Shaun Paul McGrath

stars as John Werth, in Breakwater. Principal photography begins this April, on what’s expected to be an equally notable an establishing film, from the creative team at Oxford Nocturne Productions.

Trivia

Has a daughter and son who both appeared alongside their dad in a Tourism Ireland commercial. His daughter Shauna works as a school teacher. His son Aaron works as subsurface engineer. Shaun worked as a touring professional, cabaret stage Hypnotist under the name Shon Paul. He was Ireland's youngest performing comedy stage Hypnotist. Strabane, Co Tyrone his hometown was once termed the most bombed town in Europe in proportion to its size. It was the most bombed town in Northern Ireland troubles. Shaun likes to play guitar and use to perform in venues and clubs playing and singing Irish music. Shaun left school aged sixteen but returned to education in his early thirties to become a Secondary School Drama Teacher. He has ran two marathons aged 18 Derry City marathon in 2,45 and three months later was the fastest youngest finisher in Dublin City marathon with a time of 2.41. He was a keen golfer and played off a four handicap. He caddied for an Irish golf professional who introduced Shaun to the game whilst in his thirties. He was a County Boxing champion when he was a teenager. He has written a book on the mental side of playing golf called (The Missing Links). John Dunlap, was from his small hometown of Strabane, who would later print that most famous of American documents, the Declaration of Independence. Played at County level Tennis. Doubles champion.

Irish actor Shaun Paul McGrath was raised in a border town called Strabane, Co Tyrone Northern Ireland. He was raised by his paternal grandparents (Mary & John ) and later by his uncle. From his late teens he toured professionally as a comedy stage hypnotist and earned the title of Ireland's youngest stage hypnotist. As a mature student he attended University studying Theatre. In 2001, he left Ireland to study a Teaching Post Grad in Education and subsequently spent the next ten years as a High School Drama Teacher. He also had a successful Theatre School business. After devoting several years to this business he ( once again) decided it was time to pursue his love of film acting. He returned to our screens and played Benjamin Benner in a role that was typically made for him in, "The Widows Moon". A strong psychological drama written & Directed by the Award Winning, German Film maker, Werner Schumann, Schumann Brothers with The Global Genesis Group, H Goldstein. USA.

One of Shaun's most noteworthy performance came from his successful portrayal of Martin in Andrew Greener's Political Award Winning Turner Classic Film, Endgame. Wendy Ide, Film Critic -The Times, London. "Endgame was an ambitious drama with a sucker punch of an ending. Powerful and unsettling stuff. A gritty interruption of the troubles in Northern Ireland". It was voted runner up by a panel of judges which included: Gurinder Chadha, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Julian Fellowes and Dame Helen Mirren. It was Also the first place winner (Critics award), at Chicago International Film Festival. Judge Sir Julian Fellowes OBE Oscar Winning screenwriter, "Endgame - a clear head-and-shoulders winner for me - Well acted - My attention never strayed".

Katharine L Collins (Writer/ Director) BFI. "Shaun's is irrefutably magnetic and intensely enigmatic, his allure is so mesmerizing that you simply cannot take your eyes off him when he is on screen." Shaun was nominated The Best actor Award Shooting People. London... Risa Bramon Garcia, casting director LA. "Clearly talented". Director/writer Werner Schumann, Germany, "Beautiful, talented, seductive! When I see his work I want to make twenty films with him". "Running the full gamut between quiet intensity and thunderous power Shaun Paul McGrath is an actor of stunning versatility and range. He has a superlative understanding of the art and craft of acting and can evoke more with one small look in his eye than many actors can with their entire range" .Director, writer- K.Collins. London.

Shaun also played along-side Warren Clarke and Anthony Head in the BBC's drama series "The Invisibles". He is in discussions regarding upcoming projects and is attached to a number of productions internationally. Shaun has finished filming in Colombia with Emmy Award winning show-runner & Director, Reshef Levi, Yannet Levi & Tomer Shani for their new Flagship TV series, Carthago. Set in WW2 Prision camp. Shaun Plays along-side Philip Glenister as the second in charge commander of the prison. Due for international release in the coming year. Carthago wins two Awards at Cannes; Awarded the Best Cast Performance & Awarded The Best Series; voted by the Young audience. - IMDb Mini Biography By: filmworld Aus dem

Irish actor Shaun Paul McGrath

Shaun recently completed filming of a new TV series, Carthago; Directed by the Emmy Award winning Tomer Shani and writer Reshef Levi. Carthago is set in a British built detention camp set in the 1940s, North Africa. McGrath plays the lead antagonist a ruthless camp commander alongside British actor, Philip Glenister. (Life on Mars) Carthago has been selected for Cannes TV festival 2023 with the series due for major worldwide release thereafter. The Widow’s Moon” directed by Werner Schumann (Absolution) is currently nearing post production, also to be released 2023. A tense psychological thriller, with McGrath playing Co lead with HanniBergesch.(The Grey Women). Breakwater Feature==

Breakwater’s lead character, John Werth, is far removed from McGraths previous character role, Archie MacDonald. Although both share a world of instability concerning the character’s past. Breakwater’s, John Werth is more weighted on the side of what is not said, which allows for a subtle performance, which is one of the strengths of McGraths performance style. Shaun plays alongside Daniel McNamee, another fellow Northern Irish actor who plays Otto. Although set and played in England, this casting helps bring an air of intrigue, connection and intimacy to both characters back story.

Oxford’s first independent feature in 40 years

The storyline is set between the glorious sandstone colleges of Oxford and the salt-encrusted shingle of the Suffolk coast. Breakwater blurs the genres of psychological drama and horror to explore the themes of connection forgiveness and grieve. The film follows the relationship between Otto, a university student, played by Daniel McNamee and the older John Werth, is played by Shaun Paul McGrath. Werth is a retired angler and widow who lives on the coast. Both characters collide and fuse irreversibly over the shared trauma of losing a loved one. However, their tentative romance develops into something more sinister after the past exhumes itself in the form of guilt and imaginary ghosts which creates devastating consequences.

Max Morgan: Writer/Director

Max has directed ‘Mojo’, ‘Waiting for Godot’ and assistant-directed ‘The Effect’ and ‘She Felt Fear’. He has written a short film called ‘Out of the Blue’ and his short play ‘Mole-Mapping’ came 3rd in the OUDS New Writing Festival. Max is the writer and director of ‘Fêtid’, and is currently co-directing ‘Enclosure’, as well as acting as Associate Director for the Jesus College Shakespeare Production.

Intense relationship

Breakwater is about the intense relationship which develops from a hostile first encounter, to attraction and onto something much darker. A psychological drama about the need for forgiveness and the chaos that ensues when that need dissipates. It’s about excavating the past we carry around as human beings, as well as self-denial and the inaction of not letting yourself get quite what you want”.

Breakwater is being mentored by Mike Hoffman and Andy Paterson (the Privileged writer/director and producer)

Their input has helped carve an artistic guide-post for Breakwater director/writer Max Morgan.

Award-winning Director

Mike Hoffman – now an award-winning film Director with a back-catalogue including The Last Station, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and One Fine Day – took on the roles of Screenwriter and Director on Privileged (1982). Recalling the experience of making the film, said:

‘Privilege was an education. I had not set out to be a filmmaker, I saw myself very much as a theatre person, and resisted with all my soul what was a wonderful opportunity and grand adventure. I’m forever grateful to the people around me, Rick, Andy, Rupert, Mark, Neil, for believing in me when I didn’t”.

Jemima Chen Breakwater’s Producer

“What is quite interesting is that Max has taken what starts of as perhaps a typical Oxford – themed story based on a young person struggling with identity at Oxford, a kind of ‘Brideshead’-esque, which then gets completely flipped, and made a lot darker and removed from Oxford”; which makes this in essence an interesting artistic direction.

Breakwater takes into consideration specifically chosen shooting locations; Oxford and Suffolk are two beautiful striking locations; this will allow an intentional visual clash of both images; the smoothness of the golden sandstone contrasted with a grittier, darker salt-encrusted image. Breakwater has the traits of self-discovery which descends into darkness, collapsing into something more sinister as the both lead character’s relationship steadily develops and unfolds.

