IN CONVERSATION WITH BRYAN GREENBERG

interview by JANA LETONJA

Actor, director and producer Bryan Greenberg will be next seen in a starring role in NBC’s ‘Suits: LA’, premiering today (23rd February). As an expansion of the acclaimed ‘Suits’ universe, the series is one of the most highly-anticipated spinoffs in years. Bryan also recently made his directorial debut with ‘Junction’, a modern day opioid crisis thriller he also wrote and starred in alongside Jamie Chung and Sophia Bush.

‘Suits: LA’ is a highly anticipated expansion of the ‘Suits’ universe. What drew you to the role of Rick Dodson, and how does he fit into the world of Black Lane Law?

I was attracted to Rick's ambition and code of ethics. I think he's the moral compass of the show. I find it interesting to play a character who strives to maintain his morality in a business and a town full of snakes. As an actor, I'm always looking for obstacles, and the setting of Hollywood dealings provides plenty of conflicts for Rick.

full look BRUNELLO CUCINELLI
loafers DR. MARTENS

The series focuses on the entertainment division of Black Lane Law. How does this unique setting influence the drama and the dynamics between the characters?

I think the show really works because of the office politics. It's got the tone of the original ‘Suits’, mixed in with a little ‘Entourage’ and ‘Mad Men’. I've been fortunate enough to be working in the film/TV business for almost 30 years. It's a crazy business that attracts the most eccentric and talented people in the world, but also the craziest, so there's no shortage of stories to tell in this setting.

Rick Dodson is determined to stay ahead of his rival, Erica Rollins. How would you describe their rivalry, and what makes their dynamic compelling for audiences? 

Rick and Erica are two sides of the same coin, both highly ambitious and competitive, but their approach is very different. Erica is a fighter. I think she has had to fight for her way all her life. Nothing was handed to her. But with that comes a lack of trust and she's extremely guarded. Rick however is more earnest in his approach to success. He's gotten to where he's at by being the first one in the office, reading every script, returning every e-mail, basically doing the grunt work that needs to be done. Rick cares deeply for his clients and I think there's a bit of an artist in him, but his talent is caring about artists and understanding deals and contracts.There's a lot of tension between him and Erica, which makes for great comedy and drama. 

The ‘Suits’ franchise is known for its sharp dialogue and high-stakes drama. How does ‘Suits: LA’ build on the original series while carving out its own identity?

It's got the DNA of the original ‘Suits.’ It's the same show-runner, Aaron Korsh, most of the original writing staff, and most of the directors who worked on the original. We even have the same costume designer so the suits are fire. But the cast is completely different. While we're appreciative of the original and the success of the show, we are all focused on creating our own show that can stand on its own two feet.

You’ve been part of so many iconic TV series, from ‘One Tree Hill’ to ‘How to Make It in America’. How do you choose projects, and what is the most important aspect when choosing new projects?

I don't know if I chose the projects or if the projects chose me. I think the universe always has a way of providing if you allow yourself to be open to it. I love drama, and I love comedy. Ideally I can find a job where I get a chance to do both. That's why ‘Suits: LA’ has been rewarding creativity. 

full look JONATHAN SIMKHAI

Your directorial debut ‘Junction’ tackled the opioid crisis in a compelling way. What inspired you to step behind the camera, and how did that experience shape your perspective on storytelling?

‘Junction’ was a real passion project of mine. I'm a very hands-on actor. I like to be involved with every part of the story telling phase that I can be without overstepping. But I wanted more involvement, so I wrote, produced, directed, and acted in ‘Junction’. In hindsight, it was probably too much and I won't wear all those hats at once again, but I learned so much. That film is one of the proudest achievements of my career because it's so hard to get a film made independently, especially about the opioid crisis. But we did it, and it was well received. Honestly, now after that experience just being an actor feels so much easier. 

Balancing writing, directing, and acting in ‘Junction’ must have been challenging. How did you navigate those roles, and what did you learn from the process?

The answer to everything was taking my ego out of it. I do realise that might be ironic coming from someone who wrote, directed, and starred in their own movie, but I always said the best idea wins. If my editor had an idea, or wardrobe, or a producer, I would take my ego out of it and let the story be told. Basically I just had to get out of the way and tell the story. The story trumped everything. And when you think about it that way, everything fell into place. 

After directing ‘Junction’, are there other stories or genres you’re eager to explore in future projects?

Oh for sure, I'm hooked now. I definitely want to direct more. 

What has so far been the highlight of your career, and why? 

Hard to say because I've been blessed with so many great experiences. I treat every project I'm on like it's a highlight because I'm so grateful for the opportunity to work. You never know what audiences will respond to. Some of the projects that nobody saw, I loved, and some projects I didn't even watch because I wasn't that into it, are huge hits. You never know. It's not my job to know. It's my job to show up and give it my all and let it react how it reacts.

With such a successful and varied career, what’s next for you? Are there any upcoming projects or ventures you can share with us about?

I've got a few things I'm working on producing, but too early to speak about yet. Between ‘Suits: LA’ and raising my kids I got my hands full at the moment. 

TEAM CREDITS:

talent BRYAN GREENBERG
photography PERAZNA
styling HANNAH KERRI VISELLI
hair TANYA ALIAN at A-Frame Agency
makeup CAROLINA BALLESTERO
styling assistant ARIANNA THODÉ
editor TIMOTEJ LETONJA
editorial direct and interview JANA LETONJA