Luke Benward – Ravenswood

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

A) I’ve been gearing up for some projects that are either just starting up, including “Ravenswood.” The movie Cloud 9 comes out on the 17th of January. Then, I have another film that should be coming out soon (sometime this year) called Field of Lost Shoes. I’ve been working on some postproduction for that and getting ready for it. Pilot season will be coming soon so I’ll be auditioning.

Q) How would you describe your character, Dillon, on “Ravenswood?”

A) It’s a blast! Honestly, it’s a really cool character to play. I have really enjoyed playing him because he has a dark side. This has been my first rolewhere I have been able to have a dark side with a live or die circumstance. I really enjoy it and I think it’s a twisty-turny character for sure.

Q) What can you tease is in store for Dillon this season?

A) There are some major twists coming up. Dillon is not really who he says he is, but he’s also not a psychopath. He’s fighting for his life just like everyone else in Ravenswood. I think the fans are headed for a pretty wild ride.

Q) What originally made you want to be a part of “Ravenswood?”

A) Actually, originally I tested with Brett Dier for the character of Luke. Obviously, I was interested when I tested and I thought it was a cool script. I thought it was edgier for ABC Family. They got a good cast attached and I saw that it was going to be a successful pilot and it is! When they came back and said, “We have a different role that we would like to see you for,” I was overjoyed and honored that they thought of me for that.

Q) What do you find challenging about portraying this character?

A) Every character, in my opinion, is challenging and a little different. There are different angles that you can take everything from. I enjoy it and I think Dillon is a little bit challenging because he is so complex and there are so many things that I don’t know that have become the story and the audience doesn’t know. You have to play it where if there is something that I don’t know and the audience doesn’t know that I can’t give it away in my scenes and how I act. I also have to kind of play that into the scenes as well because the character knows it. There is that thing where I can’t show all of my cards, but it definitely has to be there. That is kind of the challenging balance to find.

Q) Do you consider Dillon to be evil or is there something from his past or maybe something inside him that is molding him to be so dark?

A) I would say that Dillon is scared and I think that Dillon has gotten involved with the wrong side and he really can’t get out. I feel that Dillon is fighting for his life and he is in a do or die circumstance.

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

A) I have had a blast! I got along with the cast really well, in particular Brett and Brittany Oldford who plays Remy. We all just got along really well and have been hanging out offset. We always have a good time and actually I have an Xbox 360 that I brought with me and we played some Super Smash some nights. I’ve definitely had some good times on this set.

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

A) I think it’s a lot of things, honestly! With the concept of “Ravenswood” and the storyline it gives the audience characters to root for and it gives the creatures different places to go and different choices to make. I think there is a lot of different options for this show and that’s what makes it successful and keeps the audience’s attention. Also, it has a precursor. “Pretty Little Liars” is a very successful show and has a huge fanbase. For “Ravenswood” to be a spinoff of that show and kind of inherit some of those fans is a great idea.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Have you enjoyed the instant feedback you’ve been receiving from fans after shows air?

A) Of course! That’s one hard thing about doing TV and film, it’s just not knowing how people think and how they react. I get all these tweets about how everyone is so shocked about Dillon, how the twist worked and that people are enjoying the show. It’s really great and an encouragement kind of to keep going. And instant gratification is nice and you don’t always get it. So, I definitely love Twitter!

Q) What would you say is your current guilty pleasure? A TV show? A movie? A sport? A book? A band?

A) I have it taped at home and I haven’t gotten to watch it yet, but “The Bachelor” started back up. Those are always my guilty pleasures, “The Bachelor” and “The Bachelorette.” I’m a hopeless romantic so I those shows really hit home for me. They are cheesy, but that’s a good thing.

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

A) Thank you! Honestly, I feel extremely blessed and thankful for everyone that supports me. I continue to give glory to God for the position I’m in and the success I’ve been able to have so far. The fact that I can live my dream and do what I do is only because I have people that support me, watch and are fans. I’m honored to be able to call them fans and be able to do what I love. So, thank you!