Evan Bridges Director of Photography

Born just outside Glasgow, Evan worked on feature films and high-end television programmes /commercials. including Life after Life (2021), You and Me (TBC 2023) and Black Cake (TBC 2023), the latter of which saw him working in Jamaica alongside British, American, and local crew on a production authored by Oprah Winfrey’s book club. Evan has worked under some of the most sought-after cinematographers from both the BSC and ASC, gleaning from their experiences in both the technical and creative realms. Which in turn has inspired his own voice to create meaningful imagery that stays with audiences long after watching.

Breakwater through line

The past exhumes itself in the form of guilt & grief

Steadily running through the film is the theme of grief. Both character’s lives collide and fuse irreversibly over the shared trauma of losing a loved one. However, their tentative romance develops into something more sinister after the past exhumes itself in the form of ghosts in the dark matter of the mind, which in turn has a devastating effect.

Shaun Paul McGrath, Talented and multifaceted

Max has certainly written a script that requires a lot of attention to detail and anyone who watches it by the end should be affected. . “I don’t want it to be comfortable watching…One of Andy Paterson’s piece of advice was that in the last fifteen minutes you should have no clue what is going on but you should really want to know what is going to happen”.

The through-line is about two people trying to reach out to each other but end up hurting each other in a way that is unsettling. This in turn should prompt the audience to think about how we personally relate to each other – how much of yourself you open up to that person and what happens when you close off so much that the floodgates are forced open.

‘Good fishing is like black magic. You can never lose focus. You cast a line out into this void, and there’s this slim chance – if you do it properly – that you’ll make something appear…’

“Privileged” 1982 changed the lives of the people who worked on it. There is no reason why Breakwater With an irresistible charm his rugged Irish looks and dulcet tones, Shaun Paul McGrath is carving out his own little place in the wondrous world of indie cinema. Originally hailing from the town of Strabane in Northern Ireland, McGrath is known for playing intense characters who bring a unique blend of energy to the story and to the narrative.

With his fervent steel gaze that pierces through those sharing the screen, a reminiscence from his days as an authoritarian stage hypnotist, McGrath exudes a committed and resolute demeanour whenever it is his turn to shine in the scene. With characters that are both stoic, strong men, and vulnerable victims, McGrath expertly fills the screen with a weighty presence that is both hard to miss and difficult to ignore. As an audience you simply believe the character he portrays, he goes wherever the role demands, as one Director aptly put it, “He has a superlative understanding of the art and craft of acting and can evoke more with one small look in his eye than many actors can with their entire range”. Director, writer- K.Collins.

Certainly an actor to look out for on our screens

One of McGrath’s most recent roles filmed internationally in the Bavarian region of South Germany, was that of the upcoming Irish artist Ben Benner, in the thriller, The Widow’s Moon. To be released later this year. It is in this role that McGrath is truly given a chance to shine. Playing the role of an aimless artist looking for international stardom. McGrath makes the role his own as he dives completely into the dark obsessive side of the character. He anchors the slow burn thriller through a performance that is both edgy, unnerving and sometimes downright scary. Played beautifully and softly alongside a strong German born co-star Hanni Bergesch. Both actors have a powerful on screen chemistry that draws the audience inward, evoking a voyage of discovery for the viewer. The Widow’s Moon, has a storyline which will have the audience discussing, what is reality and when it has crossed the line in terms of the unfolding through line.

In Katharine Collins’s feature, A Dying Breed, McGrath plays the lead antagonist with fervour and resolve. He makes the viewers question his character morals to the depths of hell. With his mannerisms, facial movement and all-around status within the scenes, he makes his presence very notable when it’s his turn to shine. McGrath’s character Simon Collins, is an interesting deviation for a performer who has frequently played protagonists and at times we see softness yet a narcissistic side to his character. It had me questioning how much power does he really want within the four walls, and why does he not just take everything, including the females. This highlighted an excellent piece of writing by Collins. However, he brings the same energy here as he does to all of his roles, elevating the entire film in the process. Being a survival thriller, A Dying Breed needs a great villain and McGrath’s electrifying performance ensures a memorable antagonist for the audience to loathe or love. .A cast of several actors who produce a symbiotic performance to a simple tragic storyline.

One of the most popular roles that put McGrath on the map was in the Turner Classic Award winning short film ‘Endgame’, based on the violence and civil disobedience in Northern Ireland. McGrath plays a family man, Martin, who finds himself caught up in an undercover war. Eventually kidnapped and tortured, it has him sincerely begging for his innocence and life. As the Times Film Critic Wendy Ide, put it, “A sucker punch of an ending, powerful and unsettling stuff. It was voted runner-up winner by a panel of judges including, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Dame Helen Mirren, Julian Fellowes, Gurinder Chadha. It was this confirmation that brought McGrath the fore. There can be no qualm that he brings a level of earnestness to the role, and that his underplayed on screen presence helps elevate the entire story. As the film rests on his shoulders alone, McGrath gives a tour de force performance of a man out of his depth. With his character meeting a surprising end as the narrative simmers down, the most pertinent takeaway from the entire short is his own performance that is not only nuanced but also has the required emotions to emphasize with the character and the unique situation that he finds himself in.

McGrath also had a memorable albeit brief role in the 2008 television series The Invisibles. He played a alongside Warren Clarke and Anthony Head, two renowned actors of British Film and TV. With his suited clean cut persona, he held his own and dominated the scene as his character dictated. McGrath brings his character Duggan, to life with resolve as he beats the two protagonists to a pulp. He seems to be enjoying himself in the role as well. It was one of those roles that had me wanting to see his character return for retribution.

McGrath is now set to star in a new television series that will surely lift him to the heights of being a household name. Carthago will be shooting in Columbia for three months this year. The TV series mixes suspense with wit. A modern take on a classic 1940s prison of war camp set in a remote jungle in Africa, making it an inescapable hell. Written by well-established Emmy Award film makers. Reshef Levi and Tomer Shani. It’s set to be a hit with viewers of this genre. McGrath plays the head officer in the camp, second in command, his character originally from Ireland is notorious among the prisoners for his cruelty. An anxiety ridden character who uses violence to command control over the camp, his character also suffers from PTSD. A role that McGrath can adapt and play with ease. This genre and style of the Inglorious Bastards meets The Great Escape should prove to be another success for the team as the Israelis produce written shows which are winning over millions of viewers from around the world.

Possessing an incredible ability to don wildly varying roles coupled with a look that is easy on the eyes, Shaun Paul McGrath is just getting started. As the streaming wars rev up and take over the world, we hope McGrath shows up in many future roles from the many hours of content sure to inundate our screens.

From heist plots to action thrillers to slow burn dramas that put characters front and centre, McGrath has done it all with flying colours. With each role, he has challenged himself immensely only to emerge more nuanced and more refined, and to borrow a quote from one of his previous director comments, “you simply cannot keep your eyes off him when he’s on screen.” Shaun Paul McGrath is an actor who thankfully has finally returned to our screens, yet we feel he’s always been there, his style and on screen presence is recognisable and unforgettable. He is certainly destined to be alongside our high profile talent base. An actor of incredible range who can reinvent a plethora of different character styles at the drop of a hat, and with a plethora of shorts and feature length productions under his belt, he is ready to embark on his latest role as the lead antagonist in the new upcoming television series, Carthago, set to film this year. We anticipate to see much more of this talented Irishman in the near future.

Shaun Paul mcGrath & Hanni Bergesch In ‘The Widow’s Moon’ Feature film

The Widow’s Moon (feature film) press release

The Widow’s Moon Feature film

A strong psychological drama written & Directed by the Award Winning, German Film maker, Werner Schumann, Schumann Brothers with distribution by The Global Genesis Group, USA.

