Michael Roark as Butch in ‘The Black Dagger Brotherhood.’ Photo Courtesy of Passionflix.
Actor Michael Roark spoke about starring in the series “‘The Black Dagger Brotherhood,” directed by Tosca Musk, and the sci-fi indie film “Catalyst.”
‘The Black Dagger Brotherhood’
On his experience in “The Black Dagger Brotherhood,” Roark said, “It was a unique experience, not only as an ensemble piece but also because I have never done predominately night shoots for months on end.”
“We, literally, were living like vampires — sleeping during the day and living at night. It was a fun group to work with and the fans have been so supportive and invested from the beginning. Its going to be quite a journey ahead with so many books,” he elaborated.
Playing Butch
On playing Butch, he said, “As soon as I read the books, I instinctively knew who Butch is and that’s always the best case scenario.”
“There is also so much texture to him and many layers that go well beyond him just being a tough cop from Southie. I love exploring and expressing that,” he said.
“Also, of course, the Southie accent is a nice challenge. I kept the accent on through the duration of filming on and off set. It’s just easier that way and makes everything more fun,” he added.
Working with Tosca Musk and Olivia Applegate
On collaborating with Tosca Musk and Olivia Applegate, he said, I know Tosca and Olivia very well from our time working on ‘Driven’ and over the years being a part of this film family.”
“We have developed a synergy that is rare in this business. I also just love them as human beings,” he added.
Working with author J.R. Ward
On working with author J.R. Ward, Roark said, “JR is so rad. She is obviously an incredible writer but also a very fun hang and brings a great energy with her.”
“I’ve told her before, we share the same brand of crazy,” he added.
Experience in ‘Catalyst’
Roark also opened up about his experience in the indie movie “Catalyst,” where he worked alongside David Bianchi.
“We all went into it thinking of it as more of an experiment than a film,” Roark noted.
“We shot a major portion of the film in one night in a downtown Los Angeles warehouse, without a script and only with minor backstory on our own character. The rest was improvisation and discovery in the environment,” he explained.
Roark continued, “I come from an improv background as a second city graduate and always jump at an opportunity for improv, but I will probably never do another project quite like this.”
“It was also filmed in pieces over the course of several years and is as indie a film as indie gets. It punches well above its budget and weight and that is a testament to the dedication of the filmmakers and cast,” he elaborated.
Working with David Bianchi in ‘Catalyst’
On working with David Bianchi in “Catalyst,” Roark said, “Bianchi and I are old buddies, we met each other early on in our Hollywood years. Who doesn’t want to work with their friends?”
“David is a consummate pro and we have a trust and an unspoken language that was fun to explore on camera together. He is a great actor, a great filmmaker and a great dude,” Roark added.
Message for his fans
For his fans and supporters, Roark said, “My fans have always been so lovely and supportive. I’ve been at this game for a while now and many of them have been with me for a long time.”
“I love acting, love the craft and the thrilling life it provides but have always felt this is a service occupation. I do it for the fans and I’m always trying to deliver for them — to make them laugh, cry and to inspire them,” he elaborated.
“I’m endlessly thankful for their support and want them to know, I do this for them,” he concluded.
To learn more about actor Michael Roark, follow him on Instagram.
Read More: “The Black Dagger Brotherhood” and “Catalyst” reviews.
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