Jamie Bamber is a highly accomplished actor that has appeared in some iconic franchises throughout the years, such as Battlestar Galactica and NCIS, and in the past year… he’s been quite the busy actor. Courtesy of his work in The Lair, Signora Volpe and now his latest project, Cannes Confidential. Wherein he plays the enigmatic Harry King, and we were fortunate enough to sit down with Jamie to discuss his new show and his new character.  
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John Betancourt: What has motivated you in the past year to try out so many unique roles?

Jamie Bamber: The life of an actor is not always guided by your own choices. But what opportunities come your way. I don't know, this particular project is something I went out of my way to pursue. Right after lockdown, it was the first script I read. I am a French speaker, and I've grown up and lived in France. And I know that part of the world very well my mum lives not too far away. And this opportunity came to read this script. For me, it just excited me on the basis of just saying the words and living in that relationship. I've always wanted to be in one of those kind of screwball comedy environments, a Mr. and Mrs. Smith, you know, Romancing the Stone and even Indiana Jones. You know, they're full of these relationships between two people who find themselves stuck into a situation where they have to help each other but they don't necessarily… where they wouldn't naturally be bedfellows if you pardon the pun.

It was that sort of tapping Cary Grant, Roger Moore, David Niven, Rupert Everett, Hugh Grant, all in one, you know, and playing, playing the dialogue. And the project changed a lot. And there was that there was a lot of work, but I was, you know, I was left with a bit of freedom, on the set, because obviously, we were working with an entirely French cast in France and yet speaking English, which is its own particular eccentricity. And, yeah, as a result, you know, in terms of the dialogue, I was very much encouraged to sign off and make it my own. So, yeah, it was all of that sort of stuff that made this one particularly special. But, you know, in all honesty, with other projects, it's what comes to me largely. This one, I do feel like I was involved from a very early stage, steering it and casting and, and all the rest of it. So, it was a little different from the others.

John Betancourt: What attracted you to the role of Harry?

Jamie Bamber: I really wanted to play somebody loquacious, you know? When you sort of play as a, you know, a young lead actor, the hero is sort of normally a guy with few words, who does lots but says very little. And Harry is the opposite. He does very little but says a lot. And it was that really, that sort of attracted me. Someone who is able to talk his way out of and into any situation. And you know, and the contrast is Camille's character, Lucie's (Lucas) character, who is a woman of action, who's a police officer who's got a specific goal in mind, she just states it, she interviews people, she arrests people, she makes a difference. Harry's the opposite. He avoids any kind of interaction like that. Nobody really knows anything about him. He's a man of mystery. Literally. He's not trying to be discovered by anybody in town, although he seems to know everybody in town, but nobody really seems to quite be able to pin down who he is and what he's about. And I think those people are fascinating to play someone that you want to know more about.

John Betancourt: How did you build his unique style and flair as an actor? Especially since you had so much leeway.

Jamie Bamber: Well, yeah, I mean, my input was really just about the character and the dialogue. And so, I was allowed to suggest things and suggest ways in which, you know, I did a lot of googling a lot of sort of making jokes that made me laugh, and, and just understanding that this is someone that gets away with life, because he is able to talk, that's really what he can do. And yeah, and that was, that was the challenge for me all the way through. The other thing was, you know, I'm working with a French cast whose first language is not English. So, I wanted them to be able to participate in it as well. So, we had a wonderful actor who is also a dialect coach called Pierre-Edouard Bellanca and he was on set the whole time helping to make sure that we found a way, you know, everyone navigating this situation. And then the unique thing about this show is that we all then dubbed it into French for French television. So, there'll be another version which is entirely in French and it's quite different.

You know, there's a lot of the dialogues changed again. So yeah, it was a very fluid kind of atmosphere on the set, which was encouraged by the Director, Camille Delamarre, and he's a very, very good action director. But he really wanted the humor to come through and that, for me was paramount. I was drawn to this show because it was funny, and you did enjoy the sort of the way these two characters got under each other's skin. And you throw into that third character Lea, who is also Camille's actual partner, her professional detective partner, but also, she has designs on her as well sort of in an implicit workplace forbidden relationship. So, it's a love triangle, which is sort of very 21st century, I think.

John Betancourt: So, how fulfilling was it to take part in a role that clearly just excited you as an actor.

Jamie Bamber: I was super excited, you know, there was a lot of pressure as well, because you really want it to work. And there are so many moving elements in a show like this, we shot you know, all the episodes at the same time. So that was a super challenge, remembering which case this particular scene was about and obviously, there is an overarching evolution in the story, which the big story, which is how Camille and Harry, develop and help each other or hinder each other in terms of the investigation into Camille's father. So, the overarching plot is Camille's dad. Who’s also a cop, the chief of police, but he's in prison. He's been put behind bars for corruption, and she's trying to exonerate him. And Harry knows a bit about it. So that's one big, long arc. And then we had little six mini arcs, and they're all jumbled up. So, you know that that was a real challenge. Just unscrambling everyday which case you were doing and what stage the relationship between the two is because it does evolve.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are you most excited for audiences to see when it comes to this season?

Jamie Bamber: Hopefully, the sense of humor, there's sort of… hopefully they'll want to jump on that motorcycle with Camille and Harry and go on a caper with them. And it's meant to be fun. It's meant to be for the family. It's sort of old school television, broadcast television, throwback to stuff like Moonlighting and Miami Vice and The Persuaders! and that's what I hope they take from it. I hope thy leave every episode with a smile on their face and enjoy a glass of their favorite French tipple or whatever it is while they're watching it.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Pallavi Sastry is a talented actor that has appeared in some big-name shows over the years, such as Blue Bloods and Last Week with John Oliver. Currently, she stars as Nina in The Walking Dead: Dead City, and we were fortunate enough to sit down with Nina to discuss her latest role.
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John Betancourt: How did you find your way into the TWD Universe as both a fan and a cast member?

