Rising Star Daniel Ryves: “I always become the character so that my performance comes across as more authentic”

We had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Daniel Ryves.

Daniel has many years of acting experience, including lead roles in TV productions and commercials. He has also worked as a stand-in and body double.

Thank you so much for interviewing with us! Can you share your story on how did you get started in the film industry?

I started as an SA (extra) and then tested the waters even further by doing speaking parts in independent film, plus also student productions.

Who are you grateful towards your success?

This is going to sound cheesy but my Mum, lol. She always gave me the belief and confidence to pursue and achieve my career goals. Secondly, my girlfriend Natalia for always being positive and giving me a positive boost whenever I’ve had my down moments.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?

I was shooting a cop role for a TV program and the production company didn’t notify the police about the use of replica firearms. This particular scene was being shot in a cemetery and me and another cop actor Geoffrey weren’t taking them out of the holsters at any point. On top of that, we were wearing long overcoats which made them barely visible.

Once Geoffrey and I were wrapped up, we were asked if we could change out of the costume and return it to their van so that they were ready to pack up. The plan was to drop us back to the station once they had finished the final two scenes.

As we were returning the outfits to the van, a couple of guys who had been out drinking took a liking to the guns in the holsters. We informed them that they weren’t real and that we were doing a scene for a TV program. As they walked off, I heard one of them say “let’s record them” and then they both start laughing. What they actually said though was “let’s report them”. They prank called 999 and told them about two maniacs firing guns in the cemetery. The outcome was being swarmed by around 20 armed police who had responded as if the call was genuine. It was an absolute nightmare and it took a long time for us to be released, but hey, it’s a good story to tell!

What has been the biggest challenge in your career so far? How did you overcome it?

Delivering an 11-page script in one take. Especially as it was mostly my character speaking so I didn’t have another person dialogue to break up mine or give me any cue points. We had two long rehearsal days though and since I have a good visual memory, my method to remember the script was to link my dialogue to my movements and positioning I was in the scene.

What are your ‘‘5 things I do to prepare for the role” and are you able to share a story or example for each?

1. Research the character to get an understanding of who they are, and why they are the way they are, etc.

2. Learn the script, plus record myself in character delivering the dialog. Practicing the script is very important as it gives me confidence when going in on rehearsals and film days knowing that I can deliver it. I record myself so I can watch my performance back to see what looks right and what doesn’t. Watching videos of myself delivering the dialog also helps me learn the script.

3. Plan my journey to rehearsals/filming. It gives me piece of mind knowing my journey and times in advance, which leaves me to focus on the dialog.

4. Get a good sleep. It’s so important to have a good sleep anyway, but even more so prior to film days.

5. Have fun. It keeps the mind relaxed.

What methods or techniques do you use to find truth in your character’s behaviour?

I always become the character so that my performance comes across as more authentic. I find it better to feel the emotions I’m meant to be portraying, instead of telling myself what I should feel and how to deliver it as I progress through the dialogue. It’s just like when we were kids if you had dressed up as a pirate, you spoke and acted like a pirate. At no point did you have on your mind ‘I need to say this next bit in an angry tone’.

What are your top 3 tips for actors that are starting out?

Believe in yourself. Have a good attitude. Don’t take rejections to heart.

What has been inspiring you lately?

The self-made projects and collaborations that actors are doing whilst we’re all in lock-down. It’s great to see, and it also got me participating in a couple myself!

What movie would you recommend watching and why?

“1917” (DreamWorks, dir. Sam Mendes, 2019). Not because I’m in it, lol. The film is an absolute masterpiece. It’s an incredibly well shot one-take movie. It is written beautifully, acted superbly and the soundtrack is immense as well.

What is one message you would give to your fans?

Believe in yourself and follow your dreams.

How can our readers find you online?

I have a page on Facebook @DanielRyvesActorAndModel

Thank you very much for your time and honesty! Wishing you all the best for your success!

No worries. Thanks for asking me, and thank you also for your best wishes. Same to you.