Barry interviewed on GenreTainment

"Marx and Julie talk about what is happening in the world of film, TV and web series. This time GenreTainment speaks to Barry Dodd, the co-creator of the popular Maine-based web seriesRagged Isle. We learn more about this award winning mystery-suspense web series and talk to Dodd about his views of the future of independent web series. PLUS, bonus interview with Jessica Lange aboutAmerican Horror Story."

Holy crap! I'm in a show with Jessica Lange!  One of my better interviews actually.  Despite the audio problems.  Check it out!  -Barry

             

Listen to internet radio with SciFiPulse on Blog Talk Radio

Barry, Karen and Amie included in national holiday web series video.

Amie E. Marzen and Barry & Karen Dodd were a part of this montage video of holiday well wishes from web show creators from across the internet.  Other local series that were involved were Haunt ME, No Refund For Content, Vacationlanders and The Cleansed all of which are attached to the Maine network The Entertainment Experiment.  

Ragged Isle is so proud to be a part of such a great community and to be able to make stories for such a supportive audience.  Happy Holidays to you all!  See you next year!

Season 2 receives 7 nominations at this years Indie Soap Awards!

"We used to argue on behalf of a potential nominee, 'It's so good, it could be on TV.' This time, to make the cut, it had to be, 'This is excellent. It's better than anything on TV!' It's extraordinary. I think we've passed an historic landmark for the genre. In so many ways, the shows on this list are better than the scripted, serialized programming on network Television."

Read the whole release here and see how we did.

It goes without saying we are so excited and proud of being recognized again. The competition is super huge this year and it's an honor to be named amongst some of the finest independent shows that the web has ever seen.
-Barry

Somewhere Over the Rainbow/What a Wonderful World

Written by Rick Dalton about the performance he and Meghan Conley did at the season 2 premiere party for Ragged Isle.  Thanks for recounting this Rick!  It was a real highlight that night.

Why this song? Because it's beautiful, for one. This version is of course inspired by the great Israel "IZ" Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, one of the sweetest voices the world has ever known. I first heard this song ten years ago on the show “E.R.” It was featured during an incredibly beautiful and heart wrenching moment toward the end of an episode called “On The Beach” (Season 8, Episode 21). It played during the last moments of Dr. Mark Greene's life. I was so into that show, the guy felt like my old, dear friend. I just watched it again and cried my eyes out. It's one of the finest moments in television history, in my opinion, especially if you followed the character and story. I remember one time, at my friend Jason's wedding reception, a number of people, myself included, gathered around the P.A. speaker when this song started playing. All of us admitted that we were drawn together thinking the same thing, the death of this fictional character. We all loved Dr. Greene. Great stories are human kind's favorite thing, right?

The show led me to track down the song on mp3, and find out about the singer. If you haven't heard of Israel Kaʻanoʻi Kamakawiwoʻole, you should search him out, hear more of his music, and learn his story. He had an amazing life, and has become the best selling Hawaiian musician of all time.

I've wanted to sing this song since I heard it, ideally just like IZ, with nothing but vocals and ukulele. Barry Dodd had the Ragged Isle Season 2 Premiere Party coming up at Geno's in Portland, with musicians from the RI cast and crew performing, and I badly wanted to be a part of it. I tried to find a karaoke version of the song because I can't play ukulele, but there wasn't one to be found. I noticed the word “ukulele” in a post on Facebook, from my friend Meghan. I have known Meghan for many years, and have been in the same place at the same time as her many times, but we had only actually talked on a few occasions in all those years. I instant messaged her on the old FB, and it looked like this:

Luckily, she had a rehearsal space. So, I rigged up a makeshift P.A. with a mike and a Sirius boom box, and we had a number of rehearsals. We both had a lot of fun working on the song and chatting it up, and have since become closer friends. Meghan is one of the most intelligent, interesting, and enjoyable people I know, one of my top faves, and we came together through a song. Now we enjoy regular visits and great conversations. She calls them “walks” and they seem to involve movement, and being outside without a computer screen. It takes great conversation to get me around the block without taking a cab.

There were lots of great performances the night of the premiere, and a great time was had by all in attendance. It was such a thrill to finally get to perform Somewhere Over The Rainbow live. Meghan kicked ass. Thank God she tackled the tougher job. And of course, it was pure magic to watch the Ragged Isle Season 2 premiere on the big screen, and see everyone cheering the battleships and aircraft carriers!

Love,

Rick Dalton

Worlds Collide

For reasons I can't fully articulate now, as a kid, I was a huge fan of actor John Houseman. I considered him the epitome of talent and class. His commercials for Smith Barney just impressed the hell out of me. I'll admit I was kind of a weird kid, but see for yourself. The guy has... gravitas.



I also remember a series of commercials promoting a kids' art workshop called, "You Gotta Have Art." Various celebrities of the day would face the camera and say, "You gotta have art!" Only when it was John Houseman's turn, he said, in his perfect, clipped diction, "You've got to have art," as if the idea of uttering the grammatically suspect phrase so offended him, he couldn't bring himself to do it.

He also delivers the opening monologue to John Carpenter's The Fog, a movie that scared the devil out of me as an 11-year-old. (If you can't remember it, or if you've never seen it, you can watch the scene in question here.)

And even though I've known my buddy Rick Dalton (Sherrif Dalton on "Ragged Isle") for almost three years, I did not know until this weekend that he does a killer John Houseman impression. On Friday night, a few "Ragged Isle" cast members (some of whom you won't meet until season three) gathered to put together a shot-for-shot recreation of that opening scene from The Fog as a fun Halloween promo for "Ragged Isle."

You can watch the result below, and marvel (as we all did Friday night) at Mr. Dalton's dazzling gift for mimicry, while he somehow still makes the performance his own.

This was a ton of fun to shoot, and kudos to director Barry Dodd for getting it so amazingly close to the original.

Happy Birthday Karen!!

All you need to know about the executive producer and co-creator of Ragged Isle can be summed up in this quick clip. I would argue that our series never would have happened or gotten finished at all without this one of a kind woman. Her dedication and attention to detail was an inspiration. Please join me in wishing her a very Happy Birthday!!

Actor Spotlight: Krystal Kenville, Emma Dobson

Krystal Kenville as Emma Dobson

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

The girl your mother warned you about.

I'm not opinionated, just always right.

Hot movie chick seeks Rich movie producer.

Tell us about you character in this season (in this same format).

Lovely girl falls in love with lovely boy.

Unaware of the dangers that await her.

Secrets of her own that she will never hold.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Well, I didn't have to do a much better job in season two as I was only a picture in season one...  hehehe, However, seeing how amazing this project has turned out I wanted to make sure to give it my best to keep up with the high standard.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

Well, my biggest project since filming was/is my 7-week-old little girl.  In March, I worked on a show for the Discovery Channel, and at the moment I am promoting a new film.