Brief Synopsis

Love and madness, genius and madness – and cold calculation. A remote, traditional farming village somewhere along the German/Austrian border. Three expatriates, an up and coming Irish artist (Ben Benner), Shaun Paul McGrath his Brazilian heiress wife (Frau Benner) Hanni Bergesch and their American psychiatrist and friend (Dr. Günther Mayer) J.David Hinze plot Ben’s accelerated ascension to international fame. But tensions arise, loyalties are tested until it seems that the thread of reality itself can no longer be trusted. And who is really pulling the strings, so tightly, that they all threaten to snap?

Shaun Paul McGrath (Ben Benner

One of Shaun’s most noteworthy performance came from his successful portrayal of Martin in Andrew Greener’s Political Award Winning Turner Classic Film, Endgame. Wendy Ide, Film Critic -The Times, London. “Endgame was an ambitious drama with a sucker punch of an ending. Powerful and unsettling stuff. A gritty interruption of the troubles in Northern Ireland”. It was voted runner up by a panel of judges which included: Gurinder Chadha, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Julian Fellowes and Dame Helen Mirren. It was Also the first place winner (Critics award), at Chicago International Film Festival. The award winning actor has been quoted by directors as “… irrefutably magnetic and intensely enigmatic”. Shaun was nominated The Best actor Award Shooting People. London… Risa Bramon Garcia, casting director LA.

“Clearly talented”. “Running the full gamut between quiet intensity and thunderous power, Shaun Paul McGrath is an actor of stunning versatility and range. He has a superlative understanding of the art and craft of acting and can evoke more with one small look in his eye than many actors can with their entire range” .Director, writer- K.Collins. London. Shaun has also been cast as the Lead antagonist with Emmy Award winning show-runner & Director, Reshef Levi & Tomer Shani for their new Flagship series, Carthago set to film in Columbia 2021.

Interview with Shaun Paul mcGrath (Irish actor)

Posted By Kausar Parveen On 04 Jul 2021. Under Actors, Featured, Interview, Interviews Tags: Interview, Interview with Shaun Paul mcGrath (Irish actor), Irish actor, Shaun Paul mcGrath, tention free

Tention Free: Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your background, education, acting passion etc. ??

I come from a small border town called Strabane which borders the beautiful County Donegal, in the North of Ireland. Performing and being on stage was always a personal passion which really started from being a magician. Performing magic for family and friends and onwards to being a professional comedy stage hypnotist. I was able to combine both the magic and mind reading side into the act. I recall a friend of mine many years ago as we lined up to buy the newly introduced National Lottery in Ireland saying “you’re a hypnotist mind reader, surely you should know the lottery numbers”. Laughs Shaun. So throwing off the stigma of someone possessing, in their minds, a ‘special power’ was a daily occurrence, in a fun way. At school the PE teacher thought it would be more educational and more fun, to have me hypnotise class members and have a hypnosis show for the period. Pupils running around the assembly hall clucking like chickens and crying because they thought they had lost their belly buttons, would have been more in line with the drama department. It was actually the same teacher who got me my first professional paid gig as a Hypnotist, in the local golf club entertainments night. My first at aged 16. I remember getting paid three times the average weekly wage, for a two hour performance. So after that, education was now not on my agenda, I thought this is a better easier way to make money. Was it the correct decision? Maybe at the time but not when you consider down the line, and the future having no fall back.

I grew up in an era whereby, expressing yourself was frowned upon. Whilst attending an all-boys secondary school, being taught poetry may have been fun for most of the class, but it wasn’t for me! The teacher loved my poetry unfortunately, and she enjoyed reading them out to the class to my detriment. She actually was able to get a number of them published, something the class never found out about, which thankfully kept my reputation as a ‘hard-nosed hypnotist stroke boxer’! Laughs Shaun Paul. They jokingly named me ‘Poemy’ McGrath. Laughs Shaun Paul.

So for me at aged 15/16 I wanted to act, but drama back then wasn’t seen as something cool, certainly not as its viewed today. I really wanted to attend the after school drama club, which took place in the old dark dim assembly hall. The perfect place, I thought, as I would not be seen in full light from a passing peer. So I needed an excuse to stay late as none of my peers would accept my reason for staying after 3.15, was for extra study classes. Back then it was cool to have no school bag. Laughs Shaun. So I pretended it was detention. Anyhow, I was very nervous about doing this, as believe it or not, I was a very shy teenager, until I got on stage, something I could never really understand to this day… So I get to the double doors of the old assembly hall, it had two porthole style windows and peeped a look in…There was about 10 people there, not the ‘cool’ kids, prancing about like ballet dancers. So I mustered up the courage, pushed the door about an inch open, it creaked I freaked they all looked, and I shyly apologised as I backed away pretending I had ended up in the wrong hall.

I feel that was one of the worse decisions I made, as it took me another 15 years before I went and studied and trained as an actor at University. In those 15 years I had filled the void, being on stage as a hypnotist and entertainer performing around the UK and Ireland, attending radio interviews around the country. If anything, it give me a good grounding in life, in terms of experience and knowing about myself, which has helped me tremendously today as an actor. The world of acting requires you to dip into your reservoir of life’s experience, to help bring to life the role that you play. I remember asking my professor at university Gerry McCarthy, a wonderful charismatic old school, Eaton graduate professor, what’s the best book to read concerning acting skills?.. He said, “Go to the cafeteria and people watch… try and work out who they are, their relationships … analyse their body language “. As a school teacher myself, teaching drama, I use the same quote.

From leaving school at an early age and returning to education later in life and becoming a secondary school drama teacher, it has made me appreciate the decisions I have made in life’s journey of discovery, both in body and mind. My passion for acting has never wilted nor has my passion for passing on the skills to those who wish to learn about acting. More importantly, it’s the joy I get from seeing the person they become in the process of understanding themselves through the process of acting, no matter what age. That for me encompasses all the angles for my passion for acting.

Tention Free: Your most successful project?

For me success is not about awards, although it’s part of the process of what ‘success’ means. Success can come from any budget production, but for me as long as the audience are touched emotionally, spiritually, even if they hate your character, you have affected them in some way and you have done your job properly. If reverence comes from this process in the form of awards, so be it … but it’s not the be all and end all for me. I’ll leave that to the materialistic film world of measuring success.

Tention Free: Any upcoming project?

I have a number of projects taking place, The Widow’s Moon, a feature which was shot entirely in the South of Germany is currently in post-production in USA. It’s a film about Ben Benner and his wife, played by the talented Hanni Bergesch, The couple are based in a remote farmhouse neighbouring a village in the Bavarian hills. Ben an upcoming Irish international artist, integrates into the village. He is accepted and well respected alongside his German wife. After a while things don’t seem real, when both their good friend and Psychiatrist, Dr Gunther, played by J. David Hinze, reinforces for the audience, that thin line between art and nature, reality and illusion. From here as a viewer you begin to solve a puzzle or begin the journey of solving who is controlling who, or if anyone is being controlled, for that matter. I think the audience will stay hooked as the arch of the story evolves and completes. Finally their questions are answered at the end, possibly they will gather more questions due to the themes and issues, which is a positive thing. Such to the testament of the writing and directing by, Werner Schumann. The camera work cinematography by Elias Trad is mostly handheld, it captures and evokes a voyeuristic suspense feel for the audience, a style that has totally complimented the genre and style of the film.

We are also in pre- production for Carthago, which is a new 3X10 TV series. Shooting in Columbia. It’s a story about a British concentration camp set in the African jungle, time period is set in the 1940s, and my character Archie McDonald is the camp commander, second in charge to Lord Davidson. MacDonald an Irish character is renowned by the prisoners for his torture techniques. The storyline has many moments of humour and will have the audience laughing at the most inappropriate time, if there’s such a thing. They will also root for the detainees escape plans, squirming whilst they are captured. Different character connections and relationships are made amongst the international prisoners, producing entertaining sub-arch storylines. The well written scripts harbour a retro cursive style and humour, which will entertain and make the audience smile throughout. It’s written by an Emmy Award winning Israeli team, Reshef Levi and Tomer Shani. This type of genre is very popular, so it should hopefully have a positive following.

Tention Free: What has been one of the most exciting achievements of your acting career so far?