Pallavi Sastry: I'm not shy in saying that, like, I get scared really easily. So, I actually didn't watch it right off the bat. But I started watching Fear the Walking Dead first. Because Karen David is one of my best friends. And so, because of that, you know, we all support each other, we watch our stuff. And so, started watching that, and then I realized, I was like, “Oh! It's like there's, there's some blood and guts and gore as comes with the territory. But it's actually really good filmmaking, and it's really good writing.” And then I got this job. And I started watching the original from the beginning so that I could get the context of everything, and Maggie and Negan history and all that stuff.

John Betancourt: What did your audition process look like?

Pallavi Sastry: So, like any other audition situation, since the pandemic happened, we've all been like, sort of making audition tapes in a vacuum, you know, kind of send it out into the ether, you don't know what's going to happen. And this is one of those that just felt like, I was just, you know, this is like one of the easiest ones I've done. So, when that happens, I'm just like, I don't even think about it. And then, like, you know, this one felt so good. Or, like, it felt so easy, I should say, like, seamless for me. And so that's when I'm like, “Yeah, that one's not gonna work.” It's, you know what I mean, it wasn't difficult. I wasn’t struggling through it. But yeah, so yeah, that it just really worked out. Like, I mean, I think it just, like clicked right off the bat. So, I'm really happy that like, Eli (Jorné), was a fan and, and hired me.

John Betancourt: What attracted you to the character of Nina?

Pallavi Sastry: So, there's a lot to discover, actually, like, there wasn't any context that I was given, there wasn't a lot of background that I was given, nothing like that. I think what I'm excited to find out is like, how, you know, she sort of ended up…  it kind of feels like to me, like, you know, some of the background work that we did, I was like, I just asked questions to Eli. Like, “How old is she? How long has she known Maggie?” Like, how, you know what I mean? Like, that kind of stuff. So, I think that's what I'm having fun with really, is that it's sort of going to be, what I bring is what's going to happen. And that's exciting. Because it's like a reinvention of the franchise, right? So, you know, they want it to move forward, they want it to expand, that's what's cool about this franchise is that there's always room for expansion. And so, the fact that I'm there, I think it's like really my job to like, give them things to play with. So, I think what I like about her is that she's very much a caretaker. She's very much a community person. She's very, she knows, she knows everybody's name. She recognizes everybody. And so, she… it feels like, you know, she's very much a protector. And so, I'm excited to see where that goes.

John Betancourt: So, you were basically able to create Nina from the ground up.
Pallavi Sastry: Yeah.

John Betancourt: Does that happen often as an actor?

Pallavi Sastry: No! (Laughter) It doesn’t. I mean, what's funny, though, is that, you know, I've had a couple of really great jobs in the last year, and one of them I was a producer, on which, obviously, I created the character that I played in that film, too. So, outside of 2022, you know, I haven't really had a lot of situations where, like, you know, they're like, “Okay. What do you think? Where do you think she comes from? Where do you think she's gonna go?” And you know, just kind of like letting me be me. That's a such a gift.

John Betancourt: Now to expand a little further. You mentioned she’s something of a guardian and positive light in this story, how did you get into that mindset of someone who is a positive influence in a world where very grim things have happened?

Pallavi Sastry: Yeah, good question. So, I leaned on, for the time that I spent on the show. I feel like I leaned on Lauren (Cohan) a bit. Because that's where all the history is, right? Is with her character and with Negan's character, but in terms of I think, like, she's really collaborative, like she's a really kind person, Lauren as an actor and as a person. And so, she would like, every so often she would just like check in with her with me as a scene partner like, and again, like we didn't spend a ton of time together. But I learned a lot from her, in that time. I remember there was one time where we're watching Ginny and Negan in that first episode, and there's like, you know, there's things that are cut, obviously, there's like, not everything that we shoot, like, makes it into the episode, but there's, there's always, like, our presence is there. And she was asking me, she asked me like, “What are you going to be doing? While that's happening?” And, and it forced me to think like, “Oh, all of these people are always in survival mode, even if they're by themselves, they may not be by themselves.” And so, I think that's where the sort of dichotomy comes in is like, I can be a protector, and I can be like somewhat of a positive, you know, presence. But I always have to check my perimeter. I always have to make sure I'm on alert. And so maybe it's like, you know, I'm trying to like always… maybe, that's how she calms herself. But this is all she knows, right? Like, this is all she knows, like, maybe she grew up at hilltop, who knows? Like, we're trying to figure it out.

John Betancourt: So, you mentioned you’re a fan of the saga as well, what is it like to step into the world of TWD Universe as a fan and now an actor?

Pallavi Sastry: Um, well, I mean, no pressure, I guess. (Laughter) Yeah, I mean, it's honestly, it's cool. This is what this is what actors hope for, you know, they hope to book a franchise show like this. Because again, like, the possibilities are endless. Like, I mean, I hate to bring this into… not hate to, but like, I sort of anecdotally want to bring in the fact that, like, our industry is like, sort of on strike in a lot of ways, right? Like, the writers are on strike, SAG might be on strike. But these are the types of jobs that like, put food on the table for us, you know, like, it’s like these franchises that always give life to the characters that can take them in different places that can like, you know, be beloved for many, many years. Like, I mean, this is the kind of stuff that we hope for that's, you know, creatively fulfilling, and also taking care of us. So, I think I'm just really grateful for this. And I'm excited to see where this goes. And I'm, you know, I'm hoping that, that whatever I did bring in whatever I, you know, I can continue to bring. Because I hear that reviews are good. And the viewership is good. So, we can only hope that that means more, right?