What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

When Barry told me I had a "Big Head" physically....  Unfortunately I am not allowed to tell the other one as it would give away Season 3.  (Next time.)

What is your favorite thing about your character?

Pfft, that she get to kiss [Name removed by editor.  Sorry! Spoiler alert!]  HELLO! ;)   And again, I cannot say more as I would give to much away.  Dang it!

What do you and your character have in common?

Looks, clearly, and that sexy fashion sense!

What do you and your character have least in common?

Emma is demure, innocent, sweet, naive.

Krystal is sarcastic, social, with a side of crazy.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

Honestly, as much as I adore all of the characters here on the island, I wouldn't have ever chosen one over Emma.  She get's to play in the ______ as a ______!

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

I don't really like water guys......  guys?

Episode Sixteen.... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary

The season two finale of "Ragged Isle," "Where Did It All Go Wrong," is here.  This is the last episode we'll be serving up until spring 2013, so savor it (though there will be some treats and surprises in the meantime).  Fortunately, we packed a lot for you to contemplate into this very short episode.  Watch it below, and after you've seen it, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.



Did you watch?  I'm about to start spoiling the episode, so turn back now if you haven't watched.  Fair warning.

Way back when we were shooting season one, we knew exactly where the series was going.  There were drafts of all ten episodes of the then-final season two.   But then in the spring of 2011, during the original broadcast of season one, we decided to split the final season into two seasons, adding two more episodes to make the second and third season six episodes apiece.

There was more to be done besides just splitting the seasons and writing two new episodes.  The structure of every episode had to be reworked, and new plots and characters had to be introduced.

The events on the boat, seen in this episode, originally occurred in episode thirteen, the first draft of which was written by Rick Dalton.  Rick's dialogue between Colleen and Paul remains largely intact (though I think Colleen was originally a man), but when we decided that this was where we would break the season, we reworked it as a cliffhanger.  In the first season, we sent Mac (Dominic Lavoie) into the water.  In the second, Vicki (Meghan Benton) takes the plunge.

Dominic had it (relatively) easier.  He went into the water at the end of August (2010), on a fairly warm night.  We shot Vicki's plunge in early September (2011) on a decidedly cooler night, after a very long day of shooting.  Immediately after Meghan went in, she surfaced and shouted, "Goddamn, this is cold!  Whatever you have to shoot, do it quick!"  That was the closest she came to a complaint, performing the scene with astonishing grace and professionalism (despite shivering uncontrollably and slowly turning blue).  It was amazing to watch, and my hat's forever off to Meghan for the most courageous thing I've ever seen an actor do.  Maybe she can be persuaded to weigh in about the experience in the comments, because after all that, she had to keep the whole thing secret for nearly a year.

(The underwater shots were captured in a pool.  I wasn't there for that shoot, but maybe Barry can also be persuaded to chime in with a comment or a blog post of his own, because I understand that it was no picnic.)

The final script for this episode clocked in at four pages, by far the shortest episode of the season (and maybe even the whole series).  The season one finale was also short on the page, but Barry managed to stretch it in editing with great music and cool lobster festival atmosphere (courtesy of footage from the Rockland Lobster Fest).

To stretch out the season two finale (and strengthen its impact), Barry conceived of Vicki's encounter in the water.  Careful "Ragged Isle" viewers will recognize the woman Vicki sees as Emma Dobson, whose picture hangs on the wall of The Glass Jaw, and whose story Rachel Moody told to Sheriff Dalton in episode seven, "The Unforgettable Fire."  Even more eagle-eyed fans will have seen Emma's picture in the locket Madame Clelia gave to Vicki, and in a newspaper article on Vicki's conspiracy wall.  Emma also appears in a snippet of enigmatic footage after the closing credits of the season one finale, and even more enigmatic footage at the beginning of this episode.  Are you starting to get the feeling that Emma is important to the mystery?  Go with that feeling.  I think maybe it will pay off in season three.  That's actress Krystal Kenville as Emma, and there's a good chance we'll hear more from Krystal fairly soon.

At the close of the season, I want to thank Barry for putting it all together, and Jake and Karen and Rick and our whole tremendous cast for a tremendous season.  That montage during the credits brought back a lot of memories of last summer's shoot.

I feel blessed to be a part of this project, and sad that it's going dark for so long (though I'm happy Barry will be getting a break at last).  But stay tuned to the blog and the Facebook page.  We may just have a few surprises up our sleeves in the months ahead.

Actor Spotlight: Cathy Counts, Dr. Gail Monroe

Cathy Counts as Dr. Gail Monroe

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?


What's a date? Similar to a fig or a prune.  Oh, I've heard of those. They run right through you, leave you totally empty. I'm really best on my own, fulfilled, contented, and blissfully self-contained, without being ravaged by dried fruit or having to suffer an evening imagining a  future of co-dependence and  compromise. But if you want to take me to a movie, play, comedy show, or restaurant with no intentions of latching onto me like a squid, I’m up for anything.
 



Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format).



Something got you down? Tell Doctor Gail Munroe all about it.  I'll find what's ailing you, whether it's physical, mental, or emotional, and I'll help you get through it.  Remember, keep your chin up and you'll feel a lot better about everything. Troubles are like dust kitties under the bed.  If you aren't aware of them, they won't bother you. If you do become aware of them, deal with them and breath a sigh of relief.
 



How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?



So many of the performances were excellent, and the production's values were so pleasingly professional and creative! I knew I could play my role with depth and delicacy, and my work would only be enriched by the treatment of the scenes.  
 



What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?



I am currently writing a novel which had been in the planning stages for several years, but I have just finished a prologue and four chapters this week while on vacation. I'm very excited about it, because the work is flowing and there really isn't anything that feels better to me than writing when the story and the characters are good. As for theater or film, nothing ahead.  The writing is taking precedence now.



What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?


Oooh, I can't tell you, or it would be a spoiler!!!!   But it has to do with a honking big moon over the water at the boat yard, everyone wrapped up to their ears and wearing gloves on a super chilly August midnight, and one thin, fragile girl shivering in a blanket in a car, waiting for the big dunk in what had to be near frigid water.  I'll never forget it, the sight of her waiting, running lines, shivering, and waiting several hours more.  Oh!  And Rick using his the flashlight app on his smart phone for an additional light source during that midnight shoot.



What is your favorite thing about your character?


She's not afraid of anybody.


What do you and your character have in common?



We like to create a fiction of well-being around us, with a reluctant grounding in reality.



What do you and your character have least in common?



I am by no means a care-giver to anyone, unless you are a long-haired cat and you purr freely. Dr. Munroe is a natural care-giver and  prefers people to pets.



If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?



I would like to be the Shimmering Mermaid of Death.  Oh, wait. There is no Shimmering Mermaid of Death. Well, maybe that smug FBI agent with all the eye-liner.  I look good in eye-liner.



We're not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn't make it?



I just hope I follow the Hypocratic Oath.  First, do no harm...

