Actor Brett Chapin (“General Hospital”) chatted about being a part of “Palm Royale” on Apple TV+ and the digital age.
‘Palm Royale’
On being a part of this project, he said, “As an actor, every once in a while, you step onto a set and it’s an environment that’s pure magic. Where everything seems to click. Everything fits just so. It happens maybe once every few years.”
“Where everyone has a positive energy, seems to instinctively know the next step and that they’re in the midst of creating something special. That’s what this experience was like for me,” he said.
“Being surrounded by so much high caliber talent on a daily basis, it would be difficult for anyone to not get caught up in that energy. My friends sometimes laugh when I talk about the energy on a film set, but it’s true. Some hit different. This was one of those sets,” he elaborated.
He was drawn to “Palm Royale” due to the education that he received from it. “A film or television set can be one of the greatest learning environments because you’re there every day, seeing great actors do what they do best, learning set language and seeing the process play out,” he said.
“We had some of the greatest film and television actors in the business working on this. I loved seeing them work and I’m grateful to have had the opportunity. I’ll be there with my popcorn on March 20th,” he added.
Future plans
On his future plans, Chapin shared, “I plan to hit the ground running now that work seems to be coming back. It’s been a difficult few years for artists of all kinds but I’m auditioning every week and looking forward to what’s next.”
He continued, “Self growth has also been a top priority for me over the last few years so I plan to continue with that. I ran 1000 miles in a year, a couple of years ago and I’ve been thinking it might be fun to go for at least 500 this year. We’ll see.”
“I’ve also been reading more and trying to expand my knowledge of film history by watching some of the great films that I’ve missed over the years,” he said.
“The amount of great film in existence is endless and I know I’ve just scratched the surface but I’m doing what I can to learn as much as possible. That’s always part of the future plans,” he elaborated.
AI on the future of the industry
Chapin shared this thoughts on AI (artificial intelligence) on the future of the entertainment business, especially in this digital age.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” he admitted. “There seems to be barriers in place now to prevent abuse and I trust that they’ll stand. I have to. We all do. Our leadership worked very hard last year to ensure that and I’m thankful.”
“It’s fascinating how the playing field has taken a different shape now between streaming services and AI and ten thousand other things that weren’t the way they were thirty years ago,” he noted.
“So much has changed from the days of black and white headshots and sending out resumes via snail mail. That’s to be expected and I think change is good. The important thing going forward will be to make sure we don’t let the technology get ahead of our better judgement,” he elaborated.
“That’s where the challenge lies but for me cautious optimism seems to feel right at the moment,” he added.
Favorite mottos to live by
On his favorite mottos to live by, he revealed, “Don’t make it more complicated than it already isn’t,” as well as “You will never change the world until you do.” “Also, have the courage to be disliked,” he added.
Advice for young and aspiring actors
For young and aspiring actors, he said, “Treat your career like it’s a business 24 hours a day. Educate yourself. Read all you can. Learn from the greats. Take ongoing classes.”
“Most importantly find the joy, have a great time doing it and don’t be afraid to fail or ask for help. We’ve heard these pieces of advice a million times and it’s because they couldn’t be more true,” he said.
“Also, do your research before giving your money to anyone. Many headaches can be avoided with a quick internet search,” he added.
Closing thoughts on ‘Palm Royale’
He remarked about the series, “Mostly, I want people to have fun and enjoy the world we’ve created for you. So many creatives put so much time and heart into this project.”
“I just want everyone to get lost in the world that I was lucky enough to play a small part in bringing to life. The show takes place in 1969 so the costumes, set design, hair, makeup teams and honestly all the creatives, I can’t imagine the work they put in,” he elaborated.
“The trailer looks first rate. Everyone should take a look at that. I’m so excited that ‘Palm Royale’ is about to be shared with the world,” he added.
“I’d like to thank and applaud all my fellow artists,” he said. “As I said, the last few years haven’t been our easiest but I’m constantly in awe of the community that I’m fortunate enough to be a part of.”
“I’ve had some great mentors,” he noted. “Never have I seen a community come together with the solidarity that I’ve seen in recent years. I’m proud to be a link in that chain. Let’s continue to support the arts and grow this community into the place that we all know it to be. Thank you most of all to those who support the arts. You’re why we’re here,” he concluded.
For more information on Brett Chapin, follow him on Instagram.