John Betancourt: Yes, more please! Now, was there any pressure as an actor because of the prestigious nature of this universe?

Pallavi Sastry: I've been a recurring character before. So, I think really the job when you're doing that is you're walking into somebody's world already. And so, you have to match the game, you have to you have to rise to the occasion and make sure that you're not making it about you. And you're not making it… you're trying to serve the story at hand. And the story at hand is Maggie and Negan trying to figure out how to get Herschel back. And how do they get over their stuff? And so, everything is serving that at the moment. And so, it's always… I think the pressure is really just to like, not get ahead of myself in any way. If that makes sense.

John Betancourt: That makes total sense. Now, what do you hope people take away from Nina’s journey?

Pallavi Sastry: Um, I think it sort of comes back to what we were talking about earlier, right? It's like there's not a lot of good stuff that happens here. But it seems like she's probably a positive presence, a positive influence and somebody who tries to you know, sees the silver lining sort of person. That's what I'm hoping. And, and I think I tried to find moments where like, you could see the intensity even if there wasn't like a ton on the page. It's like the cameras shooting a certain way or like, you know, we're doing something, it might not even be verbal, but it's like, all of a sudden, like, you see, like, all of a sudden, she gets like, “Oh shit, like she's intense.” You know that sort of thing. So, like, I'm really hoping that like that's the questions that people walk away with about her. I wanted to bring a sense of “What is up with her? What is up with her!? I need to know more!” That's the goal. Is to make people want more. And so, if most of the time, she's like a pleasant person, and that's how she gets along with people, which is important in this world, right? Because it's all about survival. But then at the same time, you got to see that fighter energy.

John Betancourt: What are you most excited for audiences to experience in the remainder of season one, without spoilers?

Pallavi Sastry: Um, I think, hmm. Without spoiling anything. What's really cool, I feel like, and it has actually doesn't have a ton to do with me at all. It's like, I just think it's a really, like, fascinating choice to have a completely nonverbal character like Ginny. I think, to allow a child to… because children in this world, they're, like, forced to grow up so fast, right? Because they have to survive. So that plus like, somebody who doesn't shut up, like Negan, (Laughter) I think like, how did that happen? Like how, I think that's what's gonna be really fun to watch, and also heartbreaking at the same time to see like that relationship unfold and to watch this kid, like, over and over again, be either in really heightened situations or be continually disappointed. I just, I think Mahina (Anne Marie Napoleon) did a great job on this. And I think that's something to watch.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today, what are you most proud of when it comes to your work on the show this season?

Pallavi Sastry: Um, I just love that… I think I'm part of a show where people want to be there. it's a show that you know, always is looking towards, like trying for a sense of hope, like, you know, like, because obviously, you know, it's a zombie apocalypse, but like, we're also like, the world is going through stuff too. And I think it's really enlightening that people want to watch stuff like this in order to feel… like you know, watch people survive, watch people fight, watch people get along with one another figure out their differences. I think there's a lot to be said there about humanity. And I just didn't know that that's what this this franchise or the storytelling or this Walking Dead World would bring. And I'm really happy to be part of that.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.  

Josh Fagin and Greg O’Connor are a pair of accomplished writers and producers that have worked on some important films and franchises throughout the years. Such as Pride and Glory and Law and Order: Organized Crime. Currently, they are the creators and writers of the new Audible Original, The Space Within and we here at NTG were lucky enough to sit down with both of them to discuss how their new project came to life.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk about each of your roles in bringing this story to life.

Josh Fagin: Well, you know, Greg and I have a very symbiotic relationship. We've collaborated for many years together and I don't know that our roles are necessarily so delineated, they seem to sort of become clear to us, once we're inside of something, and we, we had just a wonderful experience working together and building the story, which is, you know, just has been a real treasure for us to sort of watch it come to life.

Greg O’Connor: I would add to that, I think, you know, like Josh was saying it’s like, it's very kind of organic, I think, in this case, we, we sort of found a couple of things that we were interested in. And I think both of us are kind of interested in exploring kind of, like bigger ideas. And so, we thought, you know, talking about certain things that we sort of were interested in, the context of a person who was a psychiatrist, and was, you know, sort of stumbled on to what could potentially be a patient who had been abducted by aliens and how that changed her life, was something that came sort of through just a bunch of conversations that we had. And then there's actually a character that we, we thought was sort of interesting, a guy named John Mack who, you know, was sort of a Harvard psychologist who, who had dealt with a sort of a similar thing, although his story is very different than ours, we just thought that that as a seed of an idea that would be kind of an interesting.

And of course, we made it a woman and just allowed us to explore, you know, a bunch of different things that we're interested in. And I guess, from a process standpoint, you know, like Josh was saying, it's like, there's no, you know, no roles, particularly for one or the other, I think we just kind of like, brainstorm ideas, and then start to outline it. And, you know, we found that in this case, it really captured our attention and our, you know, our interest, so we just, we just went with it, and, and sort of, you know, found a story in it. And that's kind of how it happened. And then from there, you know, then it just becomes the, you know, taking of this kind of idea, that's an outline of an idea, kind of broad sketches and becoming, you know, turning it into something that is more tangible, and then ultimately, through a screenplay, and then through a series.

