Scott Haran
Wizards Vs Aliens was one of the BBC’s biggest family shows this year, the latest Russell T Davies creation to make sci-fi for the whole clan.
At the heart of the show was Scott Haran, who pulled off his first leading TV role with aplomb. We talked to the actor before the release of series one on DVD about his time on the show.
So tell us a bit about your character Tom.
Tom is the central character of the show and a secret wizard. He’s kind of the typical cool kid. He lives a pretty normal teenage life, apart from the fact of being a wizard. He’s good at sports, popular with friends, he’s a good all-rounder.
What’s it like being a massive part of the latest Russell T Davies show?
For me and Percy, this is our first big thing. To be on such a big scale production, being involved with the whole Sarah Jane Adventures team and Russell T Davies, you just feel privileged. I still think how lucky I am. I still can’t believe it’s actually happened. It’s a real feeling of gratefulness, plus being a wizard is quite fun. I do get a few jokes here and there, but it’s great to know that you’re a wizard for a few months of the year.
Did seeing their connection to the show make you want to do it?
Well, at the audition I knew it was a Russell T Davies project but I didn’t know the whole Sarah Jane Team was going to be involved until I was just about to start filming. When I heard though that it was that team though, it just installed confidence in you. You knew you were in good hands and that everyone was going to try their hardest and it was going to work. That was a really nice feeling to have.
Did having such an experienced crew help you out?
Yeah, it did. Like I said, you just felt like you were in good hands and everyone on the team was just so good. They’d all been there before and they made everyone, especially me and Percy feel capable and comfortable. They played a big part in making me and Percy feel professional.
What can you tell us about series two?
I don’t really know that much yet about it. I know we’re filming next year and hopefully they’ll be many more series than just the two.
What have the reactions been like so far to the show?
I’ve only seen a few reactions, but they’ve all been really, really nice. I hope the show’s gone down well, but the reaction at the moments been positive and in the way we hoped it to go. I think eveyone’s seen the potential the show has an how good a show it can be and how much it’s got to offer?
So what’s next for you then apart from more Wizards Vs Aliens?
I’ve been working on my accent. That’s a big ambition on mine, to go to America and get work there as well as over here. I’m working with voice coach, so it’s a lot of practice and breaking stuff down to get a grip on it. I’m not a hundred per cent there, but hopefully I’ll get there. So I’ve been developing that in a few classes here and there, auditioning for some other projects looking forward to next year.
Check back in tomorrow when we talk to Scott’s co-star Percelle Ascott.
Wizards Vs Aliens is available on DVD and Blu-Ray from 31 December, courtesy of FremantleMedia Enterprises
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Tagged in Doctor Who TV Russell T Davies