Interview: Barry Ward On Playing Cops And Casting

Aria Freeman

5 min read

Post on May 21, 2025

4.9

Share

Barry Ward's Approach to Playing Cops

Barry Ward's dedication to realism shines through in his portrayal of police officers. His approach to these roles isn't simply about memorizing lines; it's a deep dive into the realities of police work. This meticulous preparation ensures authenticity and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

• Immersive Research: Ward's commitment to understanding the role goes beyond script study. He often engages in extensive research, including:

  • Ride-alongs: Spending time with officers on patrol to observe their daily routines and interactions.
  • Interviews with officers: Gathering firsthand accounts and perspectives on the job's challenges and rewards.
  • Studying police procedures: Understanding the legal frameworks and operational protocols.

• Ethical Considerations: Portraying a police officer ethically is paramount for Ward. He acknowledges the sensitive nature of the role and the potential impact on public perception. This understanding guides his interpretation, ensuring a balanced and nuanced portrayal.

• Balancing Realism and Dramatic Interpretation: Ward masterfully balances the need for realistic depiction with the demands of dramatic storytelling. He explains that while accuracy is crucial, the character still needs to be compelling and engaging for the audience. He doesn't aim for a documentary-style representation, but rather a truthful and impactful one within the fictional narrative.

• Notable Roles and Unique Approaches: Ward has played a variety of police officers, each with a distinct personality and backstory. He discusses how his approach varies depending on the script and director's vision, highlighting the importance of collaboration and understanding the specific context of each character. For example, in one role he may focus on the physicality and tactical skills, while in another he emphasizes the emotional toll of the job and the internal conflicts of the character.

The Challenges of Casting in Film and Television

The casting process itself presents significant hurdles for actors, particularly those aiming for roles like police officers. Ward offers invaluable insights based on his own experiences.

• Auditions and Feedback: Ward shares anecdotes about his own auditions, highlighting the competitiveness and the subjective nature of the process. He emphasizes the importance of preparation, understanding the director's vision, and effectively conveying the character's essence within a limited timeframe. He stresses the crucial feedback he receives from casting directors shapes his performances in subsequent auditions.

• Diversity and Inclusion: Ward passionately advocates for greater diversity and inclusion in casting. He believes it's essential to move beyond stereotypical portrayals and represent the rich diversity within law enforcement. He discusses the need for more opportunities for actors from underrepresented groups to portray police officers, thus offering more authentic and relatable representations on screen.

• Avoiding Stereotypes: Ward discusses the common stereotypes surrounding police characters – the hardened veteran, the corrupt officer, the rookie struggling to find their footing – and how crucial it is to avoid perpetuating them. He highlights the importance of creating well-rounded, complex characters that move beyond simplistic tropes.

• Physical and Skill Demands: Securing roles often requires more than just acting talent. Ward points out the physical demands, particularly for action scenes, often requiring extensive physical training, further narrowing the pool of eligible actors. This can disproportionately affect actors from certain demographics who may not have access to the same resources or opportunities for training.

The Evolution of Police Characters on Screen

The portrayal of police officers on screen has undergone a significant transformation, mirroring broader societal shifts and evolving perspectives on law enforcement.

• Changing Portrayals Over Time: From the heroic figures of classic Hollywood to the more complex and morally ambiguous characters of contemporary cinema, Ward notes a dramatic shift in how police officers are depicted. This evolution reflects changing social attitudes towards law enforcement and increased awareness of issues like police brutality and racial bias.

• Influence of Social and Political Issues: Ward discusses the profound influence of social and political issues on the portrayal of police characters. Events like the Black Lives Matter movement and ongoing discussions about police reform have undoubtedly impacted how these roles are written and interpreted.

• Actor Responsibility: Ward stresses the significant responsibility actors have in portraying police officers accurately and ethically. He emphasizes the need for thoughtful consideration of the societal impact of their performances and the potential to reinforce or challenge existing stereotypes. He suggests actors should be mindful of perpetuating harmful biases and actively seek roles that foster a more nuanced and balanced understanding.

• Examples of Successful and Unsuccessful Portrayals: Ward cites specific films and television shows that have successfully or unsuccessfully portrayed police officers, illustrating the impact of effective and ineffective casting choices and script writing. He discusses how these portrayals shaped public perception and influenced the broader conversation around law enforcement.

Conclusion

This interview with Barry Ward provided valuable insights into the complexities of playing cops on screen and the challenges inherent in the casting process. Ward's dedication to research and realistic portrayal, combined with his insightful commentary on the industry, offers a compelling perspective on the evolution of police characters in film and television. His commitment to ethical representation and advocacy for diversity and inclusion sets a strong example for the industry as a whole.

Call to Action: Want to learn more about Barry Ward's acting career and his unique perspective on playing cops? Check out his filmography and stay tuned for future interviews. Learn more about the evolution of police characters in film with further reading and explore how casting choices impact societal perceptions of law enforcement. Understanding the complexities of portraying police officers on screen, and the challenges faced in casting, is crucial to fostering more accurate and responsible representations in the media.