Behind the Scenes: Daniel de Weldon Dishes on the Darkly Intriguing World of CHASER

If you’re looking for something to watch tonight, look no further than new dark-humour sci-fi series CHASER, now streaming on Prime Video. Chaser is the story of a video editor who develops the power to edit the past day of his life and control the world to his whims. As the series progresses, Eddi, the star, finds himself chasing the past and trying to put everything back. As the world slips out of his control, Chaser asks the audience to grapple with the ethics of the butterfly effect. We interviewed Daniel de Weldon, one of the stars of this new series. 

What is the story and what are the main things that will draw people in?

Anything can be re-edited in today's AI world, the opportunities are endless, and if it serves the greater narrative for humanity, so be it, so we evolve a little faster now! What's done is undone, reworked, reshaped to surmount to a collective artistic contribution that begets something unknown and magical. Art! In the dynamic realm of AI creativity, the possibilities are truly boundless. The digital landscape offers us the chance to continuously refine, reshape, and reinvent our content to better align with the ever-evolving needs and desires of our audience. It's all about tapping into our collective imagination and leveraging the power of technology to push the boundaries of innovation. Let's embrace the art of transformation and transcendence, turning each piece of content into a masterpiece of storytelling that captivates and inspires.

What was your first thought when you heard that you were cast in the show CHASER?

Words cannot express the depth of emotion that flooded through me when I received the incredible news that I would be portraying the iconic character of Gar Madden in the highly anticipated Chaser series. 

The bond I share with our brilliant director Daniel Roemer, built over numerous projects, paved the way for this momentous opportunity. It was a harmonious blend of creativity, nurtured by years of artistic synergy and a shared vision that has stood the test of time. Returning to the set felt like a homecoming, a joyous reunion with a dear friend and a collaborator whose talent knows no bounds.

Have you ever worked on a show like this one before?

The journey with director Daniel Roemer began back in 2004, when we collaborated on the captivating short film "The Select Fit," a project that would later inspire the TV series "Chaser." Our partnership proved to be a winning formula, as our short film emerged as the second runner up among 5000 submissions at the highly esteemed Los Angeles Short Film Festival, boasting a substantial $1 million prize. This successful venture laid the foundation for a fruitful creative alliance that has stood the test of time, culminating in our latest venture, the gripping "Chaser" TV series. In addition to our work on "The Select Fit," Daniel Roemer and I ventured into the world of filmmaking once more with the riveting short film "The Bill," a project that caught the attention of industry heavyweights and led us to the acclaimed show "Project Greenlight," where luminaries Ben Affleck and Matt Damon took note of our collaborative efforts. These experiences served as invaluable stepping stones that paved the way for the exciting journey we find ourselves on today with "Chaser," a testament to the enduring power of creative partnerships and shared vision.

How was filming this one different?

The experience of filming the "Chaser" TV series was a true testament to the strength and dedication of our team. Years of working alongside Daniel Roemer, our director, have equipped us with the skills needed to thrive in a fast-paced and unpredictable environment. Our cast and crew's unwavering commitment propelled us to new heights, launching us into the stratosphere of a successful global launch we find ourselves in today on Amazon Prime.

How did your creative process for getting into this role go?

I found myself fully immersed into the character of Gar Madden, akin to being taken captive. The role was a stark departure from my true self, requiring me to follow Gar's lead as if guided by a wild spirit. To meet the intense demands of our brilliantly eccentric director, Dan Roemer—affectionately known as The Pink Panther by cast and crew—I turned to yoga, breathing through each moment to maintain my balance. With every scene, I was compelled by an unseen creative energy to embrace trust and relinquish control. One take at a time, the role was expansive, a lot to fill up that only the story and my co-stars could help me unravel. A lot of yoga practice and deep tissue massage was my preparation day to day on set.

What are some of the key lessons of the show?

Arriving to set every day and knowing I was going to have the time of my life will forever be memorable. So much fun every day, everyone became family. Playing the role of Gar Madden in the first season of the "Chaser" series was an unparalleled experience for me. To this day, my involvement in the show has imparted profound life lessons, particularly the importance of perseverance, which is the central theme of "Chaser": "Never give up!" And it takes several villages of creative artists and people over many years to stick the landing. Team work makes the dream work!

Did you enjoy the filming process?

I am thrilled beyond words by the dedicated commitment and collaboration of everyone involved in bringing our "Chaser" series to audiences around the world. This milestone is a testament to the collective passion and talent within our team, and I am humbled by the opportunity to share our work with the world. Our shared vision is to spread positivity, inspiration, and connection through our storytelling, and we look forward to the journey ahead as we strive to make a meaningful impact in the lives of our viewers

How does the finished show compare to the experiences you had while you were filming?

I've had the pleasure of witnessing the evolution of this show as it geared up for its grand debut, and with each viewing, it just keeps getting better. Dive into the gripping world of "Chaser" season 1 and prepare to be blown away! This series is a masterclass in storytelling, seamlessly blending intricate plotlines with adrenaline-pumping editing that propels the narrative forward at breakneck speed. It delves deep into the complexities of human behaviour, weaving a web of intrigue that will not only unravel the mysteries of Chaser but also shed light on the profound importance of relationships in our lives. Get ready for a wild ride that will leave you wanting more!

What was your favourite scene in CHASER when you filmed it?

The office scenes in the first episode of "Chaser" with myself, Gia Bay and Russ Russo will always hold a special place in my heart as they set the stage for the amazing journey that was about to unfold. It was evident from the very beginning that the cast and crew were destined to create something truly magical. Their dedication and passion turned the production into a real-life fairy tale, a love story that came to life before our very eyes.

And how about when you watched it back?

 In the "Chaser" series, I embody the antagonist, taking on the role of Gar Madden, a film producer who abuses the secrets of a natural force capable of altering the last 24 hours of any given day. After experiencing the first season of "Chaser," I was compelled to view it a second time straight away, eager to dissect the intricacies of its plot. With its deeply layered and creatively edited narrative, "Chaser" remains an ever-unfolding enigma, endlessly intricate, and twisted fun! 

What did you learn from your experience making CHASER?

The most significant hurdle I encountered was an unexpected shift in the story's trajectory during filming. Despite our meticulous planning with a shot list and schedule, it seemed the cosmos had different intentions, effectively rewriting our script from the very first day. This unusual occurrence became an integral aspect of the production itself. Interestingly, this all happened while filming "Chaser," at a time when five planets in Leo were in retrograde, leading to a process where what was finalised was then unravelled, reworked, exaggerated, replayed, twisted, and ultimately triumphed!

CHASER is out now on Prime Video.