Above: Craig Fairbrass in Villain, Image courtesy of Saban Films, (C) 2020 All Rights Reseved
Greetings valued Dan's Movie Report and action-flix.com readers. Once
again another amazing interview! Actor Craig Fairbrass brings the
action home in 'Villain' and chats about the film, 'Avengement', and
how he keeps in shape. Craig is a down to Earth, honest and humble
man, always looking forward to the next project with enthusiasm. Sit
back, relax, and get ready for some pummeling text!
DMR: Starting with 'Villain', chat about
the preproduction process, how long did you have, were there table
reads?
CraigF: Yeah we did a table read first off..just to hear the words
then we just chatted and got to know the other cast members- then we
had a week of rehearsals just woking through scenes tweaking certain
lines and just generally working scenes especially the scenes with my
brother Sean and the heavies.
Above: Craig Fairbrass and Izuka Hoyle (Chloe) in 'Villain' - Image Courtesy of Saban Films (C) 2020 All rights reserved.
DMR: Chat about working with actress
Izuka Holye, you really had some emotional scenes with her,
what aspects of your own character did you
explore prior to shooting that scene and how did Izuka help to bring
out the emotions in you.
CraigF: Izuka is a lovely girl ..she put herself on tape for the role
of Chloe along with a lot of other actors - we then had a short list
who came in and read with me on camera - she was absolutely amazing,
she nailed it and even in the audition with me we both got very
emotional as the scenes came alive. When we were filming she great to
have around a real positive energy and cared greatly about her work.
For me, they were the most important scenes they were the back bone
of there film its the only time you genuinely you have real empathy
for Eddie. and I think they speak for themselves.
Above: Craig Fairbrass as Eddie Franks waits pensively. (C) 2020 Saban Films All rights reserved.
DMR: Chat about the emotional aspect of
'Villain' in general, the anger, grief,
worries, what type of direction were you given
on your character and what
did you add in as improvising upon that?
CraigF: I went out of my way to make Eddie very naturalistic it was
the emotional journey, the human story that attracted me to the part.
I wanted to make him interesting , tough when he needed to be but
above all vulnerable and to show the hurt and ultimately being a
victim of circumstance with his own actions for wanting to do the
right thing ultimately becoming his downfall
DMR: In my review I liked the film to a
mix of 'Falling Down 'and 'Taken'
curious as to your take on 'Villain' and what
films played a part in your mind of character?
CraigF: What film did you watch??
TAKEN!!??:)))) No, no for me straight away my
references were 'A History of violence' and 'Shane' - the man who
really doesn’t wanna know anymore and wants to leave the life
behind, being pushed to the limits and then having no choice but to
take action and in doing he becoming a victim of his own actions.
(Similar to me answer above)
DMR: Ahh yes, did not even think of the
'History of Violence' film! Watch 'Falling Down' though, a self
depricating character. On to the action, chat about some of the
training for 'Villain', did it
carryover from 'Avengement'?
Above: Villian Poster. Image courtesy of the official IMDB page for Villain, (C) 2020 Saban Films All rights reserved, not monetized.
Craigf: There was no training it is not that kind of film, 'Villian'
is more rooted in reality then fantasy high kicking violence. When
the violence comes it is short and quick with impact, like real life
but brutal and disturbing.
DMR: Speaking of 'Avengement', chat a bit about working
with Scott Adkins on
that film.
CraigF: Yeah had a nice few days on 'Avengement' - I like Scott he’s
great at what he does, and even he wanted to stretch his acting chops
on that one. I think the scenes really worked.
DMR: Wrapping up, chat about what new
projects you have in the works, and
perhaps your training regimen to stay in shape.
CraigF: I'm like most actors we all work out as much as we can as you
get older its doesn’t get any easier..but its seriously helps to
have some kind training and disciplined regime. Mine is a mixture of
weights and cardio and sports.
DMR: Thanks again for this illuminating interview! Craig, great work
in Villain and best wishes for the new films!
Keep it locked on Dan's Movie report and Action-Flix.com for all of
the action!
Keep up with Craig on his official Twitter Account @
https://twitter.com/craigfairbrass
'Villian' is available now on Saban films! Check the film out on IMDB
for more information:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt9820352/
Thanks to Saban Films, & Judy for the connection to the
interview.