Looking like a boy band wannabe, 23-year-old Oliver James is the latest Brit actor to try his luck in Hollywood. The Surrey-born actor learned his trade at the Guildford School of Acting, and gets his first break playing the love interest opposite Amanda Bynes in "What a Girl Wants".
Had you done much acting before getting this part?
I was doing some theatre in and around London in some small spots and this was my first real movie break.
So how did you get the part?
It was complete chance. It was through the casting directors. They chose me from a head shot and then I read for Dennie Gordon [the director] and I sang because I play a musician and there are five onscreen performances. Then from there I met the producers and then Amanda Bynes. So I was called back four times and then confirmed.
How would you describe your character?
He's kind of the message of the movie. To be honest, when I first auditioned, I had no idea about the story. Then after I got involved with it and read the script and found out what it was about, I just felt really lucky. My character is an independent guy and he knows what he wants and he tries to show that to Amanda Bynes' character, Daphne.
How about working with Colin Firth?
My first scene was with Colin. It was the World Cup at the time [2002] and I didn't have a TV in my trailer so he invited me over to watch some football.
How are you enjoying all the attention that goes with being in a big studio release?
It's unreal. I'm really enjoying it. I'm now looking at some other movie projects. I've picked some good management and I'm hoping things work out for me.
