Sanchez Brown is currently starring in one of Netflix’s biggest global Summer TV series Supacell, where he plays the electricity powered enforcer Energy Hunter (above picture) opposite British talents such as Tosin Cole, Josh Tedeku, and British veteran actor Eddie Marsan. Sanchez opens up about his journey as an actor and filmmaker and how his experiences molded him, growing up in London, and actors that mentored and advised him on his path. Sanchez delves deep into the process of studying his craft in UK theatre and the differences in US theatre he found when attending the illustrious and prestigious drama school of Stella Adler in Los Angeles, California. He talks about the importance of bonding and togetherness on set, working with Rapman, collaborating with other gifted filmmakers and how he wants to empower and give back to the industry in the UK and beyond, helping to discover fresh talent, and how writing and creating his own Indie films helped him improve as a young actor. Previously starring in The Bill, EastEnders, Apple TV’s Surface with Gugu Mbatha Raw, the award winning Indie film Sunset Meets Sunset (pictured below) as Nile. His next big project will have him starring opposite legendary Irish actor Pierce Brosnan in boxing drama Giant as former world champion British boxer Johnny Nelson.
Domingos Coxi- Which was the film that made you fall in love with movies?
Sanchez Brown- For me this is a weird one because there’s three films that I love and they’re all completely different: Menace to Society, Love Jones & Rush Hour 2. I can sit and watch these films over and over again. I can’t pin point and say which one made me fall in love with movies, however they all evoke a certain nostalgia and emotion inside me when I watch them.
DC- Where in London, England did you grow up, and how did the city influence your creativity when you became an actor and a filmmaker?
SB– I grew up in North London, mainly Edmonton & Tottenham. These areas were a huge influence for me as it’s where I attended part-time drama school as a kid. Also the community in North London is very supportive and close knit. So when many musicians like Skepta, Wretch 32, Chip, Scorcher were making noise in the public eye, it let me know that people from my area can achieve greatness.
DC- You are currently starring in Supacell, a sci-fi Netflix series set in London, with an ensemble cast of young black British talent from London like yourself, what was that experience like being on that set, in costume, and in character in your hometown?
SB- There’s no other feeling like it. The moment i stepped out onto set, it just felt like a family. I automatically felt safe and knew we all had each other’s back. The majority of the cast members I had worked with prior which also helped as we already had a bond. I had never worked with Rapman before; on set he was so passionate about his project; he knew exactly what he wanted and how he was going to achieve it. With such enthusiasm and drive from Rapman, I was confident that this show was going to be a success, he wouldn’t have it no other way.
DC- Like every British actor you learned your craft on stage in the UK. What was the theatre scene like in the USA compared?
SB– The US theatre scene; hmm well i trained and lived out in LA where its more about film and less about theatre. I wouldn’t be able to talk much about it from that prospective. However, I do know New York has a huge theatre following especially with Broadway etc.
DC- What was it like studying at the illustrious drama school of Stella Adler in Los Angeles, California and what valuable lessons did you learn?
SB– It was an amazing experience now looking back. I learnt a lot about myself in that time. I moved out there when I was 22, so super young at the time and studied there for 2 years. There was a lot of difference between how the Americans do things and we do. I’d definitely say we have a lot more talent in the UK. In drama school a lot of the US actors tend to be more expressive and “over the top”. Where us British actors are more grounded and subtle in our acting. A positive I did take from the states was how to market yourself. They know how to “big themselves up,” in the UK we seem a lot more humble…but humbleness doesn’t get you noticed.
DC- How do you want to help change the British film industry and open more doors to unknown talent?
SB– I’d love to continue to make projects, where I am to cast fresh talent. It would be amazing if I could fund kids to go the theatre and see plays etc. When growing up being exposed to the arts really is what sparked my interest.
DC- You also write and produce your own projects, how has that developed you as a filmmaker, actor and individual?
SB– Writing has definitely helped me as an actor. I am able to analyse and delve deeper into scripts. It has also helped me to visualise scenes and get a better sense of understanding as to what the writer might be wanting to portray.
DC- Who have been your mentors and inspiration in pursuing the creative arts?
SB- I’ve never had a mentor as such but there’s a few seasoned veterans I can always call on for advice, Jimmy Akingbola & Chucky Venn are like older brothers to me and a forever sharing their wisdom and experience.
DC- Who are your dream directors and actors you would like to collaborate with in the future?
SB– Christopher Nolan, Ryan Coogler, Barry Jenkins, Jordan Peele & Antoine Fuqua.
DC– What advice would you give the 10-year-old version of yourself or anybody wanting to succeed in the entertainment industry?
SB– Don’t stop, believe in yourself & make a lot of mistakes.
Sanchez has been acting since he was a teenager and is a example of consistency, talent and passion and to never give up or stop honing your craft. Never be afraid to fail and to be relentless and persistent in the pursuit of your dreams and goals. (Below are Sanchez’s social media)
Sanchez Brown:
“Be confident in yourself, this is me, this is what I do, that’s one thing I learned was not to be scared or shy”- MCM Comic Con London 2021 : Behind The Scenes With Indie Filmmakers Panel
S A N C H E Z | B R O W N (@sanchez_brown) – Instagram
Sanchez Brown (@sanchez_brown) / X
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