Joey Vieira Talks “Reef Break” In Exclusive Interview!
- What was the audition process like for “Reef Break”?
Detective Tolan was an adventure to audition for! He was my 3rd audition for ‘Reef Break’ with the wonderful Leigh Pickford from Maura Fay Casting. I was on holiday on a cruise ship with my family when I got the first casting, and I had no choice but to self-test with what was in our room – which wasn’t a lot! That first audition was filmed out at sea, camera phone propped on a suitcase and pillow against the window – as that was the best lighting. You can even see my son asleep in the background as I deliver my lines.
It isn’t a normal casting – but you do what you have to in this industry! Thank goodness for WiFi and Smart Phones!
2. What was your reaction when you found out you booked the part?
It happened so quickly that I had no time to react! Television is fast, and I was in a fitting the next day and on set the day after. I got to actually take it all in and process it when I was on set and meeting the rest of the cast and crew. It was a marvellous experience.
3. How would you describe your character?
Clean-cut and by-the-book, Detective Tolan loves a challenge. Fortunately, he and Wyatt Cole (played by Desmond Chiam) have plenty of them – many thanks to Cat Chambers, played by the very lovely Poppy Montgomery. He’s good at what he does and he enjoys it, but he’s definitely not fast-and-loose about the law.
4. How is he different from those you’ve portrayed in the past?
I have gone from playing the young and arrogant jock, the badass gangster, to respected father and authoritative roles. I prefer the latter! We are seeing more and more ethnic diversity in these respected positions and I am honoured to be able to bring them to life on screen.
5. What can you tell us about the new “Dora The Explorer” film?
It was a dream job! It all started with the humble Tom McSweeney. Tom cast me in Texas Rising prior to Dora. He’s an actor-oriented casting director who loves to dive into the characters. He gives you something to play off. His casting style is so real and genuine, and it was great to read for him!
They definitely had the right team on Dora from the get go – all the way from start to screen.
6. How do you think fans are going to react to the new “Dora” film?
It’s a film that the entire family can enjoy. The script is funny and I loved the trailer. We are exploring a never before seen ‘teen’ Dora and she’s someone that everyone can relate to and fall in love with. Isabela Moner is beautifully cast, and James Bobin is an amazing, down-to-earth director who as a delight to work with. The team stayed true to elements of the original Dora character, and fans are going to love that, but we have a new Dora who is coming out of her element and being introduced to a big city…a concrete jungle. Wherever she goes, adventure follows too. It’s a fun ride and I think fans are going to love it.
7. What is a behind-the-scenes secret you can share with us?
Dora was filmed in the jungles of Australia, and on one of the shoot days, we had a 7-foot-long visitor on set – and it wasn’t a Drop Bear!
8. Do you have any other upcoming projects?
Yes! My team at Natalie Hall Management and RVP have been working round the clock to support me and keep me on set this year! After Reef Break I will be working on the comedy series “Welcome to Wrigleton” where I play a small-town cop that takes his work way too seriously. I also have films in 2019, including Bloody Hell, Five Moons of Pluto, Stars, Smothered, Confessions, and Sabrina.
At Last is also coming out and will premiere in China later this year.
Its busy! And I love it.
9. Do you have any fun summer plans?
I will be working for most of the summer, but I have booked a family trip to China in December. I have always wanted to go!
10. What are your social media handles?
You can catch my daily activities on Instagram: @TheJoeyVieira
Facebook is another way to keep up with me: YoJoeyVieira
But most of my work and showreels are detailed on my IMDb page:
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