See online interviews with Luther actor and creator of TV epic Vikings

The Screen Talk series, showcasing leading figures in film and TV, took place last year as part of a programme celebrating the 10th anniversary of Bradford becoming the world’s first UNESCO City of Film.

The interviews, all filmed by students at the University of Bradford, cover a range of roles, from discussions with location managers who worked on shows such as Peaky Blinders, Gentleman Jack and Downton Abbey to the writer and creator of global TV hit Vikings, Michael Hirst, and an insight into the world of film finance with Anne Sheehan who supported films partly shot in Bradford such as The King’s Speech and more recently Official Secrets starring Kiera Knightley.

David Wilson, director of Bradford City of Film and the host of Screen Talk, said: “I’m delighted that we’re able to use the footage shot last year to bring the experiences of experts to a whole new audience at a time when so many schools, colleges and universities are working online. There’s a lot of information in these discussions which will prove valuable for anyone who might want a future career in the film or TV industries, or has a general interest in how films and TV productions are made. All the participants have a direct connection to Bradford in some way.

“In addition to the work we do to support film and TV production in the region, we also work in UNESCO film cities across the world, and this series enables us to share experience of UK production approaches with colleagues in Italy, Spain, Japan, China and many other countries. We had brilliant feedback from our recent interactive live session highlighting Bradford’s film heritage. There is a positive drive from UNESCO designations worldwide to ensure that culture and creativity are high on the agenda as we emerge from this pandemic.”

On the City of Film website today at 11am, and live streaming on Facebook, is the Enzo Cilenti Screen Talk. Born in Bradford to Italian parents, Enzo has worked as an actor, producer and director in TV, film and theatre in the UK and America for over 20 years. His television credits include The Cops, Spooks 2, Rome, No Angels, N.C.I.S, House MD, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, Grantchester, Les Misérables and Luther – he was the serial killer heart surgeon in the 2019 series. His film work includes 24 Hour Party People, In The Loop, Kick-Ass 2, The Theory Of Everything and The Martian.

He fell into acting at Bradford Grammar School, because “it felt anarchic”. “My first role was a woman called Cora Crumpet. I was nine,” Enzo told the T&A. “The school was contacting alumni to raise funds for a new rugby pitch. David Hockney who, like me, didn’t trouble the rugby pitch much at BGS, sent a painting, to be sold on condition the school would open a theatre as well. I was in the inaugural production at the Hockney Theatre.

“In a school big on rugger, a couple of teachers really pushed drama. Without them, and Hockney, I wouldn’t be an actor.”

Enzo’s grandparents ran the Italia Cafe in Great Horton, a place much loved (and still missed) for its legendary fry-ups and Italian home-cooking, where regulars included students, lorry drivers and New Model Army. Enzo, 45, served in the family-run cafe as a teenager.

“My family are still in Bradford, it’s where my heart is and I get back when I can for City games,” he said. “When you see Bradford, with its wonderful architecture, through a film-maker’s eyes, it’s stunning. I loved filming Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell there. City of Film is incredible for Bradford, not just bringing filming in but its work within communities too.

“When I was 11 I was at the Bradford City fire. I remember, in the aftermath, an incredible sense of community, the city coming together. It’s my strongest childhood memory. It instilled a huge sense of pride in me, to come from Bradford.”

He decided to try for an acting career after graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in French and Spanish. “I told myself if I got the first role I auditioned for I’d take it seriously.” That role was Kenickie in Grease, later followed by crime drama Trial and Retribution. Today he’s known to Game of Thrones fans as slave trader Yezzan zo Qaggaz. “It changed TV, but at its heart it’s about telling the story,” said Enzo.

Next in the Screen Talk series is Michael Hirst, creator of TV epic and global hit Vikings. Another BGS former pupil, Michael also wrote TV’s The Tudors and the film Elizabeth, starring Cate Blanchett.

l Visit bradford-city-of-film.com. You can also catch interviews with location managers Jamie Sumner, who has worked on Peaky Blinders, Victoria, The ABC Murders, Emmerdale, the Dad’s Army film and Testament of Youth, Leon Seth, who scouted locations for the Downton Abbey film, and Jonathan Davis who has worked on productions in Bradford including Ackley Bridge and DCI Banks.