Latest news with #SamLocke
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Wales Online
Welsh star of 28 Years Later tipped to be Hollywood's 'next big thing'
Welsh star of 28 Years Later tipped to be Hollywood's 'next big thing' Sam Locke followed his gut to pursue his love of acting, and his determination is already paying off Sam Locke from Merthyr Tydfil is currently starring in 28 Years Later, the latest instalment in director Danny Boyle's series which is in cinemas now Sam Locke is reflecting on how his life is shifting after being tipped to be the next 'big thing' in Hollywood. After failing his A Levels - Drama was the only subject he managed to pass. He initially planned to retake the year and try again, but in a moment of unexpected clarity while sitting in a Wetherspoons, the boy from Merthyr Tydfil changed direction entirely. He chose to study drama and the rest was history, as he is currently starring in the hit film 28 Years Later as Jimmy Fox, who is part of a group known as 'The Jimmys,' who are featured prominently in the film, in the fast-paced horror story. The film, directed by Danny Boyle is centred around the breakdown of society after a deadly, rage-inducing virus is unleashed, focusing on the struggles of survivors to endure both the infected and the consequences of societal collapse. For the latest TV and showbiz gossip sign up to our newsletter It's already had a huge reaction with plenty of buzz surrounding its release in cinemas as the film, which has a large fan base as a sequel to 28 Days Later. But Sam has taken it all in his stride, noting when asked if he felt any pressure: 'Not really, thankfully. Any pressure in that context is a privilege anyway, in fact I invite it and hope to work on projects where I can feel bit of pressure, but I definitely feel that even If I was massively nervous, stepping on to set and being with Danny, my fellow actors and everyone else involved eased my nerves. 'Ultimately I'm immensely proud I am now etched into this franchise, I get to forever be affiliated with it, and represent Wales, and Merthyr at these heights.' Article continues below Back at home, Sam is often found frequenting his local pub, The Grawen Arms, on Brecon Road. Sam Locke says drama and acting have been an 'ever-present thing' in his life (Image: TwoCatsInTheYard Photography ) 'I find that keeps me grounded', he says. 'People in Merthyr, they like to remind you where you're from and remind you who you are and I'm incredibly grateful for that.' Relaxing, for Sam is seeing his friends and watching football, or walking in the valleys. A Liverpool fan, he usually catches up with the football with his mates at home or his grandfather. He adds: 'I use walking as a means to relax. It's grounding myself in nature but also just grounding myself in general because when filming for any project it puts you in lots of different environments.' Growing up, Sam attended Cyfarthfa High School, then later went on to study at college in Merthyr. He says drama and acting have been an 'ever-present thing' in his life, noting: 'I used to love it when it was on my timetable in the first year of high school. 'I just went into that class enjoying the making process and later studied A Level Drama, A Level Photography and A Level Film and I actually didn't do too well in Photography and Film but I excelled in Drama. 'Then I had like an ultimatum in Wetherspoons when I was literally sat there and had that metaphorical moment where you can choose one path which leads you to one place or go down another and you go somewhere else because I could have gone left and re-enrolled and done my A Levels again, or I had the chance to turn right and pursue full time performing arts. 'I was properly umm-ing and aah-ing on the second day of that new academic year and this was the final hour of my choice. And I ended up going to study the Performing Arts UAL at Merthyr College.' Sam recalled that within 15 minutes, he knew this was what he wanted to do full time, and hasn't looked back since. 'I'd tell my younger self to trust my gut a little bit more', he says. Sam Locke was born on April 12, 2001 'I'd be lying if I said I didn't want to pick that option more than the other one. That was the one I was leaning towards more.' Sam's first audition which he had come through was for Emmerdale which took him a back as he realised that more things were starting to happen for him. Since then, he says he's been seen for bigger roles and feels a 'real sense of accomplishment'. He explains: 'The work is doing the self tape, and the reward is the yes and getting the role.' Speaking to Sam, it's clear that his mindset and determination set him apart. As he reflects on all of the opportunities that have come his way, he is not taking any of it for granted. When asked how he works to maintain such a grounded mentality, he notes: 'I know I'm not alone in this industry and there are so many actors trying to - I don't want to say make it because I don't think making it is a thing - but there are so many people trying to do this as an occupation and putting so much effort in. 