I hate soap operas due to their stupidity

When freshly graduated actor wants to act, does he have to accept any offered job which on one hand can enrich his potential, but on other hand can label him and endanger his artistic ambitions so does he have a choice or he MUST accept it?

When he graduates at dramatic school, there can be some exceptions, when actors get a job straight away. But in most cases they have to find the job, which is not easy. In The Netherland we have plenty of soap operas, which are shown every day and many young actors play in them. I personally hate this stuff due to its stupidity and specially for overacting but even talented actors play in it and are well paid. But……they are immediately labelled and to find real artistic job is then really problematic. But what one has to do-have no job or this kind of job? So, yes, it can damage his career. Thankfully I have never had to face and sort out that kind of problems.

Do you have any platform for independent film in The Netherland where cinematographers could meet and swap experience and views?

I really doubt that any such exists. Of course we have festivals such as Amsterdam Documentary Film Festival where people show their work. Another festival is Rotterdam Film Festival where are showed indie films.

You yourself directed some films. Did you do that for you wanted to taste something different or because you had interesting story but no one wanted to film it so you had no chance than to make it yourself? Was directing more difficult for you than acting?

I see my future behind the camera

How do you see your future behind camera? Would you like to use your fame and name to find money for some artistically deep film which couldn´t be made otherwise?

Yes, I kind of see my future behind camera. But I have other profession also, I am professional painter and have exhibitions in many galleries in The Netherland and also in Francis Kyle Gallery in London.

Is painting your hidden talent and you had to wait till it surface or you found much later how to make it fruitful?

Well, I was born into family of painter, since I was painting since early years and expressed my feelings. In fact, it was my first profession.

Do you support young, up and coming and ambitious filmmakers with some kind of lectures, money or advice?

No, I don´t. But I support young actors. I am a teacher on Dramatic School in my country when time allows me.

Is production of films in The Netherland funded by state, some kind of grants or you have to find money in private sector?

Film making is supported by state, maximum limit is million euros. But the rest you have to find via sponsors, private funds and Dutch radio stations. But as I said earlier, it is difficult to obtain money. Even more difficult is to get money from European Film Fund.

Do you think the beginning of your career was easier than it is for current young actors?

No, I don´t think it is harder than it used to be…. But it is very, very difficult job. You need lots of energy to persuade people that you have “the best ever” script and that you make “ the best ever film”

You succeeded in Hollywood but still live in The Netherlands. Is it what we call independence?

Living in Holland is better for me. I don ´t like L.A. to live in. To work it´s O.K. but it´s not a town I want to be in forever. My children and grandchildren live in Amsterdam,.so why move?

You acted villains and bad men. Is it truth that villain gives more space to the actor?

A villain is often more interesting to play than a hero. There´s more “flesh-on-the-bone”

You played in James Bond. Did you like the older ones more that current ones?

I was hooked on the old Bond movies and still like them although they did change a lot from the old days. Daniel Craig is just wonderful!

You played many real characters. Do you prefer them to fictional ones?

Playing real people gives mean advantage because you can read about them and sometimes see them on the film or in the photograph. It helps in creating the character.