Hello.
Published Thursday, January 17, 2008 3:44 PM

Hello. I guess that's a decent way to start a blog. You see, I've never written a blog before. Although I have read a few, I've never really paid attention to how they began. Perhaps I should introduce myself. My name is Ryan Robbins. I play Wendell on the TV series, "The Guard." Which is really what this blog is supposed to be about. However, I tend to rant. But it's my blog and I'll rant if I want to…  Btw, am I the only one who subconsciously types blob every time I mean to type blog?

Okay, let's get down to business. The Guard. I'm going to be honest here. I don't think I've ever had a better experience on a show. The crew is outstanding, the cast is absolutely incredible and the scripts are wonderful. If you know me, you know I don't give praise easily. I am, truthfully, very excited about this show. I would receive scripts and crack them open immediately, wanting to know what was coming next. Not just for me, but for the other characters as well. These characters are written to be very real, very flawed and not always easy to root for. And that's true to life. Some of us you'll find endearing, others confusing and still others downright frustrating. But as you come to know us, you will understand and enjoy us. I promise. As for our stories this season, well, you'll just have to watch. And hang on. We're not pulling any punches.

I will be writing this blog after each episode, so stay in touch. Feel free to ask questions. Create discussions. Participate.

So this is a blog, huh? … I think I like it here.

-Ry

Source: THE GUARD Blog

Well, there you have it. Episode 1. I told you we weren't going to pull any punches. You get to see all of us. Flaws and all, right from the get go. And it just gets better and more complex. Each character has their own unique story that will unfold throughout the season. It's all very exciting and I wish I could tell you more, but I can't. And I won't.

Let me tell you something. Or some things. It rained A LOT during the filming of this episode. In fact, during the filming of most episodes. And it was starting to get cold. A few of us spend a lot of time barely clothed. Cold. In the rain. Never mind our amazing crew who were in, on and around that freezing water in that same cold rain all day, every day. Nothing glamorous here. And ironically, that's very appropriate. There is nothing glamorous about the job of the Coast Guard. They do an amazing job for very little pay and very few accolades. As you can see, The Guard is trying to be true to that. I am in awe of the incredible dedication and selflessness of the Canadian Coast Guard. I hope we are able to do them proud.

I'd love to tell you a funny story, but nothing comes to mind. I'm just really proud to be a part of this show… Oh wait, there was that whole thing about Gordon being in the wheelchair at, um, "hip" level and Steve having eaten something really bad earlier… but that may not be very appropriate here.

So… the common theme of episode 1 seems to be that each of us may have gotten ourselves in way over our heads. And believe me, seeing us try to rise up is going to be a wonderful, exciting, frustrating, tearful and beautiful ride. I hope you stick with us. I know at least one of us is like you.

See you next week,

Ry

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Source: THE GUARD Blog

I see nudists…
Published Wednesday, January 30, 2008 12:58 PM

I mean, naturists. Wow. So now you know us a whole lot better. You’ve seen us bare, in more ways than one. I love this episode. And it really does keep getting better. This is really the episode where it all begins, in my opinion. The characters have been confronted with and held accountable for some of their demons. That’s always a good place to start.

This was the beginning of the bad weather. It was cold and wet. Ridiculously cold and wet. Those poor naked people. Thankfully, there are limits to how much nudity can be shown on television. We were able to give them a little protection from the elements, but not much. It was raining a whole lot more than it appeared. And did I mention the cold? Bless those horribly underpaid naked background performers. I’ve been to a nude beach. Once. I was very shy and decided to “hide” in the water. The very cold Pacific Ocean. This does not do much for the ol’ male confidence. So I was definitely concerned for those guys.

I was asked after the first blog what my favourite experience has been. It’s taken me a while to think about it and the answer may seem a bit weak or cliché, but it’s true. All of it. I love playing Wendell. And I couldn’t ask for a better group of people to be surrounded by every day.

I’ve also been asked to talk about the happenings behind the scenes. As many of you know, Steve and Gordon have, well, history. Their chemistry and friendship on and off camera is really enjoyable to experience. I’ve known Steve for some time. He’s a good friend and he’s a lot of fun. He’s a clown, a chameleon and an incredibly caring individual. I’ve only gotten to know Gordon on this show. But those two together make time fly by, as we’re kept in hysterics the whole time. I could get into the poker games… and the vodka… and the karaoke… and the vodka… but some things are better left unsaid. Okay, I will say that Steve and I shot Bon Jovi down in a blaze of glory.

