Elliot Barnes-Worrell is an accomplished actor, writer, and director, recognized for his contributions to both stage and screen. As an actor, he has worked with prominent platforms such as BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Paramount +, and has had the privilege of collaborating with acclaimed director Steven Spielberg. Beyond his acting career, Elliot is a distinguished writer and director, with his films featured on BBC and Film4. His directorial work has included collaborations with esteemed actors like Ralph Fiennes, Ben Whishaw, and Amanda Redman.
In addition to his creative pursuits, Elliot is also actively involved in academia. He serves as a guest lecturer at prestigious universities, including Oxford, Browne, Howard, Cambridge, and Durham. His expertise extends to leading discussions on race and Shakespeare at the renowned Shakespeare's Globe. With a multifaceted career that spans acting, writing, directing, and academic engagement, Elliot Barnes-Worrell stands as a versatile and accomplished figure in the world of entertainment and education.
Elliot Barnes-Worrell's career began on the stage, showcasing his talents in theaters worldwide as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company's (RSC) tours. Notably, he graced the 1,800-seater Barbican theatre during these tours. His journey on London's National Theatre's Olivier stage, playing lead roles, further contributed to his recognition in the theater world. It was during this extensive theater career that Elliot garnered critical acclaim, winning prestigious awards such as the Alan Bates award, the Sir John Gielgud, and the Ian Charleson awards.
In 2016, Elliot expanded his creative pursuits into writing and directing with his debut film, "The Works," featuring renowned actor Ralph Fiennes. The film premiered on BBC One and continued to run on BBC iPlayer, marking a successful entry into the world of filmmaking. Subsequently, Elliot wrote and directed several critically acclaimed films, including the recent "DIGGING" for Film4, which premiered at London's Royal Festival Hall at the London Film Festival (LFF).
Elliot's work in film not only established him as a respected filmmaker but also led to recognition as a public speaker and academic lecturer. His invitation as a guest speaker at Oxford in 2017 paved the way for lecturing engagements at universities both in his home country and the USA. During the lockdown period, Elliot participated in a panel discussion on "Race and Shakespeare" at Shakespeare's Globe, resulting in academic publications and solidifying his reputation as a Shakespeare expert.
In addition to his creative and academic endeavors, Elliot serves as the host for the annual award ceremony "The Graddies." This ceremony celebrates and recognizes young filmmakers creating their debut films post-university, in collaboration with Searchlight Productions and Vue Cinema. Elliot Barnes-Worrell's career reflects a remarkable blend of talent across theater, film, academia, and the promotion of emerging talents in the filmmaking industry.
Whether it directing esteemed actors like Ralph Fiennes, lecturing at Oxford University, or performing in front of the lense for the BBC, Channel 4, Netflix etc, Elliot has to find high performance! Hear how he does this and what high performance means to him.
Understand how Elliot navigates his mental health with an unnatural career that offers extreme highs and lows.
Hear from Elliot regarding his own battles for diversity and inclusion.
An Actor has to find confidence on days where perhaps they're not confident themselves. Elliot talks to us about how he does this as well as finding your own confidence.
Having to work under the microscope of peers, bosses and esteemed individuals within your industry is the everyday for actors, with Elliot being all to familiar with this.
Actors are exposed to constant setbacks. They have to regularly audition for jobs, often not getting them, with little or no feedback as to why. Elliot talks about how he deals with these kind of setbacks.
Elliot has a fascinating take on Shakespeare and the racial undertones throughout it. He offers an educated insight in why he thinks the teaching of Shakespeare needs to be updated to modern day expectations.
Elliot's work in film not only established him as a respected filmmaker but also led to recognition as a public speaker and academic lecturer. His invitation as a guest speaker at Oxford in 2017 paved the way for lecturing engagements at universities both in his home country and the USA.