Josh Fagin: I will also say, it was very important for us, you know, when we, when we started the process, we knew inherently what this wanted to be, which is a very emotionally grounded story, a sci-fi mystery thriller, I think Greg and I both sort of our, our sort of storytelling instincts collectively is to do things that remain sort of grounded, and that there is a kind of inherent truth. And even though we are sort of moving into sort of genre waters, and wading into kind of, you know, a world that has been sort of explored in, you know, in many permutations, that for us, it was crucial to sort of stick to a very kind of character driven emotionally resonant thriller, you know, using the sort of engine of a mystery to sort of pull us through the story.

So, you know, the things that begin to kind of inform the story for us, you know, find their own sort of inner life as we're moving through the process of it. And that was a great, I have to say, it's a great discovery for both of us to really watch this thing become what it is, and sort of, you know, evolve. And very often I think, for us, when we're sort of dealing with characters, especially the Madeline Wild character, who Jessica Chastain plays, it was really important for us to sort of, you know, stay true to who that character wanted to be throughout the story and her own sort of strong sense of conviction and belief. And we both love the idea of characters who were sort of up against the kind of bigger institutional forces and so that that as the kind of driver for the story was, was somebody that we knew from the very beginning and how these things began to take shape, I think, for us, is really the joy. You know, it's such a joy in sort of creating things and sort of storytelling, and it's, it's, you know, the process itself is a mystery.

John Betancourt: With all that in mind, what was it that really inspired this story’s creation?

Gregory O’Connor: Yeah, again, I think we were, we were you know,  Josh and I were interested in writing something, and we're looking at ideas, and there was something that both captured us about telling the story of a doctor who, you know, comes from a place of science and, you know, would be kind of, in a way, the last person to sort of believe in something like this, and would have to sacrifice her own sort of convictions and, you know, the, the sort of world that she lived in this kind of academic world that she lived in, to pursue some kind of a truth. And we just love the idea that there was this kind of otherworldly thing that was out there that might, you know, might actually be real. And I think, as Josh was saying, I think it's so important for us to be, you know, really mindful of like, you know, staying within her truth, how would she deal with this? How would anybody deal with this, if they didn't really believe that this is possible, but something kept pulling them something, you know, had them wanting to, you know, just not dismiss it out of hand, but want to, you know, explore it further? And I think, yeah, I mean, somewhere in that was just something that fascinated both of us. And, and I think that, you know, I can speak for me personally, you know, I probably, since I was a kid, I've always had an interest in, you know, kind of what's out there. You know, is it possible that alien, you know, life or intelligent life out there was real. And so, it was a way for us to explore that without being really on the nose about it. And, you know, being mindful of, you know, all the things that have been done, as Josh said, you know, in the past, and some of the tropes that we you know, that we would have to be, you know, careful of not treading.

So, I think it was that. I think it was that, you know, this character and her sort of, like pursuing something that was outside of her belief system, and then we loved the idea of sort of making that, you know, this possibility of, of other life or something, otherworldly. And, and just again playing a very truthfully, I think that was really the, I guess, the sort of the seed of it, and then from that, it's like, “Okay, where would we take this after that? If that's the story, where would it go?” And, yeah, I think it just grabbed both of us, somehow. The thing is, it's a little bit of alchemy, you know, you just never know what's gonna grab you, and there are great stories out there, that just may not be the thing that grabs you. And for some reason, you know, I think some of our sensibilities, you know, tend to be very similar, and it just interested both of us and, and so I think the, the enthusiasm of one helps to drive the enthusiasm and the other as well, you know, and I think then we start to feed off each other, and that's what, you know, that's kind of how it all started.

Josh Fagin: Yeah, you know, I think, you know, for me, you know, having grown up, you know, watching movies, like Close Encounters, or having read the book Contact at a pretty young age, you know, I think as young, sort of dreamers, you're kind of hardwired in a way to sort of, like, live with these, these stories. And I think what happens inevitably, is you get to a certain point in your life, and you began to kind of contemplate the, you know, the possibility of it, I don't think that that's something that ever really goes away, there is an inherent sense of wonder that we were very mindful of tapping into and I think, look, I think we are also at a point where, you know, we're sort of at these crossroads, and much of our story touches on genetics and science, hard science, and, you know, and builds in themes of redemption and loss and, and grief, and, you know, there's a sort of soul to this character, who, as she begins to sort of embark on this journey realizes that, you know, that there is something, you know, perhaps, you know, out in the universe that is, you know, goes beyond our sort of everyday existence.

And I think that sort of revelation for our Maddie character really begins to sort of spin her in a different direction and opens our eyes and hopefully our audience's eyes to the possibility of it and what it really means. There's something that we were very diligent about in the sort of the writing process that we had sort of used the kind of mandate of “what if?”, often, as a kind of mantra, you know, and sort of held ourselves to this kind of, you know, this possibility that, you know, this is all true, what if this is really happening and how would the characters behave and how would they react? And how would they interact? You know, and for Jessica's character, how would she interact professionally and personally and so out of that, somewhat organically we built this kind of constellation of characters who are sort of orbiting around our Maddie character, each of whom had their own sort of set of relationships that we had to kind of contend with, you know, as we sort of move forward in the story, and again, sort of dancing with, you know, these ideas of, of science and, and, you know, big themes, explorations of loss and, and our belief systems being tested. But you know, really sort of set that against the big sort of realer and a mystery, which is really what sort of drives our story.

John Betancourt: Now, of the many messages and themes present, what’s the one you hope audiences take away?