Most of my scenes are with Zoie Palmer. I don’t get to spend a whole lot of time with the other cast. I guess that makes me the inside outsider. My behind-the-scenes stories will mostly be personal. And I’m sure that’s okay. By the way, Zoie is an absolute dream. All actors should be so lucky to have that kind of scene partner. But I’ll talk more about Zoie and the others in the future. I promise.

I want to touch on our locations a bit. You get to see only a fraction of the environment. We shot the nudists, sorry, naturists, at the same beach that we shot the bonfire scene with Carly and Wendell at the end of the episode. You only got to see a little bit of the view. It was absolutely awe inspiring. As are most of the scenes in and around Squamish. That particular beach was a place called Brittania Beach, which is a few minutes south(?) of Squamish. Amazing. Now, on the flip side… and I should start by explaining that the powers that be wanted to keep everything close. All locations. So, when it comes to sound stages, there’s not a whole lot of large empty building space in Squamish. They did they best they could. However, that lovely intimate scene in Carly’s bathroom where Wendell is bathing her? Beautiful and touching, right? We shot that in a building that used to be a waste transfer station… basically, an enormous compost heap. Good times. Ah, the magic of television. Smoke and mirrors. You see, that location is also where the huge water tank is, for some of the underwater scenes. Again, tough to find an empty building that could facilitate our needs. So… glitz and glamour you say? Haha… we just do what it takes to make a good show… a damn good show, if I do say so myself.

Thanks for watching… and I promise to be better at answering questions. I’m new, remember. I read all the comments so, please keep them coming. Talk soon,

Ry

Source: THE GUARD Blog

The Pathway To Enlightenment... Or, Love Isn't Pretty
Published Wednesday, February 06, 2008 12:11 PM

Well, that was emotional. Wow. I forgot about that. Anyone else a little moist in the ol' orbital? I want to start this entry by talking about our amazing guest cast. Every episode we are blessed with an outstanding group of guest actors. This episode is a shining example of how important those cast members are. Colin Cunningham is a very good friend of mine. We've worked together quite a few times. One of my first guest star roles was on a series where Colin was a lead. It's always a treat to see him do his thing. We didn't have any scenes in this one, but we spent quite a bit of time together while he was in Squamish. Ah, good times. This particular guest cast fit in to the tone of the episode perfectly. And the guests we have coming up are equally amazing. I'm excited for you to meet them.

I've said it before. The show just gets better. And it will continue to, I give you my word. We are now getting deeper and deeper into the lives and histories of these characters. Now we are beginning to see what makes them tick. Miro. Poor Miro. That dude has issues. But, at least he's addressing them, right? Right?? Btw, the handsome young man that played young Miro was Steve Bacic's son, Steven. Or, as I like to call him, Li'l Steve. And you know that Steve Sr. is one proud Papa right now.

This was an episode of discovery, I think. Each character discovered something about themselves. Some stood up for themselves, while others stood down. Laura is caught in a crazy situation. How can someone possibly make such decisions? And David, well, he's caught too. And feeling somewhat helpless at the moment. That's got to be tough for him. David James Elliot was awesome in this episode. I wish I was able to spend more time with David. He's a great guy. Very easy to get along with and wonderfully supportive. He loves acting and it shows. He brings wonderful levels to that character and to the show.

I know I'm gushing over actors in this blog but dammit, I'm not wrong! This show has some talent! Those scenes with David, Laura and Tina were played wonderfully by David, Claudette and Eve. Don't get me going on how fantastic Eve Harlow is. Eve, Julie Patzwald and I did a film together immediately prior to starting The Guard. Holy Crap! Working with those two women is an absolute treat. They bring it each and every take of each and every scene.

So... more rain, more cold, more water. Even Wendell was on the water in this one. But by now, we were much more comfortable with it. This was one of the episodes where the crew had to work extremely hard. They work hard every episode, but this one was crazy. A lot of locations and a lot of exteriors. At least when the actors get cold, we can go to our trailers and warm up when we're done. Not the crew. For them it's even more rain, even more cold, and even more water... a lot more water. They have to be on the CCG Lifeboat for the shots in and on the boat and then they have to be on another boat to get shots of the CCG Lifeboat. Sometimes, they're even in a helicopter to get the shots they need. The unsung heroes of rescue services may be the Coast Guard, but the unsung heroes of film and TV are the crew. So this is a fitting show.

Okay, this is a mushy blog. But it's true. You are watching the trials, tribulations, growths, setbacks, highs, lows, disasters, recoveries and all points in between of a family... on and off the screen.

