Nathan Clark Sapsford steps into the spotlight with Here Be Dragons, a recently released mystery thriller from Buffalo 8. In addition to co-producing the film, Sapsford stars as war crimes investigator David Locke, whose return to Serbia unravels a complex new case. His compelling performance earned him a Best Oceanian Actor nomination at the 2023 Septimius Awards.
Here Be Dragons has already gained attention on the festival circuit, receiving nominations for Best Oceanian Film. We caught up with Nathan to talk about his recent work and what lies ahead.
Here Be Dragons just recently made its US and Canadian debut. What do you hope international audiences will take away from this film, and how do you think it resonates with today’s global issues?
It’s out! Just come out in the US and Canada on Apple TV, Amazon Prime, or anywhere you like to rent movies from. First of all, it’s a thriller. An international manhunt that’s a bit more complex than usual. So, it’s an entertaining watch that hopefully has you thinking about it for a while afterward rather than flicking onto the next one. It’s also a very personal story in that Alastair’s done a great job in letting us in on where all the characters are coming from, what they want, and how they go about getting it so you can empathize from different points of view.
And that’s important; it’s not a black-and-white good versus evil story, so who you’re on the side of at times contradicts where you were five minutes ago. It’s also set around the Balkan wars, shot in the biggest city in the region with locals in all the other roles. And they’re so good! In the Nineteen Nineties, it was unthinkable that the atrocities of World War II could ever be repeated, particularly in mainland Europe.
But then it happened, and after these wars again, everyone said never again. But then here we are now, today, with senseless killing happening again in Europe and the Middle East. When we shot the movie, it would have been madness to have predicted that. What will it take for peace and healing to be more important than more reprisals and more hate?
As both a co-producer and the lead actor in Here Be Dragons, how did you balance these dual responsibilities, and what challenges did you face during the production of the film?
We had some challenges, that’s for sure. First and foremost the pandemic came that stopped the world and stopped us shooting. We were in Belgrade, Serbia, making this and had to cut and run halfway through the shooting schedule back to Australia, last plane out and all that, and then return in the summer when, little did we know, COVID was only just starting to really rage. People on the film got sick and recovered, thankfully, so shooting around recovery times and sudden re-casting and re-crewing whilst trying our best to look after everybody on it was a big concern, along with sudden elections and government decrees and uprisings against them all happened in the shoot. It was a wild time, but everyone was just so determined to complete it and tell this story. The best group I’ve ever had the chance to work with. The biggest hearts, the biggest appetites, I’m just so grateful to them, and here we are with the finished piece.
Your career has spanned television, film, and stage, with roles in series like The Last Ship and Home and Away. How does your approach to acting differ across these mediums, and what do you find most rewarding about each?
I don’t necessarily approach them differently, but they do require different things. The character work’s the same, the relationships, but in theater when it comes time to put it up on the stage, and the couple in the back row has to hear you, then you hope all that voice training comes into play! I love it when a play’s up and running, and you’re in a good spot with it; it’s a fun routine, though it might sound boring.
Get up, work out, meet a mate, get some lunch, then go home and think about what scene to work on for the day, which one didn’t satisfy the night before, walk to the theater, start prepping with your cast-mates and build it up to show time. Then, have that experience with the audience; it’s alive, and it’s different every time. Then go for a drink with someone who has come to see it, and eat a pizza; I love it! Even in the nervy moments.
Film and TV have their challenges too, which I relish all those people working on their specialized jobs, and mine are to be alive and listening and reacting between action and cuts every time. And you only get one shot at it each time. Different challenges, and different technical stuff, too, but it’s fascinating; I love watching other departments work, and I love all the different ways we can help each other, and the collaborative experience. I love my job, the greatest job in the world.
You’ve had an incredibly diverse career, from hosting shows on MTV Australia to acting in independent films and stage productions. How have these varied experiences shaped you as an artist, and how do they influence the roles you choose today?
I’ve been very lucky! All these different gigs over time. I learned professionalism very early with MTV and TRL, which artists to emulate, the legends, and which ones to not be like. The wankers shall we say. You learn different skills along the way, too, learning from so many amazing people in each situation. And then there’s your life outside, the big shaper, really. If you can apply what has shaped you in the world into the stories you’re working on, then you’re giving yourself. And that’s the most important thing.
Your upcoming projects include a co-directorial venture in Paris. Can you share more about this project and what excites you about stepping into a directorial role while also acting?
Well, that’s a big reason why I’m co-directing. Right now, I see no joy in directing myself as an actor. But I wrote the piece and I’m excited to help bring it to life with my directing partner in Paris and in French! He’s already brought so much to the story. I can’t believe how cool this has been already, and we’re barely in pre-production. I caught the bug of shooting in Europe with Here Be Dragons; my French is way better than my Serbian/Croatian/Bosnian, so let’s give it a shot. This film’s more playful but still in a serious world. Can’t wait to shoot it.
Beyond your work in entertainment, you’re actively involved in charitable causes related to children and mental health. How do these passions inform your work, and why is it important for you to give back to the community?
I have done several small things over the years with people who’ve dedicated their lives to these causes. Anything that can be done to help prevent youth suicide is worth doing.
My most consistent role is different; it’s a wonderful kids one, Young Storytellers. I’ve been doing their “Big Shows” across LA for years now. Under-privileged kids in under-privileged schools write their own five-page screenplay with the help of mentors over eight weeks. Then they invite and cast us actors to come in and perform their stories out loud on a stage in front of their family and friends. It is such an excellent organization; the kids inflate as their creations come to life. The smiles! It is so rewarding for me too so really I thank them for the opportunity to be involved.
You’ve achieved success in various genres, from dark comedy to mystery thrillers. Is there a particular genre or type of character that you haven’t explored yet but are eager to tackle in the future?
I’m just drawn to great writing and gutsy co-conspirators. I usually get cast in darker roles, and I’m totally okay with that. I can be bright, though; it’s just been a while! I do not, however, see myself doing a musical. Not that bright. I don’t think anyone wants to see that. At least not my sister.
Looking ahead, what are your goals for the next phase of your career? Are there any dream collaborations or projects you’re particularly excited about pursuing?
There’s a romantic comedy potentially on the cards and a heist project, both of which I’m really excited about. If I can be in a Mad Max film and then work with one or both Coen brothers and Ridley Scott – then I’d really be humming.
