The 2013 Dutch #RookieBlue fan page interview with @BenBassOfficial!

“CATCHING UP ON SEASON 4 WITH BEN BASS”
THE 2013 DUTCH #ROOKIEBLUE FAN PAGE INTERVIEW


©Copyright: Ben Bass (@BenBassOfficial) and The Dutch Rookie Blue fan page (@RookieBlueNed) admin: Murielle Wouters (@MurielleWouters)


1) What’s the first thing that comes to mind when you think back on shooting #RookieBlue S4?

I think of how fast it went and the fact that I found it an emotionally challenging season. There were about 5 episodes back to back that, after filming, my body kind of revolted. I had this weird neck issue and various other curious physical tightenings and tensions which took some quality Osteopathy to cure. LOL

2) In which way do you think that #RookieBlue S4 is different from the previous seasons? Is it because of the “time jump” Tassie mentioned in an earlier interview?

Well, we've done time jumps before, although I suppose this was of greater length. Season 4 felt to me like a well-oiled machine, in the best way. Notwithstanding the fact that we had some significant new characters, S4 flowed from the writing room to the set with a certain ease, which comes as a result of familiarity and some confidence. I'm not at all saying that it was a breeze for the writers. In many respects their job is the most challenging - Tassie particularly, as she's our captain and chief navigator, and there was plenty of uncharted territory. For my character, the writers responded to fan requests for more Sam background. I think they'll enjoy that story. As I mentioned, overall, the season went far more quickly than any of the others.

3) Will the Rookie Blue fans finally learn a little more about Sam’s background and family in #Rookie Blue S4? And did the producers ask Robert De Niro to play Sam’s father? :)

LOL. They asked him but he's booked up for the next 10 years. ;) Well, I won't say which part of Sam's background we explore. But a fabulous actor was brought in: Al Sapienza. Al's a brilliant actor known for The Sopranos, House of Cards and many other credits. I had an exquisite time working with him and we became fast friends. It was a great experience.

4) In our previous interview you mentioned that you would love for Sam to become a bit edgier in #RookieBlue S4 and maybe get into some complicated situations like at the end of Season 2. Is this going to be the case? Or perhaps Sam will fulfill another role within 15th Division?

I'd forgotten that I'd said that: an edgier Sam. I have to say that, objectively speaking, I think the writers have taken Sam to a nice, edgy, gray, complicated area by the end of the season. I certainly hope we hear from the fans regarding their morale opinion of his behaviour. Unfortunately for Sam, the choices he makes in season 4 don't just affect him, but those closest to him. At the end of it all, there may be some people who believe Sam gets what's coming to him...

5) In one of your tweets (December 2012) you mentioned that you were shooting some heavy episodes. What did you mean by that? Did the episodes ask a lot of your emotions and acting skills or where there some heavy physical scenes? Not asking to tell us fans everything :)

Yes, emotionally challenging. It's funny, I saw an interview recently with Trent Reznor (Nine Inch Nails). He said something that I really identified with: "...the act of creativity became something that I look forward to now, instead of dreading. And I went into projects thinking 'I'm going to give it my best and see what comes out.' "... " as opposed to staring at a blank page and saying 'I have to write the best thing EVER.' "..." a guaranteed way to make sure the page stays blank."
Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to the part he talks about where I have the attitude of just giving it my best. My problem is I always feel I have to do the best scene EVER. And it takes a huge, unhealthy toll. VERY unhealthy. I'd like to change that about the way I work. I'm trying to.

6) Priscilla Faia and Rachel Angeril have joined the cast of Rookie Blue during S4. What was it like to work with them? Will they bring a whole new dynamic to 15th Division?

Yes, indeed they bring a new, fun, fresh, exciting energy to the show. I think the writers wanted to stir the hornets nest this season. Rachel and Priscilla were great additions. They fit right into the family. They did excellent work and the stories around their characters will keep the fans tuning in for more.

7) Who is your favourite guest star in #RookieBlue S4? Just tell us we won’t tell anyone!

