THE world of acting is quite a career change for former rugby league player Keith Mason – and it has not been an easy switch by any stretch of the imagination.
But 17 years on, with a few more lows than highs, the former Saints prop is now finding success on the big screen.
His latest film is a dark, crime thriller called the Punished in the USA but Imperative in the UK and has been getting positive reviews.
It was largely filmed in Halifax, Huddersfield and Leeds – with Mason pulling in people with no previous acting experience for roles in the film, including former teammate Danny Brough’s wife Jenna.
Mason has immersed himself into the character playing detective Jack Sullivan, a man struggling with his inner demons while trying to track down a vigilante serial killer.
Explaining his character and giving a taste of the plot Mason said: “Jack is a functional alcoholic and has suffered substance abuse and mental health problems.
“But he is a really good cop and he is tracking a serial killer who is taking out rapists, sex offenders and drink drivers.
“The killer is taking people off the street but in the most horrific way.
“Jack gets this case to solve, but this guy is making him accountable and watching Jack’s every move.”
The 90-minute film was made during the Covid period which had its challenges – and benefits.
“We shot the prologue scene in Halifax when the town was shut down and it looked like we had spent a load of money on budget because the town was empty,” he joked.
It has been quite a journey for the 41-year-old, who played for several clubs including Wakefield, Melbourne, Castleford and Huddersfield.
A tough but mobile prop, Mason enjoyed three seasons at Saints between 2003-05, with his highlight in the red vee arguably being the 2004 Challenge Cup Final victory over Wigan at Cardiff.
He is proud at what he has achieved so far in acting in what he describes as “17 years of just chipping away” and says this is a film that will show people what he can do.
But it has not been plain sailing in his new career since hanging up his boots – crediting a meeting with Mickey Rourke as being the spark for this turn.
He said: “In the years since I retired from playing rugby I struggled to find my feet but most players do.
"I was depressed and in denial and had to find something else to kick on. People would have dismissed this 10 years ago and scoffed ‘he’s a prop forward and wants to act’.
“I just kept plugging away and you grow as a person and go through ups and downs.
“Rugby league is part of your life but it is not your whole life and I have adapted and overcome and gone from one skill to another.
“There have been more lows than highs - years with absolutely no money and was struggling but kept persevering till I got there.
“If you have a goal in life your time will come but you’ve got to keep going.
“I just want to enjoy this film coming out and so people can see what I can do.”
Mason had no formal training in acting – and this was not a career for him in his wildest dreams when he was running around the playing fields of northern England.
“Rugby league was my game and I never wanted to be an actor. But Mickey Rourke gave me that call – and said, ‘do you want to be in a movie Keith?'.
“I was playing at Cas at the time – I went down to London and learned 13 lines - Mickey opened up a door for me that day.
“It has been hard and a slog but the things I have learned from rugby league helped – and the values I have learned from the people I have been around has helped me persevere,” he said.
“The trick is to read the script, remember your lines and then you understand the character right down to the wardrobe and what he wears.
“When I played Jack Sullivan I put my trench coat on, a paisley tie and white shirt and then suddenly I am Jack.
“It is like putting your shorts and shirt on as a player, you become a different person and the competitive spirit kicks in.
“So the wardrobe is important – you are psychologically become Jack Sullivan.
“There were things that helped me be Jack and I though give it a crack as this is my last chance because I'm not in Hollywood or in London.
“Now I just want to enjoy this film coming out and so people can see what I can do.”
The Punished AKA Imperative is available on Amazon, Google play and YouTube.
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