Josh Fagin: You know, I would love for the audience to sort of be pulled into, you know, a sort of internal dialogue that sort of allows, you know, allows the listener to, to really kind of open their, minds and their hearts up. So much of what Maddie's character allows us to do is sort of begin to see the world through an evolving lens. I think, you know, I think in the world that we live in now, we tend to sort of, you know, see the world through a very kind of narrow lens, and so much of what the story allows us to do is watch a kind of evolution of perspective. So that, you know, as the mystery is unfolding, as Maddie gets closer, as the walls are closing in on her, and she begins to discover the sort of the revelation of what may or may not be happening, it's important for the audience to sort of go on this journey with her and begin to sort of, you know, allow their own sort of minds and hearts to begin to evolve with her, if we can sort of, you know, by the end of this story, build, you know, a sense of compassion for the audience, for these characters who have gone through these seemingly traumatic experiences, you know, then I feel like we've sort of, we've done what we set out to do, you know, and not just sort of think about a story that, you know, incredibly challenges us, I think, intellectually, but also makes us feel.

Greg O’Connor: I think it's not so much underlined in season one, but I think what we were going for, to Josh's point earlier, is this sort of sense of wonder, and what you're going to start to see is some of these people who, you know, have been abducted, go through some transformational process. And we think that that is sort of, you know, analogous in a way to some kind of like a, you know, the transformational process that people can go through… is their sort of consciousness gets raised. And, obviously, we’re externalizing that a lot of ways. But I think that I think it was really, really important for us that you start to see these people transform in a really beautiful way. And, and what I think you'll start to see as the story unfolds, is that there's a small group of people, small-ish group of people that maybe feel like they're outsiders. And I think that's, that is meant to be representative of all of us who kind of feel like we maybe are outside of the norm, that there's something wrong with us that there may be people looking at us differently.

And I think you'll start to see that as the story as the story unfolds, going forward, that there's a group of these people that sort of represent, you know, those people in society that that feel that way, and that how their transformation into something that is, you know, kind of outside the norm, but, expands on what their possibility is for them, seeing maybe something that was buried deep inside of them. You see that with Rose a little bit, she was somebody who was very, very, you know, repressed and how something is coming out in her, and we'll see that with other characters. That I think was really, really important for us also, that this is not a story about aliens attacking you know, the earth, we still don't know whether they’re good or bad, or there, you know, obviously, there's going to be, you know, uncertainty about what this is all where this is all going. And that's important, but it's not like, it’s certainly not War of the Worlds or anything like that. That's not what we're going for. And so, a lot of it is about like, you know, how people who maybe feel alienated or people who feel like they’re on the outside, sort of become empowered in some way. And I think that was really important for us in sort of telling the story as well.

John Betancourt: What are you each most proud of when it comes to this story?

Greg O’Connor: I would say the thing I'm most proud of is the cast that we got. I mean, I still, like, you know, sometimes have to, like blink and try to, you know, it's hard to believe sometimes that we got this kind of level of cast. So, I would say that that's the thing that I'm probably most proud of that, that the material attracted the kind of cast that was, you know, as, as interested in being part of telling the story. And when you write something that, you know, that people respond to, I think it's, it's the most gratifying, and I would say, that's probably the thing that, you know, I'm most proud of.

Josh Fagin: Yeah, you know, like, for me, it's the sort of thing that sort of gets, you know, lies sort of dormant in your, your waking life and your dreams and, you know, begins to sort of find a life, this idea that we've, you know, created, this tapestry of characters who are kind of orbiting around one another and have built this sort of, you know, this this rich kind of mystery. As a canvas for telling, you know, a story is, is, you know, it's always a sort of Herculean task, I think when you approach this and you go, how do you how do you carve out eight episodes and sort of tell it a very satisfying tale that is going to sort of make people feel and think. But I think the, the real gift is when, when you have performers who are sort of bringing life to your words, and your ideas and your thoughts and your feelings and, and add something to that, and, you know, working with collaborators, you know, wonderful sound designers, composers and editors who all contributed in their own way. And help us build this thing that really kind of came to life for us. That… to me… is, you know, it's truly a gratifying thing to come to this point. It's, it's really, you know, it's, we're very fortunate to be here.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Caution: This interview contains spoilers for Episode 805 of ‘Fear the Walking Dead’.
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Karen David is a talented and accomplished actor that has appeared in some memorable and iconic franchises, such as Galavant and Once Upon a Time. For the past four years, she’s starred as Grace Mukherjee in Fear the Walking Dead, and despite her character surviving some harrowing scrapes in that time, Grace finally bid farewell to the franchise during tonight’s episode, ‘More Time Than You Know’, and we had the distinct honor of sitting down with Karen to discuss Grace’s farewell episode.  

John Betancourt: When did you receive the news that this was going to be Grace’s goodbye episode?

Karen David: You know, I found out… normally it's during our hiatus period, they give us a sketch. But this didn't come as a surprise, because right from when I joined the show, from day one, I knew Grace's journey, I knew the trajectory of where the storylines were going to go. I didn't necessarily know how, but I knew she would succumb at some point to her radiation exposure. And it was really important for Ian (Goldberg), and Andrew (Chambliss), and Scott (M. Gimple) to play out the authenticity of what happens in these circumstances, as per Chernobyl, which I know, they took a lot of influences from. So, I knew this, I knew that my time would be… actually I really thought I was going to go after my third season, but to be able to play out and carry out the final season with Lenny and the gang. Just, you know, meant a lot to me.

And it was so important for me, too, was really important for me to give Grace, the best possible sendoff that I could and to, you know, it was really important for all of us about the legacy of our characters, as our storylines come to a close. So, yeah, when they told me just before, probably around springtime, we had a chat on Zoom. And the joke is that every season, after every season, when we kind of do it a debrief of where we finished and where we're going, I would always say, “and then Grace dies.” And they would start laughing. They're like, “No, not today. Why are you saying that?” (Laughs) I'm like, “Well, because I don't know, where the radiation levels are at, you know, where are they at?” But no, they kept me going into the final season. And it felt good, it felt right, I got… so many things that I got to do with Grace, and I'm so grateful for and four seasons was a good amount of time to achieve what I wanted to do with her.

