Jake Stormoen – The Outpost

By starrymag | July 24, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) The most recent by far is “The Outpost.”  As is the nature of the job, there’s always a handful of potential things being explored, but right now nothing is locked in just yet…cross your fingers for me!

 

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

A) “The Outpost” follows Talon (Jessica Green), the last surviving member of The Blackbloods. Though she’s unaware, this fact alone has great implications in a prophecy concerning a fanatical organization known as The Prime Order. As Talon chases her family’s killers, the full gravity of the situation begins to encompass her, and she arrives at The Outpost–a forgotten corner of the realm filled with all sorts of characters…including mine: Garret Spears, the Captain of the Guard.

 

Q) How was Garret originally described to you?

A) Originally, Garret was described to me as someone who puts honor and his military duty above all else…to the point where personal happiness and relationships often suffer as a result. The season follows him as he tries to balance these priorities–and his newfound attraction to Talon, in whatever capacity it may be–while not allowing his role as Captain of the Guard to diminish.

 

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

A) Oh, I love this stuff. It’ll sound like a false answer, but trulywhen I was a young child who was asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I’d respond “a knight.” I didn’t know it wasn’t really…a thing that could happen. I wanted to ride through overgrown forests and mystical ruins on my armored horse, vanquishing evil and slaying monsters. So, to have the one career that allows for that to sort of be possible…and then have a chance at one of the few rolesthat allowed that, specifically…I wanted it more than anything.

 

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

A) A lot, to be honest. I was a little worried about embodying Garret purely because of what I said before; he’s written as someone who pulls back rather than steps out. Someone who tries to remain composed rather than wearing his heart on his sleeve. These writing choices make perfect sense for someone like Garret and are realistic…but as an actor, sometimes that can be a difficult thing to portray. I did my best to let flashes of emotion escape Garret when events unfold, but it’s not until later in the season where I had a little more room to stretch…and I’m excited for people to see those scenes.

 

Q) Did you have to do anything physical to prepare yourself for the role?

A) I’m fortunate in that much of what someone like Garret would have as skillsets were things I’ve already accrued during my life. I’ve shot archery since I was young, fenced for a while, I rock climb, crack bullwhips, throw tomahawks and have ridden horses in previous films…So, I brushed up on what was needed for Garret, but the fundamentals were all there. I WILL say that I asked Jason Faller (one of the writer/producers/creators) how physicallyfitGarret would have to be. I wanted it to make sense that he could behave the way he did while wearing full plate armor. Jason didn’t seem too worried…but I was. So, it became a bit of a joke as to how much I tried to exercise before and during the production. If we had a 6am call time, I was up at 3am for the gym. If my arms or stomach were going to be shown on camera, I’d have a resistance band waiting at my chair to do a few sets between takes. It was a little laughable, but I wanted to give it everything I had.

 

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

A) Admittedly, the only ones whose work I was familiar with beforehand Andrew Howard and Kevin McNally, who played Wythers and The Smith (and who are both nothing short of fantastic in the show). Everyone was so lovely though, and we all had the best time!

 

Q) What have been some of your most memorable moments from filming the series?

A) I remember the first time I got to put on the finished armor was a pretty great feeling. I also felt like Andrew Howard and I worked well together and one of the first scenes we shot together was a lot of fun. Kurt [Knight], the director, let us take our time a little more than most scenes and I hope it plays well.  Honestly though, there are SO many wonderful moments with so many cast and crew members…I’m sure I could go on for hours with specific instances. It was a wonderful experience with wonderfully fun, hard-working people.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show that will make it a fast fan favorite?

A) [laughs] I hopeit’s a fast fan favorite! I’m biased when it comes to questions like this purely because I’m such a geek in my every-day life. I’ve played various tabletop and board games my whole life, read countless novels and played numerous video games and MMO’s…all in the Fantasy genre. It’s been my absolute favorite my entire life…so I lovethings like “The Outpost.”  We have so much action, drama, romance…and the show is self-aware of its Fantasy roots and tips its hat to that audience frequently…So, I hope that both existing fans of the genre and those who are new to it will find something to love.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you’ll receive to episodes?

A) I’m a little terrified of it, to be honest! I absolutely love having the ability to interact with fans and audience members across various social media platforms…but 100% the “Why are you an actor” portion of it all for me takes place on set. The immersion into other worlds is what I love so I’m admittedly always a little nervous as I hear what people think of my work because I so want them to be able to experience something similar to what I did on set. I want to bring them on an adventure! I will say though–knock on wood–we’ve been very fortunate in that much of the feedback I’ve seen on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, and the people civil and kind. I hope it continues! I love being able to chat with and hear peoples’ thoughts.

 

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

A) Make sure you’re in it for the right reasons and have a clear goal. You’ll find a way to reach it if you aren’t afraid of putting in the work.

 

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

A) I’d say that I can’t thank them enough! As stated before, my favorite part is living the adventure on set. But I wouldn’t have a job if people didn’t tune in and support those projects once they’re finished. I’ve been extremely fortunate in my career in that I’ve gotten to work on many projects in my favorite genres…and those who keep watching and supporting are the reason I get to do it again. They have my gratitude, and I hope they’re enjoying the ride as much as I am.