A while back I had a chat with rising star Bryce Gheisar who’s currently starring in the popular Nickelodeon series “Are you afraid of the dark”. We talked about what it feels like to be a part of multiple Nickelodeon shows and becoming a household name. Bryce has been acting since a very young age and already has alot of Films and television shows under his belt. Apart from being an actor, Bryce sees himself trying his hand in directing as well in the future.
Since nickelodeon has been coming out with fan-favorite TV shows through generations, how does it feel to be a part of 2 separate nickelodeon shows?
I’m honored to be a part of these shows, especially because of the stories I’m able to tell. I like to look at it like I’m a kid watching Nickelodeon and with that point of view I realize how grateful I am.
Are you afraid of the dark is a classic from the 90s. How does it feel being a part of it and does it make you feel nostalgic?
This new show brings a sense of nostalgia, along with making it feel new. One thing that made me really want to do this was the number of people who loved this show as kids. It’s so fun to look through the comments on different YouTube videos seeing how excited people are. I am so happy that our hard work can appeal to such a large demographic.
How amazing does it feel being a part of a nickelodeon Sci fi, adventure show such as the Astronauts?
“The Astronauts” is like no other movie or show I’ve filmed. Because of the content of the show, I am able to see what it’s like to film these shows, and that really excites me. I also feel like I am learning so much from working with all the talented people on the show.
How much of an impact does it have on you to have an amazing set of costars and do they make life on set easier?
Of course! I have built so many amazing relationships over the last year that make life on set easier. It’s great to have people around you that can make you feel like a normal kid.
Do you feel that your viewers will feel the magic you create on set while sitting at home?
In this world right now, I feel like people need to have a break and watch a good show. I feel like AYAOTD will do that for people. I hope viewers are able to have a fraction of the fun that we had on set while filming it.
How do you manage being a part of so many projects and at the same time playing various characters with completely different personalities?
Taking breaks is a big reason why I am able to do this. It can be hard to find the time, but I had a small hiatus between the filming of both shows. Also, my friends make it easier.
Since you were a part of Walk the Plank where you had to improvise a lot, how did you hone your improved skills to create comedy on the spot?
I think it helped a lot! That show did so much for me and my career. Now, on set, I am able to improvise when it is necessary.
Being a part of the Disney and Nickelodeon ecosystem is no joke, what inspired you to breakthrough as an actor?
It was definitely something that took a while. I dreamed of being on both of these networks for a long time and after dedicating years to the craft, I was able to be a part of both. I am very grateful for these opportunities.
Since you’ve worked in Hollywood projects as well, what difference in
experience do you feel when it comes to working in a movie compared to that of a TV show and how much of a difference does it make when it comes to portraying your characters?
It’s definitely a much different filming process and the way you act can be different as well. In movies, there is more of a push for your acting to be lifelike, whereas on a show it’s more about entertainment. Honestly, I love both in different ways.
How did it feel being a movie directed by the legendary Clint Eastwood?
Wow. Just to hear that sounds crazy. It was an amazing experience, and I took so much from it. He truly is a legend. Every time he walks on to set you to know he’s there. You can hear the respect.
How do you feel being part of a heart-touching and emotional movie such as Wonder after it was nominated for an Oscar?
Wonder was one of the first movies I ever did. It really changed my viewpoint on acting and where I could take it. Being around other great actors in the process of filming definitely changed my point of view.
A Dogs Purpose had a star-studded cast such as Josh Gad and KJ Appa. How did it feel being around such talented actors on set and did it create a learning experience for you?
When I went to film “A Dogs Purpose,” I barely had any experience at all. Just being there was a learning experience. At that age, I really didn’t know too much about the actors. The dogs were the reason I was so excited.
We also know you’re a competitive gymnast. Do you feel that in current projects or in the future will your gymnastic abilities help you portray characters may be in the action genre?
Since I used to be a gymnast, I definitely feel it has helped me so far. I don’t know what the future will hold, but I would love to do an action film and do my own stunts.
Since directing is something you want to pursue in the future, what have you learned from the directors you’ve previously worked with, and who’s style of directing do you feel you can adapt to?
I think that I will take something from all the directors I’ve worked with. They all have such different styles that I feel I can mold into a style of my own. Clint Eastwood had something that I definitely took from him. He was always quiet and made sure everyone on the set stayed calm.
Finally, what’s your message for JAMO readers?
Thank you so much for all your support JAMO readers! I can’t wait for everyone to see Are You Afraid of the Dark premiering on February 12th.
The Interview was originally published in JAMO Magazine March Issue 2021
