Big Age – CJ Beckford plays Tayo
Category: Press Pack ArticleSo, could you tell us about your character Tayo?
Tayo is a simplistic man – he’s traditional, hard-working, got a good job, went to college and went to uni. He's got a girlfriend wants to get married, but he bumps into an old friend, Ṣadé, which he had so much chemistry with. Their relationship didn't go anywhere when they were younger, but as he's a very loyal person, so now it grows and becomes its own story.
What does the term Big Age mean to you? Were you aware of it beforehand?
It depends how you kind of look at the term “Big Age”. Society puts pressure on us and says, “by certain age, you need to have this, or you need to have that. And if you don't have it, you're failing in life”.
The social media era that we're in now can also put added pressure on people. You can go on Instagram, and can see things there that you want, but you just can't afford. If you can find a way to get it, then all of a sudden, you're cool. I think every single person, regardless of age, goes through this pressure daily. It’s just how social media has been designed – to always make us want something better than everyone else.
This is why age is such a big societal factor for people. When you see a 21-year-old that's driving a Lamborghini, or that's got Gucci on social media, and you’re still living at home with your mum. It’ll make you think “What? Why am I not in that position?!” So, the phrase “at your Big Age” can express how we feel about ourselves when we measure our lives against others.
What stood out to you about filming Big Age? Was there are a moment on set that really stood out that you'll take away with you?
With this production, there was such a diverse crew. I loved walking on set and seeing different types of people. With previous productions I’ve worked on, I've only seen a specific type of crew. The energies on set here were so vibrant. So, for me, I think that was the standout moment – literally just being surrounded by so many different types of people. We all just got along and just had a laugh. I can't really pinpoint one moment.
And if you had to sum up a Tayo in three words for a dating app, what would those three words be?
He has a girlfriend, so he’s taken! But if he wasn't taken? Well, I would say charming, ambitious and loyal.
How does Big Age feel very different from anything you've worked on before?
All of the professional jobs I've done thus far has been serious, real-life inspirational TV shows. So, to do a rom-com comedy, it was refreshing. All the professional things I've worked on in the past and have required me to be emotionally available and to do a lot of in-depth research. Whereas with Big Age, I can just, turn up and just have fun on set which felt good. Before working professionally, I was doing short films and web-series which were similar to this. So, Big Age feels like what I’ve really missed doing. I don't think there's anything out there that's like this at the minute.
Who do you think the perfect Big Age fan might be? Who do you think the target audiences? Do you think people of all ages will get something from this?
I think anyone on social media would relate to this in some shape or form. I don't think there's a specific age. Young people obviously, maybe 18/19 year olds, grew up on social media. But at the same time, someone who's 30+ can also relate because they've probably been through it as well!
What was it like working with Bolu and the rest of the cast? Had you read any of her work beforehand?
I'm in a book club on WhatsApp with a couple of friends and they suggested this book “Love In Colour”. I thought “this is cool. Let's have a read”. We haven’t finished it yet, but then I became involved in Big Age. And then I saw Bolu’s name and thought “that rings a bell”. And I realised she was the author of Love In Colour! It’s strange how God works. When I met her, she was so lovely - she's such a great soul, and she's got a talent with words. We just clicked and she just gave some great advice and tips.
And working with the rest of the cast was such a pleasure. I worked with Michael before on Sitting in Limbo. Ronke and Rachel were both in a play at the National, so I knew of them. We just all connected. We had that initial spark. So, we're just excited for the world to see what we've created because, hopefully, that appears on the screen!