10 Things about Robbie Amell
You’ve been acting for quite some, since the age of six to be precise. How do you feel about the direction your career has taken thus far?
I mean, I wasn’t really acting at 6. I did commercials and print work when I was that young. My parents got me into it. I then started playing hockey pretty competitively. That was 7 days a week and I didn’t have time for the commercials. Then, out of the blue, my agent sent me an audition for Cheaper by The Dozen 2. I booked it, quit hockey, and here I am.
Thus far, you’ve done quite a bit of both television and film. What do you appreciate about both platforms and what type of characters do you tend to gravitate to?
I like being able to build a character over the course of a series. But, there’s also something nice about jumping in and out of a movie. I appreciate both. I don’t think I could pinpoint what I look for in a character. It varies. I like to work with talented people. Good writers, directors, producers and actors.
You’ve had the opportunity to work alongside some fantastic actors. Which ones have impressed you and positively impacted your career?
I’ve been very lucky, especially in the comedy world. Eugene Levy, Steve Martin and Bonnie Hunt were my introduction to acting. Since then, Josh Gad, Bo Burham, Mae Whitman and Nasim Pedrad stand out as people I’ve taken a lot away from working with.
Currently, you’re on the Amazon series, Upload. How were you first introduced to the show and what was it about the script that made you want to jump on board?
Greg Daniels who created “Parks and Recreation” and “The Office,” is the creator of “Upload.” I wanted to work with him. That was enough on its own, but the script also happened to be really interesting. I also felt at home with the character. We speak very similarly and we have the same sense of humor.
On the show, you play the role of Nathan. What can you tell us about his personality and what you enjoy most about bringing his character to life?
Nathan is a shallow coder in the year 2035. He’s a bit of a douchebag with an equally douchey but hot girlfriend, then his self-driving car crashes. Instead of dying, he gets uploaded to his girlfriend’s account in the digital afterlife. It’s there that he learns a lot about what it’s like to live… even though he’s technically dead.
What can viewers expect to see from Nathan and the rest of the cast on Amazon’s Upload?
Viewers can expect some weird stuff, in a great way. Greg Daniels does a great job of riding a fine line between multiple genres. It’s funny and charming but also asks great questions about society today and where we are headed. The ups and downs of technology. Plus, he’s great at building the relationships between the characters on the show. You can really relate and invest in the people you’re watching.
Another project you have in the works is the Netflix film, The Babysitter 2. What can you tell us about the premise of the film and your character Max?
It’s a sequel to the “The Babysitter” also on Netflix. I can’t tell you much. But I still don’t have a shirt.
With respect to working behind the camera, are you leaning more towards producing, directing, or both?
I enjoy producing. I love acting. But, I would love to direct. I’m not sure when or what, but I imagine it won’t be too long.
Your style is always simple and classic. Which designers have you been interested in lately, that fits your personality and personal sense of style?
I’m in quarantine right now, so I’ve been living in my sweats hahaha. There’s a company called Roots of Fight. I don’t think I’ve worn anything else in a week. When this is all over, it’ll be back to jeans and a t-shirt, maybe a cool jacket. I’m a big fan of All Saints.
We look forward to seeing you on Amazon’s Upload and The Babysitter 2 film on Netflix. What other projects do you have coming up in the near future?
My movie Code 8 just launched on Netflix. We are currently the number 1 movie in the US, UK and several other territories. That’s been a wild ride. I have another Netflix movie coming out this year called Desperados with Nasim Pedrad. And, we are in pre-production on the Quibi series of Code 8.
Twitter: @RobbieAmell
Instagram: @RobbieAmell
Photos: Rowan Daly