Patrick Muldoon – Bernie the Dolphin

By starrymag | December 7, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

A) I just wrapped a movie I produced called Arkansas starring Vince Vaughn, Liam Hemsworth, John Malkovich and Clark Duke.

We shot it in Arkansas and Alabama for the past couple months and before that I was in Connecticut acting with Denise Richards in a new Christmas movie for Universal that will be out for Christmas 2019.

Q) Please tell us the premise for Bernie the Dolphin.

A) Bernie the Dolphin is about a family who lives on the Gulf in Florida. The kids grow up on the water and start a relationship with a wild Dolphin that frequents the cove where they like to play. My character is their father and is part of a land development company that unbeknownst to him is turning this marine life sanctuary into a chemical plant. The kids help open their parents eyes to what is really going on and force us to make a tough decision on what is more important: My own ambitions vs. doing what’s right for the environment.

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

A) The script was wonderful and was a nice balance of humor and warmth. It also got across an important message about protecting our oceans and sea life.

What’s going on in the world with the lifting and dismissing of laws that protect the environment is horrific in my opinion and to get that message across through a heart-warming family movie that’s FUN and without getting preachy is a good thing.

Q) How was your character Bob Ryan originally described to you?

A) Bob was described as a guy trying to do the right thing but was blinded by his ambitions. His ambitions were not selfish; he thought climbing the corporate ladder would afford his family more freedom. For example, his wife wouldn’t have to work and could continue going to school to get her Masters degree.

This is why when he finds out that his boss and his company may not be on the up and up – he’s got to make some tough decisions.

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before you began working with them on the film?

A) Of course, I knew who Kevin Sorbo was, but I feel fortunate that Lola [Sultan], Kevin, Dahlia [Legault] and myself got along right away. We developed fun and warm friendships right off the top and I think it comes across in the film. It hopefully helps the audience get on board with this family and with the journey they take.

Q) What advice did director Kirk Harris offer while filming that you took to heart.

A) He encouraged us to hang out. Relationships are all.  We all stayed in the same hotel, so our relationships spontaneously grew from there. When I saw the film I was blown away at the look and scope of what he did. It looks like a much much more expensive film.

Q) Talk about getting to film/work with a real dolphin! 

A) The dolphin scenes were pretty much just the kids, but I know Lola and Logan [Allen] had an absolute blast hanging out with Bernie.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments from filming Bernie the Dolphin?

A) I had a lot of fun in the final showdown between Kevin Sorbo’s character and myself we found a way to hold down the drama but also inject a lot of humor into our scenes.

Q) Since you are a part of social media. Are you looking forward to seeing what fans think of the film?

A) Yes, of course! And I’m also learning about how to promote from Lola my nine-year-old screen daughter. [smiles] Just last night we went live on Instagram for the first time so I’m learning!! I’m learning late, but Lola is helping me get it done. I’m always grateful for the fans support and to be in communication in a more direct way is not only important but super cool.

Q) What message do you hope viewers take away from watching the movie?

A) Protect our oceans!!! Listen to your children!! Sometimes they know best!!!

 

 

Watch The Bernie The Dolphin Trailer: