Marcus Rosner – UnREAL

By starrymag | February 26, 2018

By: Taylor Gates

 

 

Q)Your character Warren on “UnREAL” is described as a “down-home rancher with a cowboy attitude.” What else can you tell us about him?

 

A) Warren is a Cattle Rancher from Texas whose mother is sick and before she passes he is hoping to find love to make her happy. He’s sort of a sweet and innocent mind that takes people at face value and that ultimately comes back to bite him on a show like “Everlasting.”

 

Q) How did you prepare for this role?

 

A) I actually taught myself to play the harmonica. I purchased an $8 harmonica from a pawn shop and watched YouTube videos in my hotel room for three days while I was out of town shooting another project.  Funny thing is when I showed up for the first day of shooting they decided to cut the fact that Warren played harmonica. I also took some accent lessons to hone in my Texan drawl.

 

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

 

A) I love shows that attempt to expose what goes on behind the curtain in show business – especially a reality show like “Everlasting,” which is our version on “UnREAL” of the classic elimination style dating show. It’s impossible to watch one of those shows and not assume that there is some higher power puppet master pulling the strings on these people and getting them to behave in such ridiculous ways. To me the story of the puppet master is infinitely more interesting. So, that concept alone was enough of a hook to make me want to be a part of the show.

 

Q) With a show like” UnREAL,” a few characters stay the same year after year, but a lot of new people are also introduced every season. What’s the environment and dynamic like on set since the cast is so mixed in terms of how long they’ve been working together?

 

A) With a show like this, there is a pretty clear formula season after season. There’s the regular cast who serve as the primary story for the show, but then every season there is this group of newcomers playing the suitors and suitresses. Ultimately, it’s a gigantic ensemble. What’s interesting with this show is that even on days where you may not be speaking, because of the fact that these characters are largely coexisting in one mansion, you’re still present to play background to many of the of other character’s scenes. So, there is this huge group of actors spending a lot of time together over several months and naturally we gravitate towards people you have common interests with. There was certainly no line between the regular cast and the newbies; however, it was really just about who you “vibed with” as Josh Kelly so accurately described it one day.

 

Q)Talk about working with Shiri Appleby and Constance Zimmer.

 

A) I loved watching Shiri Appleby work. She’s incredibly talented and is so effortless with her acting. She’s clearly been doing this a very long time. Having seen Constance in a lot of things before working with her, I naturally assumed she must be similar to so many of the characters she plays, sort of a hard-nosed no-nonsense alpha. However, the second the cameras stop rolling this bubbly happy-go-lucky woman comes out of nowhere and it was shocking to me at first. She is one of the kindest people I’ve ever worked with. Oh, and they both directed episodes in Season Three, which was incredible to watch. Honestly, within the current climate of our industry where you see these strong women saying enough is enough and taking back the power they deserve, it’s hard to think of anyone better to spearhead that movement than these two.

 

Q) Do you have any favorite stories or memories from filming?

 

A) One day we filmed a group scene set in the woods with all the guys and it took us five hours to shoot. Right near the end the director got word from higher up that they weren’t liking a particular hat one of the guys was wearing so we had to re-shoot the entire scene because with a big ensemble he was more or less in every shot. That was a long, yet memorable day.

 

Q) What sets this season apart from the first two?

 

A) Dudes. Lots of dudes. Also, in this season we have Serena (Caitlin FitzGerald), a suitress who isn’t as easily manipulated by Rachel and Quinn, as the previous suitors were. She’s a woman who prides herself on being in control just as much as those two characters.

 

Q) Can you describe season 3 in three words?

 

A) Spray Tans (Two words, but still relevant). Testosterone. Girl Power (Another two-word cheat).

 

Q) You’ve been part of shows with extremely dedicated and active fan bases like “When Calls the Heart” and “Once Upon a Time.” Do you find navigating and engaging with fans on social media to be more rewarding or challenging as a performer?

 

A) I’ve been lucky. It’s been rewarding so far because I have received almost nothing but love from the fans out there, regardless of whether I’m playing a villain or hero. Now, that is likely due to the fact that the types of shows I’ve been a part of attract good-hearted viewers.

 

Q) What do you think it is about “UnREAL” that makes it such a fan favorite program?

 

A) People love to see what’s behind the curtain and that’s exactly what this show does. This industry can be so exclusive and mysterious so when the opportunity comes up to shine a light on the inner workings of TV and film, people flock to see it. I know I do. Shows like “Extras,” “Entourage” and “30 Rock” do that with a lighter approach, whereas this show examines the much more sinister levels of manipulation that can happen on some of these reality programs. I can’t think of another scripted drama that has ever attempted to do that before.