Mathew Edmondson on his role as “Jordan” in ‘Coming Distractions’

Mathew Edmondson takes up a challenging role as Jordan in the show Coming Distractions as a quirky character, who is more of a cross between a geek and a weird guy. He really like his spectacles, and they seem to come in various styles. Mathew talks to us about his work playing Jordan and the beauty of Coming Distractions

indieactivity: How did you get connected to the project? Did you have to audition? If you did, would still have got the part?
Mathew: Well I first got connected with the project through our amazing Producer and Show Creator Jeff Knoll. I had worked with Jeff previously on a separate series, “2nd Generation.” After we finished that he asked if I would like to audition for a new pilot he had coming up! So I sent down a few audition tapes to Jeff and his team, then went down to Toronto for an in room chemistry read where I got to read the scene with all other actors and actresses auditioning. It was so much fun! After that a couple weeks later I got the call to play the hilarious Jordan, then it went from there.

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indieactivity: As one of the main cast on the project, how did this ‘choice’ work for you?
Mathew: This choice worked very well! It was such a fun project to work on, and the character was unlike any character I ever got to portray before. It was a fun challenge and helped me grow as an actor.

indieactivity: What part of the story challenged you when you read it? What drove you to get on the project?
Mathew: I would have to say the most challenging part would be trying to keep the realism in the character as well as staying the silly quirky guy he is, without going over the top. What drove me to work on this project was the writing. Marc Grant, our amazing writer wrote something that was hilarious yet very intriguing and mysterious for this pilot; and after reading the script I knew I had to play Jordan.

indieactivity: You’re not new to indie films. What do you enjoy about the work that keeps you working?
Mathew: I enjoy indie films because there is a different vibe on set compared to other projects. I feel as if everyone can be more creative and have a say with how the project goes. For Coming Distractions for example, instead of just being told exactly what to do I was able to collaborate ideas with our Director (Mikelle Virey) when working on the Character Jordan.

Even during the filming process we had so much fun trying some cool and different things to make the character really come alive, which you wouldn’t necessarily get the time to do on other sets.

indieactivity: Give an example of a direction you received from the director during the production?
Mathew: One very cool direction I got from Mikelle (VIrey) was to take Jordan too seriously. He said, “Instead of trying to be funny with Jordan, be the complete opposite. Act Jordan so seriously which would in return make him even funnier.”

This actually changed my performance completely, for the better. It would be where I started to grow with the character and got the ball rolling for me to start playing with other small details about the character.

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indieactivity: How did you create your character from ground up?
Mathew: Well it started from the amazing writing. Without Marc Grant creating a hilarious and amazing character I would have nothing to work with! Now from the previous question, I was messaging with our Director (Mikelle Virey) before filming and he had given me that tip helping me from there create the rest of Jordan’s craziness

indieactivity: As main cast on the film, describe the feeling of responsibility that you shouldered. Where you scared? Or did it fire you up? What scenes where difficult to shoot?
Mathew: It was definitely a huge responsibility. Being one of the main cast, you definitely have to set a good example for new actors or actresses coming on set but you also have to create a safe and fun place. Sometimes for new actors and actresses coming on set it can be daunting when people have already been filming for a few days and such, so just showing that they are completely welcome to the Coming Distractions family with open arms! But yes it did also fire me up.

The responsibility definitely inspired me to be the best me, to focus more than ever, and to work harder than I ever had before. Learning this, I can now carry this process with me to every project, main cast or not!

indieactivity: Explain one creative choice you made on set during production?
Mathew: A creative choice that I made during filming was to always carry Jordan with a sense of confidence. Not that he knows better than everyone else; he is definitely not that kind of guy. But to always carry his head up high and to always have a smile on his face!

indieactivity: What did you take away from the film production?
Mathew: I definitely took away some amazing processes and ideas I never knew before, taught from Jeff Knoll (Creator/Producer) and Mikelle Virey (Director). But to narrow it down I think the biggest thing I took away from this project where the amazing memories and friendships that I will never get rid of to this day. Coming Distractions isn’t just a project it’s a family.

indieactivity: What do you like most about the director, and his/her collaboration with his/her team?
Mathew: I really loved how are Director (Mikelle Virey) was always open to new ideas! Trying new ideas on the fly and being able to collaborate with him for certain scenes of how Jordan will act. Another thing that I loved was the Mikelle (Virey) is actually a working actor himself, so he was able to not just talk to us as a director he was able to talk to us actor to actor which definitely helped the filming process a lot.

indieactivity: What is next for you?
Mathew: Well I got a couple other projects that I worked on coming out this summer 2018. One I can give an example of is Nickelodeons new show Star Falls, I will be guest starring in episode 18. I am also currently working on some music with Juno/CCMA award winning producer Chris Perry set to come late this summer 2018 to Spotify and Apple Music so keep an eye out for that!

indieactivity: What advice do you give actors regarding what you learnt on the project?
Mathew: Some advice I can give to actors regarding what I learned on this project would be to have fun, never give up and to always work hard. At the end of the day you should be acting because you’re having fun, and make sure to always love what you’re doing. Also “never give up”! I’ve worked so hard and for so long to get to where I am today, and before Coming Distractions, I was concerned about my future, but then I landed this role and it was kept me inspired to keep going! Lastly, remember there is always something around that corner if you work hard enough it’s just a matter of time!

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