Greg Patmore
He played in Matthew J. Rowney’s Dollar Baby I Am The Doorway as Arthur.
SKSM: Could you start with telling me a bit about yourself? Who are you and what do you do?
Greg Patmore: I’m from the north of England, a town called Wigan, famous for Rugby League and George Orwell’s Road to Wigan Pier. My dad was a soldier then a truck driver, my mum a nurse then a midwife. I grew up playing in brass bands and getting into school plays, but got into university to study music. I was the first in my whole family ever to get into university, Goldsmith’s College, University of London.
After that I worked in a variety of jobs, never really settling but having to do whatever it took to get by, so a lot of jobs I hated. Eventually I met my wife of 24 years and we launched our own business in 1997. In 2008, I decided to try to work as an actor musician. 3 years later I was in Hatfields & McCoys as Good ‘Lias Hatfield alongside Kevin Costner.
SKSM: How did you become involved in I am the doorway Dollar Baby film?
Greg Patmore: Matt called me out of the blue. I liked him. I liked the script. I did it.
SKSM: What do you think it is in the story that attracts people so much?
Greg Patmore: It’s a great story. Complex, layered, terrifying and a little bit creepy too. I’m Matts hands it had a little of everything.
SKSM: Did you have to audition for the part or was it written directly for you?
Greg Patmore: Not sure it was written ‘for’ me, but no audition. Matt just asked me outright.
SKSM: You worked with Matthew J. Rowney on this film, how was that?
Greg Patmore: Very good. Matt knows what he wants, and more importantly he knows when he’s got it. No extra takes for safety or extra angles for options. He’s clear in his mind and it makes it easy to deliver. He also listens to ideas and suggestions too, which makes it a collaboration.
SKSM: Was there any funny or special moment when they made the movie that you would like to tell me about?
Greg Patmore: Basically my whole role was shot in a day. We had more time scheduled, but Matt knew what he wanted and I hit it, I guess, so I got home early! That was great.
SKSM: Do you still have any contact with the crew/cast from that time? If so with who?
Greg Patmore: With several actually by Facebook. Matt, Ollie, most of them really.
SKSM: What are you working nowadays?
Greg Patmore: I’m doing a lot of audio drama with Big Finish, also I’ve always loved books, so I do a lot of audiobooks. I love it. And I live a lot of the time on a barge in France, so it’s something I can do between acting roles even when I’m in the middle of nowhere.
SKSM: Are you a fan of Stephen King’s work?
Greg Patmore: Yes. A huge fan since I was young. I read everything I could get my hands on by him back then, and I’ve read more of his books than by any other author. Favourites include Christine, Firestarter, Needful Things, Pet Sematary, Carrie… so many.
SKSM: What is one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Greg Patmore: I’m shy. Really quite reclusive unless I fight it. No one believes that, but it’s true.
SKSM: Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. Is there anything else you want to say to the fans that read this interview?
Greg Patmore: Watch out for Matt. He’s going to make big movies one day. I just hope I’m involved, as we worked great together.
SKSM: Do you like something to add?
Greg Patmore: The Dark Half. Carried off by a flock of birds? I never really bought that. Looking forward to the new IT movie, though. Love that book…
And was Stephen King a Ray Bradbury fan, because I sense so much common ground in their writing.
