Marc Zammit

Interview by Carl Marsh - August 2014

Hi Marc,
you are an actor that seems to be very busy at the moment, so thank you for doing this interview.

Hey Carl, yeah I have been extremely busy, and thats ok, it’s my pleasure!

As an actor, you have been in a lot of TV shows and movies, so I guess reading scripts is something you do and have done all the time. However, I know you told me that you have dyslexia, and that you took solace in books to improve your reading when you were younger, it must have been hard going, both growing up and now, as an actor?

Yeah it can be hard, but I think I have learned how to accept the fact I'm dyslexic, I even joke about it sometimes, I used to be quite embarrassed about it, and in school I use to be picked on about it, but I'm really open about it now. When it comes down to learning scripts, I read it to myself, but it takes a lot of time, but reading various books has helped me. However most of the time, I realised I was more focused on reading it right, rather than what I was actually reading about! So knowing what I'm reading about, I have to read over it a few times, but if I come across a word I don't know or can't read, I have an audio translator that tells you how to say the word, and what it means and this has been extremely helpful, and not only in the English language!

You know that I use this website to promote reading, can I ask you why it is important that everyone should read?

I think its important to read just in general, as you can build so much knowledge and you're only developing your skills, keeping your brain active, it opens your imagination!

What is your favourite book, and why is that?

My Favourite book is a book I was reading called The Brave, it was about a young boy who took his desires to become an Actor! I really enjoyed reading it as I could relate to it. There was also another book called The Slap, This was very engaging to know what happens next!

Are you currently reading anything at the moment, or just finished; a good read?

If I'm honest, I'm not currently reading at the moment, I haven't for a while as I been so busy reading scripts! Although these are pretty much like reading a book to be honest!

If I could ask you about your career highlights, what would you say was your best experience?

My career highlights, Well I think its when I first went on stage, I was so nervous I cannot describe it! I was bullied as a child, so my confidence wasn't that great, so to overcome that confidence the moment I stepped on that stage, I knew that when it started, I thought if I can do this, I can do anything. Oh, and then I got my first audition and I got the role, it felt like there were fireworks going off inside of me, I cannot explain. One of my recent highlights now is acting alongside a respected and talented actor called Jason Flemyng in ‘The Journey’. I have also just been confirmed to play an autistic character in the feature film "Smokey Thompson”, I’m extremely over the moon about that. The main highlight for me though is the support I’ve had from so many people! It’s such an amazing feeling when people want to watch your work, support it and be inspired by it.

Have you got any funny stories that have happened to you over your career?

There’s been many funny stories, I think the funniest is when I was doing ‘After You've Gone" as people know me as not being a fussy eater! I really aren’t, I would practically eat anything! However, one thing I don’t like at all is prawns, I wouldn't go near them, so when we had to do this scene which was for a house party, and a costume party at that! There were sea creatures, and yes, I was a prawn!

What do the next 12 months hold for you, Marc Zammit?

What do the next 12 months hold for me, an Oscar, (ha ha!) I don’t know to be honest, the acting is such a spontaneous industry to be in. I have been accepted to play a role in the Film "Smokey Thompson”. To play a lead role "Trent" who is autistic, and with “Rainman” and “Whats Eating Gilbert Grape” being in my top ten list of films, so having the chance to do a role like this is a GIFT, and one what I have been waiting for. I also just completed the film "The Journey" so that will be out soon. I am also playing a role called Abs in a feature film called "Pirates of the South" and I’m hoping I can film my feature film that I am producing and starring in, it’s called "Homeless Ashes”. Things can change all the time, as you never know what auditions I will go up for! I have been scouted and signed by an Agent in the United States, which is what I’m extremely happy about, so I’m looking forward to seeing the outcome from that too.

How did you actually get your big break into your industry?

I think the big break comes down to the reputation you build, how you master your career, your skills and talent, before taking on a big role! And if your ready to do that, it’s a big responsibility, as you know your break will represent who you are for the rest of your career. Yet those who take their time master it better I think, its like reading a book, you can rush it and not understand what you are reading, or you take your time, and you fully get it. So with all the work I have done previously, it is only a build up that represents me as an actor, so personally I don’t think I have made my big break yet! I’m hoping (fingers crossed) that “Smokey Thompson” will be it, because it’s the perfect role!

Following on from that Marc, did you always want to be an actor?

Oh yes I’ve always wanted to be an actor, from the age of 6 I knew, and then I started acting from the age of 10, and I haven't stopped since! Ha!

Do you plan on writing a book about your life in the not-so-disant-future?

You know what Carl, I think when the time is right, I will write a book about my life when I know I have the bigger following, and have grown more established in my career! And when people read about my life, I hope it can inspire and encourage people, as I have experienced life on many different levels.

Last question, "if you could be an animal or any other living creature, what would it be, and why?"

If I could be any animal what would I be, a bird! I think I have always admired to fact of being able to fly! I loved them since I was a child I even have a guilty pleasure Hobby of painting!

(Here is a painting of a white Cockatoo I did - Marc)

Thanks Marc, I admire you for telling me about you suffering from dyslexia, and I know you will inspire many by the answers you gave me. I also wish you much success with your acting,

Carl

It was a pleasure Carl, and I hope I do inspire people to read more! And this is to all the readers, my best quote is "They told me I couldn't, that's why I did”, and always make sure you give out as much as you take!

Thanks and I'm sure we will talk again very soon!

Marc
@Zammit_Marc

Occupation: Actor
Country: UK