After Hours: Bane Lockhart

What did you do to prepare yourself for the role of “Bane Lockhart” in the series After Midnight?

I stayed up for three days straight rememberin’ the lines for his first three scenes so when I walked into the door of Moonlight studios I was walkin’ in as “Bane Lockhart”. There was no way anyone was goin’ to tell me I was unprepared and I was NOT this guy because I felt it and I made damn sure the casting couch felt it too!

What’s surprised you the most about being selected for this role?

Havin’ to really play on my Australian accent. A lot of the way the script is written makes me out to sound like a real Crocodile Dundee but as you can see my accent isn’t as thick as “Bane Lockhart’s” is. In fact I rarely ever use the words that he does that Americans believe are ‘true Aussie’ lingo like that whole dinky di thing. I left it in the script because it was funny to me.

What is the strongest asset you bring to the story of After Midnight?

The ability to tell it like it is. Unlike a lot of the Hollywood types I don’t stand on ceremony where the producers and directors are concerned. I voice my opinions and look at the opportunity as a cooperative between myself and the staff. If I don’t like the lightin’ or the way a scene is goin’ I express how I feel it can be different and often times it works out for the best. The best thing about workin’ for a production company like Moonlight is that they take into consideration what their actors want and really encourage us to talk about what we think is best.

What has been the biggest influence on your work in After Midnight?

The fans. Many have been so strongly swayed by Hollywood’s idea of ‘werewolves’ that showin’ them these animals can be different and can be real and have human lives is a refreshin’ change. It’s fun to be able to show that and to make the audience think twice on the old standard.

What’s the biggest myth about playing a supernatural character in After Midnight?

I think pretty much everyone has their own take on how a werewolf should or shouldn’t interact with humans. And while After Midnight draws on the norm and brings into focus the old tales of the hirsute creatures, it also changes the story about them. There are a few new and interestin’ lore changes in After Midnight that has helped make the werewolf its own type of Supernatural bein’. It’s really great impressive to even be able to find somethin’ new to work with since everythin’ has pretty much been done but that’s what I feel is so unique about the idea of the ‘Devil Dog’.

What’s the most challenging part about playing the “bad guy”?

“Bad  guy”? That’s puttin’ it mildly. Let’s not sugarcoat it “Bane Lockhart” is a dick! I think the hardest part about it is makin’ it believable. In real life I’m a pretty sweet kind of guy. I don’t go around causin’ people pain and misery out of my own enjoyment. But playing “Bane Lockhart” and tryin’ to portray him accurately as a horrible, self-worthy, egotistical asshole is a challenge but I think I do it quite well. He is very much hated and very much the bad guy but he brought a lot of that on himself because of his greed. “Bane” is a great character because you see some parts of him that appear to be good and wholesome like when he tells “Julius” that he doesn’t want to see “Kaya” hurt, you get the sense that he is bein’ genuine. And then he turns around and does somethin’ to her mate which would directly affect her and hurt her and it makes him out to be a hypocrite.

Who is the person you admire most within the cast of After Midnight?

“Connor Morvant”. I think he has a fun character. He has the biggest role of being Kaya’s best friend and helping her maintain some semblance of a normal existence. That is a large responsibility for someone who has just gotten to a point where she cannot trust anyone around her. But at the same time he has a lot of fun being the ‘playboy’ of the group. He is constantly seen usherin’ in new women every day to quench his sexual appetites. I guess I’m a little jealous.

What seems to be the biggest obstacle for “Bane Lockhart”?

“Bane” has a problem with the word “no”. He sees somethin’ or someone he wants and does ridiculous things to try and go after it. In the end it causes a lot of heartache and pain for the one he wants but he doesn’t seem to care. He has a bit of an ego problem and that all adds up to his selfish and self-servin’ ways. I think that ego of his is definitely his biggest obstacle and will be his destruction.

Are there any spoilers you can reveal to us concerning “Bane Lockhart”?

Well for those of you hopin’ that big, bad “Bane” will get knocked off sometime soon, keep wishin’. There is plenty more drama bombs he’s yet to drop on our main characters. And one in particular concernin’ an old friend of “Rafe Hemming” will leave your jaws dropped.

If there’s one thing you wished your character would do differently, what would it be and why?

I’d get the girl haha. I know, I know, that’s “Bane Lockhart’s” ultimate goal but if it were up to me I’d have her lock, stock and barrel.

Were you named after anyone?

No. I am the first and only Bane Lockhart. If ya lucky Sheila I could make ya the first and only Mrs. Bane Lockhart! I’m not much for the whole “junior” thing myself. I feel that a child should have his or her own name and not have to worry about meeting the expectations of the person they are named for. That’s too much pressure on a tot.

When was the last time you cried?

When I was born. Then I turned around and smacked the doc for touchin’ my arse, true story. 

What do you miss most about being a kid?

Being pampered. Though I suppose that’s what the married life is for.

Do you like your handwriting?

