How Northampton graduate broke into TV world with roles in Sex Education and new football drama

A man who graduated from the University of Northampton last year has gone onto land parts in a hugely popular small screen comedy and a new drama.

Sam Brown, who studied acting and creative practice, quickly landed a role in Netflix’s comedy series, Sex Education.

The 23-year-old played a supporting role selling masks in the first episode of the second series of the hit adolescent comedy.

Now Sam has gone onto secure a lead role in a forthcoming football drama, The Window, which will hit screens around the world in 2021.

The graduate said: “I do still have to pinch myself that things have started so well for me.

“To be a part of such a huge show was a brilliant experience, and then to progress to another TV production was a dream come true.

“I attended recall auditions in London, and had to travel there and back on five occasions on a bus, which took seven hours each way, because I didn’t have much money.

“It was a really long process over a couple of months, so when it was finally confirmed I was going to be in The Window, I admit I had a little cry with my mum and dad.

“Growing up in Saltburn (North Yorkshire), there’s nobody from around here that I know of who has gone on to be an actor. It’s just not what happens.”

In the drama, Sam will play Jordan, an up-and-coming young footballer from Merseyside, who tries to navigate his way through the world of a billion-pound industry.

He added: “I’m a Middlesbrough fan, through and through, so I know about the game, and I used to play football all the time, when I was growing up.

“My character’s from Liverpool, and that’s one accent I’d never even attempted.

“I was pretty bad at it, so my old coursemate from the University of Northampton, Joe Roberts, took the time to teach me, as he’s a Scouser.

“He was brilliant and helped me to nail it.”

Filming on location and abroad was not without its issues due to the pandemic, but Sam was working alongside professionals who have many accolades within the industry.

Sam said: “It was all going really well, but in April, we had to stop everything, because of the pandemic, which was really frustrating.

“Luckily, we were able to get back on location in July, to film the final two of the 10 episodes.

“I was so nervous meeting them because they have big reputations, and here I am, fresh out of uni and thinking I might not be able to do the job, I might not be up to it.

“But they were lovely, and did everything they could to help me, and after initially feeling out of my depth, I began to feel right at home.”

Now back home after filming, Sam is keeping his fingers crossed that UK viewers will get a chance to watch his latest role.

“I think it’s really suited for the UK market,” Sam continued.

“But now I am focusing on what to do next. I’d love to be in something of the same ilk as the BBC drama Normal People, that would be the dream.

“It has some really natural and heartfelt acting, covering so many topics, including mental health - that’s the sort of thing I would love to do.”

The Window is now being edited, and will shortly be launched to international TV and video on demand markets.

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