Ragged Bands Season 2

Much love to the bands who have contributed their work to our second season and beyond.  Our shocking season finale will include 2 new artists to our show, Leerless Feeder and Mai, Mai.  We've packed a lot into these 6 episodes and we are looking forward to many more opportunities to showcase amazing artists in our final act coming this spring.  Thank you to everyone for supporting Maine musicians and their wonderful art!

List of season two bands/musicians used so far:

Cerberus Shoal
Twisted Roots
Artie Appleseed
Selbyville
Plains
Dilly Dilly
Ricky Boy Floyd
The Watchers
Felsenmeer
Jacob Augustine
vik44
Headphoneboy
Richard DeCosta
Robber and Thief

Actor Spotlight: Justin C. St. Louis as Trevor Stebbins

Justin C. St. Louis as Trevor Stebbins

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

Looking for money... love will come later.



Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)


Trevor Stebbins is currently employed as Gertie Kendrick's live-in personal assistant (kept boy).  Like Gertie, he is a bit of a recluse and is aspiring to be a famous writer, just like his mentor.



How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Trevor is introduced to the audience in Season Two.  It was interesting to experience the "look and feel" of Season One before jumping into the filming of Season Two - having that foundation in place, it was much easier to understand the dynamics of this creepy island community when we were filming my scenes.



What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?


That one is hush-hush... Stayed tuned for more details!

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

Without giving away too much info, I could still smell maple syrup for two days after filming... and it made me smile.

What is your favorite thing about your character?

Trevor has a great sense of fashion.  That shirt is priceless, and I am hoping that it will start a new trend...

What do you and your character have in common?

Trevor and I both enjoy tea, enjoy writing, and both have a bit of a swishy walk.

What do you and your character have least in common?

Trevor is so much handsomer...

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

 I would probably want to play Agent Thorne... she can leave the island if she has to (although she would probably be fired from her job if she did).  I would choose either her or Sebastian - the dude gets to wear a lobster suit!!!

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Not the face!
http://raggedisle.com/audio/Trevor_Scream_Ringtone.mp3

Check out this Isle Talk with Justin and Beth Saufler (Rose Fuller)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BARRY DODD!

Take a moment to check out the love in celebration of Barry Dodd's birthday today!

"Isle Talk" Episode Fifteen with Host Amie E. Marzen

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD YOUR OWN TREVOR DEATH SCREAM RINGTONE!!

Episode Fifteen.... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary

"Ragged Isle" episode fifteen, "Moment of Surrender," is up. Check it out, and when you've seen it, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.



Have you seen it? This is where I start spoiling the episode, so if you haven't watched it, you should probably watch it, or come back later (after you've watched it).

Some of my favorite TV series are serialized, telling a long story via individual installments. But even the most heavily serialized shows occasionally present a stand-alone episode, one that advances the larger narrative but also tells a self-contained story. That's cool too. Last year, we had a nifty stand-alone episode in the form of the Ragged Isle talent show, which was really Barry and Karen's brainchild. Next year, we've got a doozy of a stand-alone (just you wait!) with a core concept that sprang from the mind of co-writer/prop maker/poster designer Jake Lear. This year's stand-alone (well, mostly) tells the story of Gertie Kendrick, and came out of an idea I had long before we had cracked the story for the rest of the season.  I wrote the Gertie scenes very early on in the scripting process, before we even knew where they would fit.

The Gertie scenes tell a macabre short story by themselves, but they also open up our understanding of the mysterious drowning deaths that have plagued the island.  As the newspaper articles on Vicki's conspiracy wall broadly hinted last week, certain entities (whatever they are) are passing their consciousnesses from one Ragged Isle citizen to another, usually from mentor to protege, leaving behind "drowned" corpses in their wake.  This is the first time we've gotten a good look at this process, though we've certainly seen glimpses (and the aftermath, obviously).  I wanted to convey just how seriously these creatures (whatever they are) take it.  Jumping from one body to another is not something they do lightly, or often, and like Native Americans with their kills, they observe certain somber rituals of gratitude when they do make the jump.

Except one of them is not like the others, and is plowing through Ragged Isle residents as if they were items in an all-you-can-eat buffet.  I expect we'll find out what's behind that at some point, just maybe not soon.  We'll see.

The were some character gender changes in the revision process of this episode (and the last).  Dr. Monroe was originally a man, but then I decided there was no reason that character had to be male, and I wanted every episode to at the very least pass the Bechdel Test, if possible.  There's a shortage of strong female characters in movies and TV, especially strong female characters who don't serve exclusively as love interests to the central male characters.  I think it was important to all of the writers plotting out the story (Barry, Karen, Rick, Jake, and myself) that we have a wide variety of interesting women on the show.  Also, the great Cathy Counts really delivers in this role, both as the kindly doctor and as the vengeful whatever-it-is.

On the other hand, Gertie's assistant was originally a woman. But then, pretty late in the scripting process, I got the idea that the dynamic between Gertie and her protege was too similar to the dynamic between Rose and Julie, so we made a swap, and were lucky enough to land Justin C. St. Louis for the role of the doomed Trevor Stebbins.

As I mentioned last week,we shot the Gertie scenes on the very last day of principal photography for "Ragged Isle," as our "summer" shoot lingered into the end of November, 2011.  These were some of the scenes I was most excited about (and also some of the scenes I had written earliest), so it was a long, long wait to see them play out.  But boy was it worth it.  As I've mentioned on this blog once or twice (or three times), it was such a joy watching actress Suzanne Rankin perform as Gertie, and everyone she shares a scene with in this episode really shines as well:  Beth Saufler as Rose, Denis Fontaine as Vance, and the aforementioned Justin C. St. Louis as Trevor.  I love everything about this storyline, including the grisly surprise ending.  (At least, I hope it was a surprise.  Last week, the doctor rang the doorbell.  This week, she knocked.  That was your clue that she was a "changed" woman.)

But the Gertie scenes are not the only scenes in this episode, so there's more to talk about.  After the success of last year's scuba diver monologue, I felt a little bolder this year placing longer speeches in the mouths of our characters.  Hence, Agent Thorne's monologue about lies and poker, Rose's monologue about Gertie's many life experiences, and even my mini-monologue about the grieving process.  As always, I'd rather not spend a lot of time lingering on my acting, but I'm quite pleased with how Kathryn Perry and Beth Saufler delivered Agent Thorne's and Rose's monologues, respectively.

Way back when, Rick wrote an early draft (the first draft, in fact) of episode eleven, the first episode of the second season (back when we thought there were only going to be two seasons).  Rick's draft dealt almost exclusively with the meeting between the sheriff and Dr. Hoffman (my character).  It was pretty great, but it had to be pared down extensively when we revamped our plans for the season and introduced new plot threads and characters (like Agent Thorne).  The exchange in episode fifteen (this one) between Rick and myself emerged out of Rick's old episode eleven draft, and I like that we can still see the lingering effects of the sheriff's grief.  We saw how devastated he was in the first episode of the season, but he has been pretty much all business since, even cracking a few jokes (good ones too: "Control the lobsters, control the world!").  In this episode, we can see that the sheriff's grief is still there, just pushed beneath the surface so he can do his job.

