After joining James Cameron’s Avatar universe at age 16, Jamie Flatters has had a long time to prepare for his career to take off. Now 22, the actor has settled into a new role as a true multi-hyphenate artist. Having had a taste of big Hollywood alongside self-directed projects and European cinema in ‘The Forgotten Battle’, each piece of experience down multiple paths has solidified his dedication to staying firmly on his own. Entering the release cycle of the film that started it all; at the end of the full circle moment, we land on Jamie now – an actor-writer-director-musician who is contemplating his next steps.

On Zoom from opposite ends of London, we discussed all the nostalgia, anticipation and frustration he’s feeling at the moment.

Jacket and pants **Gucci**, badges **Contemporary Wardrobe**, T-Shirt **Attika**, necklace **Slim Barrett**

It must feel strange to be talking about Avatar again as you filmed it so long ago?

I auditioned in 2016 so a long time ago. I’d say it was the main blessing of working on the production is that you got to have this mad, larger-than-life experience but also have it as yours. You don’t need to film it and then a year later promote it and have it become the world's property – It’s really refreshing.

Left Jumper **Saint Laurent by Anthony Vaccarello**, necklace **Slim Barrett**
Right Tank top **Calvin Klein**, shorts **Attika**

After playing that character for 3 years, does that make the thought of the release scary? Almost like you’re still with the character as the world hasn’t met him yet…

I'm definitely no longer with the character, the character dies the day I leave set. I think when actors say ‘I keep the character with me’, it’s all mysticism to try and make them look like they're doing a hyperintelligent thing that actually doesn't exist. Honestly, I think that's absolute bullshit and anybody who says that is not appreciating the fact that you are the thing that's doing it. You’re coming into work and doing a task, a skill, and then you’re going to go home and live with yourself, not the character. Dealing with the self is the hardest task for everyone.

Left Scarf **Acne Studios**, vest **Givenchy**, broach **Slim Barrett**, denims **JW Anderson**
Right Jumper **Kiko Kostadinov**, vest **Goldsmiths Vintage** , necklace and key **Slim Barrett**, badge **Contemporary Wardrobe** , pants **Trussardi**, shoes **Acne Studios**

Left Vest and badges **Contemporary Wardrobe**, denim **JW Anderson** ,shoes **MM6**
Right Jumper **Prada**, badges **Slim Barrett** and **Judy Blame**

I think you hit on something interesting there! There's a lot of talk about method acting lately and whether it downgrades acting as a skill…

I worry about lines between fantasy and reality blurring too much. You should never have to manipulate other people's realities in order for you to gain your fantasy. It’s no longer fun and it's no longer acting. You have to keep yourself mentally stable on set and find a line after cut – it’s so important. It's hard sometimes feeling like you have to justify what you as the actor are doing, especially in an industry full of different skills, but no overcompensating is worth risking your sanity. That’s an important lesson I had to learn, as this is an industry which all too often glorifies the ‘suffering artist’, and I was very keen to suffer for my art.

Left T-shirt **Goldsmiths** , scarf **Acne Studios**
Right Jumper **Kiko Kostadinov**, vest **Goldsmiths Vintage** , necklace and key **Slim Barrett**, badge **Contemporary Wardrobe** , pants **Trussardi**, shoes **Acne Studios**

Left Jumper **Prada**, badges **Slim Barrett** and **Judy Blame**, shorts **Contemporary Wardrobe**
Right Vest and badges **Contemporary Wardrobe**, denim **JW Anderson** , shoesMM6

Where do you see own writing and directing sitting in your future career?

I definitely want to carry on writing scripts, I think I need it. As you can probably tell, I'm a bit frustrated with the modern-day actor. I think we originally were a group of people fascinated by psychology and philosophy, rather than just an attachment to celebrity. I think the fact that I'm interested in directing and writing could be my saving, in a way. My protection, because I have something that’s mine and comes from myself and I think that is needed to not get swept up in the possible successes that may come, and keep both feet grounded in an artistic pursuit.

Jacket **Zadig&Voltaire**, T-shirt and belt **Goldsmiths** vintage, pants **Marni**

Does that interest change how you look at prospective jobs and future roles?

Having the time after Avatar wrapped to write and really work out what I want to do was the biggest blessing. I do now think I would sacrifice the idea of just another role for my own work if it’s not something I deeply care about. I really love people like Tilda Swinton who looks out for directors and interesting characters above all else – I think that’s something to mimic. I hope to have the scope to pick paths I care about, but if not, writing and directing will be there to save me.