John Betancourt: Now despite knowing the end is nigh, how did you process Grace’s goodbye?

Karen David: You play a character for four seasons, and you become so invested in that character, you know, the relationship I have with… Grace… breathing life into her. I think for me, you know, knowing Grace's backstory, and it's a very painful journey she's had, it's very, it's so poignant. It's so bittersweet. It's so painful. I mean, all these characters have been through trauma of varying degrees. And, you know, Grace certainly has had her share of loss and pain. And I just hold on to those “candy beansies” moments of levity, of lightness. And I'm so happy, you know, that she's had moments of joy with, you know, someone who she deeply loves, like, Morgan, you know, I think back to the carousel scene, I think back to those moments at the shopping mall, back in season five, when she's illuminating a turtle, which is, you know, cascading stars above to help someone transition.

And it's, it's, it's these moments of levity that I hold dear to my heart. And I'm so grateful that she's had those moments, that she allowed herself to open herself up again, to hope, to possibility to… to love, to friendship, to life, and most importantly, I think, her meeting Morgan… really, really helped with her forgiveness of herself, of her past mistakes, and her, self-love. And that was something that was really important for me, for Grace's legacy, for her to come to that sort of that place of peace, that place of acceptance, that place of letting go and embracing the time that she had to be a mother, embracing the time that she had to have this family that she always wanted. You know those moments were very important in cementing whatever I could in her legacy in this amazing universe that we're in.

John Betancourt: Now, you’ve had an opportunity that not everyone in The Walking Dead Universe has enjoyed and play both sides of the coin so to speak by becoming a Walker. What was that like, and also… you were terrifying.

Karen David: That makes me so happy because I was really nervous about, you know, playing a Walker, I've never done that before. The little kid in me was very excited about that. Because it is a different physicality that you're embodying. And one never knows what that's going to look like. And certainly, on me, I mean, I'm only five foot three, I was like, and that's one thing, you know, when, when you're tiny, but mighty. As my mom says. (Laughter) As I am physically, I, I know that I'm not necessarily physically menacing. So, it's… and whether it's being a walker, or any other part that is more menacing or cold, or, you know, scary. It's, it's about kind of coming at it from a different approach, from a different angle. And that's very much you know, something that's very guttural, the nuances of it. I mean, it's so heartbreaking as it is, that when you see her as a Walker, she's no longer Grace, she's no longer Grace the mother and to see her, you know, descending upon her daughter is just so heartbreaking. And I'm so grateful to have had an incredible stunts team like James (Armstrong), Jack (Barnett), and my stunt double Pay-Pay, who guided me very much into the physicality and how that feels like. And it's very subtle. Actually, I found that the more subtle I was with it, the more scary it became.

It's all about pacing. And obviously, this special effects VFX makeup from our VFX department never ceases to amaze me. John, I remember I did a time lapse video, I couldn't believe… I was actually scared to look at it! (Laughter) Because seeing this transition, I was like, “Ohhhhh!” I was just horrified. So, horrified And when I come out, you know, in between… people would be like, “Oh my god, Karen!” It was just such a shock. It was a shock for all of us. It's something that wasn't fun to play. I'll say that, you know, I, for so many reasons, emotional reasons, saying goodbye to a character… it was really discombobulating for me to wrap my head around. Because I knew my time, my days were finishing on Fear. I knew that this would be a goodbye. So, I had all that in my head. And then on top of that, it just became very real and very final when I had the Walker makeup on. And so, I had to fight through that very much when I was doing those scenes. Because it was it was just very heavy for me because I… you become so close together as a TV family. And so that was weighing heavily on my heart.

John Betancourt: That makes total sense when you see that transition on screen. Now, four years on the show, lots of experiences, what has this journey meant to you?

Karen David: It's always about the people that we get to meet, you know, on these journeys, and as an actor, if you're lucky enough to go from set to set, you do meet some incredible human beings and having the gift of four seasons, five years with the crew, from Austin to Savannah, and the cast as well. Having you know, a solid scene partner like Lennie James, who has been so steadfast and has been the other half of my heartbeat, you know, for this journey. So much emotions in that. Because like I said, you become very close. We've been through a lot together, come rain or come shine. We've been there for each other, crew, cast, creatives, we've embarked on this thrilling journey together. I got to do things I've never done before as an actor. And it was scary, but it's scary in a good way and to have the love and support, of each other, everyone looking out for each other and to have a scene partner like Lennie James has just ruined me for life. (Laughter) But I, I always say this now that, I've moved on to other projects, I you know, whilst it's this bittersweetness, you know, moving on from being together for so long. I carry… I feel like I've graduated from the School of Walking Dead.

And you know, I've got the certificate and badge, which I wear so proudly on my heart. And because that badge is not just a badge, it's a badge of The Walking Dead Universe. It's a badge of the crew and the cast, Lennie James, Colman, Jenna, you know, Austin, Christine, Rubén, Danay, the whole gang. You know, it's… they’re on that badge, and also the Fear family, the fan family, the fans that I've made, you know, gotten to know, these past five years, they're all part of that badge that I hold with, with such pride. Moving onwards, you know, and I think about, I'm like, “Damn, I'm really lucky, I've got, I've got quite a family now, you know, behind me, cheering me on to whatever happens next.” So that's how I look at it. Otherwise, I'd be bawling my eyes out every two seconds, because this time that you have together, you always know is not going to be infinite. You know, it's, it's, it's there on the screen infinitely, and the legacies that we're creating and the closures we're giving to our characters and their journeys, but it's this time, you know, on set in that moment, you know, you just have to carry that in your heart.