It ain’t half bad. If I can make out what it says then it’s a work of art! Then again that’s a big if. It’s best if someone else writes down my thoughts, Love.

What is your favorite lunch meat?

Lunch meat? Usually arvo meal is an avocado and vegemite sandwich with a XXXX or Power’s. That’s a beer for you yanks. If I had to say somethin’ along the lines of meat hmm…pastrami. It has a nice bite to it.

Do you want children?

Can ya really imagine me with a nest full of ankle biters? Though it might be a bonzer! Never really gave it consideration. Not very many ladies can keep up with me. Then again I’m sure I make quite a few Sheilas whinge eh? For now I’ll just stick to spoiling my nephews.

Do you use sarcasm a lot?

Me? No, never. Where would you ever get an ID like that?

What was one of the best parties you’ve ever been to?

My nephew Noah’s 3^rd birthday party. My sis and I took him to Tas to show him some of our favorite places and at the end of the trip, he turned and looked at me and said “I want to be just like you when I grow up”. Made the day worth it.

Do you still have your tonsils?

Yes. Care to give ‘em a go? I’ve never been beaten in tonsil hockey and I don’t intend to start now.

Would you ever go bungee jumping?

Don’t think me troppo. That sport’s for yanks. I like my action on the ground and in the man’s arena like rugby or bar fightin’.

What is your favorite ice cream?

Pistachio or Rocky Road.

Do you untie your shoes when you take them off?

It all depends on what I was doing before I decided to undress. Now if I were in the starkers to screw I’d certainly not be worrying about the knots on my shoes. Mostly though I just kick ‘em off and go on about my business.

If you met yourself would you be friends?

Hell yeah but I wouldn’t want to go drinkin’ with me. At the end of the night I’m always lookin’ for someone to tally with the Keep. I’d hate to get stuck with the tab.

What is the first thing you notice about people?

I don’t go scoutin’ for blokes so I couldn’t really say what I notice about men but for Sheilas I check to see if she’s spunky or a dog. Sounds harsh I know but what man or woman for that matter don’t look at a stranger and size ‘em up? It’s human nature and I won’t deny that I enjoy sightseein’ for the most part. It’s usually good practice to know who you’re getting’ into a conversation with too. You can tell a lot about a person by the way they carry themselves and whether or not you even want to attempt to speak with ‘em.

What is your least favorite thing about yourself?

I don’t know if you’ve noticed but I have a chipped tooth here on the right side of my jaw. I had a beer bottle broke over my head once and as I was fallin’ I hit the bar hard and broke my tooth in the process. Other than that I think I’m a pretty likeable fella.

When you’re traveling, who do you miss the most while away?

My sis Emily. We’ve always been really close and after our Mum died we became closer. She’s practically all the family I have left her and my two nephews Noah and Lachlan. She used to travel with me when I would have auditions in the states or whatever but then she became a mum and couldn’t do it as much.

What was the last thing you ate?

An Italian BMT sub from Subway. Delicious!

What animal are you most like?

A lion. I screw like one too. Think about it.

Who was the last person you talked to on the phone?

My nephew Lachlan, he turned 8 on the 5^th of December and I was calling to wish him a happy birthday. He told me he forgives me for missin’ his party but that I’d better bring him somethin’ nice when I get home. I’m pretty sure the lad threatened me!

Would you prefer a mountain hideaway or a beach hut?

Mountain hideaway. Nothin’ beats the old outback so large plains and a nice place to make a small niche is ideal.

What is your favorite sport?

Rugby. I used to play heaps when I was a lad. I still do but not as much. I have lots of other hobbies that keep me busy, drummin’ for one. I’ve been teachin’ my oldest nephew Noah how to twirl the sticks in his hand. He’s gettin’ quite good at it too.

Do you wear contacts?

Never these are my eyes, Love. Gorgeous eh? And they hide behind a set of lashes that are the envy of every woman I meet.

What's your favorite curse word?

Fuck which is interchangeable for “bloody”. I try not to use too much vulgarity while around my nephews but with the mouth their mum has it doesn’t stop ‘em from pickin’ up on a few bad habits of their own.

Do you prefer scary movies or happy endings?

Scary movies. I’m more a thriller kind of guy. I don’t do well with sad and sappy. I’d more than likely get kicked outta theater for the constant badgerin’ I do to those films. I can’t understand ‘em. You met a guy, start all sorts of drama in the poor bloke’s life and then get all pissy when he leaves? And he’s always the one to chase the dame down to apologize, go figure.

What was the last movie you saw in theaters?

That one Bourne with uh the guy from those superhero movies what was that? The Bourne Legacy. Wasn’t bad. I could stand for a bit more blood and violence but it’s somethin’ I could see again.

Do you prefer hugs or kisses?

I’m a big hugger, shocking eh? I said earlier I’m great at tonsil hockey but kisses to me are much more intimate than a hug. I can hug all day but don’t think I’m some poofter or somethin’.

Do you prefer summer or winter?

