"Swagger" actor James Bingham's on his nascent career.
When a worldwide casting search is sent out, you better believe that whoever is picked has something very special about them, just the right mix between charisma, looks, presence, talent, and that extra bit of luck lets you know that the chosen actor is on the path to become a household name.
Such is the case of Australian actor James Bingham. Born and raised in Perth, WA. he began acting at the age of 8 in the role of "Kurt Von Trapp" in local production for The Sound Of Music. This experience led him to enroll in Ali Roberts Studio to pursue and refine this new passion. Over the years, James would have roles in musicals and several short films, including "Reece" supporting role of ‘Reece’ in the drama short “Sentence.” This short was Filmed in an actual juvenile prison, which afforded him the opportunity to talk to some of the detainees to help him with his role.
Today, James can be seen as ‘Drew’ in Apple+ TV's "Swagger". The series draws inspiration from the life of NBA super Star Kevin Durant in the world of youth basketball, examining the lives, ambitions dramas and temptations of the players, their families, and coaches.
Besides acting, James is also a talented singer/songwriter, buffing up his creative profile by a huge margin. Who knows, maybe one day we'll be talking about his music as well, but for now, we've an interview to show you:
Tell us a bit about what made you try out for Apple TV's "Swagger"?
When I first read the script, I knew that it had such a powerful message to be told and at a significant time. I also liked the idea of challenging myself to become a real athlete and not just an actor. The process really appealed to me!
What can you tell us about your Character, Drew?
Drew is a fun-loving skilled three point shooter for the Seat Pleasant Grind team. He comes from a more affluent part of town but doesn’t have any trouble fitting in. He brings a great energy to the team and each scene.
We know you play Aussie Football back home, but do you play a lot of basketball or did you need coaching for it?
I’ve always played basketball with my mates but I never really took it seriously, I always found it as an excuse to have a catch-up or meet some new people, therefore I was never a standout player. For Swagger I had to train for six weeks before we started filming because I wasn't up to an AAU standard but my coaches and the training really helped me improve.
I still play for a local league and my school team.
You're spending some time in the U.S. for the audition and now filming and you're planning to move full time to L.A. What's the experience of the country been like for you so far?
I really love it over here, I feel like it’s an environment that can really build a solid foundation for you when chasing your dreams. So far, all my experiences in the states have been quite surreal and every time I’m over here I get excited for the future. I’m looking forward to spending more time in the US and seeing where opportunities take me.
This is your first U.S. role, but you've experienced acting in your Native Australia before. Do you feel like the dynamics are very different?
Overall I think the dynamics are quite similar but the environment that is created on set is different. There are so many more moving parts on a larger set, more people, better equipment so I think that changes the dynamic as well however the work ethic doesn't change.
You played Reece in the short drama "Sentence" which was filmed in a currently-active Juvenile prison, giving you the chance to talk to some of these young men. What were your biggest take-aways from that experience?
When I talked to these young men, I learnt that a split second decision can really change your life for the worse. Every person I talked to opened up and it made me realise that they are normal teenagers that just made mistakes or grew up less fortunate to others. Don’t get me wrong I'm not supporting their acts but you could see that they really wanted to be better and start a new life. It was such a personal experience that I'm lucky to have had.
You're not just an actor, you're also a musician. What's your sound currently like? Can we hear your music online?
I love writing and playing music and I'm always jamming with my mates. Currently, I don't have any music available online but I am working on finding my own sound that hopefully people can connect with. John Mayer is a big inspiration to me and I think he has a big influence on my own music.
Is music also something you want to pursue alongside your acting career or do you feel it's a secondary artistic pursuit?
Whilst acting is my main focus, music has always been something I've taken seriously and I definitely see it being more than a hobby. I’m not sure when I will release an album or an EP but it’s a field I'd like to explore in the near future.
Bonus Round. Short answers only
Favorite Movie?
Shawshank Redemption
Favorite Icecream flavor?
Cookies and Cream
Something you like about yourself?
I can take a joke
A word, sentence, or phrase you hate to hear.
What’s your plan B?
Name your ideal vacation spot:
Greece
You get to bring back something that's fallen out of style or is no longer being made:
Flip phones
Photo Credits:
MEET THE AUTHOR
Samuel Aponte is Venezuelan-born raised and based.
I joined Rival Magazine after a few years of doing PR work for independent musicians of all stripes; understanding their struggles to be heard in a sea of constant ADHD noise and paywalled access to platforms, I now bring a willingness to always appreciate and encourage the effort and creativity that artists put into their work . Can also find some of my writings on LADYGUNN and We Found New Music.