{Image Credit: Pennant Media Group}
Opposite personalities living under the same roof is classic comedy fodder. It is so classic that the term we often use to describe such a situation even refers back to a classic television show that capitalized on such a situation, The Odd Couple. The new show, Max and Shred, follows right in this tradition with the story of two teen boys with conflicting personalities. Sporty Max Asher (played by Jony Gray) and bookish Alvin ‘Shred’ Ackerman (played by Jake Goodman) find themselves growing friendship and getting into shenanigans when Max comes to live with the Ackerman family while training for the Winter Cup. Their fun dynamic is joined by Lloyd, Shred’s outdoors and sports-loving father.
The Hudsucker spoke with Jean-Michel Le Gal, who plays Lloyd, about the show.
The Hudsucker: From the first episode of the show it seems like the two boys have nothing in common but stick up for one another in the end. What drew you to the project?
Jean-Michel Le Gal: The writing lifted right off the page. I thought it was funny, smart and it made me laugh out loud. There is also a great moral quality to the show which I think is lacking in kids’ programming.
The Hudsucker: How do you compare “Max and Shred” to various other projects you’ve starred in?
Le Gal: Well Max and Shred is the biggest TV role I’ve ever taken on. As opposed to being a guest on a show that’s already shooting, I was in on the ground floor. That’s a world of difference. The writers and I were building and defining the character together. It’s really a beautiful opportunity for growth.
The Hudsucker: What is the atmosphere like on the set of Max and Shred?
Le Gal: We work hard and laugh a lot. Every day on set we crack each other up, so it’s very positive and supportive.
The Hudsucker: Is there something you can tell us about what’s going to happen as the season goes on?
Le Gal: More shenanigans! Some live animals! The boys and family get closer and closer. The final episode had us all in tears. That’s all I can say.
The Hudsucker: What do you think about the show airing in the United States?
Le Gal: The more people see it the better. It’s already had a very positive reception down south and well, it’s set in Colorado!
The Hudsucker: What made you want to pursue acting?
Le Gal: My father was a TV producer and my mother was an actress so I grew up around the arts. Now, as a professional, it is the mixture of physical and vocal discovery, psychology and the power of images and storytelling that has kept me going. Keep getting that feeling ‘this is what you are meant to do’ so I keep doing it.
The Hudsucker: You trained at the Actor’s Conservancy with Kiefer Sutherland. What was that like? Do you have any advice from him that you want to pass to our readers?
Le Gal in a scene on Nickelodeon’s ‘Max & Shred’ {Image Credit: Breakthrough Entertainment}
Le Gal: One of the main things I got from our time with Kiefer was his “balls out” approach. For example he would say, ‘in an audition, if you’re going to pretend to shoot a gun really commit to it and make it as loud as a gun! Go all the way, commit 100%.’ He is a truly inspiring man.
The Hudsucker: You’re from Vancouver. It’s such a beautiful city. How do you think the acting opportunities you’ve had there have helped you prepare for the bigger roles you’ve taken on?
Le Gal: Yeah, I lived in Vancouver for 7 years in my twenties. I went to theatre school there, a three year professional training program called Studio 58. It’s got quite the reputation out west and it was a truly formative experience. I would say the biggest thing I developed there was discipline. Forget your weekend, there’s a set to paint and lines to learn. Lots of deadlines and responsibilities. Every semester you had to prove your worth or you wouldn’t be asked back. That’s the real world and that has stayed with me since.
The Hudsucker: Do you have any advice for those who might want to pursue acting?
Le Gal: Work hard. Don’t let anyone tell you want you can and cannot do, define your own worth. Also, no on has it figured out so make it happen for yourself.
The Hudsucker: What other projects do you have coming up in the future?
Le Gal: I’ve got a feature that just got released called What We Have and is going to be out in the New Year. Also a TV comedy I co-created has just gotten interest from a network, so that’s moving forward. Oh, and more guitar playing!
Max & Shred can be seen on Nickelodeon and YTV. Check your local listings. To connect with Jean-Michel Le Gal, visit him on Twitter and Facebook.
The Hudsucker 
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