'I am one of them and I'll never stop but when you get those chances and those roles and those opportunities that you've been working for, enjoy them and never take them for granted and that makes the jobs sweeter. 'There was a slight bit of imposter syndrome I think at the start of every role but that quickly subsides and then you realise you're here for a reason.' Already known for playing PC Ryan in Michael Sheen's THE WAY for BBC1, as well as his most recent role in 28 Years Later, Sam has a number of projects in the pipeline ready to be released. But a highlight so far, he has pinpointed was working alongside the famous Danny Boyle. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Alfie Williams, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes and Danny Boyle attend the "28 Years Later" World Premiere (Image:) 'Working with Danny was for me a bucket list achievement', Sam says. 'The energy he brings to set is just amazing. He engages with you with a sort of gentle authority which I liked. I knew I was there to act in his movie, but by the way he interacted with me, he put me at so much ease and subconsciously reassured me. 'Something I picked up on which was quite interesting and entertaining to watch was when he'd be behind his monitor, ducking and diving from the action as if he's a consumer of his work; he wants and needs to believe his own work so much, and you can literally see when he does.' Speaking about the atmosphere on set, he added: 'I think given the size of the production and the profile of people within, it felt 'normal' or rather, comfortable - and again that's because of everyone involved. 'There was definitely excitement flowing through us, we were all so so pleased to be there, but there was a level of professionalism where we knew we were there to make a Danny Boyle & and Alex Garland film, though there were many times myself and some of my immediate cast would have discussions and get giddy over the fact we got here!' So far, the film has been well-received by critics who have commended its evolution from the original's intense horror to a more emotionally rich, character-focused story. The film broadens the scope of the '28' franchise as it has delved into themes like generational trauma and the lasting effects of the Rage virus, and while some people have noted that it lacks the raw terror of the first film, its thoughtful portrayal of human fears and striking use of the British landscape have been regarded as standout elements. Reflecting on the process his own character goes through and how he prepared for his role, Sam explains: 'In the literal sense, we had a week of stunt and combat training. 'This was very crucial to not only build up our stamina and endurance for the actions that we do in these films, but also to allow me, and my immediate cast to bond and gel as a unit. Director Danny Boyle, pictured in London attending a 20-year anniversary screening of 28 Days Later in 2022 (Image: Tim P. Whitby/Getty Images ) 'I think we all were appreciative of that intense training week. In terms of prep for the character, it was unique, it's a unique role as it is - always high octane and very hard to draw from personal experience, but I did find some reference characters to look into and to 'study' very loosely, because I wanted my performance to be instinctual, and looking back at it, my performance for the most part was exactly that. 'The training for one, definitely pushed me physically. It was demanding - I remember hurting my leg on one of the days and honestly it set me back mentally, having to reign it all in for a day or two but getting through that helped make me stronger. 'And another way it pushed me was getting to exercise that instinctual acting I talked about, a skill which I hadn't really thought about in great depth before through other projects, but it unlocked something and getting to that point of realisation pushed me.' Right now, it's evident that the 24-year-old is carrying some hard-earned lessons into every corner of his career. When asked what some of his biggest takeaways have been from people he's worked with so far, he notes: 'I'll give you three things; one being from Danny - I think he taught me that if you've been cast you're there for a reason. 'Be loose, have fun with it and don't take yourself seriously. The second being from Jack [O'connell] - I took from him to give it 100% when you're not the one being filmed, your co-actors need things to work from and draw off when the camera is just on them. Article continues below 'Jack was such a generous actor, he wanted everyone to get their best takes, and in doing that, he gave 100% every take. 'And lastly from Erin [Kellyman] her ability to do certain stunts like flips and somersaults, I can't say I learnt how to fully do it like her, but it's something I'd love to be able to do, I need more lessons.'
