Interview Special: Ben Reid / Tommy Jessop: ‘Innocence’

The interpretation and misinterpretation of somebody’s personal conditions and challenges come to the fore in Ben Reid’s INNOCENCE, which features a stunning performance from Down Syndrome actor Tommy Jessop.

Film And TV Now interviewed both participants about their short film and their experiences making it:

BEN REID:

What’s refreshing about this film is that you tell a narrative story without focusing too much on the Downs condition, whereas a lot of films often relegate a character like this. What was the start off point for the project?

My younger brother, Tom, has Down syndrome. He’s a huge film fan, just as I am, and we’ve shared a deep love of cinema our whole lives.

As Tom reached his teens he started to become aware people with Down syndrome didn’t exist on the big screen. When the occasional character with Down syndrome did pop up on television, they were nearly always the victim – poor souls, wrongly accused.

This pissed Tom off. He’s a rebel by heart, and he wanted to see rebels like himself on screen. People with Down syndrome with agency, choosing their own destiny, rather than having it foisted upon them. This gave me the idea to make INNOCENCE, to give Tom the character he craved and show just what actors with Down syndrome are capable of when the gloves are off and they are given the challenging lead roles they crave and deserve.

Tommy Jessop gives a very still and powerful performance that makes you focus on the character he plays who is as manipulative as they come. Tell us about how your relationship with Tommy evolved during the production of the short.

I saw Tommy in COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. I saw in that performance the combination of kindness, intelligence and strength that the character of Dylan needed to possess. We met and discussed the project and he loved the fact he’d get to play a character that was so morally complex. We rehearsed a couple of times, just the two of use, discovered a shared love of footie and our friendship built as the production progressed. 

Alice Lowe is a prolific actress with work in the likes of BLACK MIRROR and SIGHTSEERS. How did you get her on board?

The script. She loved how original and unique it was and came onboard. 

Where did you shoot and for how long?

We shot in London for 4 days. We built a set for Dylan’s bedroom, due to the stunt work that was required, but everything else was shot on location to make the film as authentic as possible.  

The short is dedicated to your brother. What does he think of the film?

Tom loves the film and the fact he can now see a bad-ass character with Down syndrome on screen. He came to set and has a cameo in the film and I hope to work with him again on my next project. 

Tell us more about Portsmouth Down Syndrome Association (PDSA) – how did they contribute to the production of the film?

Ken Ross, a trustee of the PDSA and is an amazing campaigner for inclusivity in the arts and all walks of life. I sent him the script for the film and he financially backed the film and came on board as a producer. Without Ken’s support, the film wouldn’t have been able to be realised in the manner myself and producer Tibo Travers envisaged, and for that we are both eternally grateful.

What other stories would you like to see made that show characters with disability in a more fair and balanced representation?

We need to make more films that feature great characters with disabilities. It’s that simple.

TOMMY JESSOP

It must be so exciting to be the lead in a film like this. What have been the key things you enjoyed whilst making it?

I enjoyed being the lead, that makes you the centre of attention! I enjoyed playing different emotions, being still in front of the camera and standing up against something wrong.

I enjoyed swearing, shouting, and being quite violent, all for love! I’m always up for a challenging role and I enjoyed this one. The film sends out a powerful message and I am glad to be part of this.

I also enjoyed acting with other professionals and I enjoyed working with Ben Ward Director and Tibo Travers, Producer who made this a really enjoyable shoot. I enjoyed throwing a rapist out of the window

How did you get into Acting?

I got into professional acting through the BBC/Channel 4 Talent Fund, but I had always loved being on stage at school.

You give a very powerful and measured performance. Are there any actors you admire?

I admire Johnny Depp for his acting and Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise and Mark Rylance.

You were part of the BAFTA nominated COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN. Tell us about your experience working on that.

COMING DOWN THE MOUNTAIN is one of my personal highlights in my career. It was another powerful story. My character became the strong person. Thanks to Mark Haddon for great writing.

I was proud to work alongside Nicholas Hoult who played my brother. He was fun and one day we found some light sabres and had a Star Wars sword fight.

In the film we had a laugh talking about sex. At one point it was like acting in an Aga on fire, and another point it was snowing and it was like acting in the north pole.

What was your working relationship like with actress Alice Lowe, who plays the police officer who interviews you?

Working with Alice went off really well. She is generous and a good actor.

I enjoyed working with all the cast. Lawrence Spellman played my brother. He’s a powerful actor and is very friendly. Richard Glover played the baddy but we had a laugh off screen. Bethany Asher plays my girlfriend and can also be a laugh!

Has the film inspired you to write your own screenplay and would you love to do other aspects of film-making in the future?

Yes, I am writing warm hearted comedy adventure story about two brothers who have Down syndrome. I might need a writing partner to help me turn this into a screenplay. I would also like to try working behind the camera sometime.

Finally, what are you most proud of about this short film?

The film has done really well at festivals and won quite a few awards, thanks to all the brilliant cast, the cinematography and the whole team behind the film.

I’m proud we are telling a difficult story.