Interview with The Listener's Craig Olejnik
Hot Young Canadian Actor Goes Global in Sci-Fi TV Series
AB - It's tremendously exciting that a Canadian network partnered again with a US network to create The Listener. NBC canceled but the good news is that it now seen here and in 180 countries around the world. Are you pinching yourself? Have you noticed a bump in demand for your services?
CO - I’m grateful that all the energy, the street closures, the commitment and focus of everyone involved amounted to something which translates universally. The work paid off, it's a job to entertain, you need an audience to entertain. The show has that. Honestly nothing has changed yet, my chips certainly have more value, but I won't be sure until I'm able to cash them in, either the next season or my next job. I'm in limbo really, as free as you are, you’re not free, I'm still committed to this story and character and until we know about a second season, no matter what it's all a little grey.
AB - The Listener is based on a completely wild premise - that your character, who works intimately with people, can hear thoughts and so is able to help solve crimes. It seems almost plausible in the framework of the writing. How do you account for that?
CO - Hard work. It's our jobs. You put in the research, you work to understand the requirements of the character's capabilities and you work to create a character and reality where whatever the story is, it's believable. All Mathematics really... I worked out how it could be possible, your own version at least. The unsolicited receiving of people's thoughts. I've had a few therapists (professional listeners really) approach me and comment on the accuracy and sensitivity of the portrayal of my character. And I have a neighbor who picked up on the subtle spiritual cues throughout the show.
AB - What can you tell us about the storyline in the near future? What would you like to see happen to him?
CO - Honestly, very little. I'm not sure where the story heads next season. I imagine it will focus more on the growth and understanding of what he can and cannot do with his capabilities. I know it will be a better show. The show found its legs in the last quarter in my opinion, when everyone (cast and crew, myself included) began to understand their roles.
AB - It must be exciting to work with different directors.
CO - One of the allures of this job was the possibility of working with, as happened, several directors on one project. All with their different abilities and personalities. It keeps you fresh each week, working to develop a relationship and collaboration with another new creator. Working with Colm Feore, Gordon Pinsent, my lead cast mates, and all the guest stars is an education. We all come at this thing from different angles and histories and it's often inspiring witnessing the focus and energy of all those we worked with. And it's great working with those who have made all the insecurity and pros/cons of this business their living over many decades, you can begin to imagine what your shoes will look like.
AB - You're also a screenwriter. What’s going on with your project called Dawn?
CJ - I wrote Dawn with Corin Nemec. We worked on it over many occasions and years. At one point it was the ticket out of couch surfing, we needed it so badly to happen then and there, it was close a few times, and you could begin to see how we put too much weight on it. We've backed off it for a bit now, but it has producers and is looking like it has a good chance to be made. We wrote it as the first part in a trilogy of the coming of age of the Christ and anti-christ in contemporary time. I'm sure myself and a lot of friends will make cameos.
The Listener airs Thursdays at 10pm on CTV and Saturdays at 8pm on SPACE.
Craig Olejnik The Listener
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