British Actor James Nitti Conquers Hollywood!
Written By: Toi Creel
It can be hard navigating the ups and downs of Hollywood even for native Los Angelenos. Imagine doing such being from an entirely different country. James Nitti is a British actor, currently living and working in California. Having acted since the age of 9, he’s been able to find success in both the UK and US starring in a variety of theater and film/television productions. So how exactly does one carve out a niche for themselves and continue working in Hollywood, when so many others find it so difficult?
In a guest interview by writer Toi Creel, actor James Nitti explains.
So James, tell Philaye Films, how did you get into acting?
My grandmother saw an ad in a local paper for a casting for a role in a local TV drama. I guess I fit the casting bracket and ended up going in for it and booking the role! I quickly learned that acting was something that I really enjoyed doing. At 13 I auditioned for the National Youth Theatre and National Youth Music Theatre companies. From there I went on to book further TV and film work as a teenager. At 18, I made the decision to audition for one the UK's top accredited drama schools- The Guildford School of Acting and got in! I guess the rest is history from there on in!
After graduating from drama school, I lived and worked in London for a number of years, before acting gave me the opportunity to move to Los Angeles. I have been working in Los Angles for 6 years now!
You are a British actor who is working, thriving and succeeding in the states. How has the transition been?
There were certainly some interesting experiences at the very beginning, and a few major learning curves to say the least! There are still a collection of certain words that I’ll say and just be met with blank stares. I feel that my very dry, token British sarcastic sense of humor isn't always appreciated or understood at times!
Working in the USA has been an amazing experience. Being part of film and TV productions out here has given me the amazing opportunity to work all over the country. From the sunny streets and beaches of Los Angeles, to the cold snowy winter wonderland of Buffalo, NY. I have been fortunate enough to have been kept really busy with work out here, and I have found myself traveling all over the place! Even though it can get pretty hectic and tiring at times, it’s all a part of the job and the career and definitely one of the positives about working in America. I am hugely grateful and I wouldn’t change it in a heart beat!
Tell us about your career and some of the projects that you have been a part of.
I have been fortunate enough to have starred in a number of films and projects. I was involved with an awesome film called ‘Locating Silverlake Directed by Eric Bilitch. It was a really rewarding project to be involved with. I got to act alongside the likes of Finn Wittrock, Josh Peck, Aubrey Peeples, Robbie Kay, Amaury Nolasco and Zelda Williams. The cast and crew were amazing and it was a brilliant working experience. I went on and worked on films; ‘The League of Legend Keepers’, ‘Pride and Prejudice-Cut’, ‘The Devils Hand’, ‘Calculating Euphoria’, and ‘Law of Attraction’ where I filmed all over the USA.
Most recently, I finished filming a really fun rom-com set for Hallmark, Lifetime or The Oprah Network titled ‘A Royal Christmas Engagement’, where I performed the leading role of ‘Prince Edward’. Filming alongside John Schneider and Paige Back in Buffalo, NY. Now, I can’t give too many details away at this point, but even despite the recent Pandemic and production shutdowns, I have been extremely fortunate enough to secure a number of future projects, which will me keeping me very busy over the next few years!
What would you say is the hardest part about going from theater to TV/film?
When people know that you have worked or trained in both Theatre and TV&Film. They always ask, “oh which do you prefer or which is easier?” But for me, I really do enjoy both. I don't believe either one is more difficult, they are just different. They require slightly different approaches and a different set of skills. I think for me at least the hardest difference between Theatre and TV/Film is the ability to ‘stay in the moment’. What I mean by this is: in Theatre once the performance begins, you stay in that mindset and head space from start to end. You're always alive in the moment, you are normally going on your character’s journey from A to B. I find this makes it easier to always be real and in the moment when performing.
What makes TV/Film more of a challenge for me from this aspect, is not having that thorough progressive character journey. You might start the film shoot with the last scene of the film, then move to a scene mid way through film, and then back to beginning. You are jumping all over the place constantly. The filming schedule and the order in which you shoot scenes is so often decided by external factors, like location, availability or all sorts of things. Because of this, it can often be a challenge getting myself in right head space and mindset for each scene. Sure, you do have the luxury of being able to re-do a scene or a line if there is a mistake, which is a luxury you don't have in Theatre, but sometimes keeping things feeling fresh and honest and sounding like its the first time you have said those words even though you have just said them 20 times in the last 10 minutes can be a challenge!
You’ve had a lot of success in Film and TV. what has been your favorite project?
I think the most enjoyable project that I’ve been in, is my most recent film, A Royal Christmas Engagement. I performed the leading role of Prince Edward and it was such a brilliant working experience.
The director was amazing, and we had a lot of fun together. The whole crew was lovely and their work was astounding. The crew had all worked together multiple times before, and so they had this incredible work efficiency that was almost intimidating but so fun to be a part of! I remember specifically thinking that I didn’t want to be the weak link in this clearly well- oiled machine of production! It really made me bring my A-game to set everyday! Another reason why this was such a fun project to work on, was not only the crew all amazing, but two very good friends of mine also booked roles in the film, including the leading lady playing opposite me! The fact that the three of us were already close friends, made every day at work super relaxed and a joyous experience— even in the super cold Buffalo winter!
Is there a dream character you would like to play?
I’m very open to any kind of project or role to be honest. I do usually end up playing the nice guy or the funny guy, so I’d love to book the bad guy for once. I think that would be a super fun and an exciting challenge for sure. Early in your acting career, I think you always end up booking roles that are somewhat similar to yourself as a person. So I’d love to play a role that is so far removed from who I am in reality.
Is there a dream actor or actress you would like to work with?
I don't actually have a dream actor or actress to work with. It doesn't bother me really if I am working with a huge A-List star or someone who is somewhat unknown. I genuinely, thoroughly enjoy the acting experience. Anyone who challenges me as an actor, makes me step-up my game, or intimidates me with their acting ability would be a dream to work with. There's nothing more fun and rewarding when you get to work with someone who really challenges you and makes you push yourself further.
What else would you like to accomplish in the world of TV/film?
I have been fortunate enough to have worked on a number of film projects over the years. Which has been amazing. I would love the opportunity to be a part of a long epic TV drama show— something that becomes iconic. Being involved from start to end on a project like ‘Breaking Bad’ , ‘Game of Thrones’ or ‘The Sopranos’ would be an Incredible experience!
For anyone who is interested in getting into acting what advice would you give them?
There is a plethora of advice that could be offered; however, I would say from me personally the most important thing to do before just diving head first into the world of acting is, invest in training. Some people have the opinion that acting is just something you can just ‘have a go at’ or ‘give it a try’. Now, don't get me wrong people can have a ‘natural ability’ more than others like anything else, but just like any other job or any other career you need to learn your craft and train in what it is you want to do. You wouldn't start applying for other jobs without experience or at least the required qualifications or training in that job.
Acting is no different. If you are genuinely interested in pursing a career in acting, then invest time in learning how to act. It doesn't have to be 3 years of drama school, if that isn't the right fit for you, but even if its just local small classes at first, or online tuition or anything! I think there are too many people who just dive straight in, don't get anywhere, get disheartened and give up. One of the advantages of acting is that you can begin at any age! Acting, however is still is a skill learned just like any other job or career, so take the time and don't rush in guns blazing.
