Joseph Mason-Coombs
He played in Luca Pappalardo‘s Stationary Bike as Carlos.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a little bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: Hello! I’m Joseph, I’m a 22 year old actor from South-West London and I played the role of ‘Carlos’ in Stationary Bike.
SKSM: When did you know you wanted to become an actor?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I actually got into it fairly late. I knew nothing about acting until I was around 15, and a really lovely drama teacher at my school pushed me into auditioning for the school play. I was very resistant to the idea but I ended up really enjoying it and decided to do the next one after that! After doing a few plays in school and outside, I realised this was something I really loved and decided I wanted to take it further and make it into a career.
SKSM: How did you become involved in Stationary Bike Dollar Baby film?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I auditioned for the role after spotting a casting call online, and ended up getting it after filming a self-tape and having an online ‘Zoom’ audition with Luca, the director. (This was in the era of Covid). The film was also produced by a friend of mine, who I did another short-film with after this.
SKSM: What do you think it is about the story that attracts people so much?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I think it’s just really surreal – there’s a sort of dark, magical element to it, which I think draws people in. It’s a very strange concept that creates a level of intrigue for the watcher.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I think I mentioned this earlier, but yes, I auditioned for the part. The audition consisted of two rounds – one recorded self tape, and a live online audition with the director.
SKSM: You worked with Luca Pappalardo on this film, how was that?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: It was great! Luca is the type of director that jumps in with you and really gets involved with the work. He brought such an infectious passion for the film, which is all any actor can ask for really!
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: We were working with a pretty messed up bike for the film, so seeing Felix (who was playing the lead) wobble down a hill on a bike with no brakes was very amusing to watch.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I do! I speak to some of the other actors from time to time, as well as Luca. I think it’s fun to stay in touch and keep updated with what everyone has been doing since we made the film together.
SKSM: Who are your favorite or influential actors?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: It changes often, but right now, I really admire Harris Dickinson. He’s a brilliant actor who I first came across in ‘Triangle of Sadness’(which is one of my favourite films), and he keeps cropping up in amazing films at the moment.
SKSM: What are you working on nowadays?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: At the moment I’m training in acting at Drama School, which is very intense and busy, but exciting. I’m really excited to keep moving forwards and see what fun things the future holds!
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: To be brutally honest, I haven’t really read any of it! I feel like I should, and I’ve heard it’s great, but I’ve never got round to it. I did enjoy watching ‘IT’ when that came out though!
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: I think people are usually surprised to know my age. I’m 22, but I look (and probably act) a lot younger, so when I tell people, they’re usually surprised!
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Joseph Mason-Coombs: Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoyed the film! Watch this space for more films coming soon!
