Phillip Ray Tommy has appeared in countless films performing some of the big screen’s most dare-devil stunts – but he’s always had the dream to produce and direct his own movies right here in his home city. His first, Lotus, is due to be released this summer and has Birmingham front and centre of the action 

Cage fighter, stuntman, actor – and now filmmaker. Phillip Ray Tommy has pretty much been there, done that, and got the tee. The proud Brummie has even appeared in a movie with Tom Cruise, admittedly as an extra, but that was in the very early days of a career that has seen him travel the world since. Big Phill, as he is known in the business, cites the chance of being up close to the Mission Impossible legend as a “moment of inspiration, really triggering my passion for acting”.

We spoke with Phill just a few hours before he was due to jet off to the prestigious Berlin Film Festival to promote his new full-length feature, Lotus, which has Birmingham front and centre of the action. Phill both stars in, directs and co-produces the movie with Alan McQueen, which he says unashamedly has our great city as the backdrop to a story which centres around the lead character of John, an ex-special forces agent, whose attempts to protect an old friend puts him in the crosshairs of a dangerous drug plot in the heart of Birmingham.

CRIME AND CORRUPTION

Pitted against rival gangs and corrupt police, John must use his special set of skills to save those that he loves and dismantle a looming criminal operation. “Tonally its John Wick, Luther The Raid and Mission Impossible mixed with a little Gangs of London but set in Brum,” says Phill.

He adds: “To my knowledge Lotus is the first action feature film set and made in Birmingham. I’ve worked on plenty of films around the world but only ever had one filming job take place in Brum. So, I make films – previously short films – to show how amazing the city and surrounding areas can be, as well as provide opportunities to some of the terrific local talent that may not be able to get to London to work in film.” Sales for the film are being handled by UK-based Screenbound International, and the initial industry launch is at the Berlin Film Festival. “We’re aiming for a cinema run following that, with the premiere in Birmingham, of course!” adds Phill.

Lotus is very much about showcasing Birmingham and some of the surrounding areas as a viable and exciting place to make ambitious genre films. Phill says: “Birmingham has an image of being a grey and grim city, but that’s not the reality at all. There’s so much to admire here, from the beautiful countryside around it to the wonderful cultural centres in town. It’s a city that’s really untapped in term of its resources. I’m aiming to change all that – it’s a great place to film action movies!”

CAGE FIGHTING

Phill started out in martial arts. “I went all around the country doing stunt shows,” he says. “I’ve done cage fighting too.” He got into film work as a stunt performer and has appeared in the likes of The Expend4bles, The King’s Man and in TV productions including Ben Hur and Gangs of London. But he says he always knew that he didn’t just want to do stunt work and acting, but that he “needed to create”. He started making his own, short, films after sustaining an injury. “I began with short films but knew that I would make feature films. When you are on the right path you just know that it is going to work out.”

Getting the finance to make Lotus proved challenging. “I applied everywhere, left, right and centre but in the end, I decided I would self-finance and came together with some really good mates who chipped in. When I do something which I believe in, I am totally committed, so making this film meant everything. In fact, I already have the sequel, Lotus 2, in the pipeline ready to go. I guess I’m a bit of a workaholic, always looking to the next thing to do. I am still acting with bits and pieces, all stunt work. Last year I was working on Spiderman. But as any actor knows, work isn’t a regular planned thing in our business. The good thing is that means that I’m home with my 11-year-old son who I adore. I hated being away from him, so filming Lotus completely in Birmingham meant I was here for him all the time.”

MOVIE MOVEMENT

Lotus 2 will also be totally Birmingham-based. “Our city is so beautiful that I want to continue to showcase it,” said Phill. Filming in Brum also has some lovely spin-offs, as Phill has been able to open up the business of how a movie is made to the huge well of young talent in the area. “We’ve had students come to help and see what we’re doing,” he explains. “And they are buzzing with what they’ve seen. It’s really game-changing for them.”

Phill is optimistic that Lotus will provide the impetus for a movie movement in Brum. He points in particular to the growth of TV and creatives in areas such as Digbeth. “Success for Lotus will hopefully see more film shoots taking place in Birmingham, with more jobs and opportunities available for all of our incredibly talented, creative local people,” he says.

And leaving us with that intriguing thought, Phill prepared for his trip to Berlin, to be followed with more promotional visits to the Hong Kong Film Festival this month and the Cannes Film Festival in May ahead of the release of Lotus in the summer. The action truly never stops for Brum’s very own action man…