In a new exclusive interview on Blazing Minds ahead of the film’s Blu-Ray release from 101 Films; I got a chance to ask actor Mike Coombes a few questions about his role in the award-winning British vengeance thriller ‘Derelict‘ from Director Jonathan Zaurin.

Q. Following a successful festival run, your film Derelict is now getting a Blu-ray release. Can you tell me a little bit about what we can expect from the film? 

A. Derelict is not your typical indie film. I’d say, expect the unexpected. Many viewers approach indie films with certain expectations regarding production value, but Derelict defies that. It doesn’t conform to traditional standards; instead, it pushes the boundaries of what can be achieved with a small, passionate team. The film showcases what’s possible when a group of dedicated individuals come together with a shared vision. It’s a raw, bold experience that highlights the power of collaboration and passion in filmmaking. 

Q. You play Matt in the film. How did you get involved and what attracted you to the character? 

A. I became involved in the film after receiving a call from the director, Jonathan, with whom I had previously collaborated. He shared the concept of the film with me and revealed that he had written the character of Matt with me in mind. I was honoured by this, and although he gave me time to consider the opportunity, given that it was going to be the largest project that any of us had done, his offer was quickly followed by another call later that same day. “I don’t care what you think; you’re doing it,” a decision for which I will always be grateful. 

Matt, as a character, felt like a fractured reflection of myself. I instantly felt a deep connection to him. He’s complex, flawed, vulnerable, and profoundly human. What resonated with me most, was the emotional journey he undergoes throughout the story. the people he meets, the situations he finds himself in, that once safe space completely fractured and taken away, I felt it was a role where I could bring something personal to the screen. 

Q. What sort of preparation did you do for the role and are there any elements of the character which reflect your own personality?  

A. My preparation for the role mainly focused on understanding the timeline of the film, as we shot in a non-linear order to accommodate production needs and everyone’s schedules. By the time we began filming, my character, Matt, had already gone through certain pivotal events, so my work primarily involved determining his emotional state at each point and how he would respond to the situations around him. 

In terms of similarities, there are definitely elements of Matt that resonate with me, with confidence being the most notable. It’s actually been quite interesting to see how people who know me well react to Matt, as they can recognise certain aspects of my personality in him. 

On a deeper level, playing Matt was a form of emotional release for me. He allowed me to tap into vulnerabilities I don’t often show, drawing on past experiences and trauma. In many ways, the character became a therapeutic outlet, enabling me to express emotions I usually keep guarded. 

Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the film? 

A. Honestly, I have so many favourite moments that it’s hard to choose just one, but if I had to, I’d say it was the in-between moments, the ones that took place outside of the darker, more intense scenes. Given the heavy tone of the film, there were times when we’d give each other support, share a laugh, and just connect.  

One of the highlights for me was when the incredible and determined Suzanne Fulton tried to teach me how to dance. Now, I can’t dance to save my life, but it was such fun. 

There were also times when Pete Bird and I would go from working on scenes for the next day to planning the menu for lunch. There was never a dull moment and the camaraderie we all had made the whole experience feel even more special. 

Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?  

A. Absolutely, and that’s something you quickly learn on indie films, things rarely go exactly as planned. A big part of the process is problem-solving and finding creative alternatives, which, in some cases, can even result in better outcomes than originally intended. 

The main challenge we faced was a technical one. If I remember correctly, we had wrapped a full day of filming, everyone was feeling great about the footage, and then boom, our hard drive crashed. It set us back a bit, and we had to reshoot some scenes, which definitely added unnecessary stress, especially for poor Jonathan. But, as with all challenges, we powered through it and made the most of it. It’s just part of the process. 

Q. What do you hope people will take away after watching Derelict?  

A. I hope viewers walk away with a sense of inspiration, particularly when it comes to what can be achieved on a low-budget film. Derelict proves that passion and dedication can go a long way, even without the resources of a big studio.  

But more than that, I hope people feel truly immersed in the story. The film’s greatest strength lies in its authenticity; it’s grounded in something real and It’s that raw, honest connection to reality that I think will resonate with audiences and allow them to relate to the characters on a deeper level. 

Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?  

A. Yes, I’m juggling a few personal projects at the moment, along with some exciting film projects set to start later this year. I’m really looking forward to being a part of these new ventures and seeing where they take me. 

Q. If someone is looking to get into acting, what advice would you give them? 

A. Always seek truth in your performance. If you don’t believe what you’re portraying, neither will the audience and remember that acting, like any craft, takes time and perseverance. It’s a journey, not a sprint, so be patient with yourself and stay committed to the process. The more you put into it, the more you’ll get out of it.  

101 Films will be releasing Derelict on Blu-Ray in the UK and the US on 22nd September. You can pre-order now using the links below:

UK – Derelict (2024) (Blu-ray) –Derelict (2024) (Blu-ray) – 101 Films Store

US – Derelict (101 Films UK) (Blu-Ray Region B) Preorder – DiabolikDVD

Philip Rogers

Published in various websites, Philip is a reviewer who is best known for his interviews and media coverage of independent projects including; films, books, theatre and live events. Always on the lookout for something different to cover!