Chaos Rising is an epic fantasy-action film drawing inspiration from the rich and immersive Warhammer universe.  The film is a proudly independent and ambitious project from combat experts whose skills have featured in Outlander, Game of Thrones and projects by Ridley Scott. I (virtually) caught up with with Patrick Cappaloff Fowler who plays the character of Florian, for a chat and sent him the Spending Time With…questions. Check out those, and of course Patrick’s answers

Can you tell us a bit more about your character in Chaos Rising? 

I describe Florian as a perfect example of “the devil you know is better than the devil you don’t”. The villains at
the gates are despicable but Florian is only slightly less bloodthirsty; he’s separated from them only by his
cause. He’s a fine fighter and implacable in the face of danger but he’s not quite ready for what strikes over the
course of Chaos Rising and has got a whole lot to learn about inspiring faith in his followers.

What was it like filming in location in Scotland and the Lake District? 

Cold! Getting into the mindset of a grumpy, furious knight was always easy when donning my costume soaking
wet and freezing cold from the previous night. I love to play pretend and as nasty and relentless as the dark and
the weather was it always made inhabiting the events very easy, especially out in the wilderness behind the
walls of Duncarron.

Do you have any props or keepsakes from the film that you have kept?

I happen to still have my script which was never far away on set! Dog eared, creased and warped by the rain I
think it’s a fantastic souvenir of the shoot.

Do you own any movie geek-type collectibles? 

I’m a massive horror movie fan and I would say the coolest piece of geek memorabilia I have is a limited edition
exact replica of the Mr Babadook book from The Babadook. It’s very creepy and rarely leaves the bookshelf
where I keep it! Australians make some really exceptional horror movies, so I’m chuffed to have a slice of that
industry.

If you had to make a bucket list of people you’d love to work with, tell us one name who would be on it?

This one is really tricky as I’m such a film fan. The obvious answer for something linked to Chaos Rising is Henry
Cavill, but personally I would say either Denis Villeneuve or Jon Bernthal. Denis is the finest director in the
business today and even to be shot by him for a single scene would be a bucket list moment. Jon Bernthal is one of my favourite screen actors, he’s had a career path I dream of and carries himself with such an easy, open
energy, it’d be great to work alongside him.

What for you is the most difficult thing about the creative journey for Chaos Rising, and the best?

The most difficult thing was certainly the night shoots, I feel like I’m over egging this point, but I don’t have
enough eggs to chuck at it! Struggling to nail a shot on zero sleep at 6AM while the sun is creeping into the sky
and everyone is tired and angry is a feeling you never really make friends with, especially on such a low budget
where the talent aren’t being pampered!

The best bit is finally getting to play a lead antihero type character. Florian is a dream role for me; to get to
scowl and stomp around and hack and slash through dirty marauders is so fun and the kind of role that a
jobbing, aspiring wannabe like myself dreams about.

If you can sit down with any one living person and chat to them for two hours, who would you choose and why?

This one is almost impossible! I could give you umpteen answers, but I think sitting on the back porch with
Stone Cold Steve Austin with a six pack a piece would be a moment I could live in forever. He’s just an incredible
human being and a pivotal part of my childhood. I could listen to him tell stories about the good old days and
give life lessons for hours.

Chaos Rising is released August 5th on YouTube
Check out the trailer here: