Exclusive Interview: Travis Fimmel of The Beast
A&E Series Patrick Swayze Co-Star Talks About Filming in Chicago
Jan 16, 2009
The series premier for The Beast starring Patrick Swayze and Travis Fimmel aired on January 15, 2009 on A&E. Patrick Swayze portrays Charles Barker, a rogue FBI agent who mentors a rookie portrayed by Travis Fimmel teaching him how life on the mean streets really works.
Travis Fimmel graciously gave an exclusive interview to Suite 101 and talked about the series and working with Patrick Swayze.
Filming The Beast in Chicago
Q. The Beast was filmed on location in Chicago. How did you like the city.
A. I loved Chicago. I saw a lot of it while we were working, but other than that did not get round much because we worked such long hours. I would have liked to stay and see more of Chicago. Chicago is much different than L.A.
Q. Chicago looked like a real character in the show, but it looked like many of the scenes were shot at night. Did they have you filming in the middle of the night?
A. We had a grueling schedule, working at least 12 hours a day. Often we worked 14,16 or even 18 hours through the night and until sunrise.
Q. The city streets looked pretty deserted. Were they blocked off?
A. Sometimes the streets were blocked off, but many times there was just no one around when we were filming.
Q. Was The Beast shot entirely on location in Chicago?
A. Yes, we spent over four months in Chicago filming and all of December. December in Chicago was cold - .the coldest I have ever been.
Working with Patrick Swayze
Q. Did you and Patrick Swayze do any of your own stunts?
A. We both did our own stunts.
Q. You are the rookie to Patrick Swayze’s expert. Does that relationship apply in your real life relationship as well?
A. Patrick's character is a trusted mentor and father figure. The show is about two guys fighting demons and each other.
Q. What was it like to work with Patrick Swayze?
A. Patrick Swayze is a fantastic man and an inspiration to work with. He is a fearless cowboy type and a movie icon. People can learn about not letting the little things get them down when seeing how he did not let anything get him down, even with all he was going through. Patrick was working on the set every day. We worked long, grueling hours, into the night and often until sunrise.
Q. What did you learn from Patrick Swayze as an actor.
A. I learned how to deal with people with elegance from Patrick Swayze. The Beast was a collaboration that took cooperation to get things done.
About Working on The Beast
Q. What can you tell me about the future of your romantic relationship on the show?
A. It is difficult to for Dove to have a relationship because his primary relation is with Barkley, who demands much of him. The romance is difficult and adds tension, but if you want to know what happens you have to watch the show.
Q. Are there any plans for a second season?
A. There are no plans yet, as they usually wait a few episodes to see how the program is received. I hope there will be a second season though.
Q. Was Lisa Nieme, Patrick Swayze's wife, on the set.
A. Yes, Lisa was on the set. She even directed an episode and did a great job.
Q. Is there is anything else you would like to tell me about your experience filming the Beast?
A. It was just an amazing experience. The people I worked with were all just amazing.
Being an Actor
Q. What advice would you give to someone who wants to become an actor?
A. Laughs "Don't do it!" He continued "Acting is a difficult business. It would be easier to become a doctor. If someone wants to be a actor though, they have to study and live in L.A."
Q. What is it like to live in L.A?
A. It is just different. People in L.A. are just different than Chicago or Australia. People are all into making money, image, what kind of car they drive and how much hair gel they use."
Travis Fimmel will be traveling to Australia where the temperature is 120 degrees spend some time and to work on the family farm, where they produce dairy, beef and crops. After he returns to L.A. he will continue to pursue an acting and movie career.
The Beast Stars Patrick Swayze on A&E
For additional biographical information read Travis Fimmel of A&E The Beast exclusive interview about Patrick Swayze series filmed in Chicago
Patrick Swayze died of pancreatic cancer at age 57
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