The following is from a Chow Tent chat with Brian in early April 2005. A big thank you goes out to Allison from CarnyCon for transcribing it and letting us put it up on this site!
Question: Once a season is approved, how long does production take?
Then how long to airing?
Brian: It takes awhile... the writers need to get some scripts
written so then the production can get it all ready to shoot.
Question: Brian, do you miss the show as much as we do?
Brian: Yes I miss my friends and the show.
Question: Where do you see your character going?
Brian: I would love to see Gabriel develop... how ever they like.
I Love Gabe as he is and would love for him to keep the same child
like heart.
Question: Is Gabe hiding some new found abilities since his healing?
Brian: I know what you guys do.... well maybe a bit more but, not
much.
Question: Are you much like your character?
Brian: Yes... but, at the same time I like to be sarcastic and
funny... that doesn't come through in Gabe
Question: Who are you closest to in the cast?
Brian: I am closest to Tim, Adrienne, Debra, Dan, Toby, Nick and
Scott, I get along well with everyone though.
Question: Brian, how old are you and how old is Gabe supposed to be?
IMDB doesn't list a birthday for you :)
Brian: I am old... and I do not know how young Gabe is supposed
to be.
Question: Did you read for (or want) any other characters other
than Gabe?
Brian: I love gabe... I am very happy with him.
Question: How did you get this role?
Brian: I had to audition.... showing them that I could pull off an
angelic guy slightly mentally challenged with few words.
Question: During the first two seasons were you able to watch the filming of Brother Justins story or was that kept away from you?
Brian: Yes we could watch whatever was filmed... but, they usually
were there on different days... but, I did see them in passing a lot.
Question: How are you spending your time while on hiatus?
Brian: Hoping and praying for season 3..... auditioning some
hanging out and getting ready for some friends weddings
Question: Did you spend anytime with developmentally disabled
people to prepare for your role?
Brian: No I didn't. I felt that Gabe was not disabled... I felt
he saw the world through the eyes of a child so I watched a lot of
children.
Question: How long did it take to film season 1 and 2?
Brian: It takes roughly 9 days per episode... it took 4 weeks for
the pilot though.... so roughly 6 months.
Question:What for you is the biggest plot mystery in the show?
Brian: Tough to answer. I know some things... but, it could all
change...
Question: Do you know the plot outline for the proposed six seasons?
Brian: Not really.... Dan is tough to get things out of.
Question: Do you see your character transforming along the
Carnivale journey?
Brian: I hope so.... I really like Gabe... would love to see him
develop.
Question: Do you feel there is much more to your character that
hasn't been explored yet? Any special characteristics that you would
like to have explored for your character?
Brian: YES... a lot more.
Question: When you assume a role on a show (let's use,
ohhh....Carnivale as an example), and you discover that the fans
have become enthusiastic about it, do you typically explore your
character's background in order to enhance your portrayment of him?
Brian: I put the effort into it everytime..... plus... you never
know what is going to take off or have a following.... so I am very
thankful for you guys.
Question:Does the special nature that we feel about Carnivale,
transfer to the cast members?
Brian: Yes.... but, we already had it ourselves... but, it feels
nice to know that others feel the same... in season 1 we had no
feedback so it was tough.
Question: Is Toby passionate about the show? He's the one main
character I haven't seen much of outside the show?
Brian: Toby is awesome.... I love Toby... yes he is passionate about the show... he adds soooo much... and it is great to see
because he is really cool and funny in real life.
Question: Are you going to be appearing in any other shows I can
see you in? And do you have a website?
Brian: Sorry no website.... yet... and no real shows to speak
of... we can only get guest stars ..... and none yet... just a
couple small roles in movies.
Question: Does Gabe understand what Ben is?
Brian: Yes I think he does.... Gabe sees everyone for what they
truly are...... part of the child I guess...
Question: Did Dan allow you all to give insight and opinion as to
what would happen in the show? Did any of the actors direct any of
the episodes?
Brian: Not really we were able to discuss things with him.... but,
they do such a great job... they didn't need my input at all... no,
no actor directors.... as of yet.
Question: What suggestions would you have to the writers on how to
develop your character for season 3?
Brian: Tough question.... off the top of my head... I would just
talk to them to see their outline and maybe give input if they
wanted it.... But off the top of my head... I don't know.
Question: Do you hang out with anyone from the cast while the show
is on hold.
