With Elle McNicoll’s book A Kind of Spark having a screen adaptation, Zac Looker plays Frank in the CBBC show of the same name alongside a cast including Lola Blue (as Addie), Georgia de Gidlow (as Keedie) and Caitlin Hamilton (as Nina), and it is directed by Marek Losey and Matt Holt. Zac has been announced for the upcoming Netflix series Geek Girl, playing Toby Pilgrim, with Emily Carey as Harriet Manners, which is a screen adaptation of Holly Smales’ 2013 young adult novel. We found out from Zac about playing Frank in A Kind of Spark, what it’s like on set of the series and being announced to play Toby Pilgrim in the upcoming Netflix series Geek Girl.

What is Frank like to play in A Kind of Spark and how did you feel finding out you’d booked the role?

Frank is both a breath of fresh air and an interesting challenge, playing someone so content with themselves and so open and non-judgmental (not just towards other people but towards himself as well) is sometimes very freeing but sometimes I found him slightly difficult to figure out. However, whenever this difficulty emerged, I’d always think back to the first day of rehearsals (that we were rather blessed to have). It was my first time acting with Caitlin Hamilton (playing Nina) and it all just fell into place, and I knew who he was without needing to think about it.

As to my reaction to booking the part, I felt obviously very pleased. But beneath that feeling was a sense of profound distrust. You really never know what’s going to happen and so I don’t quite feel as though I’ve booked anything properly until I’m on the set working.

Can you tell us about A Kind of Spark and your character, and what is the show like to be part of?

It’s an immense pleasure to be on the team that brings this show to life. The theme of seeking and speaking the truth, both about the world around you as well as yourself, comes from such a truthful place within everyone involved, emanating in so many ways from Lola Blue’s (playing the lead on the show, Addie) presence both on screen and off.

What is it like on set of the show and being directed by Marek Losey and Matt Holt?

Both are great to work with but in different ways. Marek tends to be very hands off, but in a way that feels like you’re being trusted entirely with your role and gives you room to play. Matt is incredibly supportive, but also very practical, in his approach to directing actors and cares deeply about the stories that we’re telling. You always feel like he understands what it’s like to be on your side of the camera.


What has it been like seeing the response to A Kind of Spark and who do you think will enjoy watching it?

I think almost anyone can connect with the story of the show and the characters it presents, both due to the excellent performances by the other members of the cast and the writing that often deals with quite mature ideas. I try to stay away from the response to things I’ve worked on though. Keeps me out of my head (mostly).

It’s been announced that you will be playing Toby Pilgrim in the screen adaptation of Geek Girl, what are you looking forward to for the release?

I’m looking forward to a sense of culmination on a very rewarding period of work.

Was there anything that drew you to the role of Toby and how was it meeting the cast for the first time?

One of his principal characteristics (at least in my view) is thoughtfulness. I admired that. Meeting the cast for the first time was very much a relief. I’m always a little worried I won’t fit with other actors but I felt instantly at ease with them all. Of course, they’re all evil, but if anything that helped. Means we have stuff in common.


How was it filming for Series 2 of Invasion as John?

Very fast (I was only on it for three days). It was my first time on a project of that scale. The director was very efficient, keen to keep the script tight and in accordance with exactly what the characters and wider story needed. And the catering was excellent. Really that’s the most important thing.

Can you tell us about your training with The National Youth Theatre?

The best thing about The National Youth Theatre, for me, was the people I got to meet and work with. Everyone there was so different from one and other, yet they all shared a commitment, drive and brilliant instinct for performance that I was continually humbled by.

Have you been given any advice over your career so far that has stuck with you?

Nothing direct or spoken, but what I’ve learned from talking to people with far more experience, knowledge and wisdom than I (not a particularly high bar but still) is that you always feel like you finally figure out the right way to go about something only after you’ve finished doing it for good. And then everything changes and we have to start again. There’s something comforting in accepting that. Well, that’s what I tell myself anyway.

What are you hoping 2024 brings for you and do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about?

Something interesting. Past that, I have really nothing that I can speak about yet.