RookieBlueHolland · @RookieBlueNed
6th Sep 2012 from Twitlonger
Hi @Rookiebluetv fans!
As administrator of The Dutch #RookieBlue fan page it was an incredible privilege to interview Ben Bass “right in time” for the #RookieBlue S3 finale tonight!
I’m hoping you all love to read this interview!
You #RookieBlue fans are the best! X
Murielle (@RookieBlueNed & @MurielleWouters)
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Hi Ben,
1) First of all congrats on another #RookieBlue season. It must feel incredible to be part of such an amazing cast/ crew and being ableto make one of the most popular cop series ever!
Ben Bass: It is an incredible privilege and it definitely stands out as a career highlight for me. Not only because of the show's success but also because we are such a tight-knit group: cast, crew, production team.
2) Can you tell us a little more about your own background? For example did you always wanted to be an actor or did you dreamabout becoming a pilot, doctor or maybe a dancer when you were a kid? :)
Ben Bass: When I was twelve I had considered law as a possible profession (I thought I was a good arguer; who knows if that's true! :). I really enjoyed physics in high school. But my plan was to go into Rock and Roll. I played guitar since 12 and ALWAYS wanted to be Jimmy Page, and later Edward Van Halen.
3) How do you like to spend your free time? Are you going to the gym? Or do you love to go to concerts, read books or play in a band? Just give us a “sneak peek” :)
Ben Bass: I love to play my guitar still. I started taking jazz guitar lessons this year and it has completely reinvigorated my interest in guitar. I've always kept my practicing up, but jazz has expanded my horizons wonderfully. I've got a great teacher too. I love going to the gym, I love hiking, I like to read books on important historical figures. I don't really get a lot of down time but if I did I'd go to more movies. I miss 'em.
4) When did you hear the news you were going to play Sam Swarek in #RookieBlue?
Ben Bass: I was living in New York City and it was around the end of June 2009. It was great news and I couldn't wait to get to work on the project, it looked so promising.
5) Did you expect Rookie Blue to become this popular when you started shooting season one?
Ben Bass: I didn't really have any expectations. We all just wanted to do the best job we could. There are many, many new shows every year and most of them don't come back. We've been very blessed and all the hard work has paid off. I think timing is essential as well. This was the right time for our show, we've done our best to capitalize on this opportunity and give the fans the best possible show.
6) It has been said many times before. The #RookieBlue Cast & Crew are a really tight group. Can you tell us what that feels like and how it eventually translates to screen when you are shooting #RookieBlue?
Ben Bass: It feels, more than ever, starting the 4th season, just like a family. We all know each other so well. It's going to be hard when one day we'll all have to say goodbye. There just aren't any unhealthy egos, it's an awesome team and we groove with each other, from the Producer brass all the way to the day-hire production assistant. It's a superb group and that chemistry works on screen just as it does behind the scenes. Ilana, David and Tassie worked very hard to put this team together and they've succeeded beautifully.
7) I’m sure you “guys” have a lot of fun on set. Did you ever needed a time-out of shooting a scene because you just couldn’t stop laughing?
Ben Bass: I'm pretty serious so it happens to me only on extremely rare occasions. Others sometimes get those laughing fits, it's happened. The other day actually, we had a wonderful actor guest starring, Louis Ferreira, fans will recognize him from many other shows including Breaking Bad, he was cracking me up in between takes. But I found that had the benefit of loosening us all up and keeping us relaxed for the takes of a challenging scene. I think I could afford to be a little more goofy in general for just that reason, it helps with relaxation in an environment that can be stressful sometimes.
8) In which way is playing Sam character wise a challenge for you as an actor? Is he a character you can relate to easily? Any similarities between Sam and Ben maybe? :)
Ben Bass: It's hard to think in terms of similarities. We are alike in the following ways: passion for our work, attention to detail, loyal and dedicated to our romantic partners, loyal to friends, strong-willed and a little righteous (a character trait of debatable value :). Playing Sam or any character is a challenge when your goal is to try to create a detailed inner world. That's one of my favorite things to work on as an actor. The detail and specificity of the inner world of the character, and how they interact with the outer world of their given circumstances. Also, one key and essential component for me is what is emotionally driving any character. That is, in and of itself, always a challenge.
9) The #RookieBlue S3 finale is coming up next week…can you tell us what’s your favourite scene or episode of this season? Or maybe give a clue about the season’s final episode? We love spoilers :)
Ben Bass: Well, I can tell you this, in Tassie Cameron's words, lots of people get what they want and when they get it, it ain't how they hoped it would be!!!! Too much like life, huh?! :) Favorite scene in the season was when Sam gives a guy five tickets in one go, favorite ep. was the break-up episode because the scenes were very challenging.
10) If you had the chance to invite a guest star on #RookieBlue S4 who would you choose and why?
Ben Bass: I would get Robert De Niro to play Sam's father. Why? It's Robert De Niro. :) (I think he's busy though :)
11) What would you love to see for Sam in S4 character wise?
Ben Bass: I'd like to see him get edgier and maybe get into some complicated situations like at the end of Season 2. Undercover stories are always fun to play.
12) Who do you really admire because of his or her talent?
Ben Bass: Meryl Streep is one of heroes. She is astonishing, inspiring, brilliant, and perhaps one of the best role models an actor could have.
13) Is there anything you like to say to not only the Dutch #RookieBlue fan page followers but to all the #RookieBlue fans #Worldwide?
Ben Bass: Just how much we love them all! It's not lost on any of us that we are here because of the fans and their dedication to the show. We've really enjoyed reaching out to other parts of the world and sharing these cool stories with them. From all of us at Rookie Blue, thank you for your support, love and loyalty!!! We will keep doing our best to bring you the best possible show we can make. P.S. I'm getting better at Twitter and I look forward to seeing you guys there!!! ;)