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The Staffa Corner Podcast
Episode 28
Guest: Nathan Clark Sapsford
My guest this episode is former Australian MTV VJ turned-actor Nathan Clark Sapsford.
Stapsford recounts his journey from the sunny shores of Bronte, Sydney, to the bustling streets of Los Angeles.
Hear about his first major production, Here Be Dragons, and the lessons he learned both in front of the camera and behind the scenes.
Through his portrayal, Nathan hopes to shed light on a significant yet often overlooked part of history and bring awareness and empathy to US audiences.
From the production hurdles faced during the global pandemic to the joy of collaborative storytelling in Los Angeles, Nathan’s experiences offer a fascinating window into the world of acting and filmmaking.
Join us for an insightful conversation that celebrates the art of filmmaking and the power of stories to connect us all.
Here Be Dragons arrives on streaming platforms on August 16.
A quick review of Here Be Dragons.
Written & Directed by Alastair Newton Brown
Starring – Nathan Clark Sapsford, Slobodan Bestic, Marija Bergam, Svetislav Goncic, Igor Filipovic, Zoran Pajic
2.5 of 4 Stars
Here Be Dragons marks Alastair Newton Brown’s directorial debut. The film opens during a tense prisoner exchange in 1993, introducing key characters like David (Nathan Clark Sapsford) and setting the films gripping tone before leaping 25 years forward.
David, now a war crimes investigator at The Hague, is haunted by his past. He sets out for modern-day Serbia, determined to bring war criminals to justice.
Admittedly, my knowledge of the Bosnian Genocide is limited. Unlike WWII films, which often evoke immediate emotional connections with familiar symbols and patriotic music, it took me some time to become emotionally invested in this story. However, once I began viewing Here Be Dragons as more of a revenge-thriller than a political/war drama, I truly started to appreciate Brown’s narrative.
Sapsford beautifully conveys the toll that years at war have taken on his character. However, key character development feels missing throughout the film. I wished the writers had invested more time developing significant characters before the time jump.
While I’m sure the creators of Here Be Dragons would have loved a wide theatrical release in the US, releasing it directly to streaming platforms will likely yield greater success. This format allowed me to pause and look up information, which enhanced my understanding and enjoyment of the film.
Far from perfect, Here Be Dragons is an enjoyable international thriller akin to the Bourne films, albeit without all the hand-to-hand combat. The film does enough to draw you in and make you want to better understand the events surrounding the story.
I, for one, am excited to see Alastair Newton Brown’s next film as well as Sapsford’s next role.
Here Be Dragons is set to make its North American debut August 16th.
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Greg Staffa
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