A Conversation with Sean Astin
Q: How did you first hear about this project?
A: My manager called and told me about a project Mr. Spielberg was
putting together. I’ve wanted to do something about the gold rush since I
learned about it in school, and, if DreamWorks is doing it for TNT, then it
is going be done as a world-class production.
Q: What kind of research did you do for this project?
A: For research, I watched Ken Burns’ documentary The West. There is
always something that happens when you’re watching a documentary as
beautiful and brilliant as what Ken Burns has done because you can
appreciate the history of that time. What is so amazing about doing a series
like this is that you actually get to live in that world.
Q: What is it about the gold rush that excited you as a kid?
A: There is something exciting about being an American that you don’t
really understand until something like the gold rush focuses your attention.
I consider the character I play a representation of the tens of thousands of
people who became overwhelmed in the excitement of gold. What could be more
American than literally digging into the earth and coming out with the
riches of this country. In my character, I am able to acknowledge what a lot
of people experienced.
Q: One of Spielberg’s goals for doing this series is to have it live in
schools for 50 to 60 years so teachers are able to use it as a tool with
their students.
A: Spielberg has the credibility. We are coming to a time period when
kids are yearning for it. This show will transport people into the old West
in a way that isn’t pedantic – it will be engaging. People just gravitate
towards something of value.
Q: Where do you think the drama comes from in your character’s journey?
A: There are different layers of dramatic truth. The environment of this
world is innately dramatic. People’s very survival-finding food, water and
warmth-is inherently dramatic, particularly when the stakes for each
individual are so high. Then there is the gold rush, this great
misconception of staking your claim to the riches. If you are one of the few
that do well, then you have to worry about protecting yourself against
thieves. There is never a moment in any part of living in and around the
gold rush that isn’t intensively dramatic.
Q: How are the stories of the Native Americans and settlers balanced?
A: I trust and sense from everything that I’ve seen and been around with
this production that there is an audience ready for a more authentic
portrayal of Native Americans, especially when shooting in Calgary. There is
a feeling around the set and a sense of pride when people talked about this
Native American village that was re-created, a pride that comes from
actively honoring a people. I’m sure that will come through in the fabric of
this series.
