Andrew Liner, an established actor who can be seen on both the large and small screen, shines in his latest project, “Ransom Canyon.”
Synopsis: Welcome to Ransom Canyon, where love, loss, and loyalty collide beneath the crimson mesas of Texas Hill Country. With three ranching family dynasties locked in a contest for control of the land, their lives and legacies are threatened by outside forces intent on destroying their way of life. At the center of it all is stoic rancher Staten Kirkland (Josh Duhamel), who is healing from heartbreaking loss and on a quest for vengeance. Staten’s only glimmer of hope rests in the eyes and heart of Quinn O’Grady (Minka Kelly), longtime family friend and owner of the local dancehall. But as the battle to save Ransom wages on, a mysterious cowboy drifts into town, dredging up secrets from the past. Vise tightening, Staten fights to protect the land he calls home, and the only love that can pull him back from the demons that haunt him.
Andrew plays Reid Collins. Toeing the line between confident and cocky, Reid seemingly has the perfect life as the star quarterback of Ransom High, Lauren’s boyfriend and heir to the Collins family ranch. He was devastated when his cousin was killed in a car accident but doesn’t let that stop him from living life to the fullest as a 16-year-old with nothing to lose. Behind the arrogant exterior, though, lies a caring, emotional boy eager to be loved and with a secret that’s haunting him.
“Random Canyon” was created, written, and executively produced by April Blair (“Wednesday” “All-American”) after Netflix optioned the book series of the same name. The series stars Josh Duhamel, Minka Kelly, James Brolin, Eoin Macken, Lizzy Greene, Garrett Wareing, Andrew Liner, Jack Schumacher, Marianly Tejada, and Philip Winchester.
Check out our interview with Andrew:
“Ransom Canyon” taps into drama, legacy, and complicated relationships. What drew you to this project and your character specifically?
As a young actor in this day and age, we are lucky if we get any work. Having to go through Covid, the strike, and this odd lull period we are in now has been immensely difficult. No more auditions in the room and so much more widespread reach for every job creates this huge desire for work. So, as much as I’d like to say I picked “Ransom Canyon”, “Ransom Canyon” really picked me and I’m beyond grateful for that. Reid is a complex kid trying to do good, and I identify with that kid a lot. I wanted to explore that professionally, so when I booked “Ransom Canyon”, I was beyond thrilled to have the opportunity to do so.
You’re sharing the screen with icons like Josh Duhamel and James Brolin — what’s something surprising or memorable you learned from them on set?
All of these actors that I looked up to not only lead us with integrity and grace, but they were funny and pushed the envelope for everyone around them. I was fortunate enough to get to work with Josh, Minka, and Eoin quite a lot and learning from them on how to conduct yourself as a stand up individual was the greatest lesson I learned.
April Blair’s work always has heart. How did she help shape your character or your performance on “Ransom Canyon”?
April was open and honest with me about what she wanted, and as an actor that is the biggest thing because if I don’t know what you want because you won’t say it, we are in no man’s land. April really leaned into what type of emotions she wanted convicted and what emotions she didn’t. She wanted to see the more emotional side to Reid that maybe I wasn’t letting on entirely so we opened him up a bit more and explored his vulnerability.
This show is based on a beloved book series — how much did you lean into the source material versus building your character organically?
I think in this case, taking a character that doesn’t look like me at all in the novels my job is to cultivate the aura and energy of this character’s soul and that is the best I can do. So, I’d say I tried my best to lean into who I interpreted Reid to be.
With your role in “Ransom Canyon” and your double-duty episode in Accused, you’re clearly not afraid of emotionally heavy material. How do you prepare mentally and emotionally for roles like this?
I think being present and prepared is the secret to acting. Just talking and listening. Truly being present was one of the most important things for me to unlock the level of vulnerability necessary.
What was the most challenging scene for you to shoot on “Ransom Canyon,” and how did you push through it?
Shooting when you’re sick is never fun, and I was sick shooting the day I had to chase the horse and jar at Garrett. Also, the opening swimming pool day was a tough day too because I ended up having to sprint swim a bunch of laps and then we went onto to shoot that super technical scene with Minka when I record her incriminating herself.
Is there a moment in your career so far that made you go, ‘Whoa, this is really happening’?
I did a movie with Destry Spielberg, and it was her directorial debut so her dad Steven Spielberg was helping her in the editing room and apparently, he said something very sweet about my performance in “Please Don’t Feed the Children”.
You had the opportunity to perform at Tribeca and Locarno with Bang Bang — how did those indie festival experiences differ from something like shooting a major Netflix show?
Bang Bang was a true joy. I learned so much on that film and that is some of my favorite work of mine to date, but I shot that in 2022 and I shot “Ransom Canyon” last year. “Ransom Canyon” is out to the public and Bang Bang isn’t. So, aside from learning from literally every actor I got to work with on that film, which they are masters of their crafts in a massive way, I learned how hard it is to make an indie movie and how hard it is to sell one.
You’ve already tackled so many different genres — is there a specific type of role or story you’re manifesting for your next project?
I just want to tell complete stories with interesting characters that are full of life. Also, doing a comedy that is actually funny would be amazing. Funny like anything Vince Vaughn has done or Ben Stiller or Jim Carrey etc.
You were almost on the path to becoming a tennis pro. Do you see any overlap between what it takes to be a strong athlete and a strong actor?
Tennis to me imitates life, and every day I use the skills tennis has taught me to better myself in my professional and personal life. Control the controllables! Practice patience. Learn how to lose. The list goes on.
How do you balance your creative side with your athletic and musical passions?
I try to do all those things every week because it frees me up mentally to then freshly go attack the next thing. Often times, my most groundbreaking breakthroughs come from tennis or music or acting, but always when I’m not doing the thing at that time. Like when I’m making music or singing, I’ll figure something out about my acting or tennis.
What’s a “Celeb Secret” about “Ransom Canyon” or your career that fans wouldn’t know just by watching?
The party outside in episode one when I tell Lucas to stay away from my woman; It snowed an hour later and everything was covered in white. We faked that summer party literally in the snow.
What’s the most “pinch me” moment you’ve had on set so far?
Any time I get to see an actor I adore like Josh, Minka, or Tim I really watch them and try to soak up everything I can.
What do you want fans to feel when they watch “Ransom Canyon” — and what do you hope they take away from your performance specifically?
I just hope they have fun, and hopefully connect with Reid and see the good in him.
