Wes Ramsey – Deliverance Creek

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

A) Deliverance Creek has taken up the majority of my time. We shot it at the end of last year and we had been shooting it as a two hour movie, with a backdoor option to become a series. We were under contract with Lifetime until it aired. It was supposed to air in the Spring so they decided to extend our contracts. So, what went from a short waiting period for a few months went for many more months. We’ve been waiting almost a year. So, because of that, it’s made other options limiting for me. Right before Deliverance Creek, last year I shot “The Mentalist,” “Castle” and I was reoccurring on “Pretty Little Liars,” which aired earlier this year. Since then I’ve been in a holding pattern, which I have enjoyed. It was nice to travel some and have down-time. I’m excited for this to air now and for us to find out what is going to happen moving forward. It’s such an exciting piece.

Q) Please tell us the premise for Deliverance Creek and about your character Nate Cooper.

A) Deliverance Creek is a two hour movie that is going to premiere on the Lifetime Network on Saturday, September 13th at 8pm. It’s a Civil War romance drama from Nicholas Sparks Productions and Warner Horizon Television. Nicholas Sparks it the writer of The Notebook and countless other amazing works that have been turned into many wonderful films throughout the years. This is the first time he has ever attached his name to something on television. I play Sheriff Nate Cooper and this takes place in the small Missouri town of Deliverance Creek in the year 1863. The story focuses on the strong female character of Belle Barlow, played so wonderfully by the incomparable Lauren Ambrose. It’s about Belle’s struggles during that time period, having to survive on her ranch. It was such a difficult time in American history and we are trying to tell that story in a very sort of uncensored way so people can understand how much life was about survival back then. Nate is the sheriff in town. He’s a good, honest man in a very difficult and dishonest time.

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

A) We have a lot of ideas for that, but since the pilot we were limited to what was available right then. Obviously, we all probably have a lot that we would like to bring to our characters in season one when are given the opportunity to tell more of the series and the story by shooting more episodes. As of now, I feel like a lot of what needed for Nate Cooper was already in the script, written wonderfully by Melissa Carter. She is not just the writer and creator, but also one of our Executive Producers. She is wonderful and she has created real characters in a wonderful story and because of that I think people are going to be able to connect with it.

Q) How hands on was Nicholas Sparks on set and creating these characters?

A) That is one of the great things about Nicholas Sparks. He knows what works and he knows what is good. He also knows basically how to let happen what needs to happen, supporting us, providing us with the things we need and helping us promote the show. In terms of when we were spending time in Texas where we were shooting, he wasn’t there a lot. I feel like what we were there to do, that’s probably for the best. When you are making something like a TV pilot, a series or a movie even you don’t want too many irons in the fire – too many bosses tell everyone how it is supposed to be. You have to have a very tight group of people who have a very concise idea of the direction of where to go. You have to be able to trust them to stay out of the way. He wasn’t there a lot, but he was there when we needed him.

Q) There is such great chemistry between the cast in the film. Was that there instantly or did you all spend time to bond?

A) It’s funny because some of us knew each other from before and had worked together before. Riley Smith and I had worked together on the show “The Playboy Club” in 2011. It was just a few years ago when we were involved in a love triangle with Jenna Dewan-Tatum on that show. So, it was fun for Riley and I to be reunited and be cast to play opposite of each other in a love triangle again, but in the Wild West. One of the things we have enjoyed is having the chance to tell stories again and to make our love triangle a success. Chris Backus and I have known each other for many, many years and have had a lot of mutual friends in common. It was nice to be reunited with him and to work with him for the first time ever. He’s such a wonderful actor and he’s so strong in this piece. Riley is, too! Lauren Ambrose and I had never met before, but we hit it off. She’s fantastic! We all met down in Texas and she is the consummate professional. She’s incredibly talented and I believe she has brought exactly what we needed to Deliverance Creek in the main character Belle Barlow, the strength and the sensitivity. It’s about so many aspects of life, this character and the story of her journey. Whether it is lust and love or betrayal and revenge, Deliverance Creek really just has everything in it.

Q) What were some of your most memorable moments you had from filming the movie?

A) I think being in Texas on set with the cast. It was shot on location, mostly outdoors. We were out dealing with the elements. I think it was just being outdoors with everyone. There were beautiful sunsets and it was being able to work with the horses. It was just a lot of fun for all of us. It was a dream come true for any actor, really.

Q) What do you think it is about Deliverance Creek that makes it such a good fit for the Lifetime Network?

A) I know that Lifetime is in a position where it can be taken as seriously as they want to be based on their content. I think Deliverance Creek is a good example of Lifetime stepping up to the plate and wanting to really compete with their material. You have the romance with Nicholas Sparks’ name attached to this and the genre of that bringing a lot of the traditional Lifetime audience to the movie. At the same time, you are dealing with something that is probably a little edgier and darker than most things they put on the air. Because of that, I think you are going to see a new audience that are drawn to Lifetime because Deliverance Creek offers this incredible balance and mixture of light and dark that we really haven’t seen with the network before. I think it’s an interesting time where this piece (certainly it’s our hope) will bring Lifetime into a new chapter of programming.

Q) You are a part of social networking sites. Are you looking forward to the instant fan feedback you will receive when the movie airs?

A) Yes! Absolutely! As a cast, we have been proactive about spreading the word. We realize in this day and age that social media is one of the best outlets to do that, to spread the word about the show and connect with the fans in a very hands-on way. We want to let them know we are right there with them and are excited to go on this ride with them. We’re using Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even Pinterest to spread the word and share with everyone how excited we are to be on this journey with the fans.

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

A) I think a big heartfelt “thank you” would be first and foremost. Then, if I could offer a big hug to every person (in addition to saying thank you) I would do that. The truth is, everything we do is with the hope of being able to entertain the audience. If the audience is our fans and if we earn the fans because the audience gives us a chance then we are thrilled to have the opportunity to entertain them. That’s something that every actor will tell you throughout the course of their career that they wouldn’t be where they are if it weren’t for the fans liking what we do and giving us a chance. I would want to say thank you and hug them all so they knew they really meant it!