Jack Frank
He played in Hendrik Harms’ Dollar Baby All That You Love Will Be Carried Away as Alfie Zimmer.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Jack Frank: Hello! I’m Jack Frank, I’m an actor and I am portraying ‘Alfie Zimmer’ in Harms Way Production‘s ‘All That You Love Will Be Carried Away’!
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Jack Frank: My mum was in the industry both as an actress and as technical staff. She has so many interesting stories lf how she used to look after/babysit Zach Braff when she was at stage door manor, and travel alongside various theatre companies performing just utterly ridiculous plays. I also studied Drama for my GCSE’s, which was a theory based course; we’d go and see plays, study them and write essays on the performances and staging. Alongside that I was a part of the Wycombe Swan Youth Theatre, so from the last few years of secondary school, I was completely engorged in the theatrical atmosphere!
SKSM: How did you become involved in All That You Love Will Be Carried Away Dollar Baby film?
Jack Frank: I’m a HUGE Stephen King fan (just finishing off the Dark Tower series as we speak) and I happen to follow the hashtag #stephenking on Twitter and Instagram, which Hendrik had been using when posting the casting brief. I just had to jump at the opportunity, I was so obsessed with getting this part I think I messaged Hendrik everyday until he gave me the part!
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Jack Frank: The story follows Alfie, who as a traveling salesman, is constantly on the move, not really fitting in anywhere. With that in mind, he finds solace in various messages and graffiti on the walls of his motel toilets and bedrooms, which alter how he perceives the world. There’s a lot of interesting narrative decisions that have been made and altered to play with both the character’s and audience’s minds.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Jack Frank: I wish it was written for me! Originally I sent in a self tape, which was a video of me performing a short monologue in the style of the character. I was successful, and was asked by Hendrik to have an audition over Skype! Hilariously, my microphone didn’t work the first time calling, and the wonder that is WiFi decided to lag and buffer through the entire video chat. Thank goodness Hendrik looked past all of that!
SKSM: You worked with Hendrik Harms on this film, how was that?
Jack Frank: He’s brilliant. Truly brilliant. He’s taken every aspect of the original short story, and flipped it, making it into something both faithful and unique. Interestingly we had no rehearsals other than when the entire cast had met each other for the first time. In a way, it was all naturalistic what happened in front of the camera as we didn’t have much physical preparation for the roles, other than learning our lines and reading the short story! Hendrik’s crew were equally fantastic. Each member was dedicated to making a contribution, and I really hope the audience can see that in the final product!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Jack Frank: For many of the establishing shots, we had to fill the walls in various messages and graffiti, so we all had our own little inside jokes jotted down. Hopefully you’ll notice some Stephen King Easter eggs, as well as some absolutely cracking dad jokes.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Jack Frank: Of course! It was incredible that everyone got on with each other! We all actually met up again a few weeks ago to get together, grab some food and drink in Camden! We’re all massively close now, and I for one really hope that we never lose contact. Everyone’s wonderful.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Jack Frank: Right now, I’m working on my voice acting work. I recently got the chance to sing and contribute to the crowd voices in ‘Rocketman‘ which was insane. I’ve really appreciated the work I’ve had in my career so far. I also have my own podcast with George Douglas called ‘How to Struggle‘ where we discuss how as creatives in this industry, we can still find work, be productive, and most importantly be happy in this industry!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Jack Frank: I’m such a huge fan of Stephen King, I really struggle to read anything that doesn’t have his name attached to it. In recent years he’s come back into the mainstream, and it’s fantastic to see great work adapted into film, television and all sorts of media! I’m really looking forward to IT Chapter 2, as well as Joe Hill’s NOS4A2 which I need to get round to watching!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Jack Frank: I used to be Goofy and Tigger in Disneyland Paris! A short lived adventure, but a worthwhile experience!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Jack Frank: Well thank you for reading this, that’s very kind of you! I really hope that when the film is released, you all enjoy it as much as I enjoyed being a part of it.
SKSM: Do you like to add anything else?
Jack Frank: Be happy!
