We’re known for our work in branded content videos but we are also documentary film makers for a wide audience. Life of an Actor is the latest in our series of inspirational documentaries profiling creative people.
Daniel Taylor has been a professional actor for more than 20 years, treading the boards in West End musicals like Blood Brothers and Bleasdale-penned plays like Down The Dock Road. More recently he’s portrayed well-known figures like John Lennon and Tommy Cooper.
Filming began during the run-up to the start of another tour of his critically-acclaimed Tommy Cooper Show. As well as playing Tommy , Dan also co-wrote the script . Our film highlights his hard working, hands-on approach to the profession which often goes unseen.
From John Lennon to Tommy Cooper and Back Again
Like many other creatives, actors need to be versatile to survive in the sometimes cut-throat world of Theatre and TV. Fortunately, Dan’s experience in the Clywd Theatre youth training scheme, gave him the skills and attitude needed to thrive in the industry. So when the opportunity to play one of his heroes came along, he grabbed it with both hands, landing the role of John Lennon in the internationally-renowned Lennon: Through A Glass Onion stage show. The latest Tommy Cooper run of shows came only days after Dan returned from a sold out tour of the Lennon show in the US and Canada. Despite this, Dan throws himself back into the character of Tommy Cooper – all whilst unloading vans, fixing props and promoting the tour.
The craft of documentary film making
Having rare access to rehearsals we could document the huge amount of hard work that leads up to Opening Night. Using backstage footage and interviews with fellow cast members, Gareth ‘Gaz Top’ Jones and Dan’s wife, Sharon Byatt, we captured the buzz and adrenaline of a live performance and gives real insight into the life of a working actor.
From tips on how to deal with rejection to having a do-it-yourself attitude, Dan’s journey is an inspiring story for aspiring actors. Life of an Actor shows what can be achieved with plenty of talent and lots of hard work, but what’s your story? How are you approaching the creative life? What should our next ‘Life Of’ documentary film to be? Let us know in the comments, get in touch here and subscribe on YouTube to receive the next film straight to your inbox.
