SPOTLIGHT: Mr David Elliot

Photography - Nicholas Andrews

Interview - Taj Hayer 

Shot on location at The Coach and Horses, London

David Elliot is an actor with many things on the go. 

Starting his career in theatre in Scotland, Edinburgh born Elliot has successfully transitioned to TV after winning Best Film Actor at the BAFTA Scotland Awards in 2015 for his role in Kajaki. He recently appeared in the hit Sky One Bulletproof as Jonesy (in which he is soon to return to for a second season) and is also soon to appear in The Liberator, Netflix’s four-part animated World War II drama series based on the book by Alex Kershaw, from writer Jeb Stuart (Die Hard, The Fugitive). On top of all that, he is also establishing himself as a writer and director and recently directed his second short film. As such, it felt like the perfect time to find out more about him. 

Were you surprised by the success of Bulletproof? 

Yes! When we first did the read through, I don’t think any of us realised how funny it was. It kept changing as we kept working on It but we were definitely surprised by the number of people that were watching it. With season two which is due to air soon, everyone knows their characters a but better and there was more freedom with lines. The action scenes have also been really ramped up. 

What are the challenges in working with CGI?

Well it was my first time working on green screen which was a completely new world to me. I was in make-up for two hours every day having my face coloured, contoured and then dots were added so animators would be able to work with it. On set we were all meant to be really serious soldiers but you can’t help but laugh because we all looked so ridiculous. Even the uniforms, which looked great, were almost cartoonish. When in front of the green screen, there is little props and you rely on what you are told is supposedly in front of you. As an actor I found the whole experience really freeing and I got to really use my imagination. When it airs I will be like any mender of the audience watching it. It was a really rare and unique job and I loved it. 

How did you make the transition from theatre to film? 

Mainly by moving from Scotland to London really. Its been over ten years ago now but originally I was working in Scotland predominantly, mostly doing theatre as there isn’t a big TV industry there sadly. I’d always had an eye on coming to London so when I moved it was like starting over again, I thought I would do some theatre in London but its a completely different world. I think it would take a special project to take me back now. At the moment I’m loving the energy of working on TV which is like a circus coming to town. 

Do you think that there is a trend for Scottish actors at the moment? 

There does seem to be something unique that comes from being Scottish. We do seem to be quite hot right now and having a moment but for some reason I still think in this country we aren’t quite there yet. We seem to be more embraced internationally. We are put in a box sometimes and there is a role for “the Scotsman”. 

When did you first know that you wanted to take acting seriously?

I didn’t really until I was doing it. It started off as a hobby. I always found that I excelled more in creative things so its always been there but I was in my 20s when I started to act properly. The first thing that came up was a drama shoot at college and it went from there, 

On those days involving long and tiring shoots, what do you do to switch off?

I think I’ve got a really overactive mind that is always on the go. The only time I leave a set feeling that way is when I feel like I haven’t done the job properly and I feel like I could have done the scene better. Usually the not working, trying to anticipate or create something can be more stressful. To counter that I keep active, gym, yoga and stuff like that. 

What are the major differences in shooting for TV and for a movie? 

I think I prep differently for every job. I compare actors to musicians in that when you do theatre its like you are out jamming with your band, and when on TV & film, its like when making an album. TV and film feel very similar to me. 

What are you working on at the moment?

At the moment I’m trying to write and dabble with directing so I have a few TV shows that I’m trying to develop and get off the ground. That’s what everything is getting poured into right now. 

And finally what makes a rakish gent?

Someone who is stylish, cool, confident without arrogance and comfortable in themselves. 

Quick fire questions 

Ideal travel destination - South America

Best store in the world - Amazon 

Gadget of choice - iPhone

Go to pair of shoes - A pair of lace up boots 

Brand /designer choice - Hugo Boss 

Favourite fragrance - Tom Ford 

Essential grooming product - Bumble & Bumble 

Recommended app - One Tap for keeping receipts in order 

Icon - Phoebe Waller Bridge. 

Follow David Elliot on Instagram. 

Bulletproof season 2 will air on Friday 20th March on Sky One and NOW TV.