Gail Bean – Snowfall

By starrymag | August 30, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) I’m currently filming an indie movie, American Woman, directed by Shatara Michelle Ford starring Brittany Hall (“Ballers”) and myself. I recurred on Comedy Central’s “Detroiters.” The season finale just aired Thursday August 16, 2018. You can catch me in Season Two Episodes 7 & 10.

 

 

Q) Please tell us what is new this season on “Snowfall.”

 

A) There are so many new things on “Snowfall” this season. For starters Leon (Isaiah John) has a love interest, me, Wanda Bell. I’m the new girl to the crew. Eventually they let Wanda in on their business and she gets to cook the crack. This makes her a big deal. We see up close and personal the negative impact crack had on our communities. Wanda especially! Franklin (Damson Idris) is becoming a boss and maturing as a black man in the 80’s. He’s starting to see life beyond Los Angeles. The Hispanics, Blacks and the government are way more involved with each other this season. The lines start to blur as aliases are revealed. It’s a love triangle centered around lies and drugs, but for the love of money and power.

 

 

Q) Were you a fan of the series before joining this season?

 

A) I’ve always been a fan of John Singleton so I support all of his projects. However, I was a latecomer to “Snowfall.” I binged the show July 2017 while in Detroit. I tried to watch it when it first came out, but I just wasn’t in the mood to follow along and focus. You know you have to be ready to pay attention and not miss a beat with “Snowfall” because the story builds. That’s why I haven’t watched “Narcos.” [laughs] Eventually I’ll catch up to the rest of the world.

 

 

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

 

A) Word for word this was my character description for my audition:

“18-22, Female, African-American.  From South Central, street savvy, tough and mouthy, she is Leon’s girlfriend, who makes out with him in Jerome’s house, but hesitates to join him in the bedroom. She has seen and experienced much in her life despite her young age. HEAVILY RECURRING GUEST STAR FOR THE SEASON”

 

 

Q) Was there anything you added to the role that wasn’t initially described to you?

 

A) I brought my charisma to the role. Yes, she’s seen a lot, but I wanted to showcase that she’s still young. We’re all teens in a fast pace world, falling prey to the temptations of the world. While the LA community was changing, we were growing with it. I didn’t want the audience to just see Wanda as harsh, after cash or some fast hot in the ass little girl. I wanted them to see her enjoying life, growing up in South Central, taking it one day at a time and happy to have found someone who loves her in the midst of the chaos. I wanted her charm to light up the room so people could see how she became the girl to attract Leon; why she was let in on the recipe. I wanted people to understand what made Wanda special.

 

 

Q) What have you found challenging about your portrayal?

 

A) Leon and Wanda are young and in love, so naturally they begin to express that love physically. “Snowfall” is the first project where I had an actual sex scene that involved nudity. You see my butt. That was challenging for me, Gail Bean the person, because I knew my friends and family would be watching, most importantly my father. I didn’t promote the show too heavy the week that episode aired.

 

Wanda is a lot fun because her arc is so huge, and I love it! I get to really play with her, but that journey is challenging for both Wanda as a character and myself as the actor. When we lose ourselves, at some point, we know just how far we’ve strayed. Later in the season Wanda’s life turn is revealed to the audience. Being involved in the drug life has its cons and she certainly experiences all of them. That was hard for Wanda to go through because she knows she has become lost and swallowed up in the life. She reaches a point of no return and decides to embrace the downward path. For me, Gail Bean, it was challenging because I personally know this story all too well. I’ve seen friends and family members fall prey to the drug game. It’s painful to watch and even discuss, let alone relive.

 

 

Q) Talk about the process you go through in order to get into character.

 

A) I research everybody involved from the writers to the directors, producers, etc. because it’ll give me a feel for who they are and how they may see the character. Then, I dive into the character world that’s created within the story. I learn everything I can about it. That sets the tone for my characters norms. For example, “Snowfall” is a period piece set in the 80’s. So, I’m listening to the music from that era. Finding out who was in office, the social and political climate of that time period. Looking up photos, interviews, news clippings, lingo, hairstyles, what’s hot/what’s not. I asked several locals that grew up during that era, their experiences because I want to portray truthful people. Not my imaginary version of what I perceive as the truth. However, the biggest help comes from the vanity team and wardrobe. Once we complete the look from head to toe, I’m walking talking and breathing that character.

 

 

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

 

A) Isaiah John because we have so many mutual friends, but we never met. Everybody kept mentioning him to me. He was there for my chemistry test. Instantly I thought, “Oh wow! This is going to be really fun.” He’s super sweet and cool so I was excited to be across from the big bad Leon because it’s so polar opposite from who he is in real life. I knew Wanda would give Leon a run for his money. Love has that effect on guys. When the time came I didn’t back down. I really enjoyed our push and pull moments.

 

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming “Snowfall?”

 

A) Laughing at DeRay [Davis]. Man, that guy is hilarious. His joyful energy is infectious. It was always good vibes whenever he was around.

 

Arriving to my first table read and getting a huge welcome/introduction before we started.  It was as if they were bringing me in to the family. So sweet. I didn’t feel like an outsider.

 

Episode 4 when I officially became the cook at the Christmas party was memorable. Those dance moves. We were really partying. I was sweating my wig out. [laughs]

 

Shooting with director Logan Kibens was the absolute best (also my favorite episode)! From meeting her at the first table read to discussions about life, babies, Times Up, everything while she shadowed Daniel Attias to shooting Epsiode 8 with her.

 

In Episode 4’s big money room scene, we did a wild take where they just let us rip. Tensions were super high, and everyone was overcome with emotion. Mid take I am bawling my eyes out to the point where I made a character choice not to say my line (logically nobody would stop to ask someone if they needed help when they’re crying over their man going out to face death after just coming home from being kidnapped). It caught some people off guard and that reaction was definitely one I’ll never forget. Genuine and truthful! I learned a lot in that moment. I felt it was the first time I grew up immediately on set in a scene. For that I’m grateful.

 

 

Q) You are a social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to episodes?

 

A) [laughs] I do. I actually watch it when it comes on at both times (East Coast and West Coast) so I can interact with ppl.

 

 

Q) What do you think it is about the series that has made it such a fan favorite?

 

A) Nostalgia! “Snowfall” executes the time period, which immediately takes the older generation back to a time in their life when. For the younger generation it’s our chance to see the young broke good guy change his luck. Take things into his own hands. We’re all about that. Different people watch it for different reasons. I believe with such a diverse cast the success is also due in part to representation. #representationmatters some people are just happy to see people that look like them on TV each week.

 

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

 

A) Mindset is EVERYTHING! If God has placed this dream in your heart, then it will come to fruition. You just have to allow it. Believe in your mind that you will succeed. Don’t let anybody or anything make you feel otherwise. There will be times where you have no idea of where, what, who or how. Don’t stop. Keep doing. Just go. It’s never too late. You don’t have to have the theater degree. Research everything first and then ask questions! Work hard, learn, be humble and treat everyone with respect. Most importantly, once you get success because you will get it, be sure to help others get it as well! Helping another will never take away from what you have.