I think getting back into acting after many years away from it. I decided to devote time to my Theatre school business, which took my undivided attention for several years. I was working with kids aged from 5 to 18. We had heavy choreography, movement and acting productions, It was a great creative time and it was a difficult decision to pass on the business, but if I hadn’t I would be in the position I am today. Life is like stepping stones, some you skip over and some you stand on for a number of years. It’s all positive, but I believe all decisions in life are meant to be, and we are guided to our correct destiny in work and life as we follow these decisions.

Tention Free: What’s your goal in life you want to achieve next?

My next goal is to build upon the interest that I have acquired since returning to the industry. I have a new agent, The Bohemia Group, which are based in Los Angeles, and I have a wonderful manager Alex Surer, who is my guardian angel for all decisions. To be honest the industry is fraught with confines, which is ruining the creative industry. I would like to work with directors who are not frightened to take chances in the telling of their story, regardless of the budget or constraints of the people at the top telling them, you must cast ABC and do this and cut that! Too many great scripts are not made or cut or pre cast, because of too much control from those holding the purse strings. Some of our recent industry films have broken free from these constraints and restrictions, and with the help of well-known actors they have helped produce these creative projects, with the actor’s fee being invested back into the film budget. Being part of these projects is what the creative industry needs, and those which I feel happy and enthused to part of and contribute to.

Tension Free: What motivates you to do your best work as an actor?

I like an actor’s director, the director who is more concerned with capturing the truth in the scene, the one who lets the camera roll and when he shouts ‘cut’ he keeps it rolling, all in the off chance of capturing more ‘magic’. Many top directors work many times with the same actors, because they have reached that synergetic stage of creativity, they basically produce the result easily, that they both desire. I like the director who pushes you mentally and physically to get the best moment of magic in your ‘purgatory’ or ‘heaven’ like world, yet still harbours that sensitivity to help you achieve the appropriate action and communication needed for that scene. This is a common debate amongst actors, most directors have different styles, they all like to work in their own way that suits them, and all styles of directing are valid, I like all types of cheese but my favourite is chosen first! Laughs Shaun Paul.

Tention Free: Did you choose this industry, as a career, or as a hobby?

If you love what you are doing and getting paid then it’s a career. Most people start off acting as a hobby because the money is less important than the credit. We have many low budget film makers’ and productions out there, needing creative people to accept a lower fee or expenses only, to help benefit the film. Certainly for the actor at this point, it’s a hobby, but a good hobby. A hungry tired over worked cast and crew will not produce the desired result, but a creative well feed, well slept, happy cast and crew can produce magic. Even more so if the dynamic of the group is so, that they all believe they are truly witnessing the making of something special. Such will be the positive group dynamics that will have everyone, carry on to the end of the late night shooting schedule. Only when your focus puller falls asleep, do you know you’ve truly pushed the team! Laughs Shaun Paul.

Tention Free: Your favourite celebrity?

It has to be Daniel Day Lewis, I came across him whilst I was watching an Irish film. There was a scene on a ship whereby his mate sneaked up behind him and startled him, Lewis turned round and in a Northern Ireland accent mumbled in a perfect dulcet tone, with the correct combination of expletives’, well who is this Irish actor I thought?. He’s definitely from the North I thought. It was the most perfect Irish accent articulation I’ve heard to date. Little did I know at the time, I was witnessing a master technician smudging and exposing the ‘truth’, hence my obsession begun with the on screen technique of a truthful naturalistic acting style. Which by far, when you view his performance is only the tip of the iceberg, in terms of preparation for the truth. So finding the truth for me is an obsession which I enjoy, like a cat who plays with the mouse, I have fun and don’t lock myself away like Daniel, but that works for him and is evident in his final performance.

When I made Endgame, I played Martin, a kindly school teacher, who was in fact a double agent. There was a scene whereby I was being chased. I had to find a hiding place within an old abandoned house. Of course the scene started with me running into the house being chased. So I decided the only way to truly get my heart racing in these upcoming close-ups, was to run on the spot in the garden before the take, which I did but then I see a length of old Aerial flex, I twisted it around each hand to make the suitable length, as an ex-boxer, I was well versed on skipping, I continued skipping until Darren the first AD called me on set. To this day I’m proud of those scenes as I was truly shattered! The sweat on my forehead and breathing was real. In the torture knee drilling scene, I used screws nails hidden in my shoes and I’d push down hard on my foot when my knee was being drilled. This help give me the desired reaction and helped my performance in the scene, in my opinion. I also recall falling out with one actor who refused to really slap me in the scene, when I specifically asked him to do it. Once again a slap to an experienced s boxer is nothing, but truth in that moment was achievable, if all concerned are willing and all feel safe to help acquire it. I’m limited only by how much truth the other actor and director will be comfortable with. Daniel Day Lewis is a wonderful exponent of that style.

Tention Free: Everybody needs time out. What do you do in your free time?

I like to play guitar and sing. From Irish folk style to modern ballads and pop. I have my own studio whereby I shut away the world for a few hours and sing my heart out. It’s just like acting for me. The lyrics tell a story and as a singer you need emotion to communicate it. It’s such a cathartic release, and it can actually help change your mood for the better. I also like a game of squash or Tennis. If I have more time I like a game of golf. At the end of the night what better way to relax than catching a well written and acted Netflix show. The likes of the now iconic Breaking Bad, or Prison break, both top quality well-written and acted shows.

Shaun Paul McGrath plays Ben Benner The Widow’s Moon (Feature film)

A strong psychological drama written & Directed by the Award-Winning, German Filmmaker, Werner Schumann, Schumann Brothers with distribution by The Global Genesis Group, USA.

Brief Synopsis

Love and madness, genius and madness — and cold calculation. A remote, traditional farming village somewhere along the German/Austrian border. Three expatriates, an up-and-coming Irish artist (Ben Benner), Shaun Paul McGrath his Brazilian heiress wife (Frau Benner) Hanni Bergesch, and their American psychiatrist and friend (Dr. Günther Mayer) J.David Hinze plot Ben’s accelerated ascension to international fame. But tensions arise, loyalties are tested until it seems that the thread of reality itself can no longer be trusted. And who is really pulling the strings, so tightly, that they all threaten to snap?

One of Shaun’s most noteworthy performances came from his successful portrayal of Martin in Andrew Greener’s Political Award-Winning Turner Classic Film, Endgame. Wendy Ide, Film Critic -The Times, London. “Endgame was an ambitious drama with a sucker punch of an ending. Powerful and unsettling stuff. A gritty interruption of the troubles in Northern Ireland”. It was voted runner-up by a panel of judges which included: Gurinder Chadha, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Julian Fellowes, and Dame Helen Mirren. It was also the first place winner (Critics award), at Chicago International Film Festival. The award-winning actor has been quoted by directors as “… irrefutably magnetic and intensely enigmatic”. Shaun was nominated The Best actor Award Shooting People. London… Risa Bramon Garcia, casting director LA. “Clearly talented”. “Running the full gamut between quiet intensity and thunderous power, Shaun Paul McGrath is an actor of stunning versatility and range. He has a superlative understanding of the art and craft of acting and can evoke more with one small look in his eye than many actors can with their entire range”. Director, writer- K.Collins. London. Shaun has also been cast as the Lead antagonist with Emmy Award-winning show-runner & Director, Reshef Levi & Tomer Shani for their new Flagship series, Carthago set to film in Columbia 2021.

Interview with Irish Actor Shaun Paul McGrath

Ladon Whitmire with TSLW Productions. Welcome to my live talk show. I’m a writer, producer and director. My guest this evening is Shaun Paul McGrath. He lives in London and he’s Irish. He’s an actor and a teacher amongst other things. I’m excited to meet him.

Ladon: Hi Shaun, welcome to the show. It’s so crazy, isn’t it, how social media works, I mean you are in London and I’m in Atlanta.

Shaun: Hi Ladon, It is 🙂 (Laugh) I’m higher up than London. I’m currently in Scotland UK, right now. [01:01 crosstalk]

Ladon: Well, as you know I’m in the south and to me 40 degrees is cold here. I love Chicago. I have friends that are in New York City, I think it’s snowing there, but it’s really cool in Chicago too. So, I was telling everyone a little bit about you and you used to be teacher.

Shaun: Well I still teach, for my sins, (laughing) but its teaching drama, so it’s all positive and good. I teach at high school level, then when I get time in between teaching and at holidays, I try and involve myself with as many different projects possible. Luckily, I’m doing more and more each time, actually doing too well this year. (Laughing) So maybe I’ll have to make the decision very soon as to what I may do, in terms of acting fulltime. Which is a good thing.

Ladon: Wonderful. It’s still admiring to hear you say that. Teaching is not easy, but not only do you teach, you also take some time, to do the thing that you really love, which is acting.

Shaun: Yeah, I think it helps to fill the void when not acting. On the positive side, when teaching you’re working at the skills involved with acting, analysing the mechanics, in terms of its communication. This helps reinforce your own skills in the process. More importantly, when you see that progression made by the pupils, from the start to the end, that journey they make, it’s just so motivating and gratifying.

Ladon: Wow, you’re awesome. You’re such an encourager. You know you really are. And your last movie? Was it with Mr. Werner Schumann? Tell us about him and that project.

Irish Actor Shaun Paul McGrath Shaun: Yeah, Werner Schumann, a German Award Winning Film maker, and a very good friend. We really, had an excellent creative understanding working together on his feature, “The Widow’s Moon”. You could say that we had an association of the senses, in terms of what was right and magical after each take, which was mostly unspoken. He’s like my long lost brother now. We’re always in contact.

Ladon: Wow that’s a nice connection right there. And he has further projects that he is working on?.

Shaun: Yeah, he’s done really well. His last movie “Absolution” was shot in Berlin. His film was the first to feature the sport of chess boxing, in a movie scene, which was an excellent bold choice. He has a number of projects in discussion, I can’t wait to work with him again. We had a great close-knit team on “The widow’s Moon”, which helped create and maintain that family feeling, throughout the shoot. It was a pleasure working alongside the fantastic Hanni Bergesch, a wonderful actress and person, who brought her heart and soul to every scene. We had a great chemistry both on and off screen. Hanni produced a beautiful sensitive naturalistic performance that’s worthy of an award. So yeah, Werner was really happy with what we had produced, and what he had captured. He approached both of us after the first take, as he couldn’t wait to share what we were creating visually in terms of our on screen chemistry. From that moment, he said, he knew things were only to become even more magical. We had an excellent team around us, from Lebanon. Cinematographers’ Elias Trad and Koko Bouchakjian, who together, produced beautiful handheld poignant filming. An inspiring passionate team to work with. Werner, has got a great style, and way of working with actors. He’s really an actor’s director. He gives the actor room to spread their wings, but can just as easily clip the wings when needed! (Laughing) He exemplifies the world he creates to feed his fervour for capturing the truth in that particular moment.

Ladon: Beautiful. I don’t think acting is easy at all. It isn’t easy. I mean, what kind of advice would you give the viewers who are mostly actors and writers, what would you tell them?

Shaun: Never give up. I have been telling numerous people that this year is my year, and I never doubted that it wasn’t. So many things have fallen into place for me this year, but you can’t build a wall without a foundation, you must do the pre-work and get into projects and network etc. which I think I’ve told you about already. I believed it was going to happen, and as you start to see your pre-work paying off, as it gathers momentum more auditions come in, and the more you apply for, the more auditions you seem to be getting. It’s not about being cocky, as we say here in the UK, but it’s being positive, having a realistic attitude in terms of the input. Also make bold choices in an audition and commit to it, stand out amongst the others. We communicate much more than we think in the audition. So be remembered in your audition.

Ladon: So what is the latest project you are about to embark on?

Shaun: I can’t reveal the name of it, although the name has appeared on articles where I have not mentioned it! (Laughs) Its set in the 1940s, location is in the African jungle. Basically, it’s a British built detention prison camp who have imprisoned accused terrorists and freedom fighters, anyone, who may impose a threat to the British establishment is sent there. The detainees attempt to outsmart the guards by continually hatching escape plans, but for them it’s really an inescapable hell in the middle of a remote jungle. It’s loosely built upon a true story, which is then dramatized. I play the second officer in command and in charge of the camp. He’s an Irish character who suffers from PTSD. He’s the key player at keeping the prisoners’ in line using torture techniques’. So it’s a great role. It’s a 10 part series, with plans for a further two more series.

Ladon: Do you go through agents, Shaun or do you find your own thing? How do you go about it?

Shaun: I think it’s not helpful to leave everything up to an agent, unless you are at an elite Hollywood actor. (Laughing). I think all actors would benefit more by seeking work as well. That’s what networking is all about. This also includes online networking, making connections with directors, casting directors. Yes, I have a fantastic agency and manager, Alex Surer and Alison Buck who oversee the European market. If it wasn’t for Susan Ferris, God knows what I would be doing now. She gave me a great start by bringing me on-board, when I had decided to go in a different direction. Alex, and Alison are so supportive and protective. I think everyone should be proactive together, and if through networking you make a positive connection, pass the details on to your agent. Sometimes casting directors have a difficult job finding the right actors, or the director didn’t find anyone suited from that selection. So introduce yourself to as many casting directors as you can. Send them your profile, your reel, and invitation to a performance, if they are local to you. Maybe they might not be looking for your type in their current character breakdown, but down the line you may be suited to another project. If they like you or see potential in you, they will file you away.

Ladon: I think you were saying some wonderful things. You know what’s funny to me is that you got to be consistent. Agents are wonderful, but you got to be consistent with them. Keep emailing them to a point that they’re just sick of you. I think you need to and sometimes you have agents that are hungrier for money, and sometimes they care less. They tend to stick with one actor, and they forget about the other ones. I mean, it’s hard, but I do know several moms that found productions for their child. Some are now actually their own agent.

Shaun: I don’t think it’s a bad thing. I think it’s good to have an agent and equally good when you find your own work. In terms of projects that have higher budgets it’s good to have an agent. They can fight on many fronts in terms of the finer details, residuals etc. I know it’s not all about the money, but when you get into major productions, you need a well versed manager on your side. Below that, do you need an agent? Not really, if the film credit is more important and all you’re being offered is expenses, which is very popular nowadays, then agents are not needed. Once you start appearing on television or larger budget productions, you need someone to represent you at a legal level, as well as looking after the business that comes from it. I know you’d rather not work with agents Ladon. (Laughs)

Ladon: You know that? (Laugh) Not to be arrogant, but I’m not exactly starting out (Laugh) I have earned my rung on the ladder. I feel like when you’re starting, I think you should have an agent. Our agents in the states are really expensive, so they’re like stars. I do know some agents and I think they’re really cool and they really are. I have actor friends who say that their agents are not motivated to find them a job. They’re like, my agent hasn’t called me, and what am I doing wrong? And I feel so bad because I’m like, I don’t know. I think if an agent is not calling you, you should just call them, and also email them. You know, agents want to make money, but unfortunately, sometimes agents want to stick with one thing and that’s the money maker. They don’t want to deal with other actors that they have. It’s kind of sad, because I believe in everybody. I use so many people here in Atlanta that never acted before. And they’re amazing, I mean why not?

Shaun: Yeah, we can find talented people everywhere and at any age. Some of my past pupils have blown me away with their talents. It’s usually these people that go on to have a career in the industry, however short-lived it may be. The Ken Loach film “Sweet Sixteen”, cast a young unknown teenager straight from his school, Martin Compston. Who is now a household name in the UK. I think they now term such found talent as ‘street actors’, I think that’s the new term. (Laugh)

Ladon: I know what you’re saying. How wonderful is that? I love that. I love seeing new faces. I have a friend that used Morgan Freeman three times, because, not to be rude to Morgan, but Morgan is 83. Morgan is an amazing person, but it’s time for new people. Tom Cruise is wonderful. Cruise is making around 500 mil. Is he worth that much? I’m looking and I say, ‘Oh there he is again, okay great’. And I have to say one more thing about Netflix. I have no idea how they approve some of these horrid movies that I see. Some productions are so awful. I watched one today. There was one famous person in there, there are you so many talented young people out there that want to make movies, and they need to have a chance.

