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 actress Pete Bird a few questions about her 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. With the Blu-Ray release coming up and with the reactions we’ve received from our festival run, I would say to expect a gritty, haunting experience. Visually stunning cinematography from Jonathan (Zaurin) and drama exquisitely tackled by all the cast!
Q. You play Ewan in the film. How did you get involved and what attracted you to the character?
A. Jonathan asked me to play Matt’s older brother, Ewan who is completely different to me…this toxic male with very little redeeming features but I saw an opportunity to create with Jonathan a lot of subtle complexities with the character. And I guess that’s what the appeal is as an actor. Having something to really get your teeth into and to be someone completely different from yourself.
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. Haha, it has been said that there is always a little part of us in any character we play but what there is of me in Ewan, I couldn’t tell you! In terms of preparation, it started with working on his voice, the way he speaks. I’d be practising talking with an underbite. Why? I don’t know. It just felt right. I suppose I was finding a way to make me sound less posh! Then I adopted his physicality, the way he walks, moves etc.
It’s fun to play around with all that and you don’t know if it’s going to work but I think it all came together okay!
Q. What were some of your favourite moments whilst making the film?
A. I loved all the drama scenes. The scenes where you get to take time with your fellow actors, be it the scene between Ewan and his mother or the kitchen scene with Matt. That’s the theatre side coming out of me. It’s a bit self indulgent but it’s the most fun for me.
Q. Did you experience any issues whilst making the film?
A. To be honest, there’s always going to be little hiccups but it’s just how you deal with them and carry on. There was nothing major for me.
Q. What do you hope people will take away after watching Derelict?
A. That it stays with them. It’s not a film that you will walk away saying “That was a lot of fun!!” But it is a film that you can appreciate and enjoy with whatever emotions it releases for you.
Q. Do you have any other projects which you are currently working on?
A. There is another in the works…let’s just see how Derelict does first!
Q. If someone is looking to get into acting, what advice would you give them?
A. Don’t go in expecting fortune and glory. Just do you. Do the projects you enjoy doing, work with the people you enjoy working with and just keep going. Bad days will happen but they too shall pass.
101 films will be releasing Derelict on Blu-Ray in the UK and US on 22nd September. You can pre-order now using the links below:
UK – https://101-films-store.com/collections/pre-orders/products/derelict-2025-blu-ray
US – https://diabolikdvd.com/product/derelict-101-films-uk-blu-ray-region-b-preorder/
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!
