Answers with Douglas Tait

Answer 1

How did you get involved in the film industry?

While in High School I was playing Frankenstein at Universal Studios.  Other actors who worked as characters guided me on how to get in the business. I got an agent and got into SAG, and got my start in Basketball commercials.

Answer 2

You've done everything from acting and producing to stunt performing. Do you have a favorite?

Acting is without a doubt my favorite. Since childhood I knew I wanted to be an actor.

Answer 3

You've worked in the haunted houses at Universal Studios, embodied Jason at the end of Freddy vs. Jason, worn costumes and heavy makeup/prosthetics for roles in everything from Star Trek, Thor, Grimm, to FOX's Sleep Hollow, and now you play Verlox, the main villain on The Quest. What is it that attracts you to these monster roles?

Since I was a kid Halloween was my favorite holiday, I got to dress up and play different characters. I still feel the same way every time I take on a monster role. It's like being a kid, but now I get paid for it. As an athlete, I also enjoy the physicality of some of the roles I play.

Answer 4

Is Verlox your scariest role yet? How would you describe the character?

Verlox is not the scariest, but he is definitely one of my favorite. He is very regal, and confident, he has no fear and believes his powers can defeat anyone so he is not aggressive. He is very calm, but his laugh and stare is unsettling.

Answer 5

Was there anything you did to make your role your own that wasn't originally scripted for you?

I used what was in the script, but I also improv'd a lot. The producers were great about letting me develop the character on my own. Things didn't always go as planned because it's a reality show, so you will see things that weren't scripted.

Answer 6

The Quest has been referred to as a fantasy-reality hybrid. How does The Quest differ from other reality shows we see on TV today?

It differs a lot from other reality shows in the sense that you have a Lord of the Rings world with reality contestants living in that world. These contestants (Paladins) have to move throughout this world while performing challenges. The show has a well plotted story, and is unlike other reality shows where the main objective is to tear each other down and create controversy.

Answer 7

The Quest is written for scripted actors and then intertwines reality competition and reality moments where the contestants interact with the scripted characters. How does this interaction work?

It works really well. My work was scripted, but because the contestants were not, I had to be open for things to change. There was an objective in each scene, and as long as I met the objective it didn't matter if the words were exact to the script. There was no action, cut, or let's do it again like a normal TV show or movie. If something went wrong or not as planned I had to just roll with with it. It was a thrilling experience.

Answer 8

In an interview, Executive Producer Bertram van Munster said, "it's about time we start developing a new genre, we open new doors, we create a fairy tale and now we put reality contestants in this world, and you get very unexpected reactions as a result of that." What sort of reactions have you received from viewers so far?

Every single person that has written me has said something positive about the show. There are fans that have drawn my characters and posted them on Twitter. There are also some die hard Fans of the show who are constantly posting screen grabs and great things about The Quest, and only 2 episodes have aired thus far.

Answer 9

What made you want to be a part of the show?

When it was pitched to me I thought it was a genius idea. Build this fantasy world and put everyday people in that world and I get to act with them, and respond to their real reactions! Also working with the amazing Makeup Fx team Spectral Motion (Hellboy, Hansel & Gretel) was another big reason I wanted to do it.

Answer 10

In The Quest you play three characters: The Ogre, the Rana Chief and Verlox. How difficult is it switching between three different characters during filming?

It wasn't difficult because I had several days notice to prepare for each character I was playing. I would work on speech and movement. The most difficult was The Ogre. Since I had to be hidden in the woods, I couldn't have the normal luxuries that are on a film set, like a fan on me and people tending to my needs. I was sitting in the full Ogre suit with the animatronic head on for over an hour before the contestants reached my point. It was mentally and physically grueling.