IN CONVERSATION WITH NICK BLOOD

interview by JANA LETONJA

Nick Blood is a lead in ‘The Day if the Jackal’, which came out on Sky recently and will air the finale on 12th December. Also recently, Nick starred in The Cw and ITVX’s ‘Joan’, based on the true story of Joan Hannington, the UK's most notorious female jewel thief. Before deciding to retrain to acting, Nick was a music manager. 

From music management to acting, your career took quite an interesting turn. Can you share with us what inspired you to make that switch, and what was the journey like to retrain as an actor?

The plan was always to be an actor, but I wasn’t sure how to make that happen, so in the mean time I pursued other interests I was passionate about. If I hadn’t become an actor, I would definitely have had to be doing something creative otherwise I’d go crazy.

You’ve worked in a variety of genres, from superhero shows like 'Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.' to intense thrillers like 'The Day of the Jackal'. What kind of roles do you gravitate towards, and what challenges or rewards come with those?

If the role is a challenge that is always attractive. It’s the characters that you have to reach further for that are the most exhilarating. Dancing around on the extremes of human existence. But it doesn’t always have to be about the character. Primarily it’s about the writing and the people you’re working with. You want to enjoy going to work and learn from those around you.

Looking back on your time in 'Euphoria' as Gus, what was it like working on such a massive show with such a talented cast?

At the time, it was a new show so no one knew how big it was going to be. But you could feel an excitement in the air about it. I think people knew it was special. The highlight for me was getting to work with Sam Levinson, the creator and director. He’s a unique talent. He lives and breathes film and he knows every frame of what he’s making before he’s shot it. 

Who has influenced you the most in your career from the people you’ve worked with? What have you learned the most from your different experiences of being on set?

I would say my first drama teacher Paul Megram was a massive influence. From the age of 7 to about 15 I went to a local drama club and he taught me so much about timing, improvising and devising. I was lucky to have some great teachers at LAMDA too, John Baxter was one, as was Mark Bell. They were all about using your imagination to create something rather than teaching you technique or dogma about theatre or whatever. They also gave me a lot of confidence. Drama school can be quite hard on the psyche so it’s great when you have people that champion you and nurture your abilities. 

Whilst working professionally, I find myself trying to absorb whatever I can from actors and directors. David Hayman has given me some great advice. Richard Laxton has a uncanny ability to give the perfect note when something isn’t working. And then there’s people like Danny Boyle who just encourage you to be creative. Jon Baird is great too, he places his trust in you and builds your confidence so you can take ownership of what you’re doing. Loved working with him. I can’t begin to list all the actors I’ve learned from. Sometimes on set, sometimes just doing a self tape with a friend can unlock something.

Your character Vince in 'The Day of the Jackal' is a major player in this action-packed thriller. How would you describe Vince? What can you tell us about his relationship with ’Bianca’ played by Lashana Lynch?

While Vince is an incredibly skilled professional operating in a high stakes world, he’s also a very grounded guy.  He’s loyal, calm, slightly sarcastic and has a healthy disdain for authority. He prefers being active than doing paperwork. This is probably part of what bonds Bianca and Vince. They have a shared history that means Vince understands Bianca more than most people. It’s hard for civilians to really grasp what these two go through, what they have to witness day to day in a job like that. In another lifetime, maybe they would have been together. They certainly have a spark. And they have each others back to the end.

This show has been described as 'exhilarating and chilling', with action sequences comparable to Bond or Bourne films. How did you prepare physically and mentally for such intense scenes?

Obviously it helps to stay in shape. I do a little yoga routine every morning and reluctantly workout regularly. We’re also lucky enough to have a team of advisors who trained us to use the weapons correctly and how to move like the pros. As far as the mental preparation, it’s much the same as I would approach any job. Whats the motivation? What’s the goal and what are my tactics to achieve it? That’s where I start.

The show is being released weekly with a two-part finale on 5h December in Europe and 12th December in the US. What can you tease about the final episodes?

All I’ll say is the story is propelled towards an intense and exhilarating climax. I’m so glad they’re showing them back to back. You won’t want to take a break. Eyes will be glued to the screen and bums will be on the edge of seats.

Gary in 'Joan' and ‘Vince’ are really different parts for you. Which character did you enjoy playing the most?

I loved them both for different reasons. Gary was an opportunity to explore the extremes of human behaviour. He’s a tightly wound, vicious and angry man. Those roles are always fun to play because they are challenging and you need to access instincts that don’t come naturally. I loved getting the chance to play Gary. Vince is quite different, far more grounded. But with Vince I got to work in a really collaborative environment which was probably the most fulfilling thing about the job. Lashana and I worked really well together, coming up with ideas and developing the character’s relationship. I’m grateful to her, Eddie, the directors and producers who all nurtured that environment. 

'The Day of the Jackal' being a huge international success, what does it mean to you personally to be part of a series that’s resonating with such a global audience?

Quite simply, it’s great. Everybody is buzzing about it. I’m getting messages from people I know all over the world raving about the show. You can’t please all the people all the time, but this comes close. And as an actor, the most important people are the audience. So it’s nice that they’re all happy.

Outside of acting, what are some of your passions or hobbies that help you maintain balance in your life?

The problem is, my passion is acting. Which is a double-edged sword. I’m so lucky that I get to do my hobby as a job. But sometimes it can be all consuming and you can lose perspective, so you’ve got to try and have a healthy balance. My family and my friends are extremely important to me and being around them makes me very happy. Hugs form my nieces and nephews help me to forget about work. I love going to football. I remember being at Anfield a few seasons back and it was during a time that I was quite stressed about a work situation. I realised I hadn’t thought about it at all for 90 minutes and that being at the match is like therapy. It always has been for football fans, a chance to switch off from the stresses of daily life and let out some of that frustration. Thankfully my team, Liverpool, are doing great right now so that puts a smile on my face. But the best thing about football is the time you spend with your mates and the friendships and memories it provides. I love music too. Listening to records and going to live music and festivals. I’ve just booked my accommodation for Glastonbury next year. Can’t wait.

What can we expect from you next?

Keep your expectations low and you’ll never be disappointed.

TEAM CREDITS:
photography ALEXANDER BEER
styling DAVID NOLAN
grooming SVEN BAYERBACH