Josh Kelly – UnREAL

By: Lisa Steinberg

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

A) I did a short film called Prisoner of War that a friend of mine directed it, Matthew Sanders, and he did an amazing job. We were in the Army together and it is an intense film about soldier suicide PTSD and the struggles veterans go through.

Q) Did you expect the show to have such a guilty pleasure pull to it?

A) I think it is a really well made show on a new topic. It’s set in a new environment. It’s different than any show that is out there and it’s a good show!

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

A) I really liked Sarah Shapiro’s drive and passion. She just seemed so into it. A lot of people in this industry are jaded. They have been around and are making their show and not even a show they really wanted to make, but one they got to make. Sarah was just so passionate about it and I watched her short film, which was a cool and different take on television. It was really cool.

Q)  What is it between Rachel and Jeremy that keeps their push-pull relationship going?

A) It’s playing with fire. Fire is cool and fun, but you get burned sometimes. I think it is that kind of relationship and a lot of people can relate to it. A lot of people have dated that person on-again, off-again and on-again. You wonder why they keep going back to each other and it’s because it is fun.

Q) Do you think Rachel has corrupted Jeremy by having him cheat on Lizzie with her?

A) He might be losing his chance, but he shouldn’t have been with Lizzie (Siobhan Williams) if he wanted to be with someone else. He had to at least give it a shot. Yeah he cheated on her, which was horrible, but he tried to make it a little bit better by being honest with her and breaking up with her.

Q) As we move towards the finally, what can you tease about what is in store for Jeremy?

A) Everyone is going to be surprised with episode ten. As far as Jeremy and Rachel (Shiri Appleby), he is going to go for it. He’s going to go for it! I don’t know how it will turn out…

Q) There is great chemistry between Rachel and Jermey. Was there instant chemistry when you began working together or did you do a chemistry read?

A) She was there during the casting process for much of it, for the original pilot. She was there and we had all the guys screen testing for the role with a coaching session with her, Sarah and the casting director. We worked on it for a long time and she is just such a wonderful actress that it is not too hard.

Q) What do you think it is about “UnREAL” that makes it a good fit for the Lifetime Network?

A) I think a lot of people kind of underestimated Lifetime. They feel like it is more about movies of the week and don’t take them seriously, even though they have always had great content. The channel has built a huge audience and it is solely female driven shows. Everyone underestimates viewers. They are intelligent people and they want to have new ideas and new types of shows. This is a very smart show and I think the audience was ready for it.

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive when episodes air?

A) It is interesting. I am a part of social media mostly to help the show and promote the show. I remember the days when you couldn’t get in touch with actors unless you came out to Hollywood. I don’t mind it. It’s kind of neat, but at the same time if you give an inch they want a mile. It can be a little frustrating sometimes when people start to compliment you and push you about following them. I don’t follow some of my best friends! I’m sorry. I do like interacting with people though and seeing what they have to say. It is fun and fascinating to watch. And I like that people like the show.

Q) What were some moments from filming that you were looking forward to fans watching?

A) We still have some crazy stuff coming up in the next two episodes, but I personally enjoyed watching the stuff that I wasn’t around to see getting made. The stuff with Chet (Craig Bierko) and Quinn (Constance Zimmer) is really good. There have definitely been some moments when I went, “Oh man! I can’t believe they went there!”

Q) The way the show is shot it gives viewers the chance to feel a part of the show. How do you feel that heightens the drama?

A) That’s how good storytelling is. It makes you feel you are going on the journey with everyone. It helps the audience to stay with the show and feel like they are a part of it.

Q) What can you tease is in store for the final two episodes of the season?

A) I think some people will be happy with some of the things that will happen. Definitely, people will be anxious to see season two.

Q) What can fans use as a cure to hold them over until Season 2?

A) Start back on episode one and pace yourself! A lot of the cast are doing other stuff now so you can watch their show. Watch “Quantico” if you are Team Anna (Johanna Braddy). Watch Freddie Stroma in his new movie. Shiri and Constance are always working. Then, a group of us will be back for Season 2. It will be fun!