Canadian Daniel Magder is best known as Edwin on LIFE WITH DEREK, but he’s taking on a new role this year as Mikey on MUDPIT. This comedy blends live action and animation to tell the tale of four teens as their avatars in a virtual band struggle to win a record deal. Though MUDPIT isn’t out until this fall, we got a sneak peek during a recent set visit where Daniel chatted about the show and more!
What’s your character like?
He is the bassist. In the normal band dynamic you’ll find that the bassist is generally like the levelheaded anchor. That’s not Mikey. Mikey is the loose cannon, absolutely insane… that’s me. I love it.
Do you play the bass in real life?
I do. I started in August [2010] when I found out I got this role. I don’t do vocals on any of the songs, so my stuff in the recording studio’s been pretty minimal. That being said, if anything ever happens where that role gets bigger, I thought it would be kind of good to pick up a bass.
What’s your personal favourite kind of music?
I’m a rock and roller, and I’m really big on Canadian bands. My favourite bands are The Tragically Hip, Barenaked Ladies. But I like a lot of Brit pop as well, and I like stuff that’s got a good bass line.
Can you tell us about any fun moments on set?
There’s just non-stop hilarity in between takes, and Jeff Douglas who plays Fitzy is hilarious…. One minute he’ll be at the top of a scene, singing a song, to a banana, about a banana, totally random… and you’re wondering, “Where does he get this from?” But we all have our inside jokes and slip it into the scenes and stuff.
How do your avatars relate to your characters?
Mikey’s crazy and Booch [Mikey’s avatar] is just as crazy. What the animated thing does is it just sort of amps all that up. If Liam is shy and awkward, then his avatar is that much more shy and awkward.
So, having worked on LIFE WITH DEREK, this show and many others, how do you stay grounded?
It’s never gotten to the point where it’s been something big, because I’ve been doing this since I was so young. Everybody who knew me before, like my really old friends, it’s not a big deal to them. I guess that’s what keeps me grounded…. I love what I do. I’m blessed.
Thank you Daniel Magder! Check back to themagazine for more information about the premier date of MUDPIT!