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VisitorSite.net Special Feature: David Richmond-Peck ("Georgie Sutton") Interview

By Craig Byrne - VisitorSite.net Webmaster

Please simply link to this interview rather than reposting it on other websites and forums. Thanks!

David Richmond-Peck is a Leo Award-winning actor whose previous credits include the first Fantastic Four movie, Traveler, Smallville, and The Day The Earth Stood Still. For V fans, he's best known as Georgie Sutton - a man whose entire life was ruined by an earlier coming of the Visitors. Appearing in three of the series' first four episodes, Georgie has quickly become a fan favorite.

In this exclusive VisitorSite.net interview, Mr. Richmond-Peck talks about the Georgie role and what has gone into him, and he also discusses his own interaction with the show's many fans as well as some upcoming projects... be warned there are spoilers for the November 24 "2009 finale" of V within.

Questions are in bold; Mr. Richmond-Peck's answers are not. Enjoy the interview!

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When you first got the script for Episode #4, reading that first scene, were you worried it could be the end for Georgie?

I was worried about that in the pilot - lol. You really never know what’s going to happen. Just before I started to read that script I had conversation with Scott Peters. So, at the time, I was already aware of Georgie’s ”accident”. But even if I hadn’t, I still think it would have been a great read. One of the fantastic things about a show like this is you are constantly being surprised by the writing staff. As an actor it’s fascinating because you’re constantly learning new things about the life and behavior of this character you have created. I almost wish I hadn’t known beforehand.

What do you feel is Georgie's role in the anti-Visitor Resistance?

That’s not really for me to answer. I won’t know until I get the scripts but if you have some hot tips I’d love to hear them

At what point did the producers reveal to you the truth about Georgie's past?

I actually can’t remember. But it didn’t matter. While analyzing the text in the pilot it was very apparent Georgie didn’t have anyone close to him. Except, obviously, a dark past with someone who now didn’t want to talk to him. That being said I had already decided that he had suffered massive loss. I made quite detailed decisions about that in the creation of the character. When the script for the third episode arrived I just had a somewhat new set of details to play with. I say “play” because that’s what it’s like. It’s a great escape into the imagination to figure out how this new information changes him. I was very pleased it was written. It just makes Georgie all that more interesting.

Did you have any input into fleshing out Georgie's backstory?

No, no, no. I leave that to the writing staff – they are way more qualified. However, I do think it’s a two way street at times. Performance can influence writing as well. It’s kind of like a dance in the beginning of a show as both teams work to figure out who the character is. The whole process becomes a collaboration. It’s funny, acting is a team sport, but in the end it’s all about the writing. We’re the vessel.

Was there anything different about how you played the character between the first and fourth episodes?

No. I think I was pretty specific with who this character was from the start. It then became a true collaboration with Yves Simoneau during the pilot. In fact, the collaboration started during the audition. Yves has a way of shaping decisions and bringing out your best. That being said, Georgie’s actual being or ‘true self’ was always the same. What does (and did) happen is that I get to experience Georgie changing while going through his life. Scenes such as in the warehouse, or when he first sees Ryan, or when he discovers Father Jack has looked into the heart of his past. Things did “change,” but because of the character’s circumstances and not because of interpretation. It’s the fun of participating in long story arcs. It always stays interesting.

How do you think Georgie is accepting the truth of Ryan's being a Visitor?

I think I’ll let the writers decide that. However, they clearly have some issues. It’s complicated. To say more would give too much of what’ going on in Georgie’s mind.

Is Georgie's insistence on a more child-like name a throwback to his past that he tries to hold on to because of his personal tragedy?

That is a crazy psychic question. I’ll be smiling about that for a while. My fiancée and I talked, at length, about that very thing. To say more would give too much of what’s going on in Georgie’s mind. But in short: Yes.

Had you worked with any of the V cast and crew before?

I had never worked with the cast but I was very familiar with Elizabeth Mitchell. I’m a huge “Lost” fan. When it comes to the crew? Absolutely. I’ve worked with most of them. They really are the best. I’ve worked with Mike Wrinch, our A-camera operator on a ton of projects. It’s a very special feeling to know there are people enthusiastically supporting you while on set. It makes a massive difference.

Is there anyone specific that you've worked with that you think merits special mention or attention?

That’s a huge list. My first instinct is everyone. I mean it. However, I must say, I love watching Joel Gretsch. I think he’s a fascinating actor. Morris and Elizabeth are super-talented as well. It’s a very intelligent group of people and that always makes it more fun. And then there’s Kelly-Ruth, my partner in Creative Crime.

You're one of the few V cast members with your own Twitter account. Do you feel that an interaction with the show's fandom is important?

Without the fans there would be no show. I also think it’s important to know your audience. I don’t always have time to answer everyone but I think it’s nice to let people know you hear them. I enjoy it.

Have you seen some of the online reaction to the Georgie character?

Yeah, I have. People have been very kind. It’s rewarding to work so hard and have such supportive viewers. I really do appreciate it. But I also love the fact that people get behind Anna. It starts this whole Visitor/Anti-Visitor movement among the viewers. It’s the great thing about this show. Almost everyone has a character they can root for.

What initially drew you to the V project?

My audition! But after that: The character. I think, as an actor, I really understood that Georgie had something to say. I find the character extremely interesting. For me it’s always about the character. Saying any more would give away too much insight into Georgie.

Had you been a fan of the original V?

I was. I was also too young to remember a lot of it. I just remember being very scared. A lot of people have asked me if I went back to watch the original while preparing for the pilot. I didn’t. As an actor my mind is very susceptible to what I see. I didn’t want to influence Georgie’s creation in any way. Even watching the original now would be too soon. I plan to buy and watch it when I know my days of playing Georgie are over.

What projects do you have coming up that readers might like to be made more aware of?

I worked on Joe Carnahan’s prequel to “Smokin’ Aces” directed by P.J. Pesce just before starting “V”. That comes out in January. I was recently approached about a couple of new films but it’s too early to comment on either of them. I shot a Guest Star on “Fringe” immediately after finishing “V” and I’m sure there will be a few others before Christmas. At least I hope so!

VisitorSite.net's Craig Byrne would like to thank Mr. Richmond-Peck for taking the time to participate in this interview. You can find his own official Twitter at @richmondpeck. Also, all fans of Georgie and the actor who plays him are invited to visit our forum threads dedicated to the actor and the character!

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