On The Verge with Armand Aucamp
It’s not often that we see a local actor who oozes the “it” factor – someone who has that spark, appeal, charisma and more importantly, the talent to go with it. In our culture, we tend to look for that only in Hollywood actors, their glitz and glam, we idolize them. But, we’re perfectly capable of finding such a star on the local front. We just need to give them the platform.
One such star is Armand Aucamp. Recently seen in the acclaimed film adaptation of the iconic Ballade vir n Enkeling, he’s an actor who has all the tools – and the “it” factor, to make it big in this industry.
I got to ask him about his love for acting, the local film industry, what it was like working on international and local productions, and much more.
First things first, I have to confess this: whenever I see you on screen, the first thing that crosses my mind is your one scene stint on the last season of Homeland. The fat joke and the beatdown that ensued. That scene just cracked me up. Weird thing to laugh about, but it just stuck with me. For some reason, it's the first thing that pops up, and I've seen you in KykNet's Sterlopers before that. Had to get that out there.
Hahaha, thanks for that… And if you were wondering by any chance, yes, that was my head and yes, it really was as painful as it looked…
Moving on - how did you book that little stint? Could you tell us about your experience on set? However short it was, it must have been cool to see how a critically acclaimed big budget television show does things.
It was a very standard casting proses. I got a call from my agent in Johannesburg, Moonyeenn Lee, and she hooked me up with an audition as they were shooting in Cape Town. A week later I auditioned and got the role. I always romanticised the idea about ‘that’ phone call, but when it actually happens, you always find yourself in ‘real life’, like in a queue at Pick ‘n Pay or something…so there’s no one around who you can scream and shout with from excitement. Haha! Being on set was remarkable! The way the actors, writers and directors work together to make a scene happen was really great to witness. But I must be honest, take away the trailers, constant flow of cappuccinos and all frills, it wasn’t much different from being on Ballade’s set. The crew was almost 100% South African. We truly are on par with global filmmakers; we just need more money…
What was the first acting gig you booked?
I played ‘Funky Monkey’ in a traveling children’s theatre production. It REALLY makes one humble… My first ‘big’ gig, was on an American film, Chronicle in 2012. Once again a small role, but I definitely felt like an actor from that moment onwards.
What made you want to enter the world of acting? Are there any actors or films that just made you sit up and take notice? Something that just made you say "Yes, that's what I want to do!"?
I really LOVE films. I love everything about the medium and it was kind of a progression from an early age. There isn’t one particular film that was a kind of catalyst from this path for me, but I remember, as a child, films just transporting me to other worlds; Jurassic Park, The Mask, Titanic. Complete escapism. I’d like to be a part of those worlds, however briefly.
The South African film and television scene is somewhat limited, and hard to get into. It's unpredictable and risky, and great roles don't come by that often. Could you take us into what a typical day is like for South African actors, particularly when trying to book gigs?
There are a lot of avenues actors can take in South Africa. Our industry is so small and the talent pool very limited, so we’re actually rather fortunate to be able to juggle many things. There are loads of commercial castings to attend, you can get involved in radio or do voice overs. Theatre is alive and well and our TV and film industries are also growing. There really is a lot to keep busy with. I think keeping busy is really important, for your craft as well as your sanity. When I’m not working I get involved in physical theatre/experimental productions or performance art. I have also started writing recently. It’s also really important to watch good TV and film and to read…to observe and learn. What a great part of our jobs…
You were last seen on the big screen as the lead in the Ballade vir 'n Enkeling film adaptation. It's an iconic story, and the role of Jacques Rynhard must have been a much sought after role. Can you tell us about the casting process you had to go through?
Once again, it was rather standard. I auditioned in Cape Town and three months later got a call saying I got the role. It was strange because I didn’t feel as if I had a good audition. But luckily they saw something they thought worked for the role! I didn’t hear anything for a long time, so I soon wrote it off as another audition. But I think that’s really helpful, for myself at least, to let go and not to over think every audition.
The end product was really impressive - from the directing to the beautiful cinematography and the acting from the younger and 'older' actors were truly remarkable. Easily the benchmark for South African productions. It raised the bar. What was it like working with the fantastic cast and crew? Seeing the end product must have been a very proud moment.
