Reda’s New Gig: A Comedy Called ‘Pirates’

I came across a preview of an upbeat British comedy movie named “Pirates”.  There is a familiar face in there.  Upon reading the credits, I noticed the name Reda Elazouar, a very talented young upcoming actor whose name is familiar to me. He is British-born and raised, but with Moroccan roots. He has had roles in the TV series «Baghdad Central», the movie «Outside the Wire», among other works.

“Pirates”, which was recently released, is about the journey of three teens from North London who head to South side of the city to celebrate the New Year and the new millennium. 

The planning called for one thing, but the journey has a mind of its own.  

The Guardian has described Elazouar’s performance as a “Scene-stealer” who “steals every scene.”   A real pirate he turned out. 

Here is more on actor Reda Elazouar and his movie “Pirates” in his own words:

What’s the movie Pirates about, and how did you get the role?

 Pirates is the shortest road-trip movie set on December 31st, 1999. It follows three close friends who are in a pirate radio crew called the Ice Cold Crew. They’re all from North London but want to go south to have the party of the year. However, it’s not as simple as that. They have to get tickets, clothes, food and deal with their coming-of-age.  

I got an email in mid-December 2019 asking to audition for Pirates. After the first audition, I had to wait until after the winter holidays, and I luckily got a recall. The final audition after that was a chemistry read. It was a full day of auditioning with different actors to see which combinations had the best chemistry. The moment I auditioned with Jordan and Elliot, we all clicked, and I had a strong feeling we’d be on set soon. I actually did a Netflix film called Outside the Wire with Elliot who plays Cappo in Pirates which helped with our chemistry.

What do you look for in a movie when asked to start in it? 

A good script and an interesting character. There’s an effortlessness to reading good scripts, and I know I’m engrossed when the script is exciting. I start to picture me being the character and the world they’re in.

What made you get into acting? When did you know acting is what you want to do? 

I loved performing and making people laugh from when I was young. It came quite naturally to me and I think my mum caught on that I wanted to sing, dance, and act. I watched lots of films when I was younger so I guess I put two and two together and realized this is what I wanted to do.

I knew that I wanted to act but training at RAaW London in Camden Town made me understand more about the craft. It was when I was training there that I learned more about what acting meant to me and why I had to do it.

What other acting gigs have you done prior to Pirates? 

I had done a few TV shows such as The Little Drummer Girl, Baghdad Central, and Eastenders which were all amazing experiences. I’ve done film as well but nothing in a lead capacity like Pirates which is why it’s such an important one for me.

Have you done other genres aside from comedy? 

I had actually never done any comedic Film/TV roles until Pirates. The other shows I’ve done have been mainly about conflict and war so this was a refreshing change of scenery.

Who’s your favorite actor, and which actors do you try to emulate? 

I have many actors I admire and respect and it grows as I watch more and more shows. I love the work of Daniel Kaluuya and can’t wait to see what he does next.  

I don’t try to emulate anyone, to be honest. I take a lot of advice from actors around me and from interviews but I’ve never seen myself as the next [insert actor]. 

Favorite movie or a movie you would have loved to have starred in? 

For my 5-year-old self, I have to say anything in the Potterverse.

Choose one:

London or New York?

London! 

A great movie or great TV series?

I watched The Prestige recently and loved it. 

Couscous or Fish and Chips?

I’m Moroccan so I HAVE to say couscous.  

Messi or Ronaldo?

I don’t watch football much so I couldn’t even tell you!

Future projects?

There are a few things in the pipeline at the moment and hopefully, I can speak more about them soon!

If you want to keep up-to-date, you can follow me on Instagram/Twitter: @redaelazouar.