Paul McGillion – Heartbeats

By starrymag | April 22, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Recently, I’ve been working on recurring roles in a few different shows, including Season 3 of “Frontier” and “The Flash.” And I’m just about to start filming “The Bletchley Circle: San Francisco” and “Unspeakable.” You can also catch me this summer in the blockbuster ‘Skyscraper’ with The Rock.

 

 

Q) Please tell us the premise for Heartbeats and about your character Richard Andrews.

 

A) Heartbeats is a dance movie, with a romantic coming of age story about a young woman determined to follow her dreams of becoming a professional dancer. I play her father Richard, who’s conflicted about his daughter’s future career choice, but ultimately wants the best for her.

 

 

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

 

A) Obviously, the opportunity to shoot in Mumbai, India for a couple of months was a great incentive. Also, the script by Duane Adler really pulls at your heartstring. He’s famous of course for the Step Up franchise and Save the Last Dance, so it was fun to be part of such a great cast and extravagant production.

 

 

Q) Was there anything you added to Richard that wasn’t originally scripted for you?

 

A) I think as an actor you always bring a little part of yourself to each role. That being said, Duane Adler is a very collaborative director and writer and was very open to our input in all the scenes, which made you feel more invested in the role.

 

 

Q) What did you find challenging about your portrayal?

 

A) Besides worrying about Dehli belly? [wink] Richard is a very complicated character and he’s walking the fine line of patriarchal father and being emotionally available to his daughter. He and his wife are also dealing with a loss in the family. Thankfully, I had a great dance partner in Daphne Zuniga, who plays my wife.

 

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of your costars before working with them on Heartbeats?

 

A) I was familiar with Daphne’s work, but everyone else was new to me, so I had the pleasure of meeting and getting to know everyone else throughout the shoot.

 

 

Q) What were some of your favorite moments from working on the movie?

 

A) Just being in India was a treat in itself. The culture, vibrant colors and the warmth of the people were something I’ll never forget. Not to mention the incredible dancing and the amazing crew who put Heartbeats

 

 

Q) What do you hope viewers take away from watching this film?

 

A) I hope viewers are inspired by the message of “follow your dreams.” We all have them, but not everyone has the courage to follow them.

 

 

Q) You were a part of the iconic series “Stargate: Atlantis.” What does it mean to you to be a part of such a beloved series?

 

A) “Stargate Atlantis” was a landmark in my career and something I will always cherish. Having met fans from all over the world, it’s truly the gift that keeps on giving. There’s a lot of momentum right now to bring the show back and it’s a show that has plenty of stories left to tell, so let’s hope that “Stargate” can rise again. #StargateRising.

 

 

Q) What advice would you give to up and coming actors and actresses?

 

A) A career in acting can be a tough road, but if you love it, it can also be very fulfilling. My advice to young actors is it’s really got to be your dream, so if you can imagine yourself doing something else, and being happy, then do that instead. If you do choose to stick with the acting dream, then do whatever you can to keep working. Independent movies, shorts, plays, whatever it takes to keep sharp and keep learning. Don’t wait for the phone to ring and work to come to you, create your own.

 

 

Q) Since you are a part of social media, do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive to your work?

 

A) It’s really great to interact with fans and get that immediate reaction to your performance. And it’s nice to keep in touch with some of the great people I’ve met over the years. You can find me on Twitter: @PaulyMcGillion.

 

 

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

 

A) I’d like to thank everybody who’s been a supporter and fan of my work, it really means a lot to me and it does make a difference. Dr. Beckett came back from the dead thanks to fans and that’s something I’ll never forget.