Los Angeles, California (The Hollywood Times) 10/03/2020 –
When did you get your first “Big Break?”
Being an actor/actress can truly be a mentally draining occupation. You can go into a hundred auditions and get one job, which might be only one scene in a movie. Though, one big role can make the world of a difference and the rewards are worth the tough wait. For me, that happened back in 2015 when I got the role of Agent Otis in the Emmy Award-winning TV series, Odd Squad. I was fairly new to acting and this production really opened my eyes to the business and taught me a ton about acting. I will always be so thankful for Sinking Ship Productions and everyone I worked with on that series. It was a life-changing experience.
Share your TV experience that paved the way to the role in the feature film, The War with Grampa, starring Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman, Rob Riggles, and others.
As I talked about in the other question, it was Odd Squad that paved the way to my role in The War with Grandpa. Odd Squad really put me on the map and heightened my acting abilities. Also, because of Odd Squad, I was fortunate enough to win an Emmy Award. This really increased the appeal of my resume for auditions. In all, it was each of these factors that played a part in getting me the role in the feature film, The War with Grandpa.
Tell us about your role in the film. What did you enjoy most about the character?
In the movie, I play Steve, one of Peter’s best friends. My character, throughout the movie, helps and provides support to Peter with all the pranks and challenges he has with his Grandpa. He is the friend who always thinks his ideas are impressive but really aren’t too sharp. Before The War with Grandpa I never really got to play the absent-minded, more comedic character in a production. I found it really exciting being able to explore different possibilities to sneak comedy into my character and see different ways to get the jokes across. Shout out to Tim Hill, the director of the movie for always giving me opportunities to improvise on set.
Can you share a moment on the set?
One moment that I will never forget was in the beginning at the table read in New York with all of the cast. Immediately after we finished our run-through, Robert DeNiro came over to me, shook my hand, and said, “you’re a pretty funny guy, I look forward to working with you.” It was one memory in my career that I will cherish forever. Every day on set with this cast was a blast. The kids I filmed with had such good vibes all the time and I consider them to be my true friends both on and offset.
Tell us about your role in “Breakthrough” directed by Roxann Dawson.
Breakthrough was such a fantastic movie to film and be a part of. It was a life-changing experience to be in a film based on a true story. Not only did I get to work with amazing actors like Chrissy Metz, director Roxann Dawson, and Producer DeVon Franklin but got to meet and connect with the real people behind the story. The movie is about John Smith, a 14-year-old boy who falls into an icy lake and does not regain consciousness. His mother, Joyce, however, refuses to give up hope and prays for his recovery. It follows a whole community staying strong and showing faith. I played Josh, one of John’s best friends, who falls through the ice alongside him. Josh is a timid but still a fun kid who has a sensitive side as well as a goofy one.
What is next for you?
Currently, I am sitting in a dorm studying business at Western University, in London ON. I am looking forward to the release of the short film, The Wake that I played the lead role in, directed by Luis Gerard. Other than that I continue to balance my academics with auditioning and putting my foot in the doors for possible future roles. As I like to say, I’m going to see where the world takes me.
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Instagram: @theisaackragten
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