Shaun: I think Cruise has got the monopoly on the industry. In terms of his acting, I think his finest performance was in Collateral, I thought he was excellent playing a slightly older hitman. Greying hair with a slight weight gain. Definitely one of his best performances, in my opinion.

Ladon: You know, Cruise, he has a lot of confidence in himself. The confidence you guys need to have in the industry, not cocky. Cocky and confident is two different things. If you’re cocky, I would never work with you, but confidence, I love that. Kindness is number one, but I know that when I’m around people like John Travolta, he’s kind, but confident. He knows who he is. When we go and do an audition, we need to have the same confidence in ourselves.

Shaun: Yeah, confidence is the key. You’re very vulnerable when you audition. I’ve feel so much more vulnerable in comedy auditions.

Ladon: You’ve done comedy. You’re a stand up, a comedy stage hypnotist. Right?

Shaun: Yeah, Marc Savard, in Las Vegas, is one of your finest comedy hypnotists’. I made the transition from being a hypnotist into acting, many years ago. I actually found it easy. It wasn’t far from what I had been doing, in terms of learning lines and delivering a character persona. I was performing on stage from age 16, so I was well versed in playing that role. I still remember going on stage for the very first time, being really nervous. And you have to be nervous, as you know. Being so young I had a slightly high pitch adolescence voice. I remember trying to work on the stereotypical deep voice and register associated with the stage hypnotist at that time. (Laughing) The skills of being a hypnotist also helped in the cross over in being an actor. When I hypnotized people I would normally have invaded their personal zone to take control. I found this very helpful and similar in playing antagonistic acting roles. Having that authority and confidence, helped produced the desired result in most scenarios. It’s just about making the mental connections and believing in it. I teach Body language to my pupils concerning acting and communication. So it can all be taught and studied.

Ladon: Of course, yeah. It’s interesting to me because you’re still teaching. That’s wonderful, you’re kind of practicing too at the same time, and you’re telling them what to do. That’s a lot of work, that’s so cute. You know, in a way you’re teaching them new things and telling them what to do. What’s right and what could be done to make it better. It’s also training for you too, which is beautiful. How do you practice your lines, Shaun?

Shaun: I don’t like to overdo them, I’m not saying don’t learn them, it’s quite the opposite, but you need to try and ‘forget them’ so you have to seek the words, especially in emotive sensitive scenes. Of course if this doesn’t fit the character’s style or scene, then you have to make adjustments to this. Having your cue lines recorded and leaving a gap for your lines to be spoken, is also a great way to learn them, and to help get a sense of the rhythm of them into your head, as well as recording a read through of the script.

Ladon: I had an actor that would hide his lines behind the pillow between scenes, I mean that’s crazy. He did amazing though, a respected actor in his field. He made a lot of money.

Shaun: I think the sooner you get the script out of your hands, the better for everybody, otherwise you have a radio play. You need eye contact, it’s all in the eyes, especially at the important moments of communication. You’re also only as good as the other actor in the scene. If they’re not so good, you’re not so good. That’s why it’s important to have a chemistry with another actor or actress, all of this helps create that magic needed for the film. Werner Schumann, whilst directing “The Widow’s Moon” was constantly chasing the magic. You have to put yourself in the hands of the director, and trust them to capture the essence of you. They are watching you intently on a small monitor screen, waiting for that magical moment that communicates the desired effect, as an actor if you feel something honest communicate it. There’s no right or wrong at arriving at the truth, just different routes, which are all valid.

Ladon: Yeah because he wants the best. He wants the best from you. You have to be respectful. I had one person who filmed with me, I’m not going to give his name. He was such a funny guy. He’s really cute. But he was like, I’m not going to do this. I’m like, excuse me. So he was like [31:00 crosstalk] I mean, sometimes actors can be difficult, not all, but he’s really cool, I do like him. I liked him a long time ago and I thought he was super guy. I might tell you later who it is. Shaun you are such an awesome person. You’re going to come back again.

Shaun: Yes of course I will.

Ladon: Yes you do. Shaun, Vicky one of our viewers said, you are great. You’re a great person. They loved your Chit Chat with me. I really want you to come back the next time, we got to talk an hour next time.

Shaun: Thanks for having me Ladon.

Ladon: You’re awesome. We love your accent. Vicky was like, Oh my God, I love Shaun’s accent. You have a beautiful accent, gorgeous very rich.

Shaun: The Northern Irish accent allows itself an easy transfer to a Midwest States accent. So yeah. It’s easy for us.

Ladon: Can you give us an example of an American accent?

Shaun: Yeah. (Laugh) (Accent) Just a mid-American accent like this and everything just seems a lot easier to say, yeah. (Laugh) Exactly. [32:26 crosstalk]

Ladon: I can see you having that gorgeous, accent, it goes with you. You know what I mean? My American accent is nice, but I think it’s just so charming how you can pull it off. That’s actually is amazing. You stick out, and you are remembered. One day I hope we can work together, I’d love to meet you in person. Have a beautiful evening Shaun, you’re awesome. Thank you so very much for your time. The viewers loved you. And Tamara was saying you have a great accent too and personality.

Shaun: Thanks very much for having me Ladon. Take care.

Ladon: I’ll talk to you soon. Bye Shaun

Irish actor Shaun Paul McGrath was raised in a border town called Strabane, Co Tyrone Northern Ireland. He was raised by his paternal grandparents (Mary & John ) and later by his uncle. From his late teens he toured professionally as a Comedy Stage Hypnotist and earned the title of Ireland's youngest Stage Hypnotist. His love of acting finally gave in and as a mature student he attended University studying Theatre. In 2001, he left Ireland to study a Teaching Post Grad in Education and subsequently spent the next ten years as a High School Drama Teacher. With an irresistible charm his rugged Irish looks and dulcet tones, Shaun Paul McGrath carved out his own little place in the wondrous world of indie cinema. McGrath is known for playing intense characters who bring a unique blend of energy to the story and to the narrative.

With his fervent steel gaze that pierces through those sharing the screen, a reminiscence from his days as an authoritarian stage hypnotist, McGrath exudes a committed and resolute demeanour whenever it is his turn to shine in the scene. With characters that are both stoic, strong men and vulnerable victims, McGrath expertly fills the screen with a weighty presence that is both hard to miss and difficult to ignore. As an audience you simply believe the character he portrays, he goes wherever the role demands, as one Director aptly put it, “He has a superlative understanding of the art and craft of acting and can evoke more with one small look in his eye than many actors can with their entire range”. Director, writer- K.Collins. Certainly an actor to look out for on our screens.

One of McGrath’s most recent roles filmed internationally in the Bavarian region of South Germany, was that of the upcoming Irish artist Ben Benner, in the thriller, The Widow’s Moon. To be released later this year. It is in this role that McGrath is truly given a chance to shine. Playing the role of an aimless artist looking for international stardom. McGrath makes the role his own as he dives completely into the dark obsessive side of the character. He anchors the slow burn thriller through a performance that is both edgy, unnerving and sometimes downright scary. Played beautifully and softly alongside a strong German born co-star Hanni Bergesch. Both actors have a powerful onscreen chemistry that draws the audience inward, evoking a voyage of discovery for the viewer. The Widow’s Moon, has a storyline which will have the audience discussing, what is reality and when it has crossed that line. Beautifully portrayed by both leads in terms of the unfolding through line.

In Katharine Collins’s feature, A Dying Breed, McGrath plays the lead antagonist with fervour and resolve. He makes the viewers question his character morals to the depths. With his mannerisms, facial expressions and all-around communicated status within the scenes, he makes his presence very notable when it’s his turn to shine. McGrath’s character Simon Collins, is an interesting deviation for a performer who has frequently played protagonists and at times we see softness yet a narcissistic side to his character. It makes the audience question how much power does he really want within the four walls of the confines and why does he not just take everything, including the females. This highlighted an excellent piece of writing by the writer and director, K.Collins. However, he brings the same energy here as he does to all of his roles, elevating the entire film in the process. Being a survival thriller, A Dying Breed needs a great villain and McGrath’s electrifying performance ensures a memorable antagonist for the audience to loathe or love. .A cast of several actors who produce a symbiotic performance to a simple tragic storyline.

