PAW PATROL: THE MOVIE
Area teen lands dream job
When Will Brisbin of Sherwood Park landed the role of Ryder in Paw Patrol: The Movie, he wasn't even allowed to tell his younger siblings.
“It was a big secret,” says the 16-year-old Brisbin from Toronto, where he was attending the premiere of the highly-anticipated film spinoff of the successful children's show. “From February of 2020 when I found out until October of that same year my mouth was completely shut.”
Considering the fact his nineyear-old brother is an avowed fan, it was probably for the best. The Canadian show, which was renewed for a ninth season back in February, has become a North American sensation.
Set in the fictional town of Adventure Bay, Paw Patrol follows the exploits of a crew of search-and-rescue dogs infused with super powers gained from a radioactive meteor; Ryder is their 10-year-old human leader. The computer-animated feature is opening in theatres Friday.
Only a few members of the TV cast have added their voices to the movie version, including Kim Roberts as Mayor Goodway and Ron Pardo as both Mayor Humdinger and Cap'n Turbot.
Brisbin is part of the new crew, taking over from five other actors who voiced Ryder, the human leader of Paw Patrol, before him.
He's certainly got the chops; in his short local career, Brisbin has played Tiny Tim in A Christmas Carol at the Citadel Theatre and picked up roles in locally-produced TV shows like Caution: May Contain Nuts.
Now he's rubbing virtual, animated shoulders with some of Hollywood's biggest stars such as Dax Shepard, Kim Kardashian, Jimmy Kimmel, Iain Armitage and Tyler Perry.
We spoke with Brisbin about the challenges of tackling such an iconic role.
Q Making a movie during the pandemic must have been interesting. How did you go about recording your part?
A I did all of my voice recording work in Edmonton with the director, Cal Brunker, helping from where he was. I didn't get to hear any of the other actors, and I never got to see any of the animation. I was just in the booth, alone with the director on Zoom with an ipad beside me. I'd say my lines multiple times in different ways, but I had no idea what the other actor's line was before me. It was really challenging, but also fun.
Q How did you prepare for the role?
A My brother has been a huge fan all of his life so it was always on in the house and I've watched it with him. Once I got the role I started to study the character more as I watched. Then I would practice being the character in the mirror for 30 minutes a day, just building it and getting comfortable.
Q You've had no contact with the other actors?
A I texted back and forth with Iain Armitage once or twice, but haven't really had any contact with the others. I was hoping I would get the chance to talk to them or meet, but unfortunately never got the opportunity. Maybe in the future.
Q A number of different actors have voiced Ryder over the eight seasons the show's been on. Did you find it a little intimidating?
A Those were huge shoes to fill. Ryder is the leader of the Paw Patrol so there was definitely a lot of pressure, but in a way that made it so much fun. I actually haven't fully comprehended the fact that I'm the character and that kids are going to be hearing my voice. I just can't believe that all my dreams are coming through; it's amazing.
Q There are so many children's shows out there, but Paw Patrol really does stand above. What do you think the appeal is to kids?
A I think kids love it so much because it's just an escape into this world where really anything is possible. A dog can be a police officer or construction worker, so disbelief is basically suspended for kids. They're encouraged to use their imagination.
Q Have you seen the film yet? A Once in early development, and then once when it was super close to being done. Both times were on a laptop in my bedroom so I haven't gotten the full experience yet.
Q Usually when a children's show gets translated to the screen, there's a certain effort to make it appealing to adults as well. Can we expect that from Paw Patrol: The Movie as well? A Yeah, compared to the show, there's a lot of high-paced action sequences in the film and a lot more comedy. It's a really funny movie, and it's geared as much towards families as kids. There's a lot of good life lessons about courage, friendship, and love, so it's really for everybody.
Since Paw Patrol's biggest fans tend to be preteens, with some notable parental exceptions, we decided to let them ask Brisbin a few questions about the show.
Brisbin was happy to oblige, though he notes his answers are merely observations and can't be taken as canonical.
Declan Ash-lobkowicz, 5: Why did Chase the German shepherd decide to become a police officer?
A I think that he became a police officer because he wanted to overcome past emotional trauma, and make sure that nothing bad ever happened to anybody else.
Sloan Ash-lobkowicz, 2: What does Skye the Cockapoo like to eat?
A Lots of puppy treats. She's sometimes picky with her dinner, but she always loves treats.
I actually haven't fully comprehended the fact that I'm the character and that kids are going to be hearing my voice.
Jack Davis, 6: How does the Pup Pack work?
A It's basically like a normal backpack, but all of the gadgets and other stuff are compressed inside. By the press of a button it all expands, and the compartments open up and reveal the gadgets.
Elliette Bellous, 7: How does a meteor make you magic?
A That's a good one. It has to do with this special magic space that the meteor brings along as it travels through space, and then it brings all of the magic back to Earth.
Rob Johnson, 50: Does Ryder have doggie duty, or do they have a production assistant for that?
A Most of the duty falls on Ryder.
Robin Hunter, 52: Why do they always let Mayor Humdinger off with a warning on the TV show? A That's because Paw Patrol doesn't actually want to arrest people, they just want to teach them valuable lessons.