John Betancourt: Last question I have, or last order of business… is there anything you’d like to say to the fans?

Karen David: Right from day one, this Universe welcomed me with open arms. And I'm so I'm so grateful and so deeply touched by the kindness that circulates in this Universe, it's not easy when you join a show midway, when it's established, has its own heartbeat. And it's like the first day of school, you're this kid coming on set, hoping, and praying that everyone will love you, you know, in the show with your colleagues, but also with the fans too. And everyone has just been so kind, you know, this was a role that was very different for me, you know, I was doing Once Upon a Time, Galavant, which I loved and had the best time, but felt this, this, this, this desire to continue to grow as an actor and to do roles that were way out of my comfort zone. And this certainly was out of my comfort zone. And so, to be embraced the way that I was and have been from all the fans, it’s just so deeply moving. And they're my family too, family for life. And I'm just really grateful that they're part of my journey and part of my life because they bring so much light. I can't imagine moving forwards without them. So, like I said, they're part of the part of that badge I wear on my heart.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.

Nick Stanton and Devin Bunje are a pair of accomplished writers and producers that have worked on a bevy of shows and films. Currently, they serve as the Co-Creators/Showrunners, and Executive Producers of the Disney Channel’s new series, Hailey’s On It! and we were fortunate enough to talk with both of them regarding their new show.
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John Betancourt: Let’s talk a little bit about each of your roles in assembling this new show.

Nick Stanton: Yeah, they're very similar. Because we, you know, we've been working together our whole careers, and, you know, we are just, you know, very collaborative. That said, we do, you know, it's a lot of work putting together an animated show. And so sometimes we have to kind of divide and conquer, and, you know, so like, Devin, for example, would be in a record, and I would be doing an art review and things like that. But, you know, at the end of the day, you know, we're doing this together. So, you know, we are always collaborative, and one thing that's been good, is I think, both of us kind of leave our ego at the door, you know, we realize that a good idea can come from anyone, it doesn't have to be mine, it doesn't have to be his it, you know, can come from, from anyone, and we've kind of run with that philosophy that just basically, best idea wins.

Devin Bunje: As executive producers and showrunners, we sort of found that, you know, while we're still ultimately responsible for all the creative, you know, aspects of the show, you kind of have to delegate. So, like Nick said, we sort of will sometimes split up certain things, we find great people that can do great things like our two, even though they're first-time directors, they're incredible. Cat Harman-Mitchell and Leslie Park, you know, we sort of let them own the storyboard stage, you know, until the very last couple of cuts that we see, Howy Parkins kind of oversees the whole artistic department or our art director, Lee Ann Dufour. We tried to find great people that are great at their jobs, and sort of let them sort of own their, their sort of departments. And, and it's worked out great, because everybody is really bought into the sort of the team atmosphere over here.

John Betancourt: What kind of challenges did you encounter with your first animated series?

Devin Bunje: Well, we actually started as writers in animation, and we've done a number of shows, this is the first one we've created and show run. So yeah, the main, I mean, the truth is a good story is a good story. And as writers, you know, we've always sort of put the biggest emphasis on that, we want to make sure the story is, is right, and something that would be compelling to see and enjoy. The biggest difference, I guess, with it is, you know, you have so many more tools at your disposal in animation. In live action, we tried to get a bear in one episode, and it was $50,000, or something like that, to get an animatronic bear. Here, we can have someone draw it in about half a day.

So, you know, there's sort of a, it opens up a world of possibilities in a fun way. So that's just great. You know, the sort of the one thing that we are learning to sort of adapt to is, in live action, we would literally in a week, we would write three drafts, and then shoot it and our last show was in front of a live studio audience. So, we would immediately get feedback on what jokes were working, what, what didn't, and you can make a quick adjustment on the fly just like that, in animation, the process is sort of stretched out over many, many months. So, you know, we try to we try to kind of get that same vibe by doing a table read with the writers, and then we sort of pitch the storyboard. And then we look over, you know, each cut repeatedly with as many people as we can to just sort of approximate the feedback you get from the actual audience, but it's great. It's just sort of a much longer and slower process.

John Betancourt: Nick, anything to add?

Nick Stanton: No, just what Devin was, was saying, and we developed a lot of the show during the pandemic, which was, you know, it made it difficult to, you know, not have that -- a lot of it was over zoom and, you know, people put their, their mute buttons on, and you can't tell if something got a laugh or not. So, you know, it's been really great now being back and doing in person storyboard pitches and, and group table reads and stuff and like hearing the laughs and getting that feedback. So that was challenging, but you know, it's, we're in a good place right now.

John Betancourt: What inspired this unique story?

Nick Stanton: Started with really an idea for a scene. And a version of that scene is in the first episode, it's where the professor, this crazed professor from the future, you know, bursts in and, and basically has two minutes to tell all these big important things to our main character. But kind of the joke of that scene, as we originally conceived was that the conversation keeps getting sidetracked and goes off on tangents, and they never get any information. So, I don't know, it's just kind of a funny scene, and we were pitching lines on and stuff like that. And from that, we sort of built a world, you know, like, who is this girl? And we came up with the main character of Hailey Banks. And then we thought, well, what if she had this next-door neighbor, who's her best friend, but they might be more than friends? And, you know, and then the idea of Beta came as a character. And I don't know, all these pieces just kind of fit into place. And we've built a story in a world and characters really around that.

