A Chat with Quibi’s ‘Don’t Look Deeper’ Star Harvey Zielinski

Nominated for a Heath Ledger Scholarship for his work in the groundbreaking web series Starting From…Now!, Australian, trans actor Harvey Zielinski scored a major break by being cast in Catherine Hardwicke’s new Quibi series, Don’t Look Deeper.

Premiering late last month, Don’t Look Deeper centers on a high school senior who cannot seem to shake the feeling that something is not right about her. The revelation of what she is, where she comes from, and who has started to look for her sets in motion a series of events that suddenly puts her entire life in jeopardy.

Zielinski plays Abel, a villainous character who runs a tech empire alongside his brother. OUT FRONT had the opportunity to chat more with him about his role and how he is a public advocate for the representation of transgender actors, characters, and stories.Hi, Harvey! Thank you so much for taking some time to chat with me. How are things in the land down under?
Not too bad. I am in Melbourne, and we are in lockdown again which is difficult, but for the best. This time has been allowing me to focus on my writing.

You play Abel in Quibi’s new show, Don’t Look Deeper. Can you tell us more about the character and your experience on the show?
Without giving too much away, Abel is part of