Digital Cover: Scott Chambers
Talent: Scott Chambers
Photos: Lee Malone
Stylist: Sarah Rose-Harrison
Groomer: Maria Comparetto
Producer: Chrissy Wang
Words: + EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Special Thanks: Slate PR
You are starring as Christopher Robin in "Winnie-The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2” (2024); can you tell us more about it?
Yeah! Rhys and I made the first movie on a tiny budget. The same year we had made 47 feature films and I had acted in DOCTOR JEKYLL with Eddie Izzard and also shot MALPRACTICE for ITV. It was an intense, busy year and then overnight Blood and Honey blew up! So Rhys, who is the director, wanted a new Christopher for the sequel. The movie sort of resets itself in a way which gets explained in the movie. I was really intimidated stepping into something that was such a viral movie with a big marmite reception. Ultimately, I thought the character was super fun and he really goes on a rollercoaster which was fun!
Were you always interested in producing and acting or was there one role that you resonated with more and then lead into the next?
I began acting when I was about 17 but not professionally until 21 when I starred in an indie drama called Chicken. I soon learnt there’s big gaps between filming and it is very much in my nature to keep busy and so it was a natural thing to write scripts for me to keep myself occupied and make movies whenever I could regardless of budget. I made my first feature when I was actually 11 years old with my dad’s home camera and I just continued doing it. I love creating but acting has been and always will be my main passion.
What was that process like?
Making Winnie 2 was intense. Our production designer/costume designer dropped out two days before filming and we soon realized a lot of work had not been done. I found myself in a cafe ordering over 60 raver outfits the day before shooting. On the set, it was fun with Rhys but also still super intense because it is an indie movie. The budget was low and so you end up wearing a lot of hats to get the day wrapped.
Do you prefer the storytelling of one method over another?
I love all of it, truly. I love a really meaty character who is flawed, layered and as an actor, as soon as it feels challenging, and I get nervous about it - that is what will fulfil me! However, I love producing - being there from the beginning, the initial idea and putting a great team together.
What do you take from your role as a producer into your acting and vice versa?
I learn an incredible amount as an actor from producing. So much so I think it is crazy people go to drama school and only focus on acting. There should for sure be a term or two where you experience other on-set jobs to really understand how everything works and so you can help other areas more as an actor. Producing wise, you realize how important it is to control a set and keep the focus.
Who did you look up to growing up? And Why?
My parents were the ones I looked up to. My dad opened up his own plumbing company when I was a child, and my mum went to university when she was in her early forties to allow her nursing career to progress to higher levels. They worked incredibly hard and it has always been something I think of.
You were a producer on the first film in the Winnie-The Pooh: Blood and Honey franchise. How did your role in the sequel come about? What attracted you to his project and to the role?
Rhys knew he wanted to, in a way, reboot it all for the sequel. Now he had a budget he wanted to make the movie he would have the first-time round. So, that needed a new cast to give the message we were restarting. He asked me to play the role which I was hesitant about as I do not usually act in the movies I produce because it’s too stressful. I agreed because I believe in Rhys and care a lot about him. I wanted to give him everything I could in the role!
“…I am insanely ambitious... …There are a lot of things I want to achieve in life within the industry and I feel like I am only just beginning.”
How do you most closely relate, if at all, to your character?
I think when I was younger, I was bullied a lot and a shell of who I am now. I think Christopher is undergoing this in the movie. He has lost who he was because of horrific events that happened to him, and he is facing a lot of backlash from the locals. I think he cares about people and is always hopeful - which I can relate to.
What did you learn working on the film?
I learnt that we need more budget if I am going to lead and produce the movie! It was too stressful.
What was one of the most memorable (funny or serious) moments you had while filming "Winnie-The Pooh: Blood and Honey 2?
Oh jeez, there was a scene where I am hiding in a car and a chainsaw that is on fire slams through the car toward me. I thought there was a chance I could actually die in that moment! It was incredibly tense, the guy wearing the pooh prosthetics had limited visibility and there were times where the chainsaw was inches from me. Turned out super cool though.
In addition to acting and producing, do you have any other creative aspirations in the industry?
Yes, I am insanely ambitious. I am about to direct Peter Pan’s Neverland Nightmare. I also was the writer of the script, and I am excited to get filming that. There are a lot of things I want to achieve in life within the industry and I feel like I am only just beginning.
When it comes to your work, what keeps you inspired?
Watching good performances, good movies. Seeing friends do well and succeed is always inspiring. Meeting good people in the industry.
With your experience in both film and television, what advice would you give to young aspiring actors and entertainers?
Don’t wait for the phone to ring - anyone can do it. The industry is so accessible now. If you want an agent - you can do it. Record some monologues in your bedroom, on your phone and send it out. Keep active, don’t get lazy. If you want to make a feature film - we live in a time where you can make it even on your phone! Get creative and always keep proactive. You can do it; you do not need to wait for someone to tell you that you can. GR8T