Soho shorts festival

I've done six or seven short films over the years. The last one, Bouncer, will be screened as part of the Rushes Soho Shorts Festival at the Curzon Soho. We did it four months ago. It's by a new writer, Geoff Thompson, who was at the Royal Court. I met him and we got talking - and on the basis of the script he wrote I did it.

I'm the spokesman for the festival, but I've always advocated short films. Young kids - writers, directors - have to punt their scripts and, even with a film lasting a few minutes, you can quickly see how good they are: who the talent is and isn't. And it gives everyone a chance. I was in a short film, Yellow, in 1996 (nominated for the Golden Bear award at the 1997 Berlin Film Festival). It was directed by this guy, Simon Beaufoy. He went on to write The Full Monty, one of the most successful British films for years.

The festival's a showcase - that's why it's important for the industry. But it's more than that. Many of the films are works of art - they may be short, but you can tell straightaway if the makers are capable or not. You don't have to see a two-hour feature. It's where talented youngsters can get recognised and taken on. The quality is outstanding - and people in the business should take note. If I were a producer, I'd sign some of them up straight away.

It's a fantastic event - and it's not just aimed at film-makers, the general public can see the films and take part in the seminars as well. Screenings are held in bars, cafes and cinemas all over Soho. And it's all free.

I'm filming in Romania at the moment, backwards and forwards on the plane. If I don't have to go back to shoot, I'll be there. Maybe we could have a beer!

Rushes Soho Shorts Festival, Sat 27 Jul-Fri 2 Aug, Curzon Soho, 93-107 Shaftesbury Avenue, London, W1 (0871 871 0022), Costa Coffee, 39 Old Compton Street, W1 (020-7734 4639), Metro Cinema, 11 Rupert Street, W1 (020-7287 3515), Noise Bar At Sound, 10 Wardour Street, W1 (020-7287 1010), Soho House, 40 Greek Street, W1 (020-7734 5188), Mr Young's Screening Rooms, 14 D'Arblay Street, (020-7437 1771), De Lane Lea, 75 Dean Street, W1 (020-7432 3800) & Yo! Below, 52-63 Poland Street, (020-7439 3660). Information line 020-7851 6207 or visit www.sohoshorts.com.