Lifetime is back with another July V.C. Andrews movie: V.C. Andrews’ Dawn-Part 2: Secrets Of The Morning, premiering July 15 at 8 p.m. on the network. We at Survived The Shows had the great pleasure of chatting with Jason Cermak, who plays Randolph Cutler, about his role, and what we can expect from the limited series. Check out the full interview below!
Can you tell us a little bit about your character and how he fits into the story of “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn/Secrets of the Morning“?
JASON CERMAK: Randolph Cutler is son of Lillian Cutler, father to Dawn, Clara Jean and Phillip Cutler. His wife is Laura Jean Cutler whom he has been in love with since the day they met. Randolph is a kind and gentle by nature but has been formed into a submissive and fearful shell of a man who idolizes his mother, Lillian. He is exactly what his mother wanted to mould him to be. He tries his best to keep the peace and supress any uncomfortable emotions. Randolph was revealed to be Dawn’s birth father but he doesn’t seem to know how to behave in that role.
What initially drew you to the role and made you want to be a part of this limited series?
JASON CERMAK: I am a VC Andrews fan; having been introduced to the books after booking the role of Troy Tatterton in the VC Andrews “Heaven” series. It’s a real privilege to be able to play two different characters in two different VC Andrews series. There is an innocent vulnerability that Troy and Randolph share. They both just cope with the insane world of VC Andrews in different ways. I really enjoyed exploring what made Randolph tic; he is very much a victim of his mother Littlian and a prisoner in the Culter empire.
How did you prepare for your character and get into their mindset for the role?
JASON CERMAK: I dove heavily into the books. VC Andrews does an exquisite job of describing all of her character nuances. I looked at his behaviour as a whole through his entire story arch, as well as his relationships and then dove into modern psychology to better understand his coping mechanisms, even mental illness he was suffering. Once I had a better understanding of Randolph I dove into music from the early 70’s to try to find music that resonated with him. Simon and Garfunkel really connected with the character.
What was it like working with the rest of the cast, and did you have any particularly memorable moments on set?
JASON CERMAK: Every single cast member was an absolute joy to work with. Brec has such an infectious smile and energy, and her chemistry with Khobe Clark (Jimmy Longchamp) and Dane Schioler (Phillip Cutler) was real both on and off the screen. The three of them would have me laughing in the green room every single day. Donna Mills is an absolute legend and it was surreal getting to work with her; she is such a fantastic actor. And my wife Laura Jean (Miranda Frigon) was just the best to work with as well.
Some memorable moments; Miranda giving me an actual slap for Randolph to “Snap out of it” took the director by surprise. Putting that wig on every day and having the hair department give me baby corn rows to clip it in place. Khobe driving away in the vintage set vehicle and the brakes giving out and him jumping out of the car to stop it Fred Flintstone style. The door opening by itself in the creepy location of Lillian’s study; (the house is apparently haunted and mid scene the door opens itself and Brec freaked out.)
Can you describe your character’s journey throughout the show and how she transforms over the course of the story?
JASON CERMAK: Overall, Randolph has found his place working for his mother in the hotel, and ignorance is bliss where his wife is concerned. Dawn’s arrival is absolutely joyous as he thought she was lost forever and it has always pained him. Dawn and Radolph do share a bond in that they are both prisoners Lillian and the cutler family, but Dawn rises to the challenge where as Randolph’s identity is so tied up in his mother that when she passes he cannot cope. He is what would have happened to Dawn if she were not able to break free of Lillian’s control.
Can you tell us about any challenges you faced while filming “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn/Secrets of the Morning” limited series and how you overcame them?
JASON CERMAK: There is a scene where I have to walk into the ocean, and it was November in the Pacific North West, very very cold. I prepped for the scene by doing cold dips and studying Wim Hof method. It was well worth it because the scene came out really well. I’m proud of it.
What message do you hope viewers take away from “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn/Secrets of the Morning” after watching it?
JASON CERMAK: Don’t have sex with your siblings. (HAHA!)
What was your favorite scene to film in the series, and why?
JASON CERMAK: There is a scene where Randolph starts to come apart in the next movie, and the director and I had a little fun with Brec, throwing her some unexpected behaviour in the scene. It was a lot of fun to shoot.
Finally, what can viewers expect from your character and the overall story of “V.C. Andrews’ Dawn/Secrets of the Morning” series, and why should they tune in to watch it?
JASON CERMAK: VC Andrews was doing twisted family tree stories well before Game of Thrones; they can expect more jaw dropping revelations in this series. I think fans of the books will appreciate seeing the characters come to life, but the true fans will notice some differences where the series differed from the books.
What can you tease about your next projects?
JASON CERMAK: Keep an eye out for me this Christmas on Hallmark Channel with Greer Grammer in “Creating Christmas”, a romantic story of a jaded children’s book author and his wonderful illustrator. Also this Christmas starring along side of Lori Loughlin, James Tupper and Jessie Hutch in Great American Family’s “Blessings of Christmas”. I am just about to start production on another thriller movie called “Bloodline” for the Lifetime network.
V.C. Andrews’ Dawn-Part 2: Secrets Of The Morning, starring Jason Cermak, will premiere July 15 at 8 p.m. on Lifetime Channel.
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Desirèe
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