Giles Panton – Reign

By starrymag | January 23, 2016

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

Q) What are the recent projects that you are working on?

A) I just finished shooting a movie directed by Giancarlo Esposito (“Breaking Bad”) called This Is Your Death. It has some amazing actors in it including Sarah Wayne Callies (“The Walking Dead”) and Josh Duhamel (Transformers). That was a lot of fun. I also have one of the leads in Lego’s new TV series “Nexo Knights” and we’re still in the middle of recording that. So, always lots on the go!

Q) We’re now seeing you on “Reign” as Lord Cunningham. How was your character originally described to you?

A) The initial description was pretty simple. It said, and I quote, “He is Mary’s new arrived, but experienced Scottish Advisor.” Needless to say, I dug into the script and did as much character research as I could to fill in the blanks. I love that stuff anyway. Turning my characters into a whole person is a lot of fun for me.

Q) What made you want to be a part of the show?

A) Oh man, I love that entire era. Knights, castles, kings and queens…I just think it’s one of the coolest periods in our history. Sure, it would have been rough back then. I’ve watched the documentaries on all the work that went into just making a hot bath (we’re talking hours). But I was a kid when I became with it all I never thought about complicated things like logistics. Anyways, ever since I heard about “Reign” I loved the idea and when I got the opportunity to audition I jumped on it!

Q) Had you auditioned for any other parts on the show?

A) I actually auditioned for two other parts. I won’t say what they are…but they were all very fun and the people they cast were perfect.

Q) Lord Cunningham is the Scottish advisor to Mary. What was it like working Adelaide Kane?

A) Adelaide is one of the easiest people to get along with. She’s really chill. Within minutes we were cracking jokes and teasing each other. She has this sharp wit and got in some really good digs that just left me laughing my butt off! And to round it all out, she’s charming and a sweetheart – which makes for a great day at work. There’s one moment that sticks out. We had some kids on set that were playing orphans and between takes she was checking in with them and telling jokes. She was just making sure that they were okay. She was so attentive, dignified and poised (not to be cheesy) that I literally thought, “She really is like a queen.” I’d say she fits her role very well.

Q) How important of a role does Lord Cunningham play in Mary’s return to Scotland?

A) Well, I am her Scottish Advisor so…But I have to keep my lips sealed on this stuff! So, let’s air on the side of cheeky and mysterious and say that Lord Cunningham will participate as much as he participates. [smile]

Q) Is there anyone on the show that you really wished you had scenes with or more scenes with?

A) I actually would have loved to work with Megan Follows. She’s a powerhouse. Plus, Craig Parker is a riot! I think he’s hilarious! And it would have to be pretty interesting circumstances to bring Narcisse and Lord Cunningham into a scene together. So, that would have been worth it just to see what the writing staff came up with. The writing team on this show is so sharp and on it. I’m really impressed by their work.

Q) You are a part of social media. What kind of fan response have you gotten to your character?

A) Fans have been great. Lots of positive feedback and a lot of interesting people, too. It’s also fun to see my fans from other projects starting to take an interest in “Reign.” I’m growing to really like the whole social media adventure.

Q) What did you take away from working on “Reign?”

A) First, swords are the best. I wore mine everywhere they’d let me. (Not back to the hotel though. Unfortunately, there was some silly safety issues about that and “Reign’s” insurance provider would get very grumpy. [laughs]) But I do want an epic sword battle where Lord Cunningham just goes full out. Secondly, “Reign’s” costume department is awesome! This is by far my favorite outfit. All the different gear I had, there must have been like fifteen pieces – not even including my trust sword (which is technically provided by props and not wardrobe). Their costume warehouse is insane! They know what they are doing. Finally, kindness gets you a long way. Everyone on set really highlighted that.

Q) Is there anything else you want to be sure to share with fans of “Reign?”

A) Yes, I want them to know that the entire “Reign” team is amazing. Every department was so professional, kind and personable. Honestly, it was one of the best sets I have ever been on. They’re a great team. You guys are lucky because that translates into a great show.

Q) You often do voice work as well as acting. Do you have a preference?

A) They are so totally different. I wouldn’t want to do just one of them. Film and TV is a ton of fun because of how immersive the environment is. The sets, costumes and this whole crazy world they build around you is like walking into Disneyland every day to work. Voice work is the exact opposite. It’s just you in a room with a microphone and maybe some other actors. It’s the coolest thing to have to take a script and build an entire world around you. That’s a serious imagination playground! Both have really fun storylines and are super interesting. Yeah…Too different to compare.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) Always feel free to send me lame jokes on Twitter and Facebook! I’m such a ham! And beyond that, just feel free to reach out. I love fan interaction and you guys are great. Thank you so much for your support so far and I plan on making a lot more great stuff for you to watch.

 

 

 

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