Devin Bunje: That was sort of the genesis. And what we liked, I guess was, you know, the idea of a character who is so sort of in her own head and feels like she's incapable of doing even something mildly scary, like jumping off the high dive, what if she found out that she is not only destined for great things, but she is capable of doing everything she ever thought she could do and wrote into her list and, and that she is going to do it in the future, but she just has to figure out a way to kind of get herself, you know, believe in herself enough to get to that point. And, you know, thought that was kind of a great message that you know, anyone can kind of make a difference in the world.

John Betancourt: Hailey is vastly different type of character, what inspired her creation, and the growth she goes through?

Devin Bunje: Yeah, I mean, just sort of what we were talking about, you know, that theme of you know, anyone can make a difference, you know, it was important to us to start with a character that didn't already feel like they're, you know, the best, I guess, because, you know, we all have those kind of self-doubts at times. But getting that little bit of insight that, no, you can do it, and you will do it, you just have to kind of take it one step at a time. And we really like that, you know, fits perfectly for a show, because each episode can kind of be her taking one more step towards that ultimate goal of her becoming the best version of herself.

Nick Stanton: Yeah, just that it was important for us to have a character that really, really grew and evolved over the course of the series. You know, this isn't a show where we necessarily reset every episode. I mean, we do have standalone episodes, but like, you know, it's sort of like, you see it a lot in adult shows, you know, Breaking Bad, how does someone become a go from a mild-mannered teacher to you know, this drug kingpin? But, you know, this was sort of an exercise in opposites, right? How does this girl who has trouble stepping outside of her own comfort zone, and you know, can be sometimes shy and awkward? How does she get from point A to point B, you know, in, you know, we know that she's destined for all these great things. So that journey was really important to us.

John Betancourt: This is a series that tackles some vastly different messaging, what do you ultimately hope families take away from this series?

Nick Stanton: Yeah, I would say what Devin said that, you know, you can be the change that you want to see in the world. And I think it was also important for us just to build a world that was really a positive place, you know, I mean, there's just so much turmoil in the world today. We just wanted to create this, like, kind of beautiful world that our audience and our kids could live in for a half hour. And you know, it could just be just a positive kind of experience.

John Betancourt: Devin, anything to add?

Devin Bunje: That’s pretty much it.

John Betancourt: What does it meant to each of you to have this series finally hit the airwaves?

Devin Bunje: I don't believe it's real. (Laughs) It's been a long time. No, it's really exciting honestly, it's, it's we've really, we've been working on it… I think it's been over four years since we first came up with the idea now and the idea of finally getting to share it with everybody. Because every time we've shared it with people, we've had so many positive reactions, we really think it'll, it'll sort of connect with a lot of people. And we're excited to see that.

Nick Stanton: Our first screening of the episode, like one on one, this was a few weeks ago, like group screening and like to hear words that we've heard a million times now, because we've been working on this so long, like, get a laugh in front of an audience was like, “Oh, wow. I forgot. Yeah, this is this is actually really good.” So that's been, it's been really exciting.

John Betancourt: What are most excited for audiences to experience, in general, from the show?

Nick Stanton: Um, you know, I'm excited that… you know… it's a journey, like the series is a journey, and there's, I'm not gonna spoil anything, but there are some big twists and turns that, that the series takes, and, you know, even Scott and Hailey's relationship evolves and changes throughout the series. And, and, you know, I'm excited for that, because I, you know, even in the screenings that we've had, you know, people get invested, and you know, that they, “Oh, my gosh, you know, that's a great twist!” So, you know, there are a couple, you know, big episodes that change the dynamic of our character relationships that I'm really excited for people to see.

Devin Bunje: Yeah, I'm just excited to share it. It's a really fun show. And I really do think when people watch it, it'll be an enjoyable experience. That, you know, it will help you forget whatever's going on in your life and you’ll just kind of be able to kind of enjoy the time that you're watching it.

John Betancourt: Now to back up really quick, I’d be foolish not to ask you both, how you settled upon your cast.

Devin Bunje: Yeah, we were very fortunate. I mean, we actually we didn't start with only one person could be these characters when we wrote the pilot. But the first round of auditions that went out, Nick and I both agreed that our favorites were Auli’i (Cravalho) for Hailey and Manny (Jacinto) for Scott. And, and since then, they've just both exceeded our expectations. Like Auli’i is not only an incredible actress and singer, but she's incredibly funny too. She really does get the comedy and makes all of Hailey's jokes better than they were written. And, and Manny is just so unique. He's so likable, just his natural, his natural presence is just incredibly likable. And he's sort of like a unicorn of comedy. Like he does things in ways no one else does. But they're all hilarious and unique and fun. And they work perfectly together. And they're an incredible combination.

Nick Stanton: And I will also add, Gary Anthony Williams, you know, as Beta really brought that character to life, and, you know, he's another one of those people… I couldn't imagine anyone else as Beta now. I mean, he's just got such, you know, funny takes, and, and that really informed the character. So, he's been great.

John Betancourt: Last question I have for you today. What are you each most proud of when it comes to this show?

Nick Stanton: I would say the crew and you know, just seeing… like I mentioned, like Lesley Park and Cat Harman-Mitchell are first-time directors, you know, to see them really take ownership of like storyboards and, you know, really come into their own. That's, you know, it really makes the experience fun and to see all our talented artists, you know, come together and, and pull together in a team effort. It's, it's just been a really fun experience.

Devin Bunje: I'll say that I think I'm proud that that I really believe it's a show that the whole family will enjoy together. Like it's not something that if you put on for your kids, you would groan and wish you were not there and it's not something that's too, a little too sophisticated that kids aren't going to get it. We think we really kind of found a nice, sweet spot where there's fun adventure for the kids and a lot of jokes and just sort of nice family moments that will appeal to the parents as well.

This interview has been lightly edited and condensed for clarity.