Actor, model, entrepreneur, author and film producer, Peter Meyer is a very talented, extraordinary artist who is currently getting worldwide attention thanks to his first book The Boy from the Wild which was recently rated #1 Bestseller on Amazon. Born in South Africa, Peter studied Hospitality Management at Les Roches University in Switzerland and had the chance to live in several countries around the world. After quitting his career in hotels in different director roles in Sales and Marketing, he was offered to be an actor starring in Hollywood productions like Allied (alongside Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard) and The Commuter, where he met Liam Neeson.
Punk Globe: You were born and raised in South Africa. How do you remember your childhood days?
PETER MEYER: I was born in Durban, South Africa, but raised about 2 hours inland on a wild game reserve that my father founded and created that is now called Karkloof Safari Villas. I remember adventure and fun being surrounded by wild animals and all kinds of beauty. I also remember having a free spirit and a sense of extreme passion for wildlife, growing up along side animals and having rides on elephants, attacks by rhinos, snake bites and just so much more. My lessons I remember the most as it’s amazing how the wild can teach you to face the real world.
Punk Globe: Your book The Boy from the Wild is also a tribute to your late father James and you’re also donating part of the proceeds to the IAPWA charity you support for orphaned baby elephants in Zambia. Please, tell us about all this and where can we find your amazing book.
PETER MEYER: The book is fully dedicated to my father who sadly passed away a few years ago from cancer. He created such an amazing place in South Africa for the wildlife where he brought animals out of captivity from all around the world and back into the wild. He made it a home and a base for a future. The book was a fitting way to pay tribute to him and share my stories thanks to him and of course my mother, Mandy Meyer. Sharing part of my proceeds of the book to the IAPWA charity is because it’s a way to give back and keep supporting where I can to help and preserve the baby elephants, who are orphaned survivors of all the poaching. I grew up with wild animals and my love for them is gigantic and IAPWA shares the vision and kindly approached me to be an Ambassador. The book can be currently found on Amazon on Kindle and in paperback.
Punk Globe: Do your prefer acting or modeling?
PETER MEYER: Acting always. It’s more my character and I enjoy being able to diversify myself and become a different person and try show off a different element to my character. I am grateful and flattered for modeling opportunities but acting just suites my personality.
Punk Globe: In March 2019, you’ll be hosting a great Safari trip at Karkloof Safari Villas in South Africa. It sounds a brilliant idea and I’m sure our readers would like to know more about it.
PETER MEYER: Yes. The aim is to allow anyone from anywhere in the world to have an incredible experience and opportunity to come and enjoy the wild like I did at Karkloof Safari Villas and be hosted by myself. For some, it’s going to be a once in a lifetime opportunity so I have partnered with the current owners to get an amazing rate with private villas, safaris and food all included for £250 per night.
Punk Globe: What are your next projects?
PETER MEYER: I have just finished filming a reality show in the UK that will air early in 2019. My current project is finishing a documentary for the book that again is hopefully going to come out early next year. I am hoping to get more film roles and push further in that area.
Punk Globe: You worked as an extra in films like Allied and The Commuter. How did you feel working on set with legendary actors Brad Pitt and Liam Neeson? Is it true that Liam encouraged you to write your book?
PETER MEYER: It was amazing to work with some of the icons of the Industry and to witness their talents as well in person on set. Brad Pitt was great and a very nice individual who is serious but also likes to have a laugh. Liam Neeson, however, was just such a down to earth individual who would recognize all on set, even the cleaners and say ‘hello‘. He and I were filming together in some of the scenes and we would get to chatting. He recognized my accent was from afar and got to chatting about my past and that’s where I explained about my book idea and the film, etc. He was amazed and was like I had to go for it as who else has a story like I did. So those encouragements made me do it. He was such a gentleman and would only love for him to mentor me further into the world of acting.
Punk Globe: What do you like doing in your spare time?
PETER MEYER: Cooking, going to restaurants, watching movies or TV series, playing squash, hitting the gym and then spending time with my family. But sometimes I like to just chillax and do nothing just to rest.
Punk Globe: When will your documentary, Returning Home a Boy, be released? Is it your first experience as a film director and producer?
PETER MEYER: It is actually called The Boy from the Wild to stay in line with the book. We are hoping no later than March 2019. It is my first book and this is my first experience as a director and producer. It has been an incredible experience and something where I feel lucky and privileged to even just have an opportunity like this.
Punk Globe: How can our readers contact you for professional purposes?
PETER MEYER: info@petermeyer.com
Facebook/Twitter/Instagram is @petermeyeractor
The book page on Facebook and Instagram is @theboyfromthewild
The Boy from the Wild - Book trailer:
