“Enjoy the journey. Worry less.”
1. Introduce yourself and what you do.
I’m an actor and former stuntman.
2. How did you get to where you are currently and is it any different to what you expected when you started out?
I have a martial arts background and always wanted to be an actor, especially being inspired by onscreen heroes, such as Jet Li, Jackie Chan and Michelle Yeoh. There was an open casting for a film, which turned out to be 47 Ronin, which was my first professional job back in 2010. After that, I still worked a normal job, but would do other films/TV shows as they came up. Eventually transitioned into acting, which is what I do now. Whilst there is a glamorous side of it, there’s a lot of hard work that goes into it all; the training, the mental resilience and motivation, the hustle to find new jobs, but I love what I do.
3. What have been the barriers or difficulties in getting there?
You may go through times where there is no work at all (actors strike, for instance) or you audition a lot but don’t book the job. These are all part of the journey, so staying true to the course can be tough, but it’s important to work on your craft when you’re not working in your craft, so that you’ll book the job you’ve been training and preparing for.
4. What are your career highlights so far?
I had an appearance on ITV’s Take Me Out, which got me a couple jobs after that! I did stunt work on Fast and Furious Hobbs and Shaw, The Gentlemen, Marvel Eternals. I eventually transitioned to becoming an actor on Netflix’s The Brothers Sun.
5. What do you wish could change about the industry?
Old school attitudes that have not changed with the times.
6. Any tips about networking or collaborating in the industry?
Get yourself out there; film festivals, reach out to film communities or colleges/universities that have a film programme and offer yourself as an actor, we all have to start somewhere. Network over Instagram with like-minded people. Sign up to supporting artist agencies, just to get more on set experience. Write your own stories too.
7. What would you change about your journey if anything?
Where I have been has lead me to where I am, but if I had to go back, it would be to trust your instincts more and understand that not every opportunity is the right one.
8. Where do you see yourself in 5 – 10 years time? Do you have a plan?
I’ve just booked a big job that will take place in 2025; I’m sure there will be sequels in the coming years. Also hope to work on other productions and have more diverse roles. Definitely want to be in a position to do more charity work and help others more where I can along their journey.
9. If you have ever felt imposter syndrome can you tell us more about it?
Yes! What I do for a living is exceptionally cool however, I’m really quite a normal guy. Am always grateful for every opportunity I’ve had but sometimes it really does feel surreal.
10. What advice would you give to your younger self?
Enjoy the journey. Worry less.
“Get yourself out there; film festivals, reach out to film communities or colleges/universities that have a film programme and offer yourself as an actor, we all have to start somewhere.”
Links:
Instagram: @jonxuezhang
Website: xue-zhang.com