Garrett Ryan is really good at being scared. After appearing in Insidious Chapter 2 as the younger Patrick Wilson, Garrett stars in the chilling new film Oculus, another weird and twisted supernatural tale. Leading up to the film’s release on April 11, we sat down with the young actor to find out just how scary performing in a horror film can be.
YOUNG ADULT: What is the most interesting part of being a young person on the set of a horror film? Are your parents going to let you watch the finished product (if you haven’t seen it already!)? What about Insidious Chapter 2?
Garrett Ryan: The most interesting part of filming a horror film is that filming them is never very scary. You would think that filming a movie would be just as scary as watching one. It’s up to the actor to put themselves in their character’s situation to make the fear feel more natural. And yes I have already seen Oculus and I was TERRIFIED.
YA: Talk to us about being involved in these popular YA shows: The Middle, Deadtime Stories, Wendell and Vinnie. Any standout experiences?
GR: I’ve always loved young adult show sets for how great all of the crew and casts always are. My best YA show experience I’ve had so far was on Dog with a Blog. Everyone on set was so nice and we had a great time!
YA: Describe your favorite character you’ve played thus far. Who is he? What about him most resembles you?
GR: My favorite character I’ve played so far is Rocky from Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer. He is a kid who always knows how to find fun in everything. I feel similar to this character because I always know how to take the upside of a situation.
YA: Any fun stories to happen off camera while on set?
GR: When I was finished filming a scene on Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer, I walked back to my trailer. When I opened the door, I saw that my cast mates had completely silly-stringed the entire trailer. On the floor, ceiling, walls, closets and all. EVERYWHERE.
YA: What has been the best acting or professional advice you’ve received?
GR: The best advice I have ever gotten is that you can never go too far with a character. A director would rather see that you showed dedication and that you went all out with the character because then you can pull back.
YA: If you had to pick only one word to describe you, ACTOR or KID, which would it be and why?
GR: I would have to say Kid. Even though I love acting to death and I wouldn’t want any other career in the world, I still have to enjoy my time as a kid.
YA: If you could play any role from any film or TV show in history, who would it be and why?
GR: I would play Matthew Perry as Chandler Bing from Friends. I love his sarcastic comedic timing and he would be a super fun character to play.
YA: What would you say is your favorite YA story, book or film?
GR: I have always been a huge Harry Potter fan. Every time I read one of the books or see a movie, I feel like I am living in Harry’s world. I have been captivated with the series from Book 1.