The ending of this episode is just about the grisliest thing we've seen since Harrison Shaw's death way back in episode five. And so, another one of these creatures (whatever they are) appears to have met its end. Who (or what) are they, and why is someone or something (whatever it is) going around carving them up?

The answers to those questions will have to wait for another day.

Actor Spotlight: Ian Carlsen, Paul Soucey

Ian Carlsen as Paul Soucey

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?
Actor, writer, producer, novice musician and insufferable know-it-all. Taking walks, reading books, birdwatching, train hunting and play-acting. Raised (but not born, and so not a "true Mainer") in Maine and living in Portland, getting by acting and working a few day jobs here and there. Currently browsing Uncle Henry's for musical equipment and automobiles.

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)
Lobsterman, amaetur sleuth, boat co-captain. Lobsters, brews, and bad movies. A Mainer all his life (raised in Bucksport, ME) he bought a boat with friend, Eric Burke, and headed out to where all the good lobstering was. The only problem being that the territory of lobsters and eligible women don't often overlap. Now if only Eric had a sister about his age...

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?
Well it really materialized the Island for me. It's difficult going into a project off of just the script. Getting to see it fit together made me really excited to get back on the Island and live it some more.<

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?
I'm working on a documentary involving trains right now, other than that I've been in a few stage productions (as well as having a debut co-directing a production of Ghosts by Heinrik Ibsen) with a company called Lorem Ipsum. Currently working on music off and on with myself (under the alias Doubletone) and Erik Moody (under Robber & Thief).  Writing poetry off and on and working on a play.

What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?
Lobster Boats. Any of the stuff we did down in Cundy's Harbor. You will know it when you see it. Good acting, and also, I hear that water was cold... That and when Sebastian and I discovered we were second cousins.

What is your favorite thing about your character?
Paul Soucey is a master class in looking confidently perplexed while walking around in different sorts of boots.

What do you and your character have in common?
Our looks.

What do you and your character have least in common?
Our ability to be sucessful lobstermen. (Also, I think Paul would be a horrible actor.)

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?
I wouldn't dare. Maybe Harrison Shaw (though it'd be a few years before I could do that) or perhaps Mac (Dominic Lavoie's character from the first season) but I think those dudes both did a stellar job.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?
Starfish.

Leaked Season Two Finale Image?

Actor Spotlight: Denis Fontaine, Vance Trundle

Denis Fontaine as Vance Trundle

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

Denis is single; all you lovely ladies take note. Terrific cook, drives a most excellent car, and is easily amused.

Tell us about your character in this season.

Vance finally learned how to reboot his computer, a task beyond his capabilities in season one. A veteran of the old school, he is more comfortable with notebook and pencil than any fancy devices.

 How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

I wanted to flesh out good ol' Vance this year; the very capable writing team ensured that I got some hella good lines of dialogue.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

I have been continuing my theatrical endeavors, and have worked in "Come Back, Little Sheba", "A View From the Bridge", "Lend Me a Tenor" and other works since wrapping the series.

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

 Favorite behind the scenes moment: Slowly getting seasick on the swaying dock while shooting at night up in Harpswell (gulp!).

What is your favorite thing about your character?

 I love being Vance, he has an irrascibility that I wish I could pull off in real life; my personal goal is to become a curmudgeon.

What do you and your character have in common?

Vance and I share a general befuddlement of the world that we inhabit. We are bemused that things we find to be obvious are incomprehensible to some folks, which causes us to shake our shared head in amused confoundment.

What do you and your character have least in common?

I never really smoke that cigar.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

Sebastian. The man rocks that lobster fest costume.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

As a seasoned newspaperman, I had the good sense to have my obit already written. My last words: "Last one out, turn off the lights."

Actor Spotlight: Christine Louise Marshall, Colleen Drake

Christine Louise Marshall as Colleen Drake (with Ian Carlsen)

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

Christine: I am an extremely judgmental control freak who likes playing dress-up and squeezing cats. I am also married, so please don’t call my house.


Colleen: I enjoy  reading, organizing, and swimming. I do not like loud noises or people who lie to me.

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format).

Colleen: I am not happy with the state of things on Ragged Isle. And I don’t think Paul Soucey is being very respectful of the computer terminals at the library. He can find some other place to chat up his new conquest.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

It didn’t very much, partly because I shot a lot of my scenes during the run of Season One, and also because I have no interest in watching this program. I don’t care how many awards it has won. The people who created it are clearly not normal, and I would prefer not to be associated with them. Are you printing this? Can I use a false name?

Actually, the RAGGED ISLE people are some of the most genuine, gifted and, especially, modest people I have ever had the privilege of working with. They do Maine proud.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

Wrapped another season as Artistic Director of Mad Horse Theatre Company, and have chosen and am in pre-production for the next. Taught for and danced the season with Maine State Ballet. Did costumes and wardrobe for two movies shot here in Maine, HOW TO MAKE MOVIES AT HOME, and BACKGAMMON.  Am getting ready to shoot Derek Kimball’s feature NEPTUNE (about which I am very excited). Wrote, produced and appeared in a PortFinge 2012 production called MAKING LOVE WITH DAVE AND CHRISSY, which has just been asked to perform an extra run in Portland this summer. Recorded a buncha audiobooks. Kissed my husband whenever I got a chance. My garden looks like hell.

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during production on Ragged Isle?

I enjoyed the Lobster Days and Talent Show shoots, as well as the town meeting shoot – it was a chance to tie all the ends together, meet the other people that populate this series. They are fine people, even if they did STUPIDLY vote to hold Lobster Days, despite the obvious looming trouble. Buncha idiots. Well, that’s life on an island. (Clearly Colleen and I mentally blend often.)

I also enjoyed driving an hour and a half smelling like bait fish after one night of shooting. I took off my shirt and stuffed it in a bag in the back of my van, but it still smelled. Turned out Ian Carlsen had left some of his clothes in the van too, which we were using to change. See? What did I tell you about Paul Soucey? Trouble with a capital “T.”

What is your favorite thing about your character?

She doesn’t look like a librarian ought to. It’s one more thing I love about RAGGED ISLE: in the tradition of such series as TWIN PEAKS and NORTHERN EXPOSURE, they remind the viewer that people are not as easy to pin down as we expect.

What do you and your character have in common?

We both like the smell of books.

What do you and your character have least in common?

No comment.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

The FBI Agent. I love authority. Or Deputy Dan. But there’s only one Deputy Dan, and that’s Erik Moody. I’m too fat to do an impersonation of him.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Return your books promptly.
Or suffer the consequences.
I’m serious. I know where you live.

Episode Fourteen.... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary

"Ragged Isle" episode fourteen, "Sometimes You Can't Make It On Your Own," is up.  Check it out, and when you've seen it, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.



