Interview: Barry Ward On Playing Cops And Casting

5 min read Post on May 21, 2025

Interview: Barry Ward On Playing Cops And Casting

Barry Ward's Approach to Playing Cops

Balancing Realism and Nuance

Barry Ward's approach to playing cops centers on avoiding stereotypes and portraying complex, multifaceted characters. He believes in creating realistic police portrayals that go beyond simplistic good vs. evil narratives. He doesn't shy away from the morally gray areas inherent in the profession.

Examples: In the critically acclaimed series "The Guard," Ward's portrayal of Sergeant David Collins showcased the internal struggles of a man caught between duty and personal morality. His role in the independent film "Justice Precinct" allowed him to explore the pressures and ethical dilemmas faced by officers in a high-crime environment.
Research Methods: Ward emphasizes extensive research before taking on any role. This includes spending time with serving officers, studying police procedure manuals, and engaging with relevant documentaries and literature. He strives for an authentic portrayal, understanding the nuances of police work.
Collaboration with Directors: He values collaboration with directors, viewing the creative process as a partnership. This shared understanding ensures that the final portrayal reflects both the actor's understanding and the director's vision.

The Physical and Mental Demands of the Role

Playing a police officer is demanding, both physically and emotionally. Ward shares insights into the rigorous preparation involved.

Physical Training: For some roles, Ward undergoes specific physical training regimes. This might include self-defense techniques, firearms training (under strict supervision), and physical fitness programs designed to simulate the demands of police work.
Emotional Challenges: Portraying the emotional toll of police work—the constant exposure to trauma, the moral compromises, and the burden of responsibility—requires deep emotional preparation. Ward utilizes techniques such as method acting and deep character immersion to convincingly convey these complexities.
Mental Preparation: Maintaining a realistic portrayal requires a dedication to the role, understanding the sacrifices and personal costs involved. It's not just about mimicking behavior but also about capturing the psychological realities of being a police officer.

Insights into the Casting Process

The Importance of Auditions and Screen Tests

Ward emphasizes the crucial role of auditions and screen tests in the casting process. He believes they're a chance to showcase not only talent but also the actor's understanding of the character and the director's vision.

Personal Experiences: He recalls both successful and unsuccessful auditions, highlighting the importance of preparation, understanding the character's motivations, and building a rapport with the casting director.
Advice for Aspiring Actors: His advice to aspiring actors is simple: be prepared, be professional, and demonstrate an understanding of the role's complexities. He encourages actors to study the script extensively and to bring a unique interpretation to the character.
Preparation is Key: Ward stresses the importance of thorough character research and preparation, allowing him to present a compelling and convincing performance during auditions. He believes this preparedness greatly increases the likelihood of success.

Collaboration with Casting Directors and Directors

Ward believes in fostering strong relationships with casting directors and directors. Open communication and shared understanding are vital for a successful portrayal.

Building Rapport: He values the trust built with casting directors and directors through consistent communication and a willingness to collaborate. This collaboration goes beyond the audition process and continues throughout the filming process.
Mutual Understanding: A shared understanding of the director's vision for the character is essential. Ward encourages open discussions about the character's background, motivations, and relationships to ensure a cohesive and convincing performance.
Directorial Choices: The director’s vision profoundly influences his performance. He's open to feedback and guidance, adjusting his approach as needed to align with the director's overall vision for the film or television show.

The Responsibility of Portraying Law Enforcement

Representing Police Officers Accurately

Portraying law enforcement officers ethically requires careful consideration. Ward addresses the sensitive nature of this representation.

Ethical Considerations: He acknowledges the ethical responsibility of depicting law enforcement accurately, balancing the complexities of the profession with the realities of human experience.
Positive and Negative Aspects: He believes it's crucial to show both the positive contributions and the negative aspects of police work, without resorting to simplistic portrayals or perpetuating stereotypes.
Impact on Viewers: He is aware of the potential impact his portrayal has on viewers’ perceptions and seeks to foster empathy and understanding. He believes that nuanced portrayals of police officers can contribute to a broader public conversation about police reform and accountability.

Avoiding Stereotypes and Promoting Understanding

Ward champions nuanced portrayals that move beyond common stereotypes. He seeks to promote a greater understanding of the challenges and complexities faced by police officers.

Breaking Stereotypes: He actively works to avoid the simplistic "good cop/bad cop" dichotomy, exploring the range of experiences and motivations within the force.
Accurate Representation: Accurate portrayal is key to shifting public perception, fostering dialogue, and contributing to a more informed understanding of law enforcement.
Diverse Representation: He advocates for diverse representation within the roles, showcasing the realities of different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives within police forces.

Conclusion

This interview with Barry Ward provides invaluable insights into the complexities of playing police officers and navigating the challenging world of actor casting. His dedication to realism, nuanced character development, and collaborative spirit offer a masterclass for both aspiring and established actors. His thoughtful approach to portraying law enforcement underscores the importance of responsible storytelling and the potential for film and television to foster understanding. Continue exploring the fascinating world of film acting by searching for more interviews related to playing cops and the intricacies of actor casting.