See you next week,

Ry

Source: THE GUARD Blog

Issues
Published Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:22 AM

Well, things have to get worse before they get better, right? It's interesting to watch the show unfold. I've read all the scripts. I know what's coming. But I'm always sucked in. I get angry and emotional just as, I suppose, you did. I love that. These characters are complex. You want to hate some of them, but you can't. They are all bits and pieces of you and me. I also love that. It's a tribute to the amazing writers and fantastic actors, who all care so deeply about the work on this show. And this episode looked beautiful.

FYI; this was actually the very first episode we shot. In fact, the very first scene of the entire show was the scene where myself and Zoie (Wendell and Carly) arrive at the dinner party. You probably noticed how nice the weather was. You may have noticed a few other moments that may have felt slightly inconsistent. That's why. We shot episode 4 first for a few reasons. Primarily, it was due to the fact that the CCG members were meant to have worked together for some time. This dinner party was meant to be strange and awkward. The idea was to use this awkward moment as an opportunity for all of us to get to know each other. And I think it worked out quite well.

The dinner sequence was really fun to film. Steve and I have known each other for years and, obviously, Steve and Gordon were good friends. But the rest of us were all getting to know each other. In the scene where Jeremy and I carry Gordon up the steps in his wheelchair, we kept dumping him along the way. The path was all loose rocks and the chair kept getting stuck. Consequently, Gordon kept ending up getting tossed out of the chair. And this was really his first day of filming in the chair. He had so many obstacles to deal with as well as his first dance sequence. I know you all saw him dancing it up already, but that's because he'd had practice!

Again, another stellar guest cast. Don S. Davis and Nicola Kavendish. Both are absolute legends in our business. One of these days I'll get to work with some great guest cast! Actually I do in some upcoming episodes... wink, wink.

On a serious note, I hope that this episode will shed a little more light on the real goings-on of the CCG and the Canadian Forces SAR techs. I think this episode explains a lot about the frustrations and occasional misgivings of our CCG characters. The fine men and women of the CCG and the CF deserve to be displayed in as truthful a light as television will allow. We are doing our best. Yes, some creative license must be taken, but we sincerely have the best intentions to honour these incredible individuals who bust their butts for us every day.

I hate to sound repetitive, but this show just keeps getting better. I can't wait for you to see the next few episodes. You will be on the edges of your seats and not for a second will you be disappointed, I assure you. All the best.

See you next week,

Ry

Source: THE GUARD Blog

The Crack of Enlightenment
Published Wednesday, February 20, 2008 10:28 AM

So. A lot of water this episode. Some great shots of the MLB in action, as well as one poor cold actress, Carmen Moore, being a trooper, spending the entire episode soaking wet. I believe that was early November.

Some behind the scenes trivia for you: the actor who played the guy looking to buy Miro's truck at the used car dealership? That's Mark Bishop and he's our stand-in on the show. He gets to do all the dirty work, along with our other stand-in, Cherish Sampson while we change our wardrobe and "prepare our scenes" in our comfy trailers. Some other unsung heroes of The Guard. Oh, and just to clarify the red truck in the last episode, that was a Coast Guard vehicle. I've been asked that question a few times.

Here's a question for you... What character is most like you and why? Feel free to keep it private or, like me, post it here for everyone to read. And potentially judge. I have to be honest, I'm A LOT like Miro, especially physically. I know you can't tell on screen but side by side, it's hard to tell Steve and I apart. Okay, maybe not. I think I'm more like Wendell than I'd like to admit. With a little Andrew thrown in. I think that's the father in me. I understand the pressure we, as parents, put on ourselves to be so solid and unflappable for the sake of our kids. I think Jeremy Guilbaut and Julie Patzwald do a fantastic job at portraying the trials and tribulations of parenthood. As well as what that can do to a relationship. And the writers are bravely honest. Falling in love is the easy part. Staying in love requires some effort. That's what makes it special. Oops, excuse me, I just slipped off my soapbox...

Never give up. Even if it means letting go. That was the common theme in this episode and it's a good one. Amy had to let Andrew go in order for her to continue fighting. Andrew had to acknowledge the fact that he has something worth fighting for and he's definitely proven he's no quitter. Miro had to let his truck go in order to... well first of all, to not have his head treated like a baseball, but also, to learn to let his pride go. And Gwen helps him find a way to persist... and wow, can she persist. Laura didn't give up, as much as she wanted to and Tina, well it seems she's finally realizing what it is that she's fighting for. Pam Highway didn't quit, and her daughter didn't give up on her even when others did. Then we have Carly and Wendell. Carly seems to be the definition of perseverance. And Wendell, well he's just plain tenacious. But he's also accepting. And that's something that Carly's never had. So, what will she do with that? What will any of our lovely cast of characters do with all these new challenges and discoveries? It's getting mighty interesting out there in ol' Port Hallet. I know what's coming and I can tell you this... you ain't seen nothin' yet.

