Denis Shepherd – Paradise Lost

By starrymag | April 23, 2020

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I have gotten a lot more into development of my own projects now and just wrote and directed my first short titled Stunt Double that I’m very excited about. I also just finished filming another short film Selfie, which is a modern take to the classic 90’s horror genre, that should be making its own festival run. There’s a few more in the works right now, but unfortunately need to hold back on for a little until it is safe to open up productions again.

 

Q) What made you want to be a part of “Paradise Lost?”

 

A) Where do I start? First and foremost, there is such an amazing ensemble of people working on this project. Once I found out who was attached to the project, I knew it was going to be something special and when I finally got a hold of the script, I was hooked. Our showrunners, Rodes Fishburne and Arika Mittman, did such an incredible job creating this captivating world and characters with such complex stories. Plus, being from California, I have always had a fascination with the culture in the South and have always wanted to visit and learn more. Filming in Baton Rouge, this show was the perfect opportunity for me to really challenge myself and take me out of my comfort zone.

 

Q) How was Yates Forsythe originally described to you?

 

A) Yates was originally described to me as a troubled teenager who goes through a lot of turmoil at a young age. Battling between the pressures of his influential parents and the somewhat possessive control his older sister has on him. Carrying a lot of shame, while he was still so young and innocent.

 

Q) Was there anything you added that wasn’t in the initial breakdown?

 

A) Rodes gave me a lot of freedom to bring in some of my own aspects to help bring Yates to life. For me, the one thing I wanted to enhance was his empathy. Yates has a big heart and truly cares for those around him, thus leading to his own self-destruction. In his mind, there is no other choice. So, to clearly show his sympathy and concern for others would help display the characters motives.

 

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

 

A) What I found challenging was the dark cloud that hangs over the character. He deals with a lot of things that most people never face in a lifetime and at such a young age. So, to maintain the innocence in such a dark time was an exciting challenge.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on the show?

 

A) Of course, quite a few of them actually. I grew up watching Josh Hartnett, he was inspiration for me to become an actor in the first place. And not just him, Nick Nolte, Barbra Hershey, Bridget Regan, Shane McRae…All fantastic actors who have been doing amazing work for years and years. I felt very fortunate to be around and learn from such great people.

 

Q) Who were you looking forward to sharing a scene with?

 

A) I was hoping to get some scenes with Josh or Nick, but unfortunately wasn’t able to. I was able to film some really great scenes with Autry Haydon-Wilson who plays my sister, Janus, in the show. I knew that story line was going to a pivotal part of the show and I was excited to see how that would play out. She did an incredible job.

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from filming?

 

A) It’s hard to narrow it down; the whole experience was pretty magical for me. I had a few scenes in particular that were directed by Neema Barnette that were really special to me. She brought such an uplifting and dynamic energy to the whole production. Working with her is what all actors dream of.

Q) What do you think it is about “Paradise Lost” that will captivate the viewers?

 

A) At the end of the day, I believe it’s the complex relationships amongst the characters that will bring everyone in. I think this show does a great job at representing a wide spectrum of people. There’s a character in there for everyone to relate to in one way another. The story touches on very personal issues, such as family dynamics, shame, greed, regret. It challenges you as an audience.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Will you be live tweeting along to the episodes?

 

A) Yes absolutely! Can’t wait to share with everyone once the episodes are live.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who are fans and supporters of you and the work you do?

 

A) Honestly, just a huge thank you. I wouldn’t be where I’m at right now if not for the people in my life that helped me and encouraged me along the way. I am very fortunate to have worked on this project and there’s a lot of friends and family that are sharing this experience with me. Thank you for believing me and giving me that extra push to keep going. I won’t let you guys down.