Barry Bradford (Safe - 2011)
By Matt J. Horn
June 5, 2012

I recently got the chance to talk to Barry Bradford about his role in Jason Statham's new movie, 'Safe'. Here, Barry talks about how he got involved in the project and what it was like working with the cast and crew on-set...

Hey Barry. Thanks for taking the time out to talk to me about your new film, 'Safe'. What's the general plotline surrounding the film?

The plot centers around Luke Wright (Jason Statham) rescuing a Chinese math prodigy from the hands of Asian triads, Russian mobsters and crooked NYC law enforcement.

Tell us a bit about the character you play in the movie…

I play Detective Benoit. Part of a group of detectives that were formerly aligned with Luke – (Jason) before he double crossed us. We're pocketing large sums of shakedown money around NY. Benoit is a BADASS!

How did you get involved in the project in the first place?

I met our genius director Boaz Yakin on the Basketball Court at the Reebok Sports Club in NY some years ago. Boaz by the way is a very good jump shooter but Barry Bradford is a stud on the hoops court. I have footage to prove it. I was aware of his previous work and I told him I would love the chance to work with him in the future. He told me the next time that he was doing something I was right for he would have me in to read. Boaz, true to his word had me read for 'Safe' when the audition process started. I made sure I was well prepared and now you have Barry Bradford portraying Detective Benoit in 'Safe'! Thank GOD!

How would you say this film is different and unique?

This film is different in the fact that most action or heroic type films usually have some type of love interest for the main character, but rest easy this is Jason Statham at his finest. This is truly one of his best roles.

The film stars Jason Statham, Catherine Chan, Robert John Burke, James Hong, Anson Mount, Chris Sarandon and Joseph Sikora – with Boaz Yakin onboard as director – what was it like working with the cast and crew on-set? Any good anecdotes?

This was one of the greatest experiences of my career from the entire cast to Boaz – (director), producers, Lawrence Bender, Joseph Zolfo, as well as the crews, camera, lighting, grips, PA's, and the legendary custom designer Ann Roth. They were all a pleasure to work with and I hope for the opportunity to work with them again in the future. Quick story: Robert John Burke who played Captain Wolf was like our Dad away from home meaning, when we detectives would go out to eat he would pay like a proud Dad. Robert John Burke is a class act. I have learned a lot from him on and off the set and consider him a friend.

Let's talk a bit about you Barry. What made you want to get into the industry in the first place?

I knew from early on that I either wanted to be a professional basketball player or an actor. When my beloved Knicks didn't call, I turned all my attention to becoming an actor. I knew I wanted to be some kind of entertainer. I work hard but I also have a God-given ability for acting.

What advice would you give to anyone wanting to pursue a career in the industry?

The first bit of advice I would give any aspiring actors is to have complete confidence in yourself. Secondly, you would have a strong resistance to the word NO. I have been told no many times, but my confidence never wavered. One YES can overpower any number of times you've been rejected. Lastly, make sure you are PREPARED! When opportunity KNOCKS be READY! If you put these components stated above, you can't miss.

You've had a number of roles in different films and TV series – which actors have been your favourites to work with so far and why? Any good stories?

My favourite actor I've worked with is Kevin Costner. I worked with Kevin in 1998 on 'Love Of The Game' with Sam Raimi. The reason I say this is because Kevin at the time was Hollywood hottest leading actor and he treated us actors as equals. He made the set an enjoying experience every single day for two months. Also, this was my first taste of real Hollywood treatment. First Class air travel, chafer driven trips, per diems, and five-star hotel accommodations.

The second story is when I was directed by Spike Lee in the Sprite commercials with Kobe Bryant. Spike really let me do my thing and I have always been grateful. I remember it like it was yesterday. He walked up to me on the day of the shoot and asked me if I was ready, and I said, "I'm from Brooklyn I was born ready." And Spike replied, that's what I figured. Those are two of my favourite experiences.

If you could have dinner with three guests – (living or dead), who would you choose and why?

Jesus Christ, my late Mom Hilda and Jackie Robinson.

• Jesus because he is about love and sacrifice. The epitome of what we all should strive to be SELFLESS!

• MY Mom because I would love one more chance to tell her I love her. AND TO THANK HER FOR ALL SHE did for me and my family. I REALLY miss her. But I feel her spirit.

• Jackie Robinson for what he endeared for all people. His courage and class is a lesson to all of us. He transcends race creed and colour.

What is your favourite holiday destination and why?

ANY part of the Caribbean Islands because the weather, the warmth of the people and the food!

What is your favourite word?

INTEGRITY! Because it encompasses class, character, trust and loyalty. ALL of the things we should strive to be. If you have integrity you have it all.

What's coming up for you in 2012?

I am hoping to get a lead role in a movie. I BELIEVE I am ready for this. I ALSO need a new agent because I firmly believe if I get the right agent I will make it to the top of the industry. The good thing about me making it to the top is that I will bring as many people as I can with me. THE TRUE measure of success is not in awards , trophies or statues but in how many people you help along the way! That is the best way to be remembered. A LEGACY OF HELPING. There are many people who just need a chance to show what they can do. I also am hoping to really get my www.keepitrealproductions.com company moving great! Thank you for having me. The best is yet to come!

Thanks for the interview!