Thomas Nicholson – Motherland: Fort Salem

By starrymag | July 6, 2021

By: MJ Asuncion

 

 

Q) Congratulations on booking roles in “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season Six and the upcoming second season of “Motherland: Fort Salem.” What were the auditions like for both of these series? And what made you want to take a part in each?

 

A) Thank you! Since the pandemic, practically every audition has been a self-tape. So, I actually taped both these auditions in my living room with my girlfriend. Auditioning to play David Bowie was obviously very unusual and exciting. It’s quite a challenge to try to embody one of the most famous and recognizable people in history with a 24-hour turnaround. I also had to make up a melody for the song in the episode which was an added challenge. I’m glad Daniel James Chan composed a great melody for the song later!

For “Motherland: Fort Salem,” it was a much more familiar kind of audition, an archetype I audition for quite a bit and always enjoy playing. One of the scenes had quite a lot of action in it. I love doing action, but it can be difficult to choreograph within the physical limitations of the audition tape but I figured it out.

 

Q) Though “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” Season Six premiered on May 2^nd, tell us a little bit about the first episode and what it meant to embody David Bowie.

 

A) I was a musician before I became an actor and David Bowie has long been one of my favorite musicians. So, even though it was essentially an homage and celebration of Bowie in a fictional universe, it was really important to me to do it justice. So, I came to the set very nervous, but I was also extremely well-prepared.

 

Q) What can you tease about the upcoming season of “Motherland: Fort Salem” and when can viewers anticipate seeing you in the show? Is there anything you can tell us about your role?

 

A) You’ll get the first tease of my character in the second episode and then get to know him better after that. I can’t say much about the role without spoiling new storylines for the season. On a general note, fans will get a chance to continue the journey with the Season One cast who are going to meet a lot of new characters in Season Two.

 

Q) Were you familiar with any of the cast of both “DC’s Legends of Tomorrow” and “Motherland: Fort Salem” before working with them?

 

A) I’d seen both shows so I knew everyone’s work. On a personal level, I’ve known a few of the actors on “Motherland: Fort Salem” for a while, including Jill Morrison (Berryessa Tansey), Linda Ko (General Nessa Clary) and Naiah Cummins (Bridey). The latter was actually on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow recently, too! And there are quite a few of the new cast members I know very well too, a couple of which I got to work with!

 

Q) You’ve been a part of multiple television shows, notably in the hit Netflix series “The Haunting of Bly Manor.” Were you aware of your character’s role in the final twist, before filming? 

 

A) I knew nothing at the time of the audition. I was given a scene as a wedding guest speaking to the bride. I found out later this scene was not actually in the script but just used for the audition. I had; however, read the book it’s based on, The Turn of the Screw, in which my character dies as a young boy. So, for a long time, I assumed I would appear as a ghost; I didn’t know they’d changed that storyline for the series.

 

Q) In general, do you like to know what fully lies ahead for a character before filming begins, or do you prefer to learn details as filming progresses?

 

A) The control freak in me wants to know everything. I’m big on researching before stepping onto set. But sometimes it can be liberating to not know and just put your faith in the director to co-create the performance they need to tell the story in the best way.

 

Q) Since the pandemic, there was an increase in people binge-watching series. Are there any shows or series you have recently watched or are currently watching that you would recommend? And as an actor, what current series would you love to be a part of, and why?

 

A) Of all the shows I’ve watched during the pandemic, “Ted Lasso” was the one that felt most like “this is a good thing to watch in difficult times.” It’s really positive without being overly sentimental. It’s basically a show that says you can get the best out of everyone by believing in yourself and believing in others. It was also surprising to me because I expected it to be too silly and cheesy for my taste, but I really enjoyed it.

I would love to be on “Succession.” I love that you get to see glimpses of all these people at their most charming and most powerful but also at their weakest and even at their most pathetic. The dark sense of humor on that show is right up my alley.

 

Q) You both co-produced and starred in the award-winning short films Fatal Rhapsody and Dog Bite. Tell us about the experience and challenges with playing the dual part of producer and actor. Do you currently have any projects or ideas of possible films that you are interested in producing?