My mind was blown when I first saw the film. I mean I knew it was going to be good; you could feel it from just being on set. It surpassed all expectations! First of all, we had a really solid story from the pen of Leon van Nierop. He has worked and lived with this story for 30 years and no one knows them better than he does – it was really a blessing. I think a lot of local films struggle with original, complex stories and characters – and that’s what we had. Then, QUENTIN KROG… I have the world’s respect for him. He is one of the most creative, passionate and insightful people I have ever worked with and I am so grateful that he was at the head of the Ballade team. Having said that though, the entire crew and cast were perfect…we knew in doing Ballade, we were working with an iconic story, so everyone gave their absolute ALL for the film. Everyone involved was exceptional.
Having just been part of something so well received, has it had a positive impact on your career with regards to opening the door to more opportunities and job offers?
It has been such a blessing and an overwhelmingly positive experience. I think it has made people a little more aware of me and what I do, but I still have to audition for roles… haha.
Ballade vir 'n Enkeling deserved all the success it achieved. It is a serious film that pushed its actors to do great work, and aesthetically, it's stunning. What makes me sad, though, is that so few local productions even try to tackle more serious, cinematic films. Afrikaans films are generally bad romantic comedies starring singers trying to act. Why do you think local production houses are so wary of producing real serious dramas? Is it the audiences?
I think our industry is evolving and starting to move in a new direction – or rather, maturing. I think it’s important to realise that Afrikaans RomComs have their place in the industry, but more importantly, they were crucial in ‘reviving’ our industry. Whatever opinions are, they ignited audiences to start going to the cinema again – and that’s really really important because after all, we make films to be seen. I agree, not all of those films were of the highest quality, but they have given us the opportunity to move forward and start making films of higher quality as audiences grow and needs and wants diversify.
You look like the quintessential Hollywood leading man - the talent, charm, and charisma - and in South Africa actors who possess that are rare. What would your dream role be? What would you like to tackle next, acting wise? Are you open to English language productions?
It’s funny because I kind of feel that English is sort of my first language… I am Afrikaans, but I attended English schools my whole life as well as my tertiary education. In fact, after graduating and the four years that followed, I ONLY acted in English. Sterlopers was my 1st Afrikaans role and I remember how challenging I experienced it. And now, the past 2 years, I have only acted in Afrikaans on local productions… Funny that. So yes, I would love to perform in English also, but I am also very fortunate and privileged to be working in Afrikaans. I LOVE anything period and I also love biography, so playing an historical figure would be right up there with as far as dream roles go.I am playing Jan van Riebeeck in a great feature film next year, so I feel that it is really an opportunity to live that dream role.
You just finished production on a new KykNet series called 'Die Boekklub'. Could you tell us more about that?
What an amazing SCRIPT! Louis Pretorius really made magic with this series. It’s a dramedy about a young, cynical Capetonian ‘hipster’ who finds himself in the Karoo unable to leave due to various factors. He becomes part of the local book club and starts on a journey of self discovery. He also becomes pivotal in all the other local characters’ lives and paths. It’s incredibly funny, heart wrenching at times, and just really honest. I think it’s going to be very well received. Quentin Krog was the director, so audiences really can look forward to a beautifully crafted, aesthetically stimulating and exciting show!
Have you had any embarrassing auditions you could tell us about? We all have those stories - those glorious face palm moments we kick ourselves over once we leave the interview or pitch.
Um…basically every second audition I do I have a ‘face palm’ moment… But one that sticks out: I auditioned for a vampire movie in 2011. The scene required me to fall against a wall as the ‘vampire hunter’ is interrogating me (I know right…?) Anyway, I took 3 takes to get it right and with the 3rd take, I fell too hard against the wall, which was a partitioning wall, and fell right through it… Needless to say I didn’t get the job. Although I feel that my dedication to the stunt and audition was unappreciated…
If this acting thing did not work out - which it clearly is - what would have been your plan B?
I really love the commercial industry. I love funny, intelligent advertising. So I would probably be a copy writer for an advertising agency. I write commercials that I think will be funny, but only for myself…I laugh at least…
What advice would you give young actors trying to break into the industry?
Tenacity. And never say ‘no’ to something you think might be ‘beneath’ you, especially as you’re still trying to make it to that ‘break’. Work begets word begets work.
Some quick questions:
1. Favourite film and tv show?
BABEL and (currently) Transparent
2. Favourite food?
Cured meats and cheeses
3. Favourite book?
Anything by Roald Dahl
4. Do you have any pet peeves?
Public spitting
5. Do you have a celebrity crush? Who?
I have a total performer’s crush on Cate Blanchett. Ithink she’s the best actor alive