Brian: Yeah... I see people on occasion... I had to cancel lunch
this week... due to chickenpox..... But, I see Tim, Debra, Dan,
Diane, and sometimes Nick, Carla, Cynthia.... etc.
Question: How long ago did you finish the last episode?
Brian: We wrapped Nov. 6th or so.
Question: How tall are you? Do you get typecast as a strongman type
often?
Brian: I am 6'5".... and it can be tough being that tall.
Question: Where is the show mostly filmed? Santa Clarita?
Brian: Yes Santa Clarita, Simi Valley, Palmdale, Chatsworth.
Question:Did you watch every Sunday night like we did?
Brian: Yes.
Question:What's the most influential aspect of Carnivale to you
thus far?
Brian:Actually the setting.... believe it or not... when we get
dressed up and put into the middle of no where and there is the
carnivale .... it is pretty inspiring.
Question: Were there any episodes that you did not know how they
would end or what might happen to a character until the day of
filming?
Brian: No.... we get the scripts before hand... so we have about a
2 week build up.
Question: Ben healed Gabe's arm .... why was he so quick to break
into management's trailer when Lila started making trouble?
Brian: I don't know.... sorry.
Question: Many of the carnies seemed afraid of management. Or at
least taken aback if anyone badmouthed him. Was it simply cause he
was the boss or something more?
Brian: Both.... He was very powerful and if anyone crossed him it
was trouble.
Question: Why aren't there more details available about you as an
actor, surely you realize you have fans that are as interested in
you as well as the show?
Brian: I don't know... and thank you... I was not aware that there
was people interested.
Question: What have been your 2 favorite scenes in Carnivale? First
with you in it and 2nd without you in it.
Brian: Tough..... I loved the river scene with the fish.... I
think that was touching.... and I really liked.... hmmmmm.... the
Brother Justin..... TELL ME!.... very powerful.... and there is
soooo much more.... I liked a lot.
Question: Are the actors given recordings of the episodes before
they are aired? Do you have to wait to see them on TV?
Brian: No..... we got to see 201 this year toward the end of our
shoot but that was it
Question: Are you married?....Do you like groupies.....lol
Brian: lol... no I am not married.
Question: Did you have formal acting training/ If so where?
Brian: Yes... I went to USC and studied film, theatre, and
character development there as well as improv.... and since I have
graduated I have studied a lot with acting teachers.
Question: We all know how us fans feel. If YOU had the chance to
sit down with the HBO execs that hold Carnivale's fate in their
hands, what would you say? What reasons would you give them, as a
participant, to continue on with Carnivale's story?
Brian: Wow..... powerful Q.... I guess I would tell them about
you guys... seriously... we have a demographic that I think is
unprecedented.
Question: Besides Gabe, who is your favorite character?
Brian: I like Brother Justin.... and Jonesy... tough to pick....
but, I guess Jonesy... I love baseball so that is a part of it but,
BJ is very powerful to play... don't think I could do either
justice.... Clancy and Tim are awesome.
Question: How long did it take after USC before you got your first
gig, and what was it?
Brian: I got my first Budweiser commercial while a Senior at
USC....that is how I got tafted for my SAG card.
Question: Would you be up for a Carnival Cruise...with all "Carnivale" fans and celebs on board? Would be a riot! What do you think?
Brian: That would be cool..... yeah... I just took a 3 day cruise
in April.
Question:Is there a story to how you (your character) ended up
with the carnivale?
Brian: I got there through my mom... Ruthie.
Question: What is your favorite part of working on Carnivale?
Brian: The people... really.... it is sooooo fun with everyone...
we just have a blast.
Question:I have always wondered if Gabe carved the snakes that
decorate Ruthie's trailer. What do you think?
Brian: hmmmmmm I don't know.... good thought though.
Question: My son is impressed with the way Gabe feels about his
mama. He became a huge fan/ loves the way you portray Gabe as
challenged but able...do you have anything else in the works at this
time?
Brian: Nope.... sigh..... just some small parts in movies.... but,
am up for a good one.... so.... I hope so... you never know.
Question: What plot twist would you like to see?
Brian: Oh..... I don't know something that spotlighted Gabe I
guess... not to be too selfish.
Question: First of all, I love the way you portray Gabe. Are you
surprised by the internet community/following this show has built?
