How did you get into acting? What led you to joining the cast of Flunk?
I started when I was sixteen but have always been obsessed with films. My family’s one of those family’s that speaks to each other exclusively in film quotes and when I stumbled into drama class in year 10, I realized how much I truly loved it. After moving to Melbourne I kept hearing about Flunk. I saw a few castings for roles fly by but none were ever quite right for me. I finally self-taped for Leo but was then asked to call back for Wade.
What unique insights do you bring to your character?
Wade is an awesome role to sink your teeth into. He’s got so many emotional hang ups going on that it gives you an insane amount to play with. I think the most unique insight I bring to Wade is his approach to the Leo situation. I tried to channel Wade’s trepidation about embracing his sexuality and his on and off again interest in Leo. Hopefully that came across as I had an amazing time developing Wade as a character.
Have you experienced similar situations to your character in real life?
I certainly tried to act a whole lot cooler than I was in high school, but that’s definitely not a unique experience! I did feel a certain difficulty expressing how much I loved acting and pursuing it as heavily as I wanted early on. In typical teenage fashion I felt embarrassed about things that simply weren’t worth feeling embarrassed about. In a way it’s the same story as Wade & Leo. Fear of embracing a lifestyle that there shouldn’t be any fear in embracing.
How would you have responded in your characters situation?
Very differently. I’m quite an outspoken person so when things are uncomfortable for me I’m very much on the front foot about fixing it instead of burying my head in the sand and ignoring people until the problem goes away like Wade does. I’d have gone straight to Leo and expressed why I did or didn’t want a relationship instead of leaving him hanging. I am pretty sarcastic though, a lot of the smartass comments Wade makes are definitely things I’d say.
What’s a fun behind the scenes story you have about filming season 6?
Whenever the director gives us freedom to riff comebacks and go off book in it’s always hilarious seeing what people come up with. My favorite memories are definitely the improv scenes. They certainly aren’t for the easily offended. Nothing has ever humbled me quite like a Flunk improvisation scene.
What do you think the future holds for your character and what would you like to see happen to them?
I think we’ll see a more comfortable and open Wade in regard to his relationship with Leo – although – a sneaking suspicion tells me that he might fully embrace his bi-sexuality and there could be other relationships in the future that will cause some drama between the characters.
I also wouldn’t mind seeing him actually find some success in his music – whether that’s solo or with the band back together. I also would really like to see Wade & Graham’s relationship strengthen it would be cool to see Wade find confidence at home with his dad and how that relationship strengthening would impact his interactions with others.
What advice would you give to other actors starting out?
Be proactive! Always be making your own films/putting on your own shows. Write scripts or learn how to operate a camera. Diversifying your talents is so important to the modern actor. Practice self-taping every week – it’s a muscle and you’ll lose it if you don’t use it – make peace with the fact that almost all auditions will be self-tapes first round. May as well learn to love them. Most importantly – always be entrenched in the arts. There’s going to be long periods where nothing seems to be going right for you, the phones not ringing, you aren’t getting call-backs, you start to feel the gravity of what you’ve taken on etc. Ensuring that you’re always at the cinema watching films, out watching theatre shows, going to concerts, visiting museums, art shows or anything else creative will help keep you from feeling jaded and bitter.
How can fans follow your career in the future?
Pretty much everything I’m up to I post through my Instagram account so you can always check up on me there @brad__mccarthy.
You can watch Brad as ‘Wade’ in Flunk Season 6 on Vimeo or by joining as a Flunk YouTube Channel Member. Your support enables us to keep making new seasons and movies.