One of the most popular roles that put McGrath on the map was in the Turner Classic Award winning short film ‘Endgame’, based on the violence and civil disobedience in Northern Ireland. McGrath plays a family man, Martin, who finds himself caught up in an undercover war. Eventually kidnapped and tortured, it has him sincerely begging for his innocence and life. As the Times Film Critic Wendy Ide, put it, “A sucker punch of an ending, powerful and unsettling stuff. It was voted runner-up winner by a panel of judges including, Kate Winslet, Alan Rickman, Dame Helen Mirren, Julian Fellowes, Gurinder Chadha. It was this confirmation that brought McGrath to the fore. There can be no qualm that he brings a level of earnestness to the role, and that his underplayed on screen presence helps elevate the entire story. As the film rests on his shoulders alone, McGrath gives a tour de force performance of a man out of his depth in the giving character situation. With his character meeting a surprising end as the narrative simmers down, the most pertinent takeaway from the entire short is his own performance. It is not only nuanced but also has the required emotions for the audience to empathise with the character and the unique situation that he finds himself in.

McGrath also had a memorable albeit brief role in the television series , The Invisibles. He played a alongside Warren Clarke and Anthony Head, two renowned actors of British Film and TV. With his suited clean cut persona, he held his own and dominated the scene as his character dictated. McGrath brings his character Hollins, to life with resolve as he beats the two protagonists to a pulp. He seems to be very comfortable in this role as well. It is one of those roles that has the audience wanting his character to return for retribution.

McGrath is now set to star in a new television series. The series will be shooting in Columbia for three months this year. The TV series mixes suspense with wit. A modern take on a classic 1940s prison of war camp set in a remote jungle in Africa, making it an inescapable hell. Written by well-established Emmy Award film makers. Reshef Levi and Tomer Shani. It’s set to be a hit with viewers of this genre. McGrath plays the head officer in the camp, second in command, his character originally from Ireland is notorious among the prisoners for his cruelty. An anxiety ridden character who uses violence to command control over the camp, his character also suffers from PTSD. A role that McGrath can adapt and play with ease. This genre and style of the Inglorious Basterds meets The Great Escape, should prove to be another success for the team as the Israelis produce written shows which are winning over millions of viewers from around the world. Possessing an incredible ability to don wildly varying roles coupled with a look that is easy on the eyes. From heist plots to action thrillers to slow burn dramas that put characters front and centre, McGrath has done it all with flying colours. With each role, he has challenged himself immensely only to emerge more nuanced and more refined, quote, “you simply cannot keep your eyes off him when he’s on screen.” His style and on screen presence is recognisable and unforgettable. An actor of incredible range and with a plethora of shorts and feature length productions under his belt, he is ready to embark on his latest role, and we anticipate to see much more of this talented Irishman in the near future as the streaming wars rev up and inundate our screens.

Carthago Wins Two Awards at CanneSeries

British actors Philip Glenister, Shaun Paul McGrath and Oliver Buckner played featured roles amongst the international cast of Carthago.

Carthagoa brand new Israeli comedy drama series from the makers of (Lost Islands and Hunting Elephants) with creator Reshef Levi. Author of children’s book series The Adventures of Uncle Arieh (Reshef’s Brother) Yannets Levi, and writer Director TomerShani make this a show winning team. The story is loosely inspired by the Levi Brothers’ father’s experience being held in Carthago. With such a backstory andfull-bloodedimpulse behind the show, it’s definitely off to a great start.

Carthago follows Elijah Levi, a successful comedian in 1942 Palestine, who is confined in Carthago, a detainee camp, after being deported by the British authorities. Claiming not to know why he’s being sent to the POW camp, he is forced to navigate his way among Jewish underground warriors and Nazi criminals – anignitable combination of circumstances.

It’s a world rife with war, for the fight for independence, through torture and casualty – with this comes a sense of humour. The show employs a mishmash of genre: a little cartoony in places, a little bit of absurdist violence, a whole serving of double meaning on the side. Think Quentin Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds. It’s a show that doesn’t shy away from its harrowing subject matter, but does so with a cool modern sensibility and aesthetic. It relishes in the outrageous to bait chuckles out of its audiences, which largely works, even if out of confusion rather than amusement sometimes. The comical narration is less assured, sometimes coming off a little overbearing when it really just needs to allow the story to play out.

Uri Gov, plays main character Elijah Levi. A flamboyant comic with a brisk mouth and attitude. He’s certainly charming: with his magnificent hairtyle and tender facial expressions, he plays a fish out of water and forced to adapt to life in a World War II prison camp, which is hidden deep in Africa. Surrounding him is an assortment of colourful characters: Nazis, Italian fascists, Jewish terrorists and overpowering British officers. Philip Glenister, (Life on Mars)plays Lord Davidson the husband of Helena Davidson played by French actress Carolina Jurczak. A sub story worth its weight in gold. Shaun Paul McGrath is the officer in charge of the camp and is responsible for keeping the prisoners in order. MacDonald displays a violent side as he tries to cope with the pressure of the arrival of his new commander and wife Helena. Israeli and International actors play formidable roles as each of them await screen time to truly shine. Yaakov Zada-Daniel (Fauda) plays Torso and Reshef Levi plays Jacob Dan. Levi’s character runs the camp, yet he has his complications with the other Jewish breakaway groups, intense atmosphere and conflict arises from this storyline. The show certainlyhas grand ambition in its storytelling and seems to be succeeding. Carthago has completed its first successful 10 part series. We now look forward to a new series to help complete or further established storylines.The show recently won two awards at the sixth annual Canneseries Festival, which has placed it high on the (to be seen list).

Cannes Winners for British actors Philip Glenister & Shaun Paul McGrath

An International line up of actors Win two Awards at CanneSeries 2023. Amongst the British actors are Oliver Buckner, Eric Colvin, Helder Fernanders. The international line up stars Uri Gov, Yaakov-Zada Daniel star of (Fauda ) French actress Carolina Jurczak, Oleg Levin, and Award winning Actor and writer Reshef Levi. This is his Levi’s second Cannes Award as a writer and actor. Written by Reshef Levi, Yannets Levi, & Tomer Shani

Directed by Tomer Shani; Carthago television series sees a successful comedian Elijah Levi played by Uri Gov, deported to a detainee camp in 1942 Palestine. As various factions vie for control amidst crumbling British control, the comedian strives to save his life at all costs.

There are far too few media productions about the chaos in 1940s Palestine; but here comes Carthago, a high budgeted drama that fills this gap splendidly. Featuring a sprawling tale of freedom and love, Carthago is impressive by almost all accounts. It looks great, has a resonant and emotive story at its heart and is powered by commendable performances by all involved.

Uri Gov as Elijah Levi is a revelation while Oliver Buckner as the British spy Thomas Edinburgh is played beautifully. Equally impressive are Philip Glenister (life on Mars star) As Commander Lord James Davidson and Irish actor Shaun Paul McGrath as Archibald McDonald, one of the two fearsome camp wardens who have nefarious designs of their own. The cast elevates the already fantastic script and across the 11 episode first season, a complex story of shifting alliances and unexpected twists goes far beyond what we expect. A host of international actors make this a storyline to see. Yaahov Zada- Daniel from (Fauda fame) plays Torso and teams well aside Reshef Levi (Jacob Dan) to help solve the constant internal conflicts within the camp, as Sasha played by Oleg Levin takes over the groups cause.

Here's a preview exclusively shared with us, enjoy it!

Philip Glenister and Shaun Paul McGrath Carthago TV Series

Based on a true story Carthago internment Camp 1940s,Eritrea. Built by the British in the North African wilderness to imprison the most dangerous terrorists and freedom fighters caught within the boundaries of the British crumbling Empire.

