Ian Anthony Dale – Murder In The First

Q) Please tell us the premise for “Murder In The First.”

A) It follows two homicide detectives as they investigate two seemingly separate murders, but the mystery deepens when they discover the murders have a common denominator in Silicon Valley genius Eric Blunt (Tom Felton). It is an interesting murder-mystery that spans the course of ten episodes. We’ll basically explore one crime story from the commitment of the crime, to the investigation and to the trial. So, it’s a little bit of a detective drama, a courtroom drama and a character drama. But it’s got great elements that I think people are really going to love.

Q) What was it about the show that really made you want to be a part of it?

A) Two words: Steven Bochco. He is certainly one of the legends of our business and I grew up watching “NYPD Blue” with my family. I’ve been a fan of his for a very long time. When this pilot script came around, I was just so excited that there was a character I could audition for. Sometimes you get the part and sometimes you don’t. Fortunately, I was lucky enough to get this one. I feel really blessed that it has been a great experience.

Q) How did you prepare for this role?

A) I did a considerable amount of preparation. I’ve played law enforcement officers in the past. Playing a Lieutenant for the San Francisco Police Department was a new one for me. I did as much research as I could on San Francisco law enforcement and politics because my character is very ambitious. He aspires to be the Mayor of San Francisco someday, and I figured he should have a pretty solid knowledge of the political spectrum in San Francisco. I also wanted to do some research about the psychology of law enforcement. So, I purchased an autobiography of Chief William Bratton, who is now the Police Commissioner of New York City. In addition to that, my biggest and best resource is my brother, Sergeant Robert Dale who is a  homicide detective for the Minneapolis Police Department. Every time I play law enforcement, or in this case a homicide detective, if I have a question about authenticity or a technical question my brother is the person I call. He’s such an invaluable resource.

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

A) It was such a well written character that the chief concern kind of becomes “How do I identify with this character? In which ways am I like this character?” I think I’m similar to Jim Koto in that we are both very ambitious and we’re both very driven. I was able to identify with him in those ways. Another way in which I was able to identify with him is that Jim is constantly looking to get that next promotion. He sometimes doesn’t take the time to appreciate the things along the way. I identified with the character being like that. There are ways in which I sometimes do that same thing. It was a nice reminder to myself to sometimes take a step back and just appreciate everything and get to work on this show.

Q) Was there instant chemistry when the cast began working together or did you spend some time bonding?

A) There was an immediate chemistry. Sometimes you work on sets where certain personalities conflict, but in the case of our set it was very harmonious. Everybody was excited to be there. Everybody felt confident that we were making a really quality product and it just made for a really great environment. I actually did a show back in 2005-2006 with Taye Diggs called “Day Break.” So, we have been friends for a long time. It was kind of a reunion of sorts for us. When we get on set, we just play. We have fun, we laugh and make jokes. Taye is a pretty practical joker. When the camera is not rolling, he is always making us laugh.

Q) You are a part of social media sites. Are you looking forward to the instant feedback you’ll be receiving when the show begins to air?

A) Yes! I’m always interested in hearing what people have to say and I think I am going to engage in a live tweet for the first time. That should be an interesting experience. I’m always interested in viewer feedback and, hopefully, people really enjoy it. That’s the most important thing. We made this so people would enjoy it and I really hope they do.

Q) Is there anything about the show or character you really want to be sure to share with fans?

A) My character has some juicy secrets that will be revealed throughout the season. One of which (and I’m not giving too much away by saying this) is that he is in a relationship with a coworker, but he has to keep that secret because if they were to be exposed he and that person would be in big trouble. They might actually lose their jobs. That adds another level and dimension to that character. To carry around that secret is such a great thing for an actor. That little tease is something that people have to tune in to see who Koto is dating and the implications of that relationship.

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

A) Thank you for all the support throughout the years. My aim is to be part of shows that are quality and that you can genuinely enjoy and be enthusiastic about. I really think “Murder In The First” is one of those shows. Hopefully, this one will last a little bit longer than my past shows. I’ll do everything I can to make sure that happens. Please tune in and I hope you love it!