Interview with Dylan Schmid – Pop City Life Exclusive

You may recognize Dylan Schmid for his recent appearances on ABC’s fairy tale drama Once Upon A Time. The talented actor proved time and again why he deserves such high praise for his role as young Baelfire in the ABC series. I always enjoyed watching Dylan play the role of Rumplestiltskin’s son. He was a breath of fresh air among episodes that had gotten stale. Dylan was consistent in his stand-out performances throughout the emotional storyline opposite Robert Carlyle. For me, the scenes where Bae was “let go” into the portal is proof that Dylan would do well in future appearances. That scene was heartbreaking!

Dylan has since appeared in 5 episodes of the hit series. As viewers begin to learn more about Baelfire, we can’t wait to learn more about his time on Neverland. This is the perfect opportunity for Dylan to return and showcase his talent in what is sure to be an interesting story.

It’s no wonder that Dylan’s star is on the rise and he’s getting more attention for his craft. He just wrapped up an appearance on Disney XD’s “Bunks”. Dylan appeared in the lead role of Dylan O’Reilly in the live action comedy. This is a great way to integrate himself into the business and continue to build his resume.

And it seems to be working. Dylan will also be in two films this year. He will be appearing in the highly anticipated film “Horns” starring Daniel Radcliffe and Juno Temple. Not bad company to keep!  Based on the novel by Joe Hill, the dark fantasy thriller is a departure from Dylan’s other roles and a great opportunity to prove his range. The film has already appeared at the Toronto International Film Festival and is set for a North American release in 2014.

We recently had the chance to speak with Dylan about his character on Once Upon a Time, working with Robert Carlyle, and what fans can expect from him next.

Read on for our exclusive interview with Dylan Schmid:

Pop City Life: How did you come to the decision to get into acting?

Dylan Schmid: When I was around 5 or 6 yrs old I was just fascinated with actors on television, I thought television was real but when I found out they were actors acting… I really just wanted to be like them. My older brother and I also had so much fun playing make believe in our basement, my mom said she could hear laughter all the time. My parents found out years later how my older brother and I were secretly using their camcorder to tape ourselves…we made some pretty crazy awesome videos and there were a lot of holes in the basement walls my mom said from us shooting those bow and arrows (laughing).  I guess this may have been the start to where I really began to enjoy make believe and film and television.

Were you inspired or influenced by anyone?

Dylan: I was pretty intrigued by the whole idea of make believe at a young age so all great actors pretty much intrigued me on television, especially the ones with lots of emotions!  I remember watching Al Pacino‘s movie “Merchant of Venice” in 2009 when I was studying for a theater role for Victoria’s Shakespeare Society….I watched Al Pacino several times so I could really bring the same emotion into my own monologue.  I actually did get the role for this Shakespeare play which was a great start for me and then I did this monologue for a school talent show when I was around 10 or 11 yrs old.

You could say that Baelfire was a highly anticipated character on ‘Once Upon A Time’. How did you react when you found out you got the part?

Dylan: I really did not know the character would be as big as it is today, but it’s pretty exciting to watch it all unfold!

The sets, makeup, and costumes on ‘Once Upon A Time’ are probably some of the most unique and interesting that can be seen on television now. Can you talk a little bit about how it feels to experience these parts of the show? What’s it like to feel as if you’re in a real-life fairy tale?

Dylan: Yes, walking through the process from the hair, makeup, clothes, and then the elaborate sets pretty much sets you up for building Baelfire’s character. With each step I feel the character of Baelfire growing within me.

We enjoyed your scenes as Bae so much because you were able to deliver the emotion and heart behind his character so well.   What is it like working alongside Robert Carlyle?

Dylan: Yeah, getting to work alongside Robert Carlyle pretty much sets you up for the ultimate experience! He makes being Baelfire just so much more fun and intriguing!

While filming so much in Fairy Tale Land, one has to ask: Did you have a favorite story growing up?

Dylan: Yes, Peter Pan and Hercules

Do you have a favorite memory so far from working on the series?

Dylan: Yes, falling down the portal and having Robert Carlyle let go of my hand was a pretty memorable moment.

As the viewer’s continue to learn more about Neal/Baelfire and his time in Neverland, are you optimistic you may return to the show for more flashbacks?

Dylan: Sorry, I can’t say, you’ll just have to keep watching!

Even though it was scary, your role in the recent Disney XD original movie ‘Bunks’ was a bit more comedic. Do you prefer these types of roles or the more dramatic, emotional ones like in ‘Once Upon A Time’?

Dylan: I really do enjoy comedic shows but I do much prefer drama and emotional shows.

“Bunks” came out around Halloween. Did you do anything fun for the holiday? Did you dress up?

Dylan: Yeah, that was perfect timing for “Bunks” to air with the zombies and all!  I hope everyone enjoyed watching it! I just hung out with my friends on Halloween, we went to a small Halloween fair in town here and had a great time.

Let’s talk about your role in Horns. Would you say your role is “darker” and a departure from other things you’ve done? What was it like filming this role?

Dylan: It was definitely an awesome and different experience for me and getting the chance to play young Lee was truly life altering!

How has the fan support been for you thus far?

Dylan: Unbelievably supportive!  It is so humbling for me to watch how many fans really love Baelfire.  I really appreciate the fans!

You seem to have many interests and talents like cooking, sketching, and music. Are you looking to pursue any of these areas in the future?

Dylan: No, not right now, these are just interests and hobbies. My true passion is acting so I definitely want more of this!

Thank you Pop City Life for taking the time to ask me these questions and to the fans for all your support!

 

We’d like to thank Dylan for taking the time to answer some questions for us! We really appreciate it. Be sure to tune in to ‘Once Upon A Time’ on ABC, ‘Bunks’ on Disney XD, and hit the movie theater next year for “Horns”!

Fans can follow Dylan on Twitter @DylanRaySchmid.