Actor Ben Radcliffe stars on DSCENE Magazine‘s April 2024 Digital cover, captured by fashion photographer Tom Buck. In an exclusive interview with our editor, Katarina Doric, Radcliffe discusses his pivotal role in Apple TV+‘s “Masters of the Air,” highlighting its historical significance and collaboration with industry heavyweights like Austin Butler and Callum Turner. The actor shares insights into the series, the honor of portraying a real war hero, and the unique challenges and learnings from working with legends such as Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg.
EXCLUSIVE
For the DSCENE April 2024 Digital cover story, Ben was photographed by Tom Buck with image retouching from Karl Hughes. In charge of styling was Craig Andrew James, with assistance from Izzie Jones. Grooming is work of beauty artist Kieron Lavine. The shoot took place at the One Hundred Shoreditch. For the session Ben is wearing selected pieces from top brands such as Hugo, Dior, Fendi, Dolce & Gabbana, Emporio Armani, Manolo Blahnik, Casablanca, Mr P. at Mr Porter, Canali, and Nanushka.
Can you share your experience working on Apple TV+’s “Masters of the Air”? How did it feel to be part of such a significant project alongside Austin Butler and Callum Turner?
I always describe my experience on this show as immersive. The sets, costumes, and planes were just crazy – on a whole other level. It felt like we were truly living in the world they created for us. Getting to play a real war hero is such an honour and this project has some serious weight behind it, especially with the success of “Band of Brothers” and “The Pacific.”. Working with Tom Hanks and Spielberg was a dream come true. Plus, getting to learn from some of the best actors around was a total blessing.
What was your approach to portraying your character, Brady, in “Masters of the Air”? Did you draw inspiration from any real-life figures or historical research?
Every character in the show is based on a real person and I found videos of the real John Brady, who I play, online which served as an incredibly insightful research tool. Watching him speak, even in his later years, provided a genuine understanding of his personality. Additionally, I’ve had conversations with John Brady’s relatives and their enthusiasm for the show and the stories they shared about him add a special and personal dimension to the project.
“Masters of the Air” is a sequel to the acclaimed series “Band of Brothers.” Did you feel any pressure stepping into a project with such a renowned legacy?
Just a bit… aha. Yeah, “Band of Brothers” is, of course, legendary. Being part of the next instalment in the series was definitely pressure but more than that, it was pure excitement to have this incredible opportunity. I had absolute confidence that this would turn out to be an epic show and wrapping my head around what these brave heroes endured is quite mind-boggling. It’s a powerful story to tell, shedding light on the terror, suffering, and unmatched bravery these men faced. Now people will get to witness and understand those experiences.
You’ve worked on various television shows and films. How does your experience on “Masters of the Air” compare to your previous roles, such as Ralen in CW’s “Pandora” and your part in Netflix’s “Anatomy of a Scandal”?
I’ve been fortunate to be part of some fantastic projects, collaborating with incredibly talented individuals but “Masters of the Air” took things to a whole new level. The scale of the production added more pressure than I’d encountered before but it was a challenge I embraced with gratitude. The energy on the set was absolutely thrilling, and certain scenes we filmed like the plane sequences were particularly exhilarating. These were action scenes that really got your blood pumping. The plane was fitted to a gimbal so it could move to simulate the turbulence of the airplane and it was surrounded by high definition LED screens that were synced to the movement of the plane so at times it really did feel like you were up in that plane. I’ve never seen anything like it – it was incredibly impressive technology and unbelievable to perform in.
Transitioning to your upcoming role in Disney+’s short film “The Shepherd,” what was it like working alongside John Travolta? Can you share any memorable moments or learnings from the set?
My acting journey truly kicked off after a school production of “Grease,” so working with John Travolta felt like a complete circle moment for me – I even showed him the video of that performance. We first met at an airplane museum in Norfolk and his excitement was infectious. It was there that he shared his desire to play my role of “Freddie,” but said ‘Pulp Fiction got in the way’. He also opened up about a personal connection to the story, recounting a real-life experience with the same mechanical failure depicted in the film, which significantly influenced my performance. Having the opportunity to act alongside a genuine legend was truly a remarkable experience.
What challenges did you face while working on “The Shepherd,” and how did you overcome them? How does it differ from your other projects?
Working on “The Shepherd” was a delight however not without a few challenges. The majority of the film unfolds with me alone in the cockpit of an airplane. This required me to strike a delicate balance, ensuring my performance remained engaging despite the absence of other actors to interact with or an abundance of dialogue to rely on. The film also portrays a near-death experience, taking the audience on a genuine rollercoaster of emotions. Consequently, I had to delve into a diverse range of emotions, and I put in a lot of work to try and make each one believable and authentic.
Reflecting on your career so far, which role has been the most impactful for you personally and professionally? Why?
Landing the role in The Shepherd was a really exciting time, considering I did my audition from the back of a camper van in Iceland! t was my first time playing the lead, and having to carry a film and working with legends like Alfonso Cuaron and John Travolta was very special for me. But Masters of the Air is a piece of history so this really felt like I was a part of something truly special.
You have a diverse range of television credits, from Disney’s “Evermoor” and “The Lodge” to CBS’ “Ransom” and BBC’s “Hetty Feather.” How do you adapt to different genres and styles in your acting?
It’s part of the job really. I like the way Matthew McConaughey puts it: “know your guy”. Once you know the character you’re playing and understand the world and situations he is in, then the performance comes naturally.
In addition to your television and film work, do you have any interest in exploring other areas of the entertainment industry, such as theater, voice acting, or directing?
I have always had a keen interest in filmmaking. Since I got my first camera when I was 13, I have been making my own films. I recently wrote and directed a short called “Bad Day” which is a comedic dance concept piece. It’s really fun and doesn’t take itself to seriously. We flew 15 dancers to Bulgaria to shoot at Boyana studios with the help of Film Forge and it was truly fulfilling to work on a project from beginning to end and have it be yours. I really hope I can have the opportunity to do more of this in the future.
Finally, looking ahead, what can fans expect from Ben Radcliffe in the future? Are there any new projects or ambitions you’re excited to share with your audience?
I’m currently working on a very exciting show for Netflix but sadly I can’t speak about it just yet!
Follow Ben on instagram – @ben_radcliffe
Photographer Tom Buck – @tbuck9
Stylist Craig Andrew James – @craigandrewjames
Groomer Kieron Lavine at The Visionaires – @kieronlavine @thevisonairesagency
Talent Ben Radcliffe – @ben_radcliffe
Interview Katarina Doric – @katarina.djoric
Retouching Karl Hughes – @karlhughesmedia
Styling Assistant Izzie Jones – @izi_jones_
Location One Hundred Shoreditch – @onehundredshoreditch
That pink hugo suit is everything 🥰🥰🥰
I adore Ben! What an amazing cover ❤️❤️