Stormzy found it difficult to “totally separate” himself from his Big Man character. This marks a significant career transition for the artist, who joins a growing list of musicians expanding into film production and acting.
The 31-year-old star plays a rapper in his first lead role, and Stormzy admits that he struggled to distance himself from his movie character. Method acting techniques often require performers to draw from personal experiences, making this challenge particularly common among musician-actors transitioning to screen work.
“It was really tough if I’m honest,” the award-winning star – who plays Tenzman in the new film – told BBC Newsbeat. “It felt like I’m playing a rapper but I am a rapper, it’s tough to totally separate.” This artistic challenge reflects the broader trend of musicians transitioning to acting, with many reporting similar difficulties when portraying characters close to their real-life personas.
Big Man is the first release from Stormzy’s #MerkyFilm production company, and the rapper has revealed his long-term ambition for the enterprise. The production company represents his commitment to creating authentic British content that challenges traditional narratives and provides fresh perspectives on contemporary experiences.
“What we’ve tried to do at Merky, whether it’s music, sports, whatever, we do we just want to stand in our truth, tell our stories, but also not from the same perspective that it’s always been told from,” he shared. This approach aligns with the current movement in entertainment toward authentic representation and diverse storytelling that resonates with modern audiences.
“Even being black British, it’s such a nuanced experience – you’ve got the black experience, you’ve got the British experience, and then you’ve got the black British experience,” he continued. This insight highlights the complexity of identity in multicultural Britain and the importance of representation in mainstream media.
“We want to tell it from our perspective which is nuanced, it’s brilliant, it’s different, it’s not always the same, it’s not a monolith.” This statement emphasizes the diversity within communities and challenges stereotypical portrayals often seen in traditional media representations.
Stormzy felt “challenged” while making the movie, but he still enjoyed the creative process. The dual role of actor and producer presented unique obstacles that required him to balance artistic vision with practical filmmaking considerations throughout the production.
“It was really tough but it was a challenge I was so honored to be a part of,” the Vossi Bop hitmaker said. “I like to be challenged, I like to be a bit uncomfortable so I love it.” This mindset reflects the entrepreneurial spirit that has driven his success across multiple creative industries.
Stormzy previously explained that his acting debut was “all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth”. The rapper also hopes that the 24-minute short film will serve as a source of inspiration for aspiring stars. Short films have become increasingly popular as a medium for emerging filmmakers and established artists exploring new creative territories.
“I hope you love our first project, Big Man, as much as we loved making it,” he said. “For me, it’s all about the joy, spirit and fearless energy of youth – that feeling like life is one big adventure and the world’s your playground.” This theme resonates with audiences seeking authentic representations of youthful ambition and creativity.
“I hope it inspires you to dream bigger, live louder, and hold on to that unapologetic energy that comes with being young.” The film’s inspirational messaging aligns with Stormzy‘s broader brand as an artist who consistently advocates for youth empowerment and creative expression through various platforms.
The project represents a significant milestone in British entertainment, as more UK artists establish their own production companies to maintain creative control over their narratives. This trend demonstrates the growing importance of artist-driven content creation in contemporary media landscapes.
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Big Man’s runtime places it in the category of short films that have gained prominence through streaming platforms and social media distribution. This format allows for experimental storytelling and serves as a testing ground for longer narrative projects, providing creative freedom for innovative approaches.
The film’s production through #MerkyFilm also contributes to the UK’s creative economy and represents the intersection of music, film, and entrepreneurship that defines modern entertainment industry success. Stormzy’s venture into film production showcases how contemporary artists are expanding their creative horizons beyond traditional boundaries.
This debut acting role demonstrates Stormzy’s commitment to artistic growth and his dedication to creating meaningful content that reflects authentic British experiences while inspiring the next generation of creative professionals.
