Sean Maguire, in-Depth

I was doing a theatre production of Romeo And Juliet when the director of Out Of Depth, Simon Marshall, sent me his screenplay.

It was the best script I've read. I didn't realise until I was halfway through that I hadn't paused for breath. I thought it was the greatest part for a young male actor since Renton in Trainspotting. I've read other villain movies, but this one felt real - partly because it's based on the true story of a South London underworld killing.

The movie starts by showing what a great life my character, Paul Nixon, has. He's been promoted at work, he has a gorgeous girlfriend and a good relationship with his mum. He's a sweet, happy-go-lucky kid, but he's not naive. He knows a few small-time crooks, and when his mum gets attacked, he hires someone to carry out a revenge beating.

There are many elements to the role. There's the fun, James Bond bit of running through crowded airports with machine guns pointed at you. Then there's the part which is emotionally draining and which stretches you as an actor.

For one scene I had to experience fear like I'd never known it before. The director arranged for two guys to threaten me when I went into a pub toilet. I really thought they were going to kill me. I turned round and faced the wall and I thought it was the last thing I was ever going to see. I nearly passed out I was so scared.