Flashpoint: Interview with Enrico Colantoni
Enrico Colantoni, or Daddy Mars as we like to call him fondly in our office, has a part in a new television drama. Following his years on Just Shoot Me and Veronica Mars he is one of the leads in the Canadian series Flashpoint that is already shown on Swiss television, and that is coming to German broadcaster RTL2, soon. Being on a tight schedule, Enrico made some time during his lunch break to have a most pleasant and insightful chat on the phone with Serienjunkies.de
http://www.serienjunkies.de/news/flashpoint-interview-22599.htmlDeutsche Übersetzung
SJ: What is Flashpoint about? And who is the character you are playing?
Flashpoint, essentially, is a drama action television show about policemen, heroes and the cost of heroism. I play Greg Parker, he is the team sergeant. And he is a man, who is probably not like most police characters because he comes from an emotional intelligence. He has a great deal of compassion for the people he is dealing with. It sort of becomes a futuristic look at policemen because they are technologically advanced, they are emotionally advanced. So, they don't have that stormtrooper attitude we are cops, we are tough, and we are going to kick your ass. There is a lot of heart, and a lot of soul in these people.
SJ: Does this have to do with the fact that the show is Canadian? Is there a special Canadian attitude in it?
I think that's very true. It's predominant, probably because it is Canadian produced, and Canadians as a people are more inclined to the negotiation and the dialogue peace keeping as opposed to control and ultimate annihilation.You think of Canadians as peace keepers. And I think it will translate much better in Europe, anyway, as opposed to the United States because there are a lot of people in the United States who are unfamilliar with the process: They are used to seeing people with guns, and explosions, and we really come across with a lot of heart and a lot of intelligence.
SJ: Yet, Flashpoint is also very successful on US television. Do you think that the show might become some sort of a door opener for other non-US series?
Oh yeah! This is introducing a lot of American audiences to Canadian television. In the past, Canadian television was limited because they were serving a smaller audience. But I think they now see the value of bringing it to the United States. CTV is committed to making higher quality shows that can easily be distributed and sold around the world. And the model in the United States is changing, too. They are trying to find good quality shows from around the world, and put it on their networks. It just makes good financial sense.
SJ: Greg Parker is not your everyday cop from your everyday TV show. How do you, as an actor, make him a unique character instead of just playing another cop?
I was interested in Greg Parker because he is a negotiator, he does have a base in psychology, and he understands human behaviour. It is very fascinating to play somebody who automatically extends his hand to someone as opposed to intimidate. That's who he is. He is the negotiator. He is the guy who can not be pulled in to the drama. He is reserved, yet compassionate. It's compelling to be able to play that, and represent policemen in that light.
SJ: You say he is a negotiator, yet most of the time you are playing this character in this uniform, often in heavy body armour, with all the guns and the technical equipment around you. Does all this stuff around you make it harder to play the character, or does it actually help to get into character?
It helps because the authority is in the uniform. And as an actor to play against that, that's when it becomes fun. We don't have to impose an attitude, and say we are tough. We have all these things speaking loudly for that. We can speak as human beings, and really try to make a connection with these people.
SJ: Do you have to take a lot of special training in order to make all this police work seem convincingly? I guess you have some sort of police advisor on the set...
It doesn't take a whole lot of special training. We spent a little time with members of the Emergency Task Force [the police unit the SRU on "Flashpoint" was modelled on, CJ], quite unofficially. And there are tactical consultants on the show that are very helpful. But look at these policemen as people. And you realize they have the most wonderful warped sense of humor, and great warmth and depth, and that's what I was more interested in. There is a wonderful man who is the tactical consultant on this show. To know what he has been through as a policeman you would wonder: How can he be such a patient and gentle man? The thing is: He is, because he has seen so much. And that is what's inspiring, certainly for my character. Because you can only imagine what he has seen to maintain that calm.
SJ: Flashpoint seems to be very much the little guy show because it shows normal people who get under such an enormous amount of pressure that they just can't take it anymore, and resort to desperate measures... That's not something you often see.
Yes, it is not familiar. It is new. And it is exciting for people to witness because that is the essence of human nature. We do want to make contact, we do want to connect with these people [the hostage takers, CJ]. We got to understand that they are having hard days. And we have a responsibility to make this connection first before we start shooting.
SJ: Do you think that this kind of negotiating approach is something that very well fits into the Zeitgeist, as might be seen in the new US administration?
Yes, a man like Obama is bringing that to the world. He is reminding the world that people can talk, and should talk. And this is what the show did. In fact, before Obama got elected, we showed up first (laughing). I think the President could be a fan of our show.
SJ: Two of your colleagues, Hugh Dillon and Amy Jo Johnson, have already contributed to the soundtrack of "Flashpoint" with their songs. When will we hear a song from you?
(laughing) I can give it to you now. That's as close as I will get to an episode. Hugh and Amy Jo, both had songs in the first season, very exciting, beautiful stuff. But not Enrico. (pause) You think I should do a song?
SJ: I am sure a lot of people wouldn't mind...
I am glad you think so. But I am sure Hugh would be much better suited.
SJ: Besides Flashpoint, you were recently guest starring in the pilot of Party Down. Obviously, there is one scene I have to ask you about: When you are getting stark naked in front of all the crew, all the actors, and all the extras, and you jump into this swimming pool - is this just another tuesday for you?
Yes, absolutely! I love running around naked in public... No, actually, that was very intimidating. I worked out a whole day before to get my abs in gear. You know, when you feel comfortable with the people you are working with then it's all in the light of fun. Then nothing feels safer then to strip down naked and jump into a pool.
SJ: But you did not have to do many retakes?
Well, you know... It happened to be a very cold night in Los Angles. The shrinkage factor was very high I have to say! They were all very patient with me. We had a fluffer there, that didn't work... No, I am kidding, there was no fluffer, I was my own fluffer... (laughing)
SJ: Do you have any news on the potential Veronica Mars feature film? Will it happen? Will Keith Mars be in it?
Wouldn't that be wonderful? I'd love to see Veronica Mars on a big, big screen! I talked to Rob [Thomas] on occasion, and I know he is keeping this one very close to his chest. But I really don't know what is going to happen. It makes me sad even talking about it because I would love to do it, and I would love to see it.
SJ: What shows are on your TiVo?
Well, a couple of cooking channels, some hockey games, Numb3rs, Flashpoint, that's about it. How is that?
SJ: Well, I don't know about the cooking shows, but then again, I only know them in Germany...
We have a whole network called The Food Network. It's 24 hours. There is Iron Chef, and other great, great stuff. (laughing) Come to North America, and spend your time right in front of the television watching the Food Network!
SJ: This is definitely the first thing I am going to do!
(laughing)
SJ: Thank you very much for this interview!
Christian Junklewitz veröffentlichte diese Meldung am Sonntag, 19.Juli 2009 10.01 Uhr