fine, let’s take it from the top and you know full well that it’s not fine, the light is going etc.
4.5.6… Practice, practice, practice and using different techniques to aid retention.
What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?
Finding as much truth in a character’s behaviour is paramount to bringing, he or she to life and adding the necessary realism to your role and overall credibility to the project. A few years ago, I was chosen for the role of Joe Miller in a short version of ‘Philadelphia’ the trial drama of 1993 starring Tom Hanks. Now watching the movie repeatedly was not a massive hurdle as I loved the actors and the story. But was this enough to find truth in Denzel Washington’s character? NO, NOT ANYWHERE NEAR! You simply have to go the extra mile. Without breaking the laws of the land and obviously with health and safety in mind, I should have made more effort to interact with, face to face or otherwise individuals who had been in similar shoes or possibly know someone that had. That action alone would have got me closer to the heart and the truth of the character that was Joe Miller. If we don’t go the extra mile in these situations, we’re potentially missing out on achieving excellence within our performance. I’m certain that I did.
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What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting out?
Make the word ‘NO’ your biggest source of inspiration! Be humble! Embrace every opportunity.
What has been inspiring you lately?
The creatives and creativity via newly learned technologies. I am inspired by others who try new things especially in the face of adversity and discover their hidden skills or even the genius within themselves.
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What movie would you recommend watching and why?
Wakanda! If you are like me, more sad than happy: This movie will make you smile and be happy. Go see it, tell them Den’ sent you!
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What is one message you would give to your fans?
Manners maketh man (and woman).
