A man from Norfolk who gave up his career in computer science said he has no regrets as his award-winning performance comes to a streaming service.
Kevin James, 43, from Dereham, stars in short film Chain on Amazon Prime, a psychological horror.
Mr James, who learned his trade across Norfolk and in London could have had a very different career when growing up.
The 43-year-old did his GCSE and A-levels tailored to computer science, before going to the UEA to get a degree in the subject.
During his studies, he was involved with Dereham operatic society from age 12, and it was there where his passion developed.
“We would go and watch shows in Norwich, but my first involvement was in Dereham, and I think it was there where my love grew,” he said.
He went on to get a job in computer science but gave it up for his passion of acting.
Over the years he has worked across film, theatre and voiceover but he could now appear on anyone’s screen with an Amazon Prime subscription.
MORE: Artist hailed as ‘Yarmouth’s Banksy’ leaves their markFilmed at RAF Coltishall, Psychological horror film Chain, which has spent two years going around film festivals across the world. It went onto win 20 awards, including a best actor and best picture prize.
“This is a very dark and disturbing short film, and it has been great to do something like this,” he said.
“People say you must have nightmares doing this, but you are just portraying those emotions and when they say ‘cut’ you have a laugh with the crew.
“I spent half a day being chased down a corridor by a man in lycra, so it is very bizarre.
“Seeing it all put together, the stuff you do is a tiny part, and once you layer it together, the audience experience something altogether different.”
MORE: REVIEW: “The circus is magical: it transports you away to a sparkling world of wonderment’Before breaking into the industry he volunteered at the Theatre Royal in Norwich, working as a steward, before joining the staff there.
Along with this, he started a two-year acting course in London, travelling down one day a week.
This led to his first acting job when he was 24. Working in London at a show called Illustrated Games People Play.
“I’m delighted I took the risk, and it paid off,” Mr James said.
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