Q&A

GN: How has relocating to Paris and being based in France influenced your choice of roles and the trajectory of your acting career?

JB: I have always lived in France but in the south west. Growing up a couple steps away from the beach, I’ve always had a very deep connection to the ocean and nature in general. I think that, the sort of freedom you get from growing up in a place like that, is what drives my choices and what I try to bring into every character/project I am working on. When I relocated to Paris 8 years ago, it was very hard at first, being away from the ocean, surfing and living in a city that is active 24/7. But I knew that, if I wanted to work in the industry, living in the capital was one of the sacrifices that had to be made. After 8 years of living here, I can now say that I have found a balance and joy living in a big city.

GN: Among the varied types of projects you’ve done (feature films, indie films, shorts, TV series), which have challenged you the most as an actor, and in what ways?

JB: In different ways, every project I have worked on has been a « challenge » but always heaps of fun. Since I haven’t had a lead role yet, I don’t know what it is to lose a lot of weight for a part for example. But I can’t wait to land my first big role because I would absolutely love to change myself physically for a part and really work towards a project months in advance. I guess the hardest for me is going to a set only for a couple of days, and to try to fit in, to get the « vibe » of the project and the team (that has maybe been shooting for a long time already) and still try to perform to my best without feeling like an outsider.

GN: Your multilingual ability gives you a unique advantage. How do you use languages (French, German, English, etc.) in your roles, and are there roles you’d love to play that require mastering another language or dialect?

JB: I’m super lucky to have been raised speaking three languages and have always been very grateful towards my mum for keeping speaking German with me when we arrived to France and for teaching me English from a young age on. I love playing in every language that I know and always approach a character in a certain way according to where he comes from. The musicality between German, French and English is very different which always makes it super fun ! I would absolutely love to have to learn a language for a part one day. I was blown away by Cosmo Jarvis’ interpretation of John Blackthorne in Shogun and the fact that he learned Japanese for the part, he absolutely nailed it and I hope I can do something similar some day!

GN: What character or type of role have you not yet played but are most excited or passionate about exploring in the future (e.g. historical figure, villain, comedic lead, something physically demanding, etc.)?

JB: My favourite movie is Tarantino’s Inglorious Basterds. Christoph Waltz’ performance as Hans Linda has always inspired me in a huge way as he is one of my big inspirations (and Austrian !!!). So a villain would be pretty amazing of course. I would absolutely love to play something physically demanding as well, I think when you put yourself into a physically uncommon state, it really puts you into a zone where you kind of just live the moment and forget about the acting part. To be honest I act because it’s the only job where you can, for a short time, be anything you can possibly imagine, so I have to say I’d love to play any type of character.

GN: As someone with musical skills (guitar, percussion) and a bass voice, do you plan to
combine these talents in acting roles (musicals, musicals-themed films, or roles needing
singing/musical performance)?

JB: I have only had to use my musical skills once, that was on stage during my acting training a couple of years back. Even if I’m a bit out of practice, I’d love to use them on the screen or even to learn a new instrument for a role!

GN: Looking forward, are there particular markets (Hollywood / UK / Germany / France) or directors / production companies you aim to work with?

JB: Any market of those listed above are my absolute dream. I have always wanted to star in a Hollywood production, but am also very drawn to the UK and German market. I have an agent here in Paris but am currently looking for representation in the UK and Germany in order to get more opportunities to work in those countries (so if you hear anything hit me up, I’m ready)!

GN: What are your personal career goals over the next 5 years in terms of the types of roles, visibility, creative satisfaction, or possibly branching out (directing, producing, etc.)?

JB: My next goal is to land a lead on a project I believe in. I would also love to start working more in English speaking countries and Germany. I am currently working on the script of a movie that I’ve had in my head for a long time, to co direct and act in my own movie would be a huge accomplishment for sure. To sum it up, working in the industry, on projects that are meaningful, would be the ultimate goal.

GN: What does Goodnight mean to you?
JB: Goodnight means that it’s time reset and that I can’t wait for what tomorrow has to offer!

Courtesy of photographer: Anaïs Lehugeur