Benjamin Breault – The Society

By starrymag | June 1, 2019

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) The most recent projects that I have worked on are Netflix’s “The Society” and Selah and The Spades, which recently premiered at The Sundance Film Festival.

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for the series “The Society.”

A) “The Society” is based in a fictional New England town called “West Ham” in Connecticut. High School students head off on a camping trip, but a storm forces them to return home. Upon their arrival home, they realize that all of the other townspeople have disappeared. The show is a modern take on Lord of The Flies. With this newfound freedom, the teenagers begin to have some fun until chaos and political feuds erupt. While they struggle to figure out what has happened to them and how to get the town back to normal, the teens must establish order and form alliances in order to survive.

 

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

A) I was immediately drawn to the script because it had a very realistic yet dystopian feeling and the members of the cast were all well experienced actors. I knew that if I was to accept this project, I would be learning a lot from the other actors and the flow of the set. The writer, Christopher Keyser, had a solid plan for the characters in the show as well as the arc for future seasons. I am very glad that I accepted the project. The cast is like a family to me and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I am looking forward to future seasons to come!

 

Q) How was your character Blake originally described to you?

A) Originally, Blake was described as your all-American athletic jock, part of The Guard in the show. Upon further auditions, Blake was shaped into a whole different person. Blake ended up being a very naturistic person who went out of his way to gather food and supplies for the town. Blake is a good kid with a big heart and a kind spirit. Blake was involved in the hiking exhibitions as well as the improv group. He does whatever it takes to stay positive and out of danger.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t originally in the script?

A) Since this was one of my first big projects, I tried to stay true to what the script offered towards the role. There were some personality traits that I played around with in certain scenes though. I mostly brought what I could from my own personality into the role of Blake.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

A) My first scene of the show is a scene in the woods where a girl in the town is killed. Blake actually witnesses the girl being killed and that is something that definitely sticks with the character throughout the show. I think there is a bit of fear and anxiety in the character based on the event that occurred. Showing this fear and anxiety is a challenging thing, especially in scenes that are supposed to be fun and happy. Later on in the series Blake heads into the woods to search for land knowing that he might possibly die out there. Showing this brave side yet with a history of trauma was very difficult. I had to prepare for these scenes by studying my lines in a quiet place and finding the meaning behind each word.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on “The Society?”

A) I knew a few of my co-stars just from watching them in other projects, but I personally did not know them before shooting. I had worked with actors in other projects who worked with some of my co-stars in past projects. I remember watching Damon Gillespie who plays Mickey in the show on the NBC show “Rise” before I knew him and then we became very good friends!

 

Q) Often times settings take on the role of a character. How does the setting of the show lend itself to the series?

A) Unlike a lot of the cast, I was actually raised in New England and would often go hiking in the mountains. Bringing myself to the role of Blake was easy because I already had a background in hiking and venturing into the wilderness. Therefore, the setting of the show was very beneficial for the character of Blake. I believe that the New England setting created a perfect backstory for the character.

 

Q) What do you think it is about Netflix that makes it such a great home for this series?

A) Since the characters are teenagers and a lot of Netflix viewers are also teenagers, it was easy for the show to capture the attention of these people. The show is commonly compared to series like “Riverdale” and “Stranger Things,” which are all big Netflix hits. The actors did a very great job making the audience feel as if they are truly a part of this so-called society.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Have you been enjoying the fan feedback to the show?

A) I do enjoy the feedback from the fans and I often immerse myself in the fandom culture. I like connecting with the fans and responding so that they know we are all real people making art. It is cool to see some of the artwork and video remixes that the fans come up with, a lot of it is very creative. The fans also help promote the show and give us a better chance for future seasons!

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

A) To anyone who is pursuing a career in acting, I would say to stay true to yourself and know that there is a reason for everything that happens in your career. If something doesn’t work out currently, there is something bigger waiting for you in the future. Finally, I would say to take every opportunity that comes your way, because you never know what connections you might make. Connections are a huge part of the acting industry. Good luck!