It was the first time I was in the snow. It's got some of the best snow in the world and I went snowboarding for the first time and that was just awesome. I'd done some surfing before so I got the hang of it. As far as Clubland, it was just amazing to go over there and have people really enjoy the film. They said they laughed and cried. At the end of it they were just roaring and cheering.
Did you have any idea that it was going to be so well received?
They loved Brenda Blethyn at Sundance. Brenda delivers an amazing performance. For me, I never expect anything to be until it is. It was such a surprise. It was such a great moment to know what we did was special. I was genuinely proud and it's a moment I will never forget.
What was working with Brenda like?
You have to make sure you are always listening. She's great because she makes you feel at ease so you can do the work that you are meant to be doing. Her performance in Secrets & Lies is one of the greatest performances so when you are meeting someone like that you're wondering, "Who are they and how are they in relation to me?" And as soon as she stepped out of the car and we all met her we just knew that she was herself and that was a huge relief.
Will you stay in touch with her?
Yeah because there is a level of respect. And obviously there is a bond there because she played my mother. But the thing is she is actually quite a big star and she is off doing things all the time but I guess it's one of those things that when you see them again you just pick up where you left off.
Was it a maternal relationship?
It was always about the acting and that was never confused but there were sometimes when she'd say, 'Hey son' or give me a hug or big motherly smile just to see if you were okay so you felt comfortable.
Did she give you any advice on fame?
Yeah, she did. Basically just stay true to yourself, make productive choices that you believe in and be yourself.
What is your family like?
Very supportive of what I am doing and in their own way they are very natural people who are very much at ease with who they are and encourage me to be the same and say, 'If you believe in it then there is no reason why you can't pursue it'. They have always been there for me. I grew up in New Zealand and I came to Perth when I was 11. They are not involved in the entertainment industry in any way, shape or form. My dad is a furniture craftsman. And mum's a mum and doing a great job! I have a brother and a sister.
What are your passions?
I like going surfing and hanging out with friends and family. I like movies, music and a good conversation. Surfing is a good place to reflect and it's a good place to forget and just enjoy the moment and have fun. You know you're at peace. Or you can scare the hell out of yourself. It depends where you go.
What do you worry about?
Sometimes I worry about global warming. Whether or not we are all going to be okay and if we can find a way to make sure where we live is going to be okay too.
Was your upbringing in New Zealand and Perth pretty carefree?
Yeah, it was. I grew up on the beach in Perth and we lived in the bush in New Zealand. It was a very grounded sort of lifestyle and simple in many ways. I had a good childhood and I'm happy. I think it's really important in life because it gives you something to grow straight from. I had good people around me who encouraged me.
How close are you to your parents?
Very close. I speak to my parents all the time. I let them know what's happening in my life and they let me know what's happening in theirs. Family is really important.
Who is your girlfriend?
Her name is Viva Bianca and we've been together for three years. She's an actress and we met at WAPA [the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts.] She's Australian Polish. She's supportive of me and passionate about what she wants to do too. We encourage each other. She is very beautiful, wise and gentle. She's awesome.
Did you meet any well-known actors while you were in Sundance and LA?
Yeah. I was at a bar and was like, 'Wow. That's Vincent Gallo' and went up to him and said, 'Hey man. You're Vincent Gallo' and shook his hand. He was probably thinking, 'Who is this?' but as soon as I said, 'Buffalo 66 is an awesome movie you must be so proud' he was really receptive and happy because he didn't realise people took to his stuff in Australia. I saw Christian Slater walk down the street in LA but didn't get to meet him.
What was it like to work on the ABC surfing series Blue Water High?
Great because I'd barely just finished at WAPA. It was a bit of an apprenticeship. It was a really beautiful place to be, on the beach on the northern side of Sydney with a group of young people that were really talented and fresh.
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