Shane Graham – The Son

By starrymag | August 28, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

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

 

A) Recently I’ve completed Season Two of “The Son,” as well as two feature films which are currently in post-production: Ride (2018) and Roped (2019). I’m incredibly proud of all of these films. Also, I have the TV series “Sunset Glory: Doolittle’s Heroes.”

 

Ride is based on the true story of John Buultjens and I couldn’t be more honored to play him on screen. It’s a story of a young man, who early on was raised in a white supremacist home. After being sent to a juvenile detention center, he is later adopted by an interracial couple (Chris ‘Ludacris’ Bridges, Sasha Alexander). He learns to overcome his past through love and goes on to BMX glory. This was my first lead in a feature and I put everything I had into being truthful in my scenes. We took home wins at Newport Beach Film Festival and the director, Alex Ranarivelo, and I are excited to see how the world receives this film.

 

“Doolittle’s Heroes” is about the legendary ‘Doolittle Raid’ during World War II. The assault was led by James Doolittle (Casper Van-Dien). I play Doolittle’s Co-Pilot, Lt. Richard Cole. It was such an honor to portray one of these amazing heroes. My grandfather was a pilot in WWII, so this project is very personal to me. There is nothing quite like hearing the roar of B25 Bomber engines while sitting in a cock pit performing a scene. One hell of an experience.

 

Roped is a family/romance film about cowboys, rodeos and friendly bonds. I play Hank, a comical character and the first comedic role of my career. The director, Shaun Piccinino (who also directed “Doolittle’s Heroes”) gave me freedom to improvise in this film. I sure rolled with it! I feel really good about the role, and we all put our hearts in this project.

 

Q) What can you tease about this new season of “The Son?”

 

A) Season Two of “The Son” is fantastic. I really can’t share too much of course, but I will say that the stakes are raised this season. All the cast brought a higher level of intensity and the story is tighter than ever. These scripts gave me goosebumps as I read them. It really felt like an even more powerful season than the first. Charles has really grown, and I can’t wait for everyone to see it!

 

Q) How was your character Charles McCullough originally described to you?

 

A) Interesting question. He was described to me initially as the older brother to Jeannie; strong willed, prefers the outdoors and wants to prove himself. It was a little vague, but there was a ton of room to add to a character like that. I got some couching, private sessions and hit the script hard. Notes, study, rehearsal, repeat. I feel the character really took on life as I put the time in. I’m glad the work paid off.

 

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

 

A) The scripts for “The Son” are pretty tightly followed. And it makes perfect sense due to the scripts being so good. None of the cast really wanted to leave the original words that Kevin [Murphy], Julia [Ruchman] and others put down. But I did try to implant some emotional distance in the way I communicate with some characters. Charles has developed some defensiveness towards criticism. He’s coming into his own as a man, taking notes from the men in his life. He’s human. I think it will really resonate with the fans. I felt the script did most of the work for me.

 

Q) What have you found challenging about the role?

 

A) Balancing the level of fear and confidence, so that his growth resonates naturally. I drew out an outline in my notes on what level he’s changed after each episode, objectives for each scene, etc. But, ultimately, all you can do once they say “action” is to be truthful and in the moment. So, making concrete choices in spots can actually get in the way of tr You just have to be present.

 

Q) Talk about working alongside legendary actor Pierce Brosnan.

 

A) A good man and friend. Both seasons, every day, on and off set, he’s a force of positive energy. He remembers everything you say and has a good time. He loves his job and he’s still humble. He cracks me up. It’s a blast working alongside him. We both get fired up during big scenes. It was like we had a fearless leader leading the charge when the cameras would role. It made the scenes rock! You’ll see what I’m talking about. I’ve learned a few things from him as both he and James Parks (Niles) have given me advice that I took to heart.

 

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

 

A) Behind the scenes, the whole cast kind of acts as a family. It’s so great. White Elephant parties, out for drinks, laughs and love. I really can’t put into words what this show means to me. Glad to be on the journey. As for acting moments, Charles and

Eli had some great scenes this season. I felt my best scene was a short scene between Sally (Jess Weixler) and Charles in Episode 6. I’ll say no more.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the show, “The Son,” that has made it a fast fan favorite?

 

A) There are so many It’s been so long since I’ve seen a Western series that hooks me. The story is so strong. I remember when reading the book, I thought about how wild and fantastic the series would be and it met my expectations. I feel that people watching it connect with the characters and history of it all. Texas back then was brutal and raw. And people had survival in mind in everything they did. The action, drama and relevance is there. We touched on race, LGBTQ and even raised the question, “Are we destined to make the same mistakes over and over?” It’s a killer fiction based in an honest portrayal of early Southwestern America. “Good” and “bad” can get muddled. “The Son” puts a focus on that and I LOVE it. Season Two raises all those stakes to new heights.

 

 

Q) We’ll also be seeing you in the upcoming movie Ride. What did you do to get into John Buultjens shoes?

 

A) I approached that role much differently than past parts. The story is so relevant and powerful that I tried something new. I went about it methodically. Throughout most of the script John felt isolated and alone in his survival. He carried his pain and put walls up between people around him. I am nothing like that. I’m very social. So, when I arrived in Petaluma for filming I started isolating myself from everyone. Not rudely so, but as a way to hold onto John’s pain. When not filming on set, I stayed in my hotel room studying and listening to brooding music with no TV. Rehearse, meditate and consider his past. It was difficult. Then, I’d go to set in the morning and repeat the day. I think it really worked staying in that zone for those weeks. Once we wrapped, I shook it off and went to the wrap party like “Hey everyone!!!” and they were like, “Who are you?!” [laughs] It was worth it when I saw the finished product. We had the real John Buultjens on set with us, which was incredible. I could pull from him and get his input which was super useful. And our director, Alex, was fantastic. He has a clear vision for where the characters’ scenes lead and he’s an actor’s director. He understood my process and even welcomed collaboration. John and I are good friends now. So grateful to portray him on screen.

 

Q) What did you take away from your experience on the film?

 

A) I walked away with an even greater understanding of what love can do against hate and a newfound respect for people who have overcome hardship. It was an inspiring shoot. Chris and Sasha were stellar and gave me so much to work with. I feel that I walked away from that shoot a better actor and person. I’m glad Ali [Afshar], Hadeel [Reda] and Alex gave me the chance to tell this story. I’m proud of what we made.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Do you enjoy the instant fan feedback you receive from the work you do?

 

A) Of course! I keep a close eye on the feedback and try to get back to everyone. Fans and viewers are the reason we get to tell stories and I’m so grateful. Being a working actor is a privilege and having instant contact on social media makes it so easy to connect with audiences directly. I love it.

 

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

 

A) Do The Work. Do Not Quit. As an upcoming actor/actress, you can’t just sit on your hands. Get a job that’s flexible and then take classes, make content and study. Show up performance ready to auditions. Don’t go a long time without practice. Hard work always beats out natural talent eventually. Someone wants that next job just as badly, if not more than you. So, bust your butt. I started auditioning at seven years old. I’m now twenty-seven years old and have a series and films in post-production. It took me twenty years to fully come into a strong career. Work, study and you will make it.