Most Odyssey fans know him as the mischievous, conspiracy theorist
Jared DeWhite. Brandon shares how he got involved with Adventures
in Odyssey and his memories gained from working with the Odyssey
team. When Jared left Odyssey, he was immediately missed as he
quickly became a fan favorite. Learn about his departure from
Odyssey and his surprising return during the Novacom Saga. Without
Brandon, Jared wouldn't be, well... Jared! And Odyssey wouldn't be
the same.
How did you start working for "Adventures in
Odyssey?"
I actually started working for
Odyssey through my church. I was in plays when I was younger and
they were holding auditions. I read the script for Jared and
received the part.
What was it like
playing Jared DeWhite? Do you relate to him in any way?
Playing Jared was always fun
because I got to get really into the character and his crazy antics
of conspiracy, so it was never a dull moment, however I do not
really relate to him, I am more laid back.
What have you learned
the most as you played the character of Jared?
What I learned the most as I
played the character was how to be truly enthusiastic about not only
acting and working but also was how to work with older actors.
Before doing Odyssey I was always working with people my own age.
If you could change
one thing about your acting on "Adventures in Odyssey," what would
it be?
If I could change one thing it would be that I did
not have to leave to do Eddie McDowd. I of course do not regret
doing that television show and am truly blessed for that
opportunity, but I missed everyone in Odyssey and I wished I didn’t
have to leave and could have managed to do both, but with contracts
and things of that sort I was unable to do so.
If you were to give
one piece of advice on how to act, what would you tell someone
interested in being an actor?
One piece of advice on acting I would give is to
lose yourself in that character. For the short time you are acting,
relinquish everything you know and think what would my character be
doing, what would my character be thinking? There is much more than
just reading the lines you truly have to embody your character.
What do you like and
dislike about playing emotional scenes?
I pretty much like every aspect of playing
emotional scenes. I like to really "go for it" and try to bring
everything I have to emotional scenes. The only negative I might say
is having to cry in a scene, especially on camera because for me to
do this I usually have to put myself in an obvious negative
emotional state by thinking of negative events that have happened in
my life, but on the contrary I also enjoy the challenge of crying on
cue.
What was your favorite part of working with the
AIO team?
My favorite part about working with the AIO team
was that everyone was truly nice and a pleasure to work with. They
were a lot more personable than other working environments I
experienced, so it was always a joy for me to go to the studio
because I knew I was going to have fun.
What aspect of the
recording sessions did you like and dislike?
I honestly liked pretty much every aspect of the
recording sessions. My favorite aspect is that, unlike with
television and movies, you do not have to wear makeup and be put
into wardrobe so you could be camera ready. I could walk in with
pajamas on if I wanted, which I never did, but still I could have!
What led you away
from Odyssey for a brief time?
Like I previously mentioned, I
left Odyssey for a brief time so I could do the television show
100 Deeds for Eddie McDowd. I was the lead actor on that so I
was there everyday for 9 to 10 hours a day. It was really too good
of an opportunity for me to pass up, but I did miss Odyssey and that
is why I returned and would definitely be interested in returning in
the future.
How did you feel when you found out you would
be coming back to the show for more appearances during and after the
Novacom episodes?
When I found out I would be returning I was
obviously excited and happy to see everyone that I had missed. Also
I have always enjoyed doing radio programs, so it was a win-win.
What other kinds of things (job-related) do you
do now?
Right now I am actually a student at the
University of Arizona. I graduate this May and then will be moving
back to the Los Angeles area where I hope to revive my acting
career, because I pretty much left acting after Eddie Mcdowd show,
except for a few appearances on AIO, because I wanted to have a
regular life and high school experience, I will never regret that
decision but now that I did the high school and the college
experience I definitely am still passionate and driven to be a
successful actor in my adult life.
Looking back, do you have any outstanding
memories of working with the AIO team?
I have many outstanding memories working for AIO
but something that always stands out to me is the environment and
Christian attitudes of the people around me, it truly made it an
enjoyable experience every time I came to the studio.
In conclusion, what piece of advice would you
like to leave the "Adventures in Odyssey" fans who have embraced
your character over the years?
To all my fans that have embraced my character
over the years I would truly like to say thank you and I deeply
appreciate it. I have received more attention from fans from AIO
than maybe anything else I ever did. The fans, just like the AIO
crew, are extraordinary people that are passionate and proud in
their walk with God, so I feel honored to be a part of not only AIO
but as apart of the fans as well, and maybe if we’re all lucky Jared
might come back and surprise you a time or two. I would also like to
say thank you to Jacob for this interview and I wish you and your
website the utmost success.
Thanks for taking time out of your day to talk to us!
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