Into The World Of Incels: Charlie Harris on "Blacklight"
Charlie Harris is an actor and writer, known for Into Dust (2014) and QK-Hilltop. Recently, he starred in the short film Blacklight, the fifth narrative short in the Amazon Exclusive anthology A Series of Light. We had the pleasure of chatting with Charlie about the role, life on set, and much much more!
A Series of Light is an anthology series which explores the darkest sides of humanity, through technology, connection, intimacy and heartbreak. Blacklight follows 20-year-old Adam as he feels relentlessly pushed down by his involuntary celibacy. He stews alone in isolation as his explicit fantasies become more deranged.
How did you hear about Oxygen Films and get involved in this project?
I heard about Oxygen Films from the director Gage Oxley. We go way back, all the way to school actually. He’s been nonstop in making films for as long as I’ve known him. We reconnected about a year ago and came up with a film idea and it just sort of went from there.
What resonated with you most about the script?
As I said, we both came up with the concepts of the film and how we would tackle them. Inceldom isn’t explored enough in mainstream media despite it being very prevalent online and in smaller subcultures and that for me was definitely what enticed me to take the film on. Not to say I resonate with inceldom though....
How did you prepare for the role and develop your character?
From the get-go, I was determined to research exactly how someone like my character would behave. Because the underworld of internet trolls and incels is so introverted, it’s very hard to know if you’ve met someone like that in person; so I started looking up specific groups and forums on Reddit, 4chan, etc, and actually made an account and joined those forums. Seeing specific posts filled with vitriol towards women helped me figure out exactly who this person was going to be. Again, very little is known about this arm of the internet but it really highlighted that film characters aren’t just that. They really exist.
Are there any fun or humorous tales from the set that you can tell us?
Despite playing a woman-hating, animal-abusing, short-tempered “manlet,” it was actually easy to remain calm and happy. I put this down to the professionalism of the crew and their ability to remain fun! Games of cards and board games going on whilst shooting were a high point, I think
What drew you to the performative arts? How did you fall in love with acting?
I’ve always loved performing. My first play was Bugsy Malone in year 4 at school. I played two smaller parts but the reactions from the audience was enough to spur 8-year-old me onto following the dream.
What are some tips you give those aspiring actors out there for how they can hone their craft?
I’d say throw yourself into it and don’t take yourself too seriously. Also don’t think too hard about it. Give yourself time in a scene, slow it down and have the audience anticipating what you’re going to do and they’ll love it. Basically, just don’t overthink it; listen to your director and follow the lines and the work will do itself.
Do you have any upcoming projects you can share with us?
Keep your eyes peeled for A Series Of Light: Season 2 coming 2021! I’ll be reprising my role of Adam. I can’t wait to get started on it because the world is going to seem so much richer. Watch out!
Wanna learn more about A Series of Light?! Check out the links below!
A Series of Light review
Gage Oxley On His Anthology A Series Of Light
Jack Parr on “Greenlight”
Jake Watkins On "Redlight"
Rochelle Naylor On "Whitelight"
James Coutsavlis On "Starlight"
Bruce Herbelin-Earle On "Limelight"
What do you think? We want to know. Share your thoughts and feelings in the comments section below, and as always, remember to viddy well!