New York — A few months ago I interviewed young producer Danielle Earle, working on a new webisode series entitled Brooklyn Is In Love, about an eclectic group of friends and their romantic relationships. The series is in its second season, which Earle describes as incredible with a dramatically new storyline. “I'm very happy about this Season. It gives me chills sometimes,” the New York-based producer says. New actors are joining the cast including Benedict Mazurek as Benny, Katja Gerez as Nikki, Terrence Ruggiero as Kevin, and Ebeneezer Nii Sowah as a love interest to one of the current characters.
Brooklyn Is In Love was recently entered in the LA Web Series Festival 2012. I caught up with Earle before she jet-setted off to LA, to discuss the success of "Brooklyn Is In Love" and interview new cast member Benedict Mazurek.
I wanted to be a doctor and planned on going to pre-med school. Then for some reason a small part of me wanted to try the acting thing.
TCS: What made you want to become an actor?
Benedict: Well, like all of us, I have been trying to be the center of attention for a long time (laughs). I started singing, dancing, and acting on stage when I was in 6th grade and continued to do community and high school drama throughout my high school years. Also, in high school I participated in an acting competition called Forensics. During the end of my senior year, I was in the troubling decision process of going to college, and I wanted to be a doctor and planned on going to pre-med school. Then for some reason a small part of me wanted to try the acting thing. So I did some research on a few schools and decided to audition. The rest is history. The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts asked me if I wanted to study the art of acting in New York City and I couldn’t say no.
When I cast actors and actresses, I look at the person and their talent rather than the resume. You really need to have a good understanding about your character and know how to express that on camera, naturally. A lot of times, it very difficult to find someone like that, that's what I saw in young Benedict. He has a lot of talent and I'm so happy to work with him. ~ Danielle Earle
The Chic Spy: How did you land the part as Benny?
Benedict: That is a chaotic and somewhat of an ironic story. The morning of my audition for “Brooklyn Is In Love,” I was filming a silent short film in Central Park. I got up at 5 a.m. and shot until 2 p.m. I scurried back to my apartment to print off headshots and resume’s for not only the “Brooklyn Is In Love” audition, but for a commercial spec audition as well. First I went to the commercial audition, where I was asked to come back for a call back in an hour or so. I accepted and then ran to the “Brooklyn Is In Love” audition. I showed up at 134 W 29th Street sweating, out of breath, and pretty disoriented from the already long day. I walk in to the room, and from there I don’t remember anything I did or said in the audition room. One day later, Danielle Earle is posting on Facebook that I got the part.
TCS: Tell us a little about your character, Benny.
Benedict: Benny is your typical nice guy. He is the cure for any itch. Benny needs to take on his rowdy girlfriend Nikki’s inner demons. Benny would do anything for her to be happy and in doing so sacrifice his personal point of view, and succumbs to being taken advantage of and usually ends up getting hurt. Although he knows about Nikki’s wild side, he still loves her unconditionally and finds her aggressive side extremely attractive.
Benedict reminds me of a cross between Freddie Prince Jr. and Paul Walker. He has a similar disposition that I love and that the audience will enjoy very soon in Season 2. ~ Danielle Earle
TCS: Do you identify with your character at all? If so, how?
Benedict: Definitely (laughs). I don’t think I am alone in this point of view, but I feel a lot of the time I try to people please. I will do anything in my ability to cause no conflict in any situation, and most of the time it ends up getting me in a bad situation because I am not being honest with myself. Benny will do anything not to be honest with himself. He has to put his attention on something or someone (Nikki).
TCS: What other projects have you worked on?
Benedict: My first project I ever did was a music video. “Your Past Life As A Blast” by Okkervil River, a point of view shot music video directed by Isaac Ravishankara and produced by Doomsday Entertainment. Recently I have booked a silent short film called “Ravel” which has been extremely exciting. The project can be found on Kickstarter.com under "Ravel," directed by Sabina Beachdell. I also booked a commercial spec for Nutella, which I will be shooting in a couple of weeks. Other than that, I have done many filmed scenes at The New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, the school that I am currently attending. I hope to find more and more projects that I can get into so I can develop my craft.
TCS: Does any actor past or present inspire you?
Benedict: It changes every week but past, Jimmy Stewart and present, Dominic West from "The Wire."
TCS: If you could star in a film with any actress, who would it be and why?
Benedict: Michelle Monaghan.
TCS: Describe your fashion style.
Benedict: Casual. I have my mom buy most of my clothes (laughs).
TCS: I can see you becoming a Hollywood heartthrob. What would our female readers be interested to know about you?
Benedict: That deep down, I am a big nerd!
TCS: If you were a Chic Spy Agent, what would be your code name?
Benedict: Arm’s Length
To watch the Brooklyn Is In Love webisode series, visit youtube.com/plstreetteam.
(Images courtesy of PL Entertainment)