Created by an Emmy award winning team. Previously nominated as the Best Series Award at Cannes International Festival. Reshef Levi (Writer/Actor) & Tomer Shani (Director) RESHEF LEVI is the most successful TV show runner in Israel.

Reshef Levi writer, â€œwe decided it was finally the right time to tell the story of our father and his friends, who never gave up on the desire to be free again and to tell how they survived the trials of life in Carthago camp. Most of them did everything they could to escape throughout their imprisonment, but the great distance from any settlement and the jungles that surrounded them posed an impossible barrierâ€.

Shaun paul mcgrath, Philip Glenister, Carthago TV series, Cathago New Flagship series 3 seasons 10X hour tragicomic

The series has a modern take on a classic 1940s film; the action takes place in a British built detention camp set in the remotest corner of the African wilderness. The series mixes suspense with wit as prisoners repeatedly try to break out of their inescapable hell,which they have been confined to.

Shaun paul mcgrath, Philip Glenister, Carthago TV series, Philip Glenister plays British commander Lord Davidson.

Philip Glenister and Shaun Paul McGrath both star as authoritative British commanders who help control the camp. Both are at loggerheads in terms of how the camp should be run; yet it is Davidsonâ€™s wife Helena Played by French actress,Carolina Jurczak (Marseille) who seems to be pulling the strings,seemingly to help suit her own agenda.British/Nazi spy is played by English actor, Oliver Buckner, who helps bring an air of British nostalgia to a sub arc storyline playing the subjugated,Thomas Edinburgh.

Officer MacDonald, played by Irish actor, Shaun Paul McGrath (The Widowâ€™s moon) is the second in command in the Camp.Lord Davidsonâ€™s is head of the camp. Davidsonâ€™s arrival with his wife is not totally welcomed by the prisoners nor MacDonald. Davidson is played by renowned British actor, Philip Glenister, star of(Life on Mars).Glenister plays a character who lacks empathy for even the most weakest of beings. Davidsonâ€™s dearth morality is contrary to that of his second in command, MacDonald. MacDonald has been in Carthago since the day the camp was built. Originally from Ireland. MacDonald suffers from PTSD, which leads him to be especially violent as he struggles to command control over the camp. He is notorious among the prisoners for his cruelty. Yet it is Davidson that supersedes this cruelty. Glenister plays a cruel nonchalant intimidating attitude and guts those to shreds who dare cross him.The story is a cross between (Inglorious Bastards) and (The Great Escape).

Shaun paul mcgrath, Philip Glenister, Carthago TV series, First time on screen

A series that will tell their story for the first time on screen with added drama and humour to keep all engaged enthralled and entertained.

The series has a host of talented international actors completing many story arcs, which helps convey a noteworthy watchable synergy to the screen.

Philip Glenister & Shaun Paul McGrath star in new 10X TV series “Carthago

Philip Glenister and Shaun Paul McGrath star in a new series set to be screened in December 18th.

British audiences will have to wait a little longer whilst the Israeli bombard their viewers with the trailers of this exciting10 part releaseTV series, “Carthago”.

TV CULTURE

“Carthago” The promos that drove the country crazy: viewers of the 2022 World Cup in Israel already know what to expect at every commercial break – a promo for “Carthago”, the new drama series from the Israel Broadcasting Corporation. After already having success with another war drama, “Lockdown Time”, the corporation teamed up with the Netz brothers, Rashef Levy and TomerShani with what should be their next flagship series. The premiere episode of “Carthago” will be broadcast on Khan 11 on December 18th, a few hours after the broadcast of the World Cup final.

THIS SERIES SHOULD NOT BE MISSED

“Carthago” is described as a historical thriller with touches of black humour, based on real events in the 1940s. It tells the story of the inmates detained in a concentration camp, established by the British in Eritrea, Africa, during World War II. The series, which was filmed in Colombia, is the product of collaboration with international production companies from Argentina, Colombia and Cyprus – and it benefits from a particularly high budget, within the framework of filming, using real sets. All of which was erected for each location, without the use of computer effects.

REAL SETS ON LOCATION

“Carthago” is one of the biggest productions seen in Israel, and especially for the cinematograpy. The creators insisted on building real sets in each location, without the use of computer effects. The result gives the series a special visual, reminiscent of a Hollywood of the past, which does not exist even for productions from around the world. The series tells the story of Eliyahu (Elijah) Levy (Uri Gov in the lead role), an actor in the broom theatre, who arrives in Carthago prison camp after being accused of collaborating with the British. But Eliyahu is not a member of any political organization and his ideology is foreign to the time – he believes in self-fulfilment. Upon his arrival at the camp, he discovers that the wife of the warden of the prison, Lord Davidson (played by the British actor Philip Glenister) is connected to him in a secret relationship, which, if discovered, will lead to their death. British actor Olly Buckner also stars as the timid trodden Nazi spy, with connections to this relationship.

FORGOTTEN STORY:

“Carthago” is a thriller that returns to the forgotten story of the Etzel and Lahi underground fighters who were deported to an isolated detention camp in Africa at the height of World War II, and were confined. Director Quentin Tarantino’s film, “Inglorious Bastards”, which was released in 2009 and presented a revised version of history, in which Jews, and not only them, get revenge on the Nazis – now a classic. ‘Kan 11’ have prepared a new series, which goes back to the same period of the Second World War, and presents another heroic story of a war with the oppressor.

“Carthago”, is a psychological drama and thriller, inspired by real events. The broadcasting corporation says that this is a huge production which was filmed on location in Colombia.

CAMPS, ARRESTED WITHOUT DUE PROCESS

One clear day and without a preliminary trial, the leaders of the underground find themselves in the detention camp, the same people who later became the founders of the state and the leaders of the political right in Israel. Beside them, in the camp, Italian fascists and junior Nazis are held. Whilst a melting pot of anger passion and loyalty ensues for each groups cause.

HOST OF INTERNATIONAL ACTORS

The series features Israeli actors alongside international stars:Reshef Levy, also plays a lead role in the series. Uri Gov, Philip Glenister, Rashef Levy, Jacob Zeda-Daniel, Henry David, Carolina Jurczak, Oliver Buchner, Shaun Paul McGrath, Oleg Levin and many more. “Carthago” is a historical thriller with touches of black humour, the story of the survivors of an North Africian detention camp, during World War II.

“Carthago” was created and written by Rashef Levy (“The Arbiter”, “Lost Islands”), Yenz Levy (“The Adventures of David Aryeh”) and TomerShani (“A Very Important Man”, “Nechma”), who were first exposed to the story through Rashef’s father Vinz, who was himself a prisoner in the camp. This is the second collaboration between Rashef Levy and TomerShani after the previous series they created together, “Consolation”.

The centre of the plot is Eliyahu (Elijah) Levy, played by the actor Uri Gov (“Palmah”). Elijah is an actor in the broom theatre who arrives in Carthago after he is accused of collaborating with the British, even though he is not a member of any political organization. Arriving at the camp, he discovers that his lover has married the warden of the prison, Lord Davidson (Played by British actor Philip Glenister, “Belgravia”) – a secret relationship that, if discovered, will lead to their death. In addition, Nazis,Italians and any other faction threatening the British Crown are also detained in the same camp.

All in all, we see the morality of the detainees whilst trying to survive each other in a prison, a prison full of ideological criminals; whose belief in the righteousness of their way, leads them to, sometimes, resort to extreme violence that is not accompanied by remorse. The series explores the connection between ideology and violence and the price people are forced to pay for their freedom. A world where racism is an accepted way of thinking and where democracy is under attack, all under the watchful gaze of strict British prison commanders played by, Philip Glenister & Shaun Paul McGrath.

BROADCASTING SUNDAYS & WEDNESDAYS

“Carthago” will be broadcast on Sundays and Wednesdays, at 21:15 on Kan 11 and on digital, starting from December, 18th – then a double opening episode will be broadcast. Episode 3 will be available for initial and exclusive viewing via the box app – Khan 11 before major release worldwide. Brabner summer.TV online

https://www.maariv.co.il/culture/tv/Article-963032

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