Neither. My favorite time of the year is autumn. It’s the perfect weather and there are no bugs around. Between the two though maybe winter for the same reason.

What are your biggest fears?

Flyin’ and I have to do it a lot for my job. I hate it with a passion though. 

What is your favorite dessert?

Pavlova. It’s a meringue dessert with a crisp crust topped with some sort of fruit, popular in Australia.

Do you prefer strength training or cardio?

It all depends on what I need. If for example I want somethin’ quick and easy I’ll do a little cardio, though I try and work at least two cardio sets in my day. Strength training I do on the weekends mostly.

Do you prefer television or a computer?

Computer. We’re livin’ in the age of technology. I can get television on my cell.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you choose?

James Bond. I don’t think an explanation is necessary on that.

What's your favorite joke?

I have a few of ‘em. A man limps into a bar with a cane and alligator. The bartender stops him and says “Hold on a second here - you can’t bring that animal in here, they aren’t allowed!” So the man says, “But my gator here does a really cool trick...”

The bartender says “Well then, let’s see!” So the man whips out his dick and shoves it in the gator’s mouth. He then takes his cane and starts bashing the gator in the head with it. A crowd gathers around and everyone is astonished when he pulls out his dick without a single scratch.

He looks around at the crowd and says, “Does anyone else want to try?” An old lady raises her hand and says... “Sure, but don’t hit me with that stick.”

Another is: a preacher goes into a bar and says “Anybody who wants to go to heaven, stand up.” Everybody stands up except for a drunk in the corner. The preacher says “My son, don’t you want to go to heaven when you die?” The drunk says “When I die? Sure. I thought you were taking a load up now.” Thank you! I’ll be here all night! Don’t forget to tip your waitress!

What is the farthest you’ve been from home?

The states. Though we shoot on location in so many different locales with After Midnight, originating from Australia I’d have to say that it is definitely the farthest I’ve kicked off my home rock.

Where were you born?

Woodridge, QLD. That’s Queensland for you Yanks. Born and raised on the outback of Australia and I couldn’t have chosen a more wonderful home.

Do you have a special talent?

If you count crushin’ cans against my forehead a talent, sure. Other than that I’m basically like your average bloke. I can’t juggle worth a damn but that never stops me from tryin’. I like to try everythin’ at least once. I’m a great drummer though.

How many times did you move as a child?

If you mean houses and such then I’d have to say four times. My Mum was always trying to plant her roots but wherever we ended up landin’ never seemed to suit her. It wasn’t until I was 13 that we finally found a house she could live with. I had never left the country though until I was 19. I went to Ireland on holiday with a few mates.

Have you ever had your heart broken?

Once in my 3^rd year. I gave a classmate a valentine and she returned it the next day because she got a better one from another lad in my class. Ever since then I let women approach me unless I was damn sure they’d return the sentiment.

Do you have brothers and sisters?

I have one sister, I’m the only boy. She’s 6 years older than me and a real spitfire. If you think “Bane Lockhart” is a dick in the series, then she’d be his female equivalent in real life. She’s a trash talkin’, beer guzzlin’ minx and never lets anyone walk all over her. I love her to death. When we were pips she would protect me in school. I remember this one time, a bully tried to pick a fight with me. Real large bloke about a nice rugby player sized. And me, I was no bigger than a toothpick and just as tough. She bloodied his nose and made him wet his pants. After that I never had an issue with anyone.

What story does your family always tell about you?

Probably the one about how I nearly got a woman divorced when I was 5 well not really. We were at the Queen Street Mall in Brisbane a week after it had opened and I saw this gorgeous woman in a short length blue dress and I ran over to her. After a little badgerin’ she picked me up and my hands and mouth went straight to her cleavage. Her husband came upon us at the same time my Mum came to retrieve me and by the time she pulled me off the woman’s breasts, they were red from where I’d sucked them and wet with saliva. My mum apologized and tried to convince the woman that I was still on the tit but in reality I saw a yummy set of boobs and couldn’t resist.

What was the first thing you bought with your own money?

A 1971 Ducati 750 Imola Desmo. If you know anythin’ about the bike then you’ll know it as the one that completely decimated the competition during the 1972 00 mile Imola race and made Ducati a brand name in racing.

What is your first memory of being really excited?

When my mum bought me my first Schwinn. It was bright red and had a horn. I remember afterwards though I wasn’t as excited as when I got it. I had the brilliant idea to wrap aluminum on the spokes of the wheels and my mum got after me for it. But that only made the bike more shiny.

Where do you currently reside?

Queensland not far from where I grew up.

Do you have any closing words?

Thank you to the fans who enjoy my work and keep on rockin’!

I’d like to thank you Bane for coming out to do this interview with me and I am looking forward to watching more of you on screen in After Midnight!

Aye. Nice going off.

Up next I have on the double feature is the brother of our very first interview, Charlie Savage. Hear what he has to say about After Midnight and growing up with a brother like Caleb. Stay tuned!