Interview Sophie Lin
Never since the series “24” have I been more engrossed in an action thriller television series. “The Night Agent” on Netflix, created by Sean Ryan and based on a novel by the same name by Matthew Quirk has all of the tantalizing ingredients to keep audiences completely engaged.
Gabriel Basso plays Peter Sutherland, a low-level FBI agent thrown into a deep conspiracy about a Russian mole in the highest levels of the US government. He meets Rose Larkin, played by Luciane Buchanan when she was instructed by people she called her aunt and uncle to call a secret phone number and give the receiver a code when they became under attack in the middle of the night. From there, espionage and drama collide episode after episode.
Basso is best known for his roles in the Showtime series, “The Big C” and also the science fiction film, “Super 8”. He grew up in Missouri and initially wanted to become a professional football player before he discovered his love for acting. His early work consisted of guest roles in the popular Nickelodeon series, “iCarly” and ABC’s “The Middle”.
Basso captivates the audience and pulls us right into the series from scene one. His far departure from life off-screen cannot be easily detected. Basso is a multi-faceted talent who delivers a gripping season 1 of “The Night Agent”.
“I won’t ever complain about having to do things the child me would have loved to see on screen. Also, I train in various martial arts in real life so not much preparation was needed.”
What was the most challenging part about preparing for this role?
I think the most challenging aspect of this role for me, not just in the preparation but as a whole, was being number 1 on the call sheet. A lot of actors romanticize that position. Prior to this job I think I did as well, but it’s an immense amount of responsibility. So many things rely on you being present, both on and off-screen.
This series is very action-packed, how much preparation did you have to do and was any of it terrifying?
I wouldn’t say terrifying, but I definitely had to mentally prepare myself for the level of physical demand. I love it though, I won’t ever complain about having to do things the child me would have loved to see on screen. Also, I train in various martial arts in real life so not much preparation was needed.
Was there a skill you had to perfect for this role in order for your character to be more believable?
Not perfect, but something I hadn’t anticipated was learning how to shoot ambidextrously.
Throughout your career, you have had a wide range of roles to play. Which character did you enjoy portraying most and why did the role resonate with you?
I’ve not been acting as an adult long, so it’s tough for me to compare this job with things I’ve worked on in the past. That being said though, I’d have to say “Kings of Summer” was a favorite of mine. I grew up playing in the woods so to be able to do that and get paid was like a dream come true.
Do you have any projects coming up that you can share with us?
I am a pen and ink illustrator and a dry stack stone waller when I’m not acting so my attention will probably be on that. As for acting, nothing going on right now.
The Night Agent has been renewed for Season 2 on Netflix
Photography
F. Scott Schafer
Creative Director & Casting
Deborah Ferguson
Interview
Sophie Lin
Web Layout
Jill Ryan
Thank You