We had an array of top-notch guests this season. I was mostly involved with Al Sapienza, who plays a major person in Sam's past. So, naturally, I'm going to say that working with him was a special treat. He's a great actor and we had a terrific storyline.

8) All Rookie Blue fans are amazing but can you share one of the sweetest things a fan has ever done for you?

One of my favourite things is just hearing how much they love the show. I haven't been able to tweet much for a while. I've been trying to get recipe posted for the fans for ages. Almost there! But when we have twitter sessions, I get a real sense of the generosity of spirit and positive attitude that our fans have. Their general support is something that is touching beyond expression. It's means the most to me.

9) Can you share with us how you prepare for a new role?

The preparation begins when you first get the material for the audition or meeting. It's a question of identification (or not). If I identify (I may or may not know why) I'll take the meeting/audition, which means prepping the material. If there's research to be done - who, what, when, where, why - I'll do as much as I have time to prepare. If I get the part, depending on how long I have, I'll study anything I can get my hands on, so to speak. It's hard in TV, usually there is very little lead time before filming begins. To be honest though, the research and work never stops. Even after the project is complete. There's some part of me that's still working on it. That part of me will sometimes spontaneously erupt with an epiphany or revelation, way after the fact, that I regret not being able to explore. It's the occupational hazard of short prep/shoot schedules. I remember hearing about how Daniel Day-Lewis had a year to prepare for LINCOLN. And THAT was some 8 years after he was first approached by, and met with, Spielberg... Well, wouldn't it be nice. ;)

10) Playing guitar is one of your great passions. Will we ever see Sam bring a serenade for Andy? Just kidding :) but in one of your interviews you mentioned that it might be a good idea to start a band in LA and another one in Toronto. Did you succeed in forming those two bands?

I've succeeded in forming bands only in my mind. One day, I hope. That would be fun indeed.

11) In our previous interview you mentioned not having much down time so I was wondering if you would like to be an ambassador for a charity organization if you did have more time?

For sure. I hope I'll have the opportunity someday.

12) Hope you don’t mind me asking this but in which way are you proud of Laura (your wife)?

Laura is brilliant, talented, hard-working, and has a heart of pure platinum. It's such a cliché, but I don't deserve her! She makes me proud every day because of her commitment to growth as a person, and as an artist. I'm filled with gratitude to the universe for bringing her into my life. She teaches me how to become a better man and not take life too seriously (that's hard for me).

13) All the #RookieBlue fans know that you are a very talented actor who’s able to play many different roles so can you share with us what can we expect from you in 2013 besides, and I’m not complaining, you playing Sam in Rookie Blue? Which other projects are you currently working on?

Right now I'm catching up on all the things I can never get to when I'm shooting (as well as sleep!). So, I'm honestly in no rush to be working again. Plus, I've been kicking around for a while so I don't get excited by that many projects. I can't even say what I'd like to do. At this point, if I could make some music full time, I think I'd be pretty happy.

14) How about some #Swarek advice for the #RookieBlue fans to end this interview?

Advice? Geez... I don't have Swarek advice. But, as for Life, I love this quote by Calvin Coolidge (lots of you probably know it; always good to be reminded):

Nothing in the world can take the place of Persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent. Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan 'Press On' has solved and always will solve the problems of the human race.

and another one by JW von Goethe:

Until one is committed, there is hesitancy, the chance to
draw back, always ineffectiveness. Concerning all acts of
initiative and creation, there is one elementary truth the
ignorance of which kills countless ideas and splendid
plans: that the moment one definitely commits oneself, then
providence moves too. All sorts of things occur to help one
that would never otherwise have occurred. A whole stream of
events issues from the decision, raising in one's favor all
manner of unforeseen incidents, meetings and material
assistance which no person could have dreamed would come
their way. Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it.
Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.

Thank you Ben for doing another interview with the Dutch #RookieBlue fan page! We will continue to follow you on Twitter @BenBassOfficial

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