Mark Jackson – The Orville

By starrymag | December 30, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I’m pleased to say a few things. I’m in pre-production with Seek Films on a fascinating project about the effects of PTSD and moral injury on drone pilots in the military. The reality of their lives is interesting, you’d be surprised. Then there’s a fun British horror movie on the horizon…

 

Q) What can you tease is new this season on “The Orville?”

A) Nothing, of course. Would you want to get on the wrong side of Fox?

 

Q) How was Isaac originally described to you?

A) Alien. Weirdly alien. Smart and to the point.

 

Q) Was there anything you added to him that wasn’t in that initial breakdown?

A) I guess I’ve brought the certain dryness of the British psyche that compliments Isaac’s character on the page. And, although I’m essentially doing an American accent in the show, it’s been fun to throw some British cadence into his voice. It’s interesting to note how different words are stressed in the same sentence, depending on which side of the pond you’re from.

 

Q) Talk about working with creator Seth MacFarlane.

A) In all the best ways it’s challenging. His scripts cover incredibly relevant subjects to which everyone involved, cast and crew, must pay due diligence. It is our job to collectively portray all aspects of the often complex arguments in a way that is truthful but, of course, entertaining too. His comedy that threads through the show is very precise and when you get it right it’s super satisfying. He’s loyal and incredibly bright. What with the writing, producing, directing and acting, he often seems to have the whole world on his shoulders and I’m constantly impressed that he manages it.

 

Q) Were there any costars you didn’t get to work with much in Season One that you were hoping to film more with in Season 2?

A) One of the great things about the show is that all of the eight main cast regularly interact with each other. That doesn’t change in Season 2.

 

Q) What continues to challenge you about playing Isaac?

A) It’s a fine balance keeping him that weirdly alien and yet endlessly curious about biologicals. I must remember that he is rigidly one thing but driven by the other.

 

Q) Do you have much of a say in how the character develops throughout seasons?

A) “The Orville” team are certainly open to suggestions. Just depends on how confident you are at throwing them out there.

 

Q) Who are some guest stars you can tease we will be seeing this season on “The Orville?”

A) That, my friend, would definitely get me fired.

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

A) When I’m back in London, as I often am when not filming the show, it all seems like a sun-drenched dream – a pleasant one full of spaceships, lovely friends and Hollywood parties. Within that are some wonderful memories from set but I think, for me, it’s knowing you’re going to work with family every day that makes it so enjoyable. Just take a look at Penny Johnson Jerald’s Twitter feed to see what I mean.

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

A) Bloody good stories, limitless adventure and characters you actually give a damn about.

 

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

A) Yes, it’s thrilling actually. You get some bizarre questions, but that’s all part of the fun. Keep them coming.

 

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

A) Keep watching. You really won’t be disappointed. Every episode this season is like a movie. We’ve revved it all up a notch by a factor of ten.