1) Were you familiar with Tanya Huff's books prior to appearing on the show based on her book series?
Sometimes my ignorance is astounding. Sadly I was not aware of the book series until I got to set my first day.
2) How would you describe your character? Why did you want this role?
I would describe Ivan as a twenty-something boy who never took on enough responsibility to call himself a man. Whenever someone asks you to play a mortician who raises expired athletes from the dead to fight each other to the re-death in cage matches... you say yes. Or at least in my experience you say yes, because, in all honesty, when is the next time someone's going to ask that?
3) Had you worked with any of the cast or crew prior to Blood Ties?
All the cast were brand new to me. Everyone was a pro though; I can't say enough good things about the vibe on set.
4) What was the interviewing process like for Blood Ties?
I went into the audition joking around and not taking myself too seriously. Sometimes it works, sometimes it bombs though, and the director thinks you're a compete jackass. I guess Andy Mikita (the director) thought I was funny enough to give me the job. Thanks Andy!
5) Since the series doesn't air in Canada, have you been able to see your episode yet? What did you think of the episode?
I actually saw it the night it aired. I was in the great state of Indiana shooting a film, so some friends and I got together and had a viewing party. They all said I was solid (that's why we're such good friends). Okay I lied; I watched it alone because I was too paranoid that I ruined the whole series.
6) Did you film in an actual funeral home or was it a designed set? Do you remember any locations where you filmed outside of the set?
We did film it in an actual funeral home in Maple Ridge, BC. I was surprised at how clean it was. It also smelled really nice, I don't know why I thought funeral homes would smell weird but this one had a very refreshing scent.
7) Who is the first person you told that you got the role on Blood Ties?
The first person I told about the part was my wife. We celebrated because it meant that we didn't have to be poor for the next few weeks.
8) How did you celebrate getting this role?
I split an avocado and ate it with a spoon.
9) You play a character that worked at a funeral home. Many people find funeral homes creepy, how was the atmosphere of the set?
I wasn't creeped out by shooting in a funeral home. But I did find it funny when people would whisper inside the funeral home. I know it was probably out of respect but I just kept thinking... I'm sure the dead people don't mind... cause they're dead...
10) Did you do any research into Zombies for this role?
Yes. I shadowed a couple of zombies for a week. I learned a lot but, it kind of made me sad the way others would stare at them. Zombies are people too, just like me and you.
11) Was the goatee and longer hair just for this part or was it added on by the make-up department?
The goatee and cheesy hair were all me but, only for the part. I wanted viewers to think I looked as innocent and harmless as possible.
12) Any lasting memories from working on the set?
I kept secretly wishing that one of the undead wrestlers would step on the other guy's foot and they'd get mad at each other and start fighting for real. But the choreographed fighting was still fun to watch.
13) What are your upcoming projects?
I just finished shooting a thriller called "Silk Trees" in Goshen, Indiana. You can check out a sneak peek at http://davidcarstens.com/silk_trees.mov
Q & A FROM THE FORUM
From Tammy: What kinds of roles are your favorite to play? (and why!??)
I love playing the villain you love to hate, but love more than the good guy. All people have so many facets and contradictions to themselves that it just makes sense to me to play characters who mirror that humanity.
From Treisme: What training have you had in preparation of being an actor? How do you get into character before filming?
I think every actor learns the most from experiences in everyday life. I did go to school though, before I got my first gig. I started a theatre degree at Mount Royal College in Calgary AB, but dropped out because I got a scholarship to a film school in Vancouver BC. Stretching helps me get into character, plus putting on the costume always helps me feel the part. If all else fails I like to gurgle Gatorade and smash almonds on the floor.
From isilwath: G. Michael- I see from your bio that you have appeared in a wide variety of TV shows and a couple of movies. Was there any role that stands out for you or a particular character that you enjoyed playing more than the others? Thank you for taking the time to answer our questions.
I have to say Ivan in 'Blood Ties' was the weirdest and therefore one of my all-time favorites. I also loved playing Jude in 'Silk Trees'. Playing a lead gives you so much more time to craft a character and make choices you find interesting.
From Jones15: Which little fight scene was harder to film, the one with Jill Wagner (Blade) or Christina Cox (Blood Ties)?
I'm gonna have to say Jill Wagner. She mopped the alley with my behind.
From Lorelai: Thanks for taking our questions! Your character on the episode deals with pretty dark stuff, like death and dead bodies. Was that difficult for you to portray?
I didn't find it that difficult. I thought to myself, morticians have to deal with death and dead bodies all the time so I guess they must get used to it or they wouldn't last at a funeral home very long. Of course there weren't any real decomposing bodies on set, which might have freaked me out a little.
From freg: Hi G. Michael! Thanks so much for taking the time to play with us. What got you interested in acting? And how old were you when the bug bit you?
I remember watching Michael J. Fox in 'Teen Wolf' and saying "I want to be that guy". I was probably around 8 or 9 years old.
From DreamVision: Thanks you for answering our questions! Looks like this is the second Vampire - related TV show you have done, is this a genre that you would watch on your own? Is it fun to do parts that deal with the paranormal?
Sometimes reality bores me, so paranormal stuff really gets my brain ticking. Vampires are so cool. Of all the mythical creatures I seemed to buy into their story the most.
From MarieWP: Are there times of the year that are busiest for an actor working in Canada? What do you like to do during your time off?
Summer and fall are usually the busiest times of the year for me as an actor. During the winter it gets super slow so my wife and I and the baby like to go hide away in the Rocky Mountains. We don't really do much, we just like to hide. |
