As most of my readers (if not all) know quite well, my heart is often attached to the supporting cast and crew of any movie and TV show, and I do my utmost to highlight these sometimes-forgotten industry professionals. I simply adore the leading ladies and men like any fan does, but having the opportunity to interview one who “has been there, done that, got that T-shirt” is a delightful honor, and it just so happens I get to spotlight one such person today. This evening (March 10th), the Hallmark Channel will be premiering a new movie called Love, Once and Always, and the thoroughly gifted Brendan Taylor will be appearing on-screen in this new romantic comedy. Recently, he and I exchanged a few questions and responses as a part of my faithful endeavors to become acquainted with this incredibly enterprising expert. And now I get to share that conversation with you, my lovely readers.

Picture Credit: Kristine Cofsky

RH: Why did you decide to pursue a career in the entertainment industry?

BT: Movies and TV have always been a big part of my life. My imagination, intellect, and sense of humour were all stoked by the great pop culture iconic films, shows and cartoons of the 80s and 90s. It also helped that my mother and uncle were both in the business. I spent many hours on film sets with my mom, so just like any kid who hangs around their parents’ workplace, it’s going to rub off in some way.

Leo Awards 2016 Photo by Nicholas Dubeau – © N Dubeau Media 2016

Please tell us about your educational background and how you think that has helped you in your current profession of acting.

I took a drama class elective in my first year of high school, and discovered it was my “easy A”. I was a very shy kid, but found freedom and confidence in assuming characters other than myself. I always kept electives in drama or acting, but never really thought it was a “real” career option. When I got to university, I studied many other things, with acting on the back burner. And I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with a Major in Spanish. Go figure! Later on, I found an acting school and took up classes in theatre-based scene study, which became the foundation for my current skills, and thus, my career.

But my experience in post-grad taught me two important things about acting: 1) I took classes in and learned about a variety of things, which helped shape me as a person and my worldview, and thus, understand and empathize with characters, fictional or not, and 2) in pursuing other subjects, I taught myself what I didn’t want to be doing with my life, which is equally helpful when you feel lost. Which, trust me, for many years I did.

It would appear that much of your early work was as the part of the crew of very well-known and well-respected shows/movies. What are one or two of your favorite roles from “behind the camera” and why do they stand out?

I worked in set decoration for the better part of a decade, following in the footsteps of my mom. In the later years, I was a set dresser, who takes orders from the set decorator and lead dresser, creating the sets before the shooting crew comes, and dismantling them after. I’m grateful for it because it’s a jack-of-all-trades job, where you learn how to use tools, build things, learn unique skills, and think outside the box to solve problems. But for many years I was an on-set dresser, who is the one-person operation who works with the shooting crew, keeping an eye on continuity, moving the set pieces for the crew, and helping compose the camera frame. I met some great friends on set, spending hours of my life with them, in crazy locations…and weather! But one of the best parts was being able to watch actors, just yards away from me, do what they do, and chat with them after. It was very inspiring for my own pursuits.

I also have to mention my amazing bosses over the years, who supported me and let me leave the job site for auditions. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today.

As far as acting goes, you have been involved in several independent works. What roles/films stand out to you the most, and why do those particularly stand out? What do you enjoy most about indie films, and what do you find challenging about them?

Charlotte’s Song
© Done Four Productions

Charlotte’s Song Cast
© Done Four Productions

Doing independent projects for me is very important. Often times these are passion projects that come to fruition, so it’s very fulfilling as an artist to be a part of them. I tend to, and try to do a lot of theatre, which to me is fulfilling as an actor and an artist. The best independent experience I had to date was a lead role on Charlotte’s Song, a fantasy period feature film based on The Little Mermaid, starring Iwan Rheon from Game of Thrones. We shot it at the height of his popularity on Game of Thrones, so it was pretty cool to chat with him. Prepping for the role and getting up every day for a month and going to set was truly living the dream. Being at the helm in my role bestowed a sense of responsibility which I rose to meet, wanting to do the best possible job I could and collaborate as well as I could.

Some of your more prominent acting roles are on the shows Supernatural, The Arrangement, and The Magicians. What is memorable about being involved with any (or all) or those shows?

Supernatural

It’s definitely memorable to be a part of the Supernatural family. The fans of Supernatural are incredible, and they would never let me forget about being a part of that show if I tried! It’s been truly remarkable to be accepted into such a fandom, with wonderful people reaching out and saying great things about my work and my role as Officer Doug on the show. I’m honoured that they brought me back for a second episode this season.

The Magicians
behind-the-scenes

The Magicians was very memorable because it’s such a cool, unique show, and I got to do stunts, be funny, and shoot magic out of my fingers! I mean, what’s not to love about that?

The Arrangement

And The Arrangement is such a cool project to be a part of, for one because I kind of get to be a bad guy, which is pretty fun. What’s fascinating about villains is, for the most part, they don’t think they’re bad. They’re just doing what they think is right.

