Brendan Taylor Talks ‘The Arrangement’ [Exclusive Interview]

The wickedly talented Brendan Taylor has flexed his muscles both in front of the camera and behind it. In addition to his acting credits, he has worked as a set dresser for a number of television shows and films.

Taylor can be seen in front of the camera on shows like Supernatural, The Magicians, and Fargo. His credits for set dresser include Supernatural, Falling Skies, and The Killing, among others.

Next, you can find him on The Arrangement playing the role of Isaac.

I had a few questions for Taylor about his role on The Arrangement, what sparked his interest in show business, what he’s learned from behind the scenes work, and more.

Tell-Tale TV: When did you first realize you wanted to get into acting?

Brendan Taylor: I always loved movies, TV, cartoons, and video games growing up, and I’d often play outside with my friends pretending to be characters from them. Though I was a pretty shy kid, I decided to take an elective drama class in my first year of high school. I had a great teacher who really emphasized the playing aspect of acting because acting should be fun!

However, even though I graduated with acting awards in high school, I couldn’t see how it could be a realistic career, and I still had some growing up to do and confidence to gain.

I went to college, explored other subjects, but none of which I felt as passionate about as acting. It wasn’t til my mid-20s that I rediscovered acting and committed myself fully to it.

Tell-Tale TV: You’ve also had quite a few credits as a set dresser. What led you to pursue behind the scenes work?

Brendan Taylor: I actually grew up on film sets. My mother and my uncle were in the business. My uncle was a key grip and my mother was an art director, both mainly for commercials.

So I would go hang out with my mom on set and help out with decorating sets — then I started getting paid to help, then met other people in the industry, and took off from there.

When I finished college, I was so tired of being a poor student, I joined the film industry which can provide well-paying work, though long hours. I proved to be a pretty hard worker, so I worked consistently on shows around town in different positions and met countless successful actors, which only enhanced my love of film and acting.

Tell-Tale TV: On shows like Supernatural, you went from behind the camera to in front of it. What is the biggest take away you gleaned from that experience?

Brendan Taylor: There were a handful of times in my career where I managed to work on the sets, and then go act on that set! Not many people can say that. For one, I’m made tons of friends.

I usually know at least one or two people on each film set I work on around town, whether they be crew I worked with in set dec or actors I’ve acted with. I was pretty thrilled to get on Supernatural as Officer Doug and walk down the hall from my wardrobe fitting to the set dec office and pop my head in. They were all very stoked for me.

But the biggest takeaway that I remain keenly aware of today, is the respect for the rest of the crew, and the other aspects of the film-making process.

I’m so aware of the effort and care put into the sets, the lighting, the camera setups etc, that I just feel like a cog in the finely-tuned machine like everyone else, and I will do everything possible in my position to get the best end product.

Tell-Tale TV: What drew you to want to be a part of The Arrangement?

Brendan Taylor: An audition did! Initially, it was just like any other casting process. The Arrangement was a new series that began shooting in town, and if it’s an original series starting up, we as actors don’t always get much info to do any research.

I liked the concept of the show, so when I got the audition, I did what I do every time I get one: prep the audition as best I can and do my best. I do remember wearing an actual white lab coat for the audition, as Isaac was listed as being a scientist.

Most people don’t have one kicking around, but many actors do. If anything, it helped me feel more “sciency.” After landing the role, and then being brought back for Season 2, I definitely wanted to see how The Institute of the Higher Mind (IHM) would implement the use of science, aka Isaac, to help further its goals.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you say is your favorite thing about your character, Isaac?

Brendan Taylor: I love that Isaac is a proud nerd. I’ve definitely come to terms that I am one myself. I like that he’s intelligent, quick-witted, and confident in his actions, and can give and take a ribbing from his old buddy Terence.

They don’t see eye to eye on everything but also need each other, so it always makes for an interesting and entertaining dynamic.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s the biggest challenge in playing this role?

Brendan Taylor: Honestly, the science jargon. I definitely have a mouthful to say at times, and while I understand most of what I say when I read the script, I’ll admit I sometimes need to read up on some of the terms and concepts he talks about.

Which is actually one of the greatest parts of acting: reading up and learning about things, places, and people in this world which you otherwise might not have known about.

Tell-Tale TV: Is there anything you can share about what the fans can expect from The Arrangement Season 2?

Last season we saw Megan’s rise to stardom, the beginnings of her relationship with Kyle, and his complicated and important relationship with IHM.

This season we can expect to follow Megan in her budding career, we see what it’s like for “Kygan” to balance their working relationship and their romantic relationship in an industry with high stakes and pressures coming from all directions, and we see how that drama carries into their home life.

Meanwhile, Terence tries to keep them under control while tirelessly trying to build the IHM profile. And Isaac has some new ideas on how to bring the Institute to the next level!

Tell-Tale TV: What’s been the most memorable experience from any of the shows or films you’ve worked on?

Brendan Taylor: I have to say working on Supernatural, and coming back to the show was a really special experience. Not just because I love playing Doug and his storyline with Donna, but working on the show with the rest of the cast, and interacting with the fans is so great.

Another totally memorable experience was flying to Calgary to shoot Fargo Season 2. Not just working on one of my favorite shows of all time, but meeting the all-star cast. I played Pierre, an old Hollywood actor in a black and white movie. Such a unique role in an exquisite television show.

Tell-Tale TV: Are there any other future projects we can look forward to from you?

Brendan Taylor: I just recently recurred on The Magicians as Howard the Librarian, definitely check out that show if you haven’t! There’s nothing quite like it on TV, and it’s also building a huge fanbase.

And I was also recently in a romantic Hallmark movie called Love Once, And Always, and just completed another Hallmark project, part of an existing well-known series, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.

Tell-Tale TV: Do you have a current favorite television show? If so, what is it?

Brendan Taylor: I just recently finished watching the last season of Narcos on Netflix, and I have to say I’m so impressed with that show. The production value is so high, and the casting and acting are really phenomenal. Definitely worth adding to the binge list!

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Be sure to catch Brendan Taylor on The Arrangement, airing Sundays at 9/8c on E!

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