2009 Exclusive Interview with Matt Holmes (Swain)

1. In the future will we see more scenes between Swain, Sally and Chloe? A second baby perhaps?
I hope so.  But one of the major themes of Navy life is the amount of time spent away from their families.  This is always a struggle for Swain.  But I’d love to explore the relationship with his daughter.
2. How similar are you to the character of “Swain” and how has your job on Sea Patrol influenced your life?
I guess we’re both pretty laid back people who think with our hearts as opposed to our heads.  Working on the show has certainly given me a greater appreciation for what our Navy go through!
3. How do you relieve tension on set?
Humour plays a massive role in our filming.  We are blessed to have a cast and crew who really enjoy what we do, so we have a lot of fun.
4. Given that some of the original cast members are not returning to Sea Patrol in Season 4, do you think there will be a shift in the team dynamic?  Do you feel like you are missing someone from your family due to the huge amount of time you had spent together?
Whenever you lost cast members, it’s always like losing a lib, and yes they are all missed.  But at the same time it introduces new people into the mix and our new cast are fitting in very well.
5. Which cast member is most like their on-screen character?
Kristian Schmid (R.O.) – but don’t tell him I said that!!!
6. What advice can you offer to anyone wanting to get into acting?
The actress Penny Cook once said to me “If you can think of anything else you’d like to do, do it.  But if you really love it that much, then dream as big as you can and go chase it!”.  Also, surround yourself with like-minded people.  Best ideas bounce around that way!
7. If you were stuck in a hostage situation, which character would you most want to have by your side? Why?
I guess Buffer was always good for that, but I also think Robert would be great because he’s probably smart enough to think of a way out.
8. What attracted you to Sea Patrol in the beginning?
Firstly, the opportunity to be part of a new show and be part of the process of creating a cast dynamic.  Then of course, location, location, location!  Not many film sets have the view we do!
9. Do you ever dislike what the writers do to your character? Do you feel that you “know” your character most intimately and that what’s being written doesn’t always work?
I guess sometimes. Some situations you feel that your character wouldn’t say those lines, but then again in television the character is always being created, so in each new series subtle things change, and that keeps it fresh.
10. Are there any aspects of Swain’s character you’d like to see change or evolve?
I really enjoyed Swain’s journey in Series 3 of becoming more physical in some episodes.  I think it’s a nice contrast to the caregiver, who is trying to fix people.

sp-s2-swain1. In the future will we see more scenes between Swain, Sally and Chloe? A second baby perhaps?

I hope so.  But one of the major themes of Navy life is the amount of time spent away from their families.  This is always a struggle for Swain.  But I’d love to explore the relationship with his daughter.

2. How similar are you to the character of “Swain” and how has your job on Sea Patrol influenced your life?

I guess we’re both pretty laid back people who think with our hearts as opposed to our heads.  Working on the show has certainly given me a greater appreciation for what our Navy go through!

3. How do you relieve tension on set?

Humour plays a massive role in our filming.  We are blessed to have a cast and crew who really enjoy what we do, so we have a lot of fun.

4. Given that some of the original cast members are not returning to Sea Patrol in Season 4, do you think there will be a shift in the team dynamic?  Do you feel like you are missing someone from your family due to the huge amount of time you had spent together?

Whenever you lose cast members, it’s always like losing a limb, and yes they are all missed.  But at the same time it introduces new people into the mix and our new cast are fitting in very well.

5. Which cast member is most like their on-screen character?

Kristian Schmid (R.O.) – but don’t tell him I said that!!!

6. What advice can you offer to anyone wanting to get into acting?

The actress Penny Cook once said to me “If you can think of anything else you’d like to do, do it.  But if you really love it that much, then dream as big as you can and go chase it!”.  Also, surround yourself with like-minded people.  Best ideas bounce around that way!

7. If you were stuck in a hostage situation, which character would you most want to have by your side? Why?

I guess Buffer was always good for that, but I also think Robert would be great because he’s probably smart enough to think of a way out.

8. What attracted you to Sea Patrol in the beginning?

Firstly, the opportunity to be part of a new show and be part of the process of creating a cast dynamic.  Then of course, location, location, location!  Not many film sets have the view we do!

9. Do you ever dislike what the writers do to your character? Do you feel that you “know” your character most intimately and that what’s being written doesn’t always work?

I guess sometimes. Some situations you feel that your character wouldn’t say those lines, but then again in television the character is always being created, so in each new series subtle things change, and that keeps it fresh.

10. Are there any aspects of Swain’s character you’d like to see change or evolve?

I really enjoyed Swain’s journey in Series 3 of becoming more physical in some episodes.  I think it’s a nice contrast to the caregiver, who is trying to fix people.

Thanks to Hal and Di McElroy and Matt Holmes.

Categories: Interviews