The Yound & Prodigious T.S. Spivet is out now on DVD and download from eOne. Directed by Jean-Pierre Jeunet and starring Kyle Catlett, Helena Bonham Carter, Callum Keith Rennie, Judy Davis and Niamh Wilson, the film follows young T.S as he navigates across America to claim a science award from the prestigious Smithsonian Institute.
EF ‘s Jason caught up with Callum Keith Rennie and Kyle Catlett to discuss the film and their past work, including Due South and Californication for Callum and The Following for Kyle.
Callum Keith Rennie
How did you first get involved with the movie?
I had a meeting with Jean Pierre in TO and we discussed the project
Did you enjoy working for Jean-Pierre (Jeunet) and did you collaborate much on the character of Father?
It was an honour to watch one of the most celebrated directors in the world work, he was very collaborative.
You seemed very comfortable as a cowboy – is there any other era in time you’d like to have lived in?
I always wanted to live in the Jurassic era.
Your dynamic with Helena (Bonham Carter) and Kyle (Catlett) is a big factor in the film’s success, what was it like working with them?
Helena was charming and unfettered and Kyle was smart and had a great sense of humour.
Due South is one of our favourite TV shows of all time. Can you tell us about how you got the role of Kowalski?
I loved working on Due South, I got the role of Kowalski on a coin toss.
Were you hesitant joining such an established show and replacing David Marciano as joint-lead?
Yes. No…a little!
Your dynamic with Fraser gave the show a new lease of life. How was it working alongside Paul Gross and do you have fond memories from your time on Due South?
It was one of the best experiences I ever had and Paul is still one of my favourite people.
Your role in Californication was amazing and highlighted the series’ strongest ever season. What are your recollections of working on that show?
Californication was a great working environment with so many great creative people.
Many believe that we are in a golden age of TV, and that it’s overtaking film in terms of quality. What do you think?
There are great qualities in both TV and film… the way people view things has shifted so has the industry.
You have had a very diverse career in both film and TV – do you have any preference at all?
I do enjoy working in both.
What do you look for in a role, and do you have a genre that appeals to you most?
I look at the writing, a good environment and hopefully a story that’s worth telling everything else is gravy.
Is there any character from your former work that you’d like to revisit, or explore further?
No. I only look forward.
How has the industry changed since you started? Do you think it’s easier to get started now?
I suppose it has changed quite a bit. It’s as hard as it ever was I’m sure, you have to have a big heart and a thick skin.
Kyle Catlett
What first interested you in the script?
That T.S Spivet likes science. And his adventures across the US from Montana to Washington D.C.
Did you enjoy working for Jean-Pierre (Jeunet) and did you collaborate on the character of T.S?
Jean-Pierre is an amazing director. And TS is a very interesting character!
Did the cast of T.S. Spivet give you any acting advice?
A little bit, but I just go with the flow.
You’ve appeared in some memorable projects like T. S. Spivet and The Forgotten – what’s been your personal favourite and why?
I think I liked Spivet more than The Following . Because in Spivet I got to do all of my own stunts, and fly in a helicopter off-set!
What was it like working with Kevin Bacon, James Purefoy and Natalie Zea?
It was fun, I liked Kevin Bacon and he also has a funny dog. James Purefoy gave me some really good advice in acting and Natalie Zea is nice.
What attracted you to acting?
I liked movies and I wanted to be a part of it. And it also is fun to pretend to be someone who you aren’t.
Do you have a preference doing movies or television?
No, I like both.
Who are your acting heroes?
Brad Pitt and Tom Cruise
You aren’t just an actor; you’re an accomplished martial artist and speak numerous languages too. How else do you spend your free time?
Reading books. I love Reading books a lot! And I am starting to work on a short film as a director, and a writer.
You’ve just finished working on Poltergeist. How was that experience?
It was fun, I got to do a lot of my own stunts.
Can you tell us about your other upcoming projects?
Let’s just say that there is going to be some surprises!
The Young and Prodigious T.S Spivet is available now on DVD and download from eOne.