 

A) To be totally honest, I co-produced those two films so that I could help get them made and act in them. Having been fortunate enough to work a fair bit as an actor recently, there’s no project I’m currently considering producing but never say never.

 

Q) You have a role in the upcoming digital series “Trigger Me” by Benjamin Ratner. What can you share about the premise of this series and what can the audiences expect?

 

A) Yeah, I think Ben did a really good job creating a show that takes place during the pandemic but isn’t about the pandemic. It’s an ensemble piece about people whose lives are interconnected and who are dealing with issues around racism, identity, gender and more, all of which are heightened because of the pandemic. It sounds dramatic and it is a drama, but with a healthy portion of humor in there, too. I can also add that Westworld Executive Producer/Director Richard J. Lewis has joined the team and a partnership with a major production company will soon be announced…

 

Q) With having had such diverse parts throughout your acting career. What is your process when you are preparing for a role?

 

A) It actually varies a lot depending on the character and the show but I always start with trying to figure out who my character is, what their role in the show/movie is and what they think about the other characters and want from them and what they want in life. That, generally speaking, is what I do regardless of the character. If it’s a character whose behavior seems wildly different from my own, I’ll often go down a research rabbit hole to try to find a kernel of something we have in common or at the very least an understanding of why that character would do what they do. I love the psychological aspect. If I’m playing someone who kills other people, I want to understand what makes a person do that and not just think of the character as a monster.

 

Q) How has your journalism background affected your career as an actor, first when making the transition to acting full-time and then as you continue to go after and book roles?

 

A) You know, when I first decided I wanted to be a professional actor, it did cross my mind that I would’ve been much better off had I started ten years sooner. For anyone having the same concerns: It’s not too late! The better I got at my new craft, the more I realized what a gift my journalism background is to me. I’m trained in asking questions about why people do what they do, I’m a strong researcher and I understand text and language very well. All actors want to be unique, and my journalism background plays a huge part in what makes me uniquely me.

 

Q) What are the biggest differences with working on a television series and working on a feature film or film short?

 

A) Probably prep time. TV is so fast. Depending on the role, I could book something today and be on set within the week. For film, there’s usually more time.

 

Q) Tell us about one of the most memorable moments in your career so far and why does this moment stand out for you.

 

A) I recently worked on a show that I can’t talk about just yet but I had such an incredible time. The director of one of the episodes called me four to five days in advance and told me: “I just want you to make as many weird choices as you can. Give me something different for each take and we’ll just play on the day.” I thought up a bunch of really out-there choices in advance and in doing so, it opened me up to discovering even more choices in the middle of the takes on set. It was like being in a great acting class all day!

 

Q) What advice do you have for others looking to get started in film and television? What is the best advice you were given about acting?

 

A) I think a lot of people who want to get started in film and television forget the most important first step: Get some training. Actually, learn how to act. While training with different teachers with different styles and perspectives, I self-submitted to tons and tons of student films and worked on lots of them. Some were great. Some not so much. But it’s the best practice AND you’ll start building a community of like-minded filmmakers, actors, producers, etc.

I’ve received great advice at different times in my career. One that I often go back to is “surprise yourself.” I’ve been taking classes with Benjamin Ratner for a while, and he occasionally drops that on me. Because I like to know and understand everything in my scene, “surprise yourself” is such a great reminder for me to toss all my homework out and trust that I’ve done it all so I can let it rip.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is this such an important way to connect with your fans?

 

A) In a weird way, an acting career can feel lonely at times. When you’re busy working, it’s great and you’re connecting with people all the time. But no acting career is busy all the time and it’s particularly lovely to hear from someone in those quiet times that the work I did meant something to them. Sometimes it simply entertained them and every now and again you get to do something that has a more profound effect on people. That’s incredibly encouraging and humbling, and I don’t know how I’d ever found out about that without social media.

 

Q) Thank you for your time answering our questions and giving us a bit of insight into your process and upcoming projects. What would you like to say to your fans, and to all those who support you and your work?

 

A) Thank you, it was my pleasure! And thanks to everyone who watches and supports. At the end of the day, I’m out of work if no one wants to watch it so I’m very, very grateful!