Teen actor lands ‘cool’ Butler role

Ateenage actor from Stonehaven was thrilled to appear with Gerard Butler in his new film. Conner Dickson, 13, had been acting for a year before landing his role in the blockbuster.

He made his big-screen debut in the north-east film A Song For Gran, which was filmed at Marischal College.

His mother, Julie Dickson, took a chance and contacted Butler through Instagram.

The Hollywood star, from Paisley, then sent through a script and, from there, Conner was pencilled in for a part.

The original role fell through due to unforeseen circumstances.

However, he impressed Butler so much that he was personally invited to the Shinfield Studios in London for a supporting role.

Conner said: “At first, I was quite nervous being so far away from home. I didn’t know what to expect, but it was really fun.

“Meeting Gerard Butler was so cool, just to see him there on set.

“I was in the scene and I could see him across the room. I was smiling and he looked back at me and he smiled and waved.

“As I was going to the bathroom, I walked past him and he grabbed me by the shoulder and said ‘Hi

Conner, how’s it going mate? I remember you from the audition tapes’. He was excited to have me down there.

“He just felt like a casual guy from Scotland. I felt really welcomed as I was one of the only Scottish people on the set and he is Scottish as well.”

Conner recalled first seeing Butler in the film 300 when he was younger. The historical war action movie remains one of his favourite films.

Conner revealed he would love to do comedy, having been a longtime fan of Jim Carrey.

Julie said her son has “always been a little actor growing up” and was encouraged to direct him towards TV and film.

Conner said growing up in Stonehaven gave him a hunger to act in a role involving the sea.

“For roles where I need to swim, living close to the coast is helpful as I was taught to swim from a young age.

“If I had to do stunts for a role, I would like to dive off a cliff into water – that sounds cool.

“I do pier jumping a lot in Stonehaven, so diving off a cliff or over a car, I would be up for that.”

Conner said he would “easily do it again” and has been shortlisted for future roles.

SCREEN TEAM: Gerard Butler with Conner and mum Julie.