Sky1 HD recently got the chance to speak to the immensely talented actor Paterson Joseph, from the magical 10 Minute Tales episode entitled "Let it Snow."
What attracted you to the project?
I thought it'd be fun to shut up and let my face and eyes do the work. So much about TV is what Bob Hoskins calls 'the rabbit', the words.
How would you describe Let it Snow?
It's about a man who works too hard and, as a result, his family life suffers. He soon realises that he needs to make some changes. The story is seen through his daughter's eyes, and the little girl who plays her is phenomenal. When I first read the script, I assumed she'd be in the background. But this girl is the main character and she's given what could have been a bog-standard story a unique edge.
What was it like acting alongside Angela Griffin?
She's lovely, a down-to-earth girl and a talented actress. I've worked with Angela a few times and she's one of the queens of the profession.
What are the challenges of making a silent film?
In some ways it's more challenging, and in other respects, not. You're still conveying emotions, but it's more reliant on you're body language.
How did you prepare for the role?
I practised my texting! I just went on set and improvised.
How did you get into acting?
I was a chef and got bored of that, so decided to try my hand at acting and went to a youth theatre. I've done alright, and haven't looked back since.
What's your favourite Christmas film?
There are two films I love to watch, It's A Wonderful Life and The Wizard of Oz. The latter is the first film I ever saw, when I was about six, and I found it terrifying. I'm looking forward to introducing my son to it.
What do you want for Christmas?
I live in France, and have been travelling quite a bit this year, so a little bit of rest I think.
When and why did you stop believing in Santa?
Thanks to older siblings, I stopped believing when I was about 12.
What would be your dream acting role?
One where I don't sweat on stage...
Who are your acting icons?
Daniel Day Lewis, Morgan Freeman and Meryl Streep.
If you hadn't made it as an actor, what would you be doing now?
Hopefully, I'd be a world-renowned chef or a writer.
If you could invite five famous people, dead or alive, around for dinner, who would they be and why?
Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, John F Kennedy - to find out what he was really like - President Obama and Jesus.
What's the most played song on your iPod at the moment?
The most played band is The Beatles. My son loves them too and, when a six year old wants to listen to Yellow Submarine, you know you're onto a winner. There's no Kylie on my iPod, that's for sure.
