Recently, I was able to speak to Clé Bennett, one of the stars of the Canadian show, The Line. I had a great time talking to about The Line and more. If you are not in Canada, you can catch him on the Season Finale of Flashpoint tomorrow night! Enjoy!
What do you remember about shooting the very first episode of The Line?
Well we shoot according to location so we shot the first episode over a few months…so I really couldn’t even tell you (laughs).
Is it difficult to shoot like that?
It is because you have to keep track of your emotions.
So I am assuming that because of the way the show is shot, there isn’t room for many rewrites.
There are some edits along the way but for the most part, all the rewrites are done before we start shooting.
What would you say has been the most comedic moment, whether in an episode viewers have seen or just on set?
There are always comedic moments on that show, even in the most chaotic times. That show is just hilarious.
Your character, Carlos has an anxiety problem but I want to know, what makes you tick? When do you get anxiety in real life?
I can’t really say. Anxiety manifests itself in so many different ways. The causes and symptoms vary. What may cause me anxiety may not cause someone else anxiety. I might have a headache and think it’s nothing but it could be anxiety so I don’t really know when I have anxiety.
Think back to when you auditioned for the role. What can you remember from that experience?
I knew right away that I got the part because I was booked in the room. I nailed it and the producer started telling me about the story arc.
What did you do to prepare for a role like this?
I did some research on anxiety and just read the script a lot. I focused on why Carlos does what he does and why he says what he says, and just try my best to embody that.
What have you learned about yourself through this character, Carlos?
That is a good question. Through Carlos I would say I learned not to judge people by their cover. You look at Carlos and you would expect him to be the bad guy but by the end of the show you don’t think that anymore. When I first read the script, I thought, “What is wrong with this guy?” Then I had to realize that Carlos was not well and he wasn’t like everybody else so through accepting him as he is, it helps me to accept people the way that they are.
What are your favorite things to do in Toronto?
I spend most of my time watching films, reading, or working out. Basically everything I do relates to my work. I really enjoy my work.
Other than the upcoming CBC mini-series “Guns,” do you have any upcoming projects?
Yeah, I am going to be in the season finale of Flashpoint so that is exciting.
Do you have plans to return to Theatre in the near future?
Hopefully yes. Theatre requires so much of a commitment with rehearsals and whatnot, so you do not have a lot of time to do films, etc… and right now my focus is television and film.
In the future, would you consider Broadway?
Definitely! If the right play and the right part came along, yes.
Do you have a favorite musical/play?
I really love A Raisin in the Sun.
The Line airs:
Monday nights at 10pm ET on The Movie Network
Monday nights at 9pm PT on Movie Central in Western Canada
Fridays at 9pm ET/MT on HBO Canada
The series finale of The Line will air Monday, June 22, 2009.