Brian: Wow... thank you very much... very nice to hear... When we
do it we do not know if it will come through so very nice to hear...
thanks. Yes... I am very surprised with you guys.... and I think HBO
is as well.... you guys are Great.
Question:Is there any character that Gabe fears? Anyone who has
been cruel to him that you know of?
Brian: Mamma.... but, not because of being cruel to him... just
cause its mama.
Question: If you were to decide to be a character on "Carnivāle"
besides Gabe, which one would you choose and why?
Brian: I guess it would be Jonesy... or Bro Ju..... but, I am not
sure I could do as well as Tim or Clancy.
Question: What have you discovered is your acting strength since
doing the part of Gabe?
Brian: I have found out that I play innocence very well..... in
fact some of my friends I play baseball with's families were
surprised to hear that I was not really mentally challenged so I
guess that is another strength.
Question: Do you know who Gabriel's father is....Scudder perhaps?
Brian: I do not know.
Question: Were you interested in carnivals before the show? Can you
juggle or do any amusing tricks?
Brian: I am coordinated but, cannot juggle.. never really focused
on it.
Question: Do you ever go on the yahoo groups and read the boards?
Brian: I receive the emails.... tough to read them all.....
wow...that is what I am talking about... with the support... I am
new to this but, think that it is unique... so hopefully that will
help us.
Question: Brian, what about the HBO forums -- we'd love to have you
there (I hang out in the Season 2 thread).
Brian: I have never posted in either... if they had a chat I would
participate if they wanted me to. I got involved with this one for
Clancy's charity through Beth... and Kim.... and have just popped in
a couple times since.
Question: How do you go about preparing for a scene? Do you like to
do a lot of prep and have it pretty well planned out before filming,
or do you prefer to leave some room for a certain amount of
improvisation within the context of the script?
Brian: Well for Carnivale... it is different because of the role
and the dialogue..... but, for Carnivale... I would almost not want
to know.
Question: If someone organized a fan-trip to Santa Clarita soon,
would there be things to see (any sets left) and would you be
interested in going?
Brian: There would not be anything to see... and you would have to
get past guards for the interior stuff... but, if it was
coordinated... and they wanted me to attend... I guess I would..
sure.... I think the only thing out there is Brother Justins
house.... they built it just for Carnivale.
Question: If you could change any of your scenes so far, would
there be one in particular, you would like to do over or not do at
all? I really have enjoyed what you have done so far. You ARE
gifted. Your timing was excellent in joining us tonight!
Brian: Thank you..... thanks... I guess I really liked a time when
Gabe gave Ben a horse... it didn't make it in.... it was very
touching.... very.
Question: Whats your favorite episode?
Brian: I like 1.07.
Question: Are any of the actors unhappy with the show in the sense
that they would not re-sign for future seasons?
Brian: Interesting.... no... I think at least as much as I know
that everyone would love to come back.
Question: That seperating Burley & Jones looked rough, was it?
Brian: lol..... yes.... very rough..... Tim and Scott are
realists... so Tim really ran full speed at Scott, so I had to get
in there and hit him to stop him...... like 15 times and put him
ever so gingerly into the truck... j/k he really hit the truck
hard... had some football flashbacks with that one.
Question: You look like a strong guy Brian. What are your favorite
sports/activities?
Brian: I love football and baseball.... I still play baseball.
Question: Your new acting gig: You are the new Marketing Executive
for Carnivale. What would you do differently from your predecessor
to promote the show? (Can you tell I don't think they did a very
good job?)
Brian: uhhhhhhh tough one... I don't know all the
circumstances.
Question: What's the rehearsal process for an episode?
Brian: Depends on the difficulty of the scene... mostly it is done
on the day but, for things like the snake beating thing... we had a
rehearsal day with the snake and dancing to get used to it...
Question: Which actor has the best sence of humor? Jonsey strikes
me as funny, and for some reason I can see Rita Sue being a riot.
Who is the jokster in the cast??
Brian:Yes jonesy is very funny, but, nobody beats Toby's witty
comebacks... he is a riot.
Question:How old were you when you knew you wanted to be an actor?
Brian:Funny story.....actually when I was 6 I broke my nose
playing baseball and when I was taken to the dr. he said no need to
fix it unless I planned on going to Hollywood someday and I was
crying and I said but, mommy, I do want to go to Hollywood.... I
don't remember it but, I guess I wanted to do it since I was 6.
Question:What's your favorite TV show(s) to watch?
Brian:I love Law and Order.
