“Sometimes you have to dig deep. But it’s always worth it.” – Aaron Deakins
From imagining himself inside scenes from Jurassic Park to starring in feature films backed by A24, actor and filmmaker Aaron James Deakins is living proof that belief, grit, and a touch of creative chaos can take you further than you ever imagined.
Aaron’s path to acting didn’t begin with industry connections or a traditional drama school route. It started in his childhood home in Plymouth.
“Rocky IV was the moment for me,” Aaron recalls. “I saw that film and thought, ‘Yep, that’s it.’ The physicality, the emotion, the story, I knew right then I wanted to act.”
Growing up in Plymouth, Aaron drew inspiration from the city’s creative atmosphere, and found an important launchpad at City College Plymouth.
“There’s such a strong and supportive arts community here,” he says. “City College gave me the space to explore that, and honestly? To just breathe creatively.”
His time at the College became a turning point, shaping both his craft and his identity.
“It wasn’t one standout moment or one specific teacher. It was the entire experience. The sense of community, the camaraderie, the facilities, and the way the lecturers treated us like real artists. It didn’t just build me as a performer. It helped shape who I am as a person.”
Aaron credits the College with instilling the confidence and discipline required for a tough, often unpredictable industry.
“The lecturers didn’t just teach. They genuinely cared. I was given the space to experiment, to fail, and most importantly, to grow. That meant the world to me.”
Since completing his performing arts course nearly a decade ago, Aaron has steadily built an impressive résumé. He’s appeared in four feature films, two television series, and now runs his own production company. But the journey hasn’t always been smooth.
“The biggest challenge has always been myself, the self-doubt, the quiet periods between auditions. It can make you question everything. I had to learn to give myself time. This career can’t be rushed.”
Aaron (far left) at the premiere of A24 film, Warfare
A major turning point came when Aaron landed a role in Warfare, a high-profile action drama from A24, directed by Alex Garland (Ex Machina, 28 Days Later, Sunshine, The Beach).
The film follows a platoon of U.S. Navy SEALs during the Battle of Ramadi, with Aaron portraying Bob, the squad captain.
The role required military experience, which Aaron didn’t have. But what he did bring to the audition was presence, energy, and fierce commitment.
“Something just clicked. They took a chance on me, and it changed everything.”
The shoot proved as demanding as it was rewarding.
“Shooting Warfare was both surreal and brutal. Some days I was in full kit, cameras rolling, having to cry on cue. But I pulled through. One of my co-stars told me I’d knocked it out of the park. That meant everything.”
Whether acting, producing, or voice acting, Aaron says his process always begins the same way:
“It starts with the character. Whether I’m on set, on stage, or in a voiceover booth, it’s always about finding the truth of that character and building from there.”
Now, he shares his advice for students and aspiring performers:
“Be patient. Give yourself time to grow. Sometimes all it takes is one moment, one opportunity. But it won’t happen if you give up too soon. You’ve got to stick with it.”
And for those just beginning their journey?
“Go to City College,” Aaron says. “You’ll be given the space to grow, creatively, personally, and professionally. Your ambitions will be taken seriously and nurtured. It worked for me, and it absolutely can work for you.”