BBC News
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sam Locke did audition for Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later with nan
A 24-year-old Welsh actor says he recorded a self tape with his nan to land a role in a highly-anticipated post-apocalyptic horror Danny Boyle's new film 28 Years Later - the third in the series that began with 28 Days Later back in 2002 - was released in UK cinemas on new chapter of the story, starring Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes, features 24-year-old Sam Locke from Merthyr Tydfil, making his feature film Locke said his casting journey for the project had humble beginnings in Wales. He said he was visiting his grandmother, Wendy, when the call came in for the self-tape."We had a good time filming that, she read in for the roles," he told Behnaz Akhgar on BBC Radio added he was back with his nan, "in the same living room", when he got the good news that he had secured the job, nearly three months later."I was sat with my grandfather and he was telling me 'if you don't get the role, don't be disheartened' and literally about 10 minutes after my agent rang with the confirmation," he said."There was a lot of excitement."He said he would be watching the film on release day with his mother and some family friends, but would be sure to take his grandparents for a trip to the cinema said he was proud of everything he had achieved, but equally of his Merthyr roots."I pinch myself every day." 28 Years Later picks the story up as survivors find a way to exist among the infected after the Rage virus escaped a medical research is set on Holy Island, or Lindisfarne, a real-life island off the coast of north-east England."That's where the survivors of our story live and then it takes us onto the mainland many times, and you see what's lying over there," said warned this film, like those that came before it in the trilogy, was "very gory", adding he did not want to give too much away, but could reveal he plays a "minimal" role in this film - but one which helps set the plot up "for films going forward"."We're very energetic, we're very physical, and it's a conversation starter," he said."Luckily I'm quite active anyway," added the keen skateboarder and Liverpool FC fan."But we had a week of stunt training and that pretty much trained our endurance."It helped us gel together, my immediate cast. We needed that week, and you'll see why." He said he loved working with "film-making royalty" Danny Boyle, adding: "It's bucket list, for almost any actor, so when I found out I got it I did more research on him and was excited to work with him."But being on set, he said, was "a different kettle of fish"."He's got authority, but he's calm with it. He makes you feel comfortable," he said the premier in London on Wednesday, which was the first viewing of the finished film for him and some of the other supporting cast members, was "brilliant"."We were all blown away," he previously starred in the BBC series The Way - directed by Michael Sheen - while he was still a student."To be part of that, with so much Welsh talent… Michael Sheen's passion towards the project rubbed off on everyone involved."
Zawya
13-06-2025
- Business
- Zawya
South Africa: Glynt appoints Sam Locke as chief people officer
Glynt, formerly known as Tractor Media Holdings, has announced the appointment of Sam Locke as its new chief people officer. Sam Locke, newly appointed chief people officer at Glynt Locke brings with her a dynamic background in scaling startups and building people-first environments that drive both business performance and personal growth. With a career spent working across high-growth businesses, she has developed a reputation for cultivating organisational cultures that are agile, inclusive and deeply connected to purpose. 'As someone who thrives on contributing to something bigger than myself, I'm excited to play a role in shaping a culture at Glynt where people feel seen, supported, and proud of the work they do,' says Locke. 'I'm passionate about creating systems and experiences that empower people to grow and succeed – and ultimately bring out the best in themselves and their teams.' A qualified Enneagram practitioner, Locke is passionate about using self-awareness as a catalyst for both personal and professional development. Her focus at Glynt will be on strengthening the People Operations function, embedding scalable processes, and building a workplace that champions talent and culture as critical levers for success. Though new to the out-of-home (OOH) media industry, Locke believes her fresh perspective is an asset. 'I'm coming in with curious eyes and a people-first lens, which allows me to ask different questions and spot new opportunities. While I learn the rhythms of the OOH space, I'm focused on ensuring our internal operations are as forward-thinking and energised as the creative and commercial work we do externally.' Simon Wall, Group CEO of Glynt, says: 'Sam joins us at a pivotal moment as we evolve into a more unified, innovation-led group. Glynt is a media and innovation hub built to intelligently shape tomorrow – and to do that, we need a culture that's every bit as progressive as our strategy. Sam brings the human intelligence to match our tech-fuelled ambition. Her leadership will be instrumental in turning our internal ecosystem into one that reflects our purpose: moving beyond impressions toward meaningful impact and connection.' Outside of work, Locke is a proud mom to two young children, Finn and Ella, and wife to Andrew. She describes herself as a connector, natural problem-solver, and someone who finds joy in meaningful relationships – whether at home or in the workplace. 'I want Glynt to be known not just for what we do in the industry, but for how we do it – with heart, integrity and a people-first mindset,' she says.
South Wales Argus
25-04-2025
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Welsh actor Sam Locke starring in major studio productions
Sam Locke, who appeared in the BBC drama Best Interests alongside his fellow countryman, has finished filming two major studio productions. He is being tipped as one to watch in the next year. Despite his rising fame, Mr Locke proudly represents and still lives in the South Wales Valleys. His journey took an unexpected turn after failing his AS-levels. While pondering his future in a Spoons in Merthyr, he chose to pursue a full-time performing arts course instead of re-enrolling in sixth form—a decision that changed his life. Since then, he has honed his craft at De Montfort University and amassed a notable portfolio of screen and theatre work. Now, industry insiders are calling this his breakthrough year. Currently, the names of the upcoming films remain under wraps, but one is a long-awaited sequel. Mr Locke's journey from a young man in Merthyr with an uncertain future to a rising star in the film industry is a testament to his talent and determination.