Have you seen it? Don't read any further if you haven't seen it, because, seriously, I'm going to be spoiling the episode like crazy in just a couple more sentences. Are we cool? Cool.

Again, I'm pleased with how well a U2 song title fits with the themes of the episode, which features several characters trying to make tentative connections with the people around them.  Vicki finally lets her brother in on her secret investigation.  Paul seeks help from Colleen.  The reviled Agent Thorne lets her guard down around Deputy Dan.  And Gertie shares a vulnerable moment with her doctor.  No one in this episode wants to move forward on their own.  They all need a little help.

When I wrote the scene of Vicki examining the newspaper articles on her wall, I was aware that this (or something very much like it) is something that people have seen before, in movies about obsessive conspiracy theorists, movies about obsessive serial killers, movies about obsessive stalkers, and movies about plain old run-of-the-mill obsessives. I wanted to do something a little different, and not have the scene be about ratcheting up the paranoia, but rather a warm brother-sister moment in which Vicki and Erik share a memory and a confidence. Michael Dix Thomas and Meghan Benton do some nice subtle work here, I think. Also, we slipped into this scene a reference to Steve Silverman's hilarious web series, "Pretty." Did you catch it? If not, you should probably start watching "Pretty."  Just sayin'.

It was also important to me that the articles on the wall be as authentic as possible, even if the audience only sees them for a few fleeting moments. I got kind of obsessive about this myself, composing all of the articles, trying to match the prose style, typeface, and newsprint consistency to the era from which each one was supposedly written. (It was also necessary to map out in my own mind certain aspects of the island's history going back about 150 years.)

If you'd like a closer look at these articles, I've set up an interactive "conspiracy wall" that you can peruse to your heart's content. Check it out, and let's hear some of your theories in the comments section.

One of the many things that delights me about season one of "Ragged Isle" is that we were able to seed the crowd scenes with ringers -- terrific actors who populated the background and nothing more, but who would get cool scenes spotlighting their talents in seasons two and three. Christine Louise Marshall, who plays island librarian Colleen Drake, was one of these secret weapons. She appears in five episodes of season one, but only speaks one single line all season. Now here she is in season two, delivering the goods in a great scene with Ian Carlsen as Paul.  Check out that cocked eyebrow.  That's gold!

I'll tell you something else about the scene with Ian and Christine: We shot that in Harpswell, and we must have done about twenty takes. Wide shots, two-shots, close-ups, over-the-shoulders, medium shots, and on and on. The idea was that Barry would edit the scene together in a traditional way, cutting back and forth between different shots. But the scene you see in the final cut is a single take. Ian and Christine were just so fantastic in that one take, it would have been artistic malpractice to cut away.  After calling "Cut" on that take, Barry turned to me with a huge grin on his face and said, "I think we just got everything we needed right there."  He was right.  I love this scene.

Okay, now we come to the scene between Agent Thorne and Deputy Dan. This is a pretty important scene for Agent Thorne's character, who up until this point has been a real hardass. Kathryn Perry has been playing the hell out of the character, and even my mom (who's a real tough cookie herself) is terrified of her. Meanwhile, the gals at Indie Intertube have been screaming for her blood, because she's been such a... well, pretty mean anyway... to everyone we know and love on the island.

But nothing is simple on Ragged Isle, and there aren't always clear-cut heroes and villains (not yet, anyway), so it was crucial that we get a scene in which we see the softer side of Agent Thorne. True, even the softer side has a sarcastic streak ("What is this, Sesame Street?"), but we see here that Agent Thorne is human after all, and capable of moments of warmth and friendship. I know I keep saying this over and over again on the blog, but the actors really deliver in this scene too.  Kudos to Kathryn and Erik!

Another ringer we brought in in season one was Suzanne Rankin, who plays Gertie Kendrick, a best-selling author dying of cancer.  She  didn't have a single line last season, but she showed up at the town meeting in episode four, and at a secret meeting in the woods (also in episode four) surreptitiously photographed by Vicki.  Ms. Rankin  was unbelievably gracious and generous when we shot those scenes in season one. She had read the entire season, and she told us repeatedly how much she loved the script. She didn't get to read the second season, but I promised her then that she would have some nice moments to play. The scene in this episode between her and Cathy Counts (as Dr. Gail Monroe) was one of the moments I promised her. We shot this on the very last day of principal photography on "Ragged Isle," so it was already a pretty emotional day. And then she delivered the seagull speech, and I was just blown away.  That scene could come across as a little corny or overwritten (which would be my fault), but she completely sells it, I think.  What a talented, classy lady.

The final scene, on Paul's boat, was also shot in Harpswell, on a very, very long shooting day (the same day, in fact, as the Paul-Colleen scene). This was one of the last daylight scenes of the shoot (we had some night scenes to shoot after this), and the light here is absolutely gorgeous. The problem with light like this is that it's incredibly fleeting, so we really had to hustle. We got two takes of the last exchange between Vicki and Paul ("Do you really think you can trust her?" "No."), the sun getting lower and lower every second, before it was too dark to proceed. Luckily, Ian and Meghan nailed it.

A show like "Ragged Isle" is, by necessity, paced in such a way that each episode ends on a moment of suspense or tension or general cliffhangeriness.

My favorite episode ending is probably episode seven, when Sheriff Dalton and Deputy Dan are driving Louis back to the sheriff's office, but then the sheriff pulls over to the side of the road when Louis is less than forthcoming about something. Louis finally admits that he had been motivated by something Madame Clelia told him, and Deputy Dan and the sheriff look at each other in surprise, because they have, by sheer coincidence, pulled over directly in front of of Madame Clelia's place. Just as they're realizing that, Clelia herself knocks on the passenger window and says, "Good, you're finally here. You better come in," and turns back into the darkness. The sheriff and deputy stare after her.  Cut to black, and Robber & Thief's "Brothers" kicks in on the soundtrack. The whole moment I've just described takes only a couple of seconds, but I think it's just tremendous.

I love the ending of this episode too, cutting to black on Paul's simple answer of "No," and "Unlucky Friend" by the Portland-based band Plains playing on the soundtrack.  Nice.

Speaking of the soundtrack, musician Richard DeCosta, who recorded a version of "Flight of the Bumblebee" for Louis's magic act in the talent show episode of season one, has joined "Ragged Isle" in a major way this season, scoring the individual episodes.  His work has helped take us to the next level, elevating the quality and increasing the emotional impact of each installment. We're lucky to have him aboard.

I was recently talking to "Ragged Isle" director Barry Dodd about this season, and he recalled the days more than a year ago, before we'd shot any of this season, when I'd talk to him excitedly about what I was writing -- the new characters, the raised stakes, the crazier situations, the increase in seagull monologues.  He'd always nod with cautious enthusiasm at my excited proclamations, mostly because Barry's always been more interested in the quieter, "in between" moments.  The pauses between lines of dialogue, the word-free interludes between scenes, the beautiful (sometimes lonely, sometimes ominous) shots of Maine's outdoors.  Don't get me wrong.  I love those things too, and as Barry says, they complement the gaudier mayhem I had in mind.

