Glen Cardno talking to Ex Cathedra Movie.co.uk

How did you find out about Ex Cathedra? I had known Liam for only a few weeks when I got a call from an agency (MCA) asking me if I would be interested in the part of Dr John McKenzie. I knew about the film of course and was very interested in it but I was a little taken aback that somebody would want me to act. When I asked the agent “why me?” he replied “Dr McKenzie is a middle-aged professor of theology and er quite honestly, there weren’t a lot of actors my age still living.”  Moved by his confidence in me, I insisted I read for the part and met up with producer Vicky Petela. I suggested a mild Scottish accent would help the part, and a couple of days later I was in York filming. What was your first and favourite memory of the film? My first memory of production is a being whisked from the station to a pub one evening in York by Co- Producer Corrine. Walking into the bar and being introduced to the Richard and Garth  and the crew – a great crew I may add. And we were off. My favourite moment on set? That would have to be playing drunk and walking down the street. Initially I  wasn’t sure how to convey drunkenness from a distance (it was a wide shot) and I didn’t want to ham it up. So I thought the best thing to carry me through it was to mutter to myself. At least that’s what I do when I’m drunk. I hope it came out OK. As a renowned editor and director yourself, what acting experience did you have coming into the project? I had very little acting experience before this part came along. As a television producer and director I’ve stood in for actors and of course read with them when auditioning. On a couple of occasions I have had a walk-on part, and maybe one line, but there is nothing like the sheer terror of a crew and director looking at you when they shout ‘action!’ to get the adrenaline pumping. The first few takes I dried badly. That’s because on Action! I was expecting someone else to do the acting. But I gradually got into the swing of things.  The crew were very forgiving though and I expect all of them to go on to greater things. I’d certainly employ them. Who out of the cast did you enjoy working with the most? I really only acted with Richard and Garth. Both I found to be consummate professionals and generous with their advice. How did you adapt to the unusual role for you? When I first read the part of Dr McKenzie I immediately felt the dialogue suited a Scottish lilt. Fortunately it is one of those accents I could always get a bead on – if only done lightly. I suggested it to Liam and Vicki and they both agreed. Also I felt – for my first part – it was kind of important to bury myself in another personality and not be me at all. And this certainly helped. There is still a little bit of Dr McKenzie left in me. In fact only last week in Waitrose I ordered some Scottish salmon using Dr McKenzie’s persona. Got good service too. Will any of this experience stay with you? God yes. If anyone else offers me a part I will have a lot more confidence. It was kind of daunting at the age of 60 to be the new kid on the block. Everyone on set was under 30 and a seasoned pro. There was so much to learn. As a director I knew it all in theory of course, but being on the other side of the camera an having so much dialogue to learn was to say the least, stretching me a bit. But I think Dr McKenzie will be with me for quite a while. How do you think the film will be received? Absolutely no idea. None of us have seen it yet. A film changes so much from the original script – which we’ve all read – to the final end product. Acting, direction, music, camera moves all change the look and feel of the film. What I will say is it is intelligently written and raises some interesting theological questions the way we live our lives. The snippets I have seen look amazing for such a small budget. What advice would you give to other first time actors thinking of doing something similar? Do it! You have to jump in at the deep end just like I did. Trust your director, learn as much as you can from the other actors and get better at your craft. It’s only experience that makes you better. Just one thing, an old actor told me this years ago ‘every part you do – no matter how small -  bring a little something special to it.’ With McKenzie all I thought was, this man is in pain. All these terrible things are about to happen, and no one is listening to him. Can low budget films like this compare to the big money spent on films in Hollywood? Absolutely. All the great films have certain things in common. A good script, good acting, good direction and that little sprinkling of stardust that makes a film stand out. From what I’ve experienced on this production, there’s a little bit more stardust around than I thought.