Hallmark audiences first saw you in A Heavenly Christmas. How did that role come about, and what did you enjoy most about your time in that film and/or that particular role?

That was a fun role. The audition came about just like any other, and I remember it was all very last-minute. So from getting the sides to imagining the scene in your head, to then being on set in costume and in front of a camera is pretty wild. You think “Wow, this was all just on paper, and in my head. And now it’s real!” It was really great working with Eric McCormack and Kristin Davis. They are lovely people and very successful at what they do. I had the chance to pick their brains and hear first-hand stories about their work. I found that very inspiring, and it put my goals closer to reach.

Hallmark audiences will soon see you in Love, Once and Always. What can you tell us about your role and the movie without revealing too much? Any behind-the-scenes stories? What was it like working with your co-stars? What do you like about working for the Hallmark network?

It’s a fun love story about two people, Lucy and Duncan, who were first loves in their early years, but life and careers swept them away from each other. It’s a tale about how love can be scary, how life is short, and that great reward comes with great risk. I play Randall, an old friend of Lucy and Duncan who lives a simple life in the small town they come back to visit. And I get crafty when it comes to seeing that these two hopefully find their way to each other. I had a great time working with Peter Porte and Amanda Schull. They are both very sharp, witty people, and we got along great. And Amanda had me dying at times; she has impeccable comedic timing! The vibe on set was just so chill and positive, and that’s been my experience on Hallmark sets. And Al Harmon, the director, I’ve known for many years.

Any other upcoming/current works that you can mention?

The Arrangement

It’s been a busy pilot season! And I’m writing this on an airplane back from Santiago, Chile, having just shot a fun project down there. You can keep an eye out for me in another great future Hallmark production, on TV in some commercials airing soon, and in my return as Isaac the scientist on the new season of The Arrangement premiering March 11th.

Do you have plans to write/direct/produce in the near future? Why or why not?

I’m glad you asked! I’ve actually been itching to get back in a directing role as of late; I’ve directed a few small projects in the past, but I feel like I’m at a point in my career where when I’m on set or at the theatre, in my own scenes or just watching, I have my own strong opinions about the direction given. Not necessarily pointing out things that are wrong, but approaching it thinking, “Oh, but we could also do it like that…that would be interesting”. I’ve also been coaching more actors lately for auditions, and I feel pretty comfortable talking to actors and getting them to take directions and re-directions.

As one who has worked in a variety of capacities within the entertainment industry, what advice would you give to a young person who is considering a career in film/television?

I really enjoyed answering this question, because I feel I now know the recipe for success. But I only wish it was easier to apply. I mentioned it a bit before, but my first piece of advice is to DO MANY THINGS! Get out there and live life; work different jobs, read books, see plays, and travel. Your future self will thank you! And if I could say anything about my current success, is that I’ve been dedicated. Dedicate yourself to this craft, to your auditions, and to your work, and there will be no other outcome, but success. I promise.

Picture Credit: Kristine Cofsky

There is something infectious about Brendan’s attitude, perspective, and general enthusiasm. While his acting credits are relatively modest when compared to his time in other areas of film and television, I believe it is safe to affirm that every job he has performed within the business has been preparing him for the roles in which he currently finds himself. While he is considering stepping behind the camera yet again in the near future to fulfill some of his directorial aspirations, I have no doubt that he is one who could be happy in practically any area of the entertainment industry. His expertise is not limited by any means, and no matter the position in which he is placed, he consistently uses each one as a chance to hone and perfect his skills while learning new approaches and outlooks. It is obvious that he is a lifelong learner, and his pragmatism and resilience coupled with his giftedness and determination have caused him to mature into this solid force in a business which often changes more often than the wind alters its direction. Film and television is the sort of industry that is consistently fluid and perpetually in transit, and if you don’t have the abilities, versatility, and fortitude to keep up with the dynamics, there is a possibility you may be left in the dust. But thankfully, Brendan is one who will never have the issue of not acquiring a job because as he mentioned in his advice to young people entering the business, he possesses diverse talents as well as an extensive variety of background in the business, thus ensuring he will not become a technological or personnel casualty.

I encourage everyone to tune in to the Hallmark Channel today (March 10th) for the premiere of Love, Once and Always, where Hallmark audiences will be able to witness the prowess Brendan commands on-screen in greater detail than they ever have before. Furthermore, I hope that my readers consider checking out all of Brendan’s links below, and perhaps you might follow him where applicable as a tangible way of supporting this rising star as he propels himself towards his varied dreams and goals. I am thrilled to purposely watch him tonight as he brings this character to life in what is bound to become a new Hallmark favorite. Moreover, I am glad that he has hinted this won’t be the last time that we see him in a preferred network production. While I have seen his work before, it is with a new appreciation I plan to follow his career as it extends its growth through his resolve in providing us with quality entertainment that encompasses a sundry of outlets.

FOLLOW BRENDAN

Twitter

Facebook

Instagram

IMDB

Spread the love

Tweet