If you want to know what I mean by "gaudier mayhem," just you wait.  In the meantime, I'm having a great time enjoying the scenery.

Actor Spotlight: Amie E. Marzen, Julie Katsarakis

Amie E. Marzen as Julie Katasarakis

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

I’m trying to fit a lot into life- I want to do it all.  I dream big and work hard with my own geeky flair. I think with my heart more than my head and love living near the ocean.

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)

I have overcome great obstacles and it’s helped to shape who I am. I’m a honest girl with a not-so-honest past. Judge me on my recent accomplishments and you’ll see who I really am: a hard worker, a caring person, and a true friend with lots of love to give.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

I learned a lot from watching season one, mostly the huge differences between acting on screen and on stage and was able to use that in acting in season two (season one was my first time acting for screen).  Learning a bit more about Julie’s past also helped to shape her differently this season, as well as all the changes on the island itself.  I’m thrilled you get to see more of her with Deputy Dan and Rose and see that she does have some depth behind her bubbly personality.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

I’ve been working full-time at FOX23 in Portland, Maine hosting and producing “Your Hometown” a mini-documentary style series that focuses on what’s great about living in Maine (http://www.youtube.com/yourhometownfox23).   I’ve also had the chance to check an item off my theatrical bucket list playing Shelby in a local production of Steel Magnolias.  It was such an awesome experience! I also got to work with several Ragged Isle actors for a project for the Discovery Channel, an episode of "the Unusual Suspects." I’ve also started hosting the "Isle Talk" series, emceed the season two premiere party and am working on a host of other personal projects... always have a project!

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

Oh gosh, being on the set is such a fun time and a high. I really enjoyed working with some new friends and new locations. Hanging with Barry and Karen is always fun... I guess it would have to be:

http://www.raggedisle.blogspot.com/2012/06/hi-there-ragged-isle-blog-followers.html

What is your favorite thing about your character?

I think Julie’s pretty good at finding the good in situations and being enthusiastic about things she believes in. She also is pretty unassuming and sees the best in people. I strive for that myself.

What do you and your character have in common?

A fondness and adoration of Rose Fuller/Beth Saufler.

What do you and your character have least in common?

Julie’s criminal record is far more exciting than mine. Also I have a middle name.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

Tough one! I love Julie, so I don’t think I’d trade her for the world, but if I had to.... I don’t think I could do half as good a job, but I really like Rose Fuller’s character. Maybe that’s because Beth does such an amazing job with it. If I were a dude, I’d want to be Deputy Dan because of the sweet, sweet bicycle he gets to ride.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Those records were sealed!

Actor Sportlight: Sebastian Carlsen, Sebastan the Grocer (a.k.a. Sea Bass the Comic Genius)

Sebastian Carlsen as Sebastian the Grocer

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

Not a people person. Doesn't really like to do anything. Spends his days and nights avoiding people places and things, nouns mostly. Is willing to travel, as long as it does not affect the first three sentences.

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format).

He is me, and I him. He is much better looking than I am. Which sucks because he isn't around for very long, I'm going to be around far longer than he is. I guess that is why they say good things can't last.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Wait, what!??? There was a first season?

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

I have been offered a big role, in a Stand-up Special. It's specializing in comedians with glasses, and is Aug 5th at the Comedy Connection. I always said if comedy fell back into my lap I would do it, and here I am. Too bad I don't have any funny jokes.

What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

Being the only person without a shirt on in the autopsy shoot, I wanted to take my pants off but everyone was surprisingly abrupt in their opposition to this idea.

What is your favorite thing about your character?

The hair, can't challenge the 'Carlsen' hair, just ask Ian.

What do you and your character have in common?

Actually nothing.

What do you and your character have least in common?

I don't actually work as an island grocer.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why

All of them, it would be the greatest. It would be like any Martin Lawrence or Eddie Murphy movie where they play all the characters, except good.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

I.......Forgot.........to......take.....(cough) out.......the........(cough) trash........!DEAD!

Actor Spotlight: Ben Row, Agent Murphy

Ben Row as Agent Murphy

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read? 

Enjoys scowling, carrying large files, and standing behind people menacingly. Reflective sunglasses are a must on my dates. Dislikes personality.

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)

Agent Murphy is a security agent and analyst, and doesn't think about much else. He lives and breathes his job. He supports Agent Thorne and carries out her primary directives.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Just wanting to be a part of it. The opening credits make me fall in love with Maine over and over again. So many incredible talents, too, and Erik (Deputy Dan) has always been a big help and influence in my work. When he let me know about the need for people, I jumped at the chance.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

I've done 3 short films since Ragged, as well as a few stage productions, and commercial work. Most notably, I wrapped principal photography on Rick "Sheriff" Dalton's directorial debut, which stands as the best experience of my career thus far.

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

Rick's impersonation of Christopher Walken. Hands down. And Barry and Karen. Just them, in general.

What is your favorite thing about your character?

The mystery of the agents' presence on the island. It's a force, and I can only imagine how it would feel to have your community swarmed with these strong, silent type.

What do you and your character have in common?

When it's business time, it's business time. No messing around.

What do you and your character have least in common?

I don't wear reflective sunglasses inside. Or scowl nearly that often.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

I can't imagine anyone else playing any of the roles on Ragged. Each actor has brought so much to their individual roles. The deputy and sheriff wouldn't be nearly as awesome if it wasn't Erik and Rick. Everything is just as it should be.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

You got Murphy.

ENJOY BEN IN THIS GREAT AGENT RECRUITMENT VIDEO!

Actor Spotlight: Erik Moody, Deputy Dan

Erik Moody as Deputy Dan Therrien

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

You can find this guy in his astrological prime during the transitional months of spring to summer, in which I exercise my ability to adapt to the changing demands of my environment. To all those Mainers, you know that versatility is a necessary quality. I'll fulfill your twin fantasy, but don't be surprised if this extrovert can't focus on one idea for too long. Yes, I may be a human puzzle, but if you take the time to put me together I promise you'll be happy with the picture. (All information noted here is from Wikipedia.)

Tell us about you character in this season (in this same format)

Deputy Dan is a moral guy with a great head of hair who is known to keep his hands in his pockets and his nose out of trouble. When he's not thinking about the law or about the demands of his stomach, he can use his disposition to his advantage when it comes to wooing the ladies. With a heartfelt inquisitive glance and a slight shuffle, you could find his iconic mode of transportation in the local bike repair shop being fitted with an extra seat. If you're lucky, when he's not helping lock up the bad guys, you could be locked down by this sincere sweetheart.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

I decided to part my hair on the opposite side and tame it a bit. I also decided that I look great in a uniform.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

Collecting wine corks for my cork-board, and kazoo lessons.

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

I took a glorious nap on the dock of the island towards the end of the Episode Eleven shoot.  The sandwiches were a highlight as well.

What is your favorite thing about your character?

His posture.

What do you and your character have in common?

Expressive eyebrows and a soft touch.

What do you and your character have least in common?

Aside from my lack of law enforcement experience, I can't skip a rock nearly as well as Deputy Dan.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

The lobster boat because I know a great catch when I see one.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Bury me on my bicycle.

Actor Spotlight: Greg Tulonen, Dr. Brian Hoffman

Greg Tulonen as Dr. Brian Hoffman

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

I'm hilarious but I will take you seriously.  I'm spontaneous but I won't flake out.  Above all, I'm loyal and faithful, which comes in handy in my marriage, in its second decade now and still going strong.  (Damn, why am I posting a dating profile?)

Tell us about your character in this season (in this same format)

Dr. Hoffman is curious and adventurous.  He's open to new ideas but skeptical of fakes and phonies.  He may seem a little odd, but if you get to know him, you'll realize that he's actually extremely odd.  No boats.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Well, my character wasn't in season one, but I spent the season watching a whole bunch of terrific actors doing their thing, and I got more and more intimidated as the season went on.  Luckily, Barry is a kind and generous director who keeps things low-key and could probably pull a decent performance out of a freshly milked cow.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

Um, I'm kind of unemployed right now.  I've been working here and there as a freelance writer for various outfits, but I'm really looking for a full-time job.  So, please:  If anyone out there is hiring, think about this guy.  [points to self with thumbs]

What is your favorite behind the scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

In season one, we were lucky enough to get some incredibly talented actors to cameo in small, non-speaking parts, with the promise that their characters would have more to do in the next season.  One of those actors, Suzanne Rankin, can be seen at the town meeting in episode four.  I assured her that she would get some cool stuff to do next summer.  She was excited about the project and trusted us completely, despite not seeing a script for season two.  We shot Ms. Rankin's second-season scenes in the fall, on the very last day of principal photography for the series.  I had been waiting for more than a year to see her strut her stuff, and she did not disappoint.  Her scenes, as author Gertie Kendrick, are among my favorites, and she's absolutely phenomenal in them.  It was such a joy to watch those scenes be shot.  I'm so grateful to her for placing her faith in us by showing up last year, and for rewarding our faith in her by delivering a powerhouse performance.  I can't wait for people to see it.

What is your favorite thing about your character?

I have a pretty definitive answer to that question, but I can't tell you, as it would be a spoiler.

What do you and your character have in common? 

We have very similar beards.


What do you and your character have least in common?

I actually like the water.  Dr. Hoffman decidedly does not.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

A judge at the talent show, because I actually did, for about two seconds there.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Please transport my body via helicopter.  I really don't like boats.

Actor Spotlight: Rick Dalton, Sheriff Rick Dalton

Rick Dalton as Sheriff Dalton

If we were to look you up on a dating profile, what would your bio read?

Well, my OkCupid bio goes: I'm pretty creative, and have learned to organize it. I consider myself to be a pretty good deal. Never boring. I make my friends laugh a lot. I'm the diametric opposite of banal. I'm all heart, to a fault. I'm passionate about many things. I find it extremely difficult to fill out a self-summary honestly without sounding like a tool.

Tell us about your character in this season, in the same format.

I'm in law enforcement, but I'm not the stereotypical heavy-handed jerk. I have a passion for my work, and enjoy helping people, but when I'm off duty, I'm just like anyone, except more interesting and exciting. I have a ton of things to offer, if you just get to know me. I'm full of surprises and always thinking. Let's go find adventure together, if you dare.

How did watching season one impact your performance in season two?

Season one was a crash course for me in acting-for-camera. I had to learn. I'm OK with much of what I did in the first season, but not all of it. Seeing my acting in season one made me redouble my efforts in season two to just be as believable as possible, which, when I say it, sounds like it's probably a truism. My acting technique is a simple one: Try really hard not to look or sound fake. I've learned a good deal, but I still feel really new at acting, which I actually am. Especially around experienced actors who have done countless plays and roles, like Christine, Denis, Brent, Ben, or Erik. They aren't just believable in their roles, they're interesting, which is where one strives to end up. You can see their character's past, and hear tons of dialog that they're not actually saying in their faces and movements. You can know what they're thinking, on multiple levels, with just a look. Why just yesterday, I saw the brand new episode thirteen, and for a moment, it was just Cathy Counts and me on the screen. It made me feel like a big shot. Such an honor. I don't think her and I ended up having any lengthy exchanges in season two and three, but if we did, I would've had to step up my game big time. I'm not slamming myself, but you can feel when you're acting with someone who knows what the hell they're doing. I can do angry, mean, intimidating, evil, insane, and cocky, but there's a whole spectrum of dramatic acting that I've never even tried. I keep getting cast as imposing or intense figures, and I like that just fine, it's very comfortable, but I have yet to see how I'd fare playing a character who's 180 degrees different from my natural state.

What projects are you currently working on or have you been working on since Ragged Isle wrapped shooting?

I am currently in post-production of my directorial debut feature film, "Between Heaven and Earth." I'm extremely proud of it, and can't wait to present it to the world.

What is your favorite behind-the-scenes moment during the production of Ragged Isle?

Unfortunately, my favorite behind the scenes moment involves details that would give away an exciting plot twist that's coming up! I'd really love to tell you about the experience, perhaps ask me again after the episode airs. Gotta keep those Ragged Isle secrets! For now, I guess I'll just tell you in private.

What is your favorite thing(s) about your character?

His courage and tenacity. His huge heart.

What do you and your character have in common?

We're both well versed in firearms. We both like to be left alone while on the computer. We both have intuition that edges into precognition. We can both sing.

What do you and your character have least in common?

I think the Sheriff is braver than I am. Some of the things he runs into on the island would have me fleeing in terror. And he dares to lean in for the kiss, whereas I have to be clubbed over the head. Also, he owns and maintains a motor vehicle, while I just own a bicycle.

If you could play any other character on Ragged Isle who would it be and why?

I wouldn't have minded taking a crack at Harrison Shaw or Vance Trundle, because I can do intimidating and mysterious, but I can't imagine anyone more perfect for those roles than Todd and Denis. The casting matches in Ragged Isle are scarily dead-on. Not to blow my own horn, but I'm perfect for the role of the sheriff, even I can see that on the screen. If I weren't me, and I saw that guy as the sheriff, I would be very interested to see what he's gonna do next, so I know the character works.

We’re not sure who survives the second and third seasons of Ragged Isle... any last words just in case your character doesn’t make it?

Last words? As me, or the sheriff? Fans have been repeatedly warned not to get too attached to anyone on Ragged Isle, which is of course impossible with such endearing characters. If it were the sheriff's last words, maybe he'd say something like: “Get Vicki out of here!” If it were my last words, I'd say: "Pleeeeease....Don't kill me!"

Episode Thirteen... and behind-the-scenes writer's commentary

"Ragged Isle" episode thirteen, "Drowning Man," is up.  Check it out, and when you're done, read on for a behind-the-scenes writer's commentary.



Have you watched it?  Because there will spoilers in the rest of this post, for this episode and everything that came before.  Fair warning

You know what my favorite thing about this episode is?  I got to take a power drill and drill a hole in Sebastian Carlsen.  Hell, yes!

(Okay, maybe that's not my favorite thing.  But it's pretty damned awesome.)

This episode endured a number of rewrites, many due to logistical concerns, though all the changes ultimately benefited the show, I think.  (One of the rewrites -- of season two as a whole -- actually conjured this episode into existence.  More on that in a moment.)

For example, as scripted, the first scene, between Paul, Eric, and Louis, originally took place in a big office that had belonged to Louis's mentor, Harrison Shaw (played in season one by Todd Manter), the idea being that Louis would look very small behind Shaw's enormous desk, which he has inherited.  But we couldn't secure a decent office location (or a big enough desk), and the scene was moved outside, which I believe works much better.  First of all it looks great, showing off once again Maine's beautiful outdoors.  Plus it puts Paul and Eric in an environment in which they're pretty comfortable (but Louis isn't), and it gives us another glimpse of the island blockade, reminding us of this season's raised stakes.  There's some nice work from all three actors in this scene.

The second scene, between Rose and Julie, originally took place in the grocery store.  But we had too many scenes set in the grocery store, which had to remain open while we were shooting, and we just couldn't cover them all in the limited time we had available.  So the scene was moved to Rose's kitchen, and it ends up being a much more intimate setting for Julie and Rose to discuss Julie's interrogation.  I'm in love with all of the acting in this episode.  Beth Saufler and Amie Marzen serve up a nice snapshot of the intimacy between Rose and Julie, as well as some barriers that still exist between them.

The autopsy scene never changed locations, but there was a lot of back-and-forth about what exactly the audience would see.  Barry really wanted us to have a "Twin Peaks moment," like when Agent Cooper stuck the tweezers deep beneath a dead Laura Palmer's fingernail to retrieve a clue.  For our scene, Barry envisioned a close-up of oversized cotton swab being slowly pulled from a hole in a victim's chest.  (We even discussed -- at length -- just how much blood and other bodily goo should be clinging to the swab as it is pulled out.)  I did some research into tests for drowning, and came up with the diatom test, which compares bacteria found in the victim's lung to bacteria found in the local water supply.  The lung isn't usually reached with a power drill of course, but I figured that on an island without a lab, locked down and with few available facilities, the doctor would have to improvise a bit.  This may be wildly unsound, but I'm keen on the effect of the drill and the cotton swab.  And let me tell you something, that drill was fun to wield.  Our special effects wizard, Eric Anderson, rigged up a rubber torso, and poor Sebastian had to crouch at the end of the table, leaning his head way back to complete the illusion.  There was a Styrofoam cup full of fake blood directly beneath the spot I had to drill (and dip the swab).  I hope we achieved the "ick" factor we were going for without being too stomach-churning.

This sequence also features the first face-to-face encounter between Sheriff Dalton and Agent Thorne (something that fans have been anticipating since the season began), and it does not disappoint.  The sheriff's great line, "Control the lobsters, control the world!" came directly from the mind of Rick Dalton, and I love love love the way he delivers it.  We also get to meet the great Cathy Counts as Ragged Isle resident doctor Gail Monroe.  We'll see more of her.

In this episode, we see more of Vicki's investigation, as she digs up old archived Ragged Isle Star articles—which I like to imagine were scanned somewhat haphazardly over the years by Vance Trundle, who probably didn't catalog or cross-reference his work very thoroughly.  So Vicki's search for relevant stories probably amounts to sifting through tons and tons of fine sand in the hopes of turning up the occasional gold nugget.  Which is the definition of good journalism, come to think of it.  We'll see more of the fruits of her investigation very soon.

If you freeze-frame on Vicki's computer screen, you might be able to read the text of the two articles  Vicki has pulled up -- one an archived story from 1937 about the death of a factory heiress, and one a contemporary story Vicki's working on about the island lobstering ban.  The first one's a clue, obviously, more of Vicki's investigation into what exactly's going on.

Again, I love the acting in this scene, as the tension just rises and rises.  Oh, and  Vance's line, "You're a good man, sister," is a direct lift from "The Maltese Falcon" -- a little present for people who love that movie (as I do).

After season one aired, the decision was made to split the already written ten-episode second season into two separate seasons of six episodes apiece, which meant writing two new episodes and tearing apart all of the existing episodes, and pasting them back together in ways that made sense.  Episode thirteen was one of the "new" episodes (though it contains scenes that had been in earlier drafts of season two).  After my first pass on the episode, it was running a bit short, but I realized we didn't have enough Madame Clelia in this season.  So I added the scene on the street, which is a nice showcase for Kathryn Coccyx and further illustrates how divided the island has become.  It's a nice showcase for Louis too, as he takes control of a situation in a way we haven't seen before.

In case it hasn't become obvious by now, the title of every episode of "Ragged Isle" is also the title of a U2 song.  I'm particularly fond of how well this title, "Drowning Man," fits with this episode, which features Louis drowning in his new responsibilities, Sebastian apparently dead by drowning, and Vance Trundle drowning in a sea of Homeland Security questions.  Each of these characters is, in his own way, the drowning man of the title.

I like the camera perspective we get at the beginning of the interrogation scene, which gives a different flavor from the Julie interrogation scene of the last episode.  Still, Agent Thorne continues to prove her badassery.  Her cold stare at Vance Trundle after he attempts to cut the interview short is a joy to behold.

The interrogation scene and the evidence room were both shot at the Baxter Memorial Library in Gorham, Maine (where we shot the library scene in episode six last season).  They were unbelievably gracious and generous letting us use their facility, and the payoff for us is an incredibly cool-looking, authentic set.  We are so grateful to them.

That's actor Benjamin Row as the agent who answers the phone in the evidence room when Thorne is looking for Griggs.  Ben was one of the people who showed up when we put out a call for extras to play agents.  And then he kept showing up, helping out in about a thousand different ways.  Whenever we needed an agent extra, Ben was there.  Whenever we needed something else, Ben was there.  He became such a fixture on the set that we started giving him lines.  "You've got Murphy," and his mispronunciation of "Katsarakis" last week.

Ben's also a stage actor, and during a recent run of "The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)," he wore his Ragged Isle t-shirt every night on stage.  He is a "Ragged Isle" hero.  Thanks, Ben!

Have I covered everybody?  Probably not.  But I want to say again that all the actors in this episode brought their A-game, and Barry brought his A-game to shooting and cutting it.

And the music!  Again:  So, so good.

I love this episode.