Matthew Kevin Anderson on Why ‘SkyMed’ is Different From Other Medical TV Shows You’ve Seen [Interview]

Medical dramas have filled our television landscape for the past several years. When a new one pops up, it is hard to tell if we need to invest our time in a new cast of characters or stick with the old standbys. After all, there’s so much television and so little time.

Well, let me tell you, binge-watching SkyMed may be the highlight of your week. This new series focuses on bush pilots and nurses doing all that they can to rescue civilians who may not be able to be reached any other way.  

We had a few questions for Matthew Kevin Anderson — who you might recognize from Chesapeake Shores, or his appearances on Supernatural and The Flash — about his role as Brad on SkyMed. 

Interview with Matthew Kevin Anderson, SkyMed

Tell-Tale TV: How did you first come to be a part of SkyMed?

Matthew Kevin Anderson: I heard about the project and wanted to be a part of it. I reached out to my agent and things started moving from there.

We shot in Winnipeg, Canada over the course of 6 months, and it was wild to see that city go from summer to a full-on frozen tundra in the winter. I’ve never been in cold like that before.

Tell-Tale TV: With so many medical dramas on television right now, what makes SkyMed stand out?

Anderson: SkyMed is unlike any medical show out there. First of all, it’s inspired by true events. The show’s creator, Julie Puckrin, comes from a long line of bush pilots* and she wrote the show around a lot of their experiences.

It’s a world that I haven’t seen represented on television before, and there are many different factors involved other than just medical drama — it has a lot of heart and action.

*(Bush pilots operate aircraft in rough terrain where there are often no prepared landing strips or runways. It is the only viable way of delivering people and supplies into more difficult-to-reach, remote locations.)

Tell-Tale TV: What can you tell us about your character on the series?

Anderson: Brad likes to stir the pot. I would say he makes life a little more difficult for everyone on the show.

Tell-Tale TV: What’s been the biggest challenge for you in playing this role or working on the series overall?

Anderson: Honestly, the weather. Shooting in Winnipeg, Manitoba at -7°f (-22°c) was a first for me. It’s very cold and creates a new set of challenges as an actor.

There was a day when we had to do pick-up shots from a scene in August where I was wearing a t-shirt, but we had to actually shoot it in November. It was way beyond freezing and I had to pretend it was summer and 86°f (30°c).

I was intensely focused on not shivering through the whole scene, and then the director came out of his tent and told me I couldn’t breathe because you could see my breath in the shot. I don’t know if I’ve ever gotten that note from a director before: ”Hey Matthew, don’t breathe!”

I don’t know how we got through it. But aside from that, the cast and crew were awesome, and we had a blast on the show.

Tell-Tale TV: What is the best thing about working on the set of SkyMed?

Anderson: As always, I would say the people. I love the film industry. It’s a community, and you can’t do it on your own.

When everyone is coming together with a common goal and a lot of passion and drive to make something the best it can possibly be — that energy is awesome! It’s why I love the job. I am very grateful for every crew I’ve worked with and the cast of actors I get to play with, and SkyMed was no different.

Tell-Tale TV: Has the role of Brad taught you any life lessons?

Anderson: Yeah, don’t be an asshole. [laughs]

Tell-Tale TV: Your roles have varied from “the average Joe” to a demon, and even super villain. Which kind of role do you prefer and why?

Anderson: I like playing roles that are challenging in some way and are very different from me. I also love doing things that I can’t do in real life. So, playing bad guys and doing stunts and action is a lot of fun for me.

I recently did a movie called Corrective Measures that’s out on Tubi right now. It stars Bruce Willis and Michael Rooker. Running around in a prison riot battling supervillain inmates — you don’t get to do that every Tuesday and I love it.

Tell-Tale TV: What would you like your acting career to be known for?

Anderson: Entertaining. I want to make people laugh, cry, and have a good time.

I want to be known for always giving everything I have and leaving it all on the screen. I want to be known for a wide range of roles and as someone who loves what he does; I want people to be entertained.

Tell-Tale TV: What are your interests outside of acting?

Anderson: The list is long but at the top, I love to travel. All my other interests like scuba diving, cliff jumping, sailing, biking, and reading books on the beach can be found under the travel umbrella.

I love experiencing new cultures, languages, food, and architecture. Getting on a plane is how I reward myself.

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SkyMed is currently streaming on Paramount+

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