Source: THE GUARD Blog

God has some sense of humour
Published Wednesday, February 27, 2008 10:34 AM

Well damn. What do I say about this one?? Here was a look into the lives of some of the supporting characters. We definitely have a better understanding of the source of Tina's angst. We learned a little something about Nori. We also have a better idea of who Wendell is and what brought him here. And Barry... well, go Barry! It's nice to see someone getting the love.

Another stellar guest cast. Venus Terzo as Jennifer and Elias Toufexis as Isaac. Also an appearance from another fantastic actor, Aaron Pearl. They brought a wonderful intensity to this episode. I've known Elias for some time and it was a pleasure to finally work together. This was the episode in which we blew up our guest cast instead of drown them. We like to mix it up a little.

We converted Squamish into Afghanistan. What an amazing job by the art department. Here's some trivia for you; Jeremy Stanbridge, the production designer and I were friends in high school but this is the first show we've done together in this capacity. Jeremy and his crew have done brilliant work on the show. Almost every set that you see was designed and/or built by him and his crew. Absolutely amazing. Speaking of friends, I'm sure a lot of you were happy to see a little chili eating scene between Steve and Gordon. Personally, I'm still laughing at the irony. Chili. Of all things. That is very possibly the source of so many... disturbances... when those two are around.

So, lots more dysfunction but this time, from some surprising places. Andrew needed to hit rock bottom in order to see a way out. Wendell was slapped in the face by his past in order to learn that, wherever you run to, there you are. Tina, Laura and David were potentially, brought a bit closer by someone who seemed to want to keep them apart. Miro, well at least he seems happy. And Carly... well, I don't really feel like talking about her right now.

One more to go... Then we take a short break and come back strong with another five episodes and, fingers crossed, a second season. The fine folks at The Guard will be sure to leave you wanting more. I know it for a fact... I read the script.

Source: THE GUARD Blog

The Things We Should've Done Differently
Published Wednesday, March 05, 2008 10:25 AM

So... What to say here... I think the title of this blog just about sums it up. We've all made mistakes. Miro and Tina and misunderstandings. Laura and misperceptions. Barry and, albeit with best intentions, potential misrepresentation. Andrew with, well all of the pressure he puts on himself and the way that informs his choices. Carly and her feelings of being unable to be there in time to save someone she cares about. And finally Wendell. Try as he might, he too has his own demons.

I absolutely love this episode. We're trying, dammit and we're trying in a very real way. I told you we weren't going to pull any punches and I don't think I was wrong. These are not pretty people with pretty problems. These are very real people with very real problems. I'll bet each and every one of you either knows someone like one of these characters or can identify with one of us yourself. Sure it's TV. Sure the stories have to be told according to a certain format. But this show is told with heart. How many shows out there can say that truthfully?

I read on the Guardfans.com forum a post that said, "I hope the last thing we see isn't Wendell sticking a needle in his arm." Anne wrote that. I love that. That is a testament to how much those who are watching are invested in the show. Maybe you saw it coming, maybe you didn't. The point is, you cared. I cried watching this episode and I knew what was coming! I'll be honest, I cried during my own scene! I forgot it was me! I have to give some serious credit to the folks behind the amazing music. The music supervisor is Natasha Duprey. She has the insane job of choosing songs for the show. Rich Walters is the music editor who has the difficult task of making those songs fit the scene in a relevant way by editing them into the scene (A little insider info; Rich and I used to be in a band called Hellenkeller and he and I are currently recording a new album together). And, of course, James Jandrisch who composes the original score you hear on each and every episode.

So this is it... for now. Where do we go from here? I hope you all come back in September to find out. It has been an absolute pleasure for me to write this blog and contribute what I could to the Guardfans.com forum. I hope you don't forget us during the break because, I assure you, we won't be forgetting about you. This show and everything surrounding it has been a wonderful experience. I look forward to getting back to work and getting back to Wendell. I miss that guy.

I started this series of blogs with a simple hello. It seems fitting to end with a simple goodbye. So, goodbye... for now.

Much love and appreciation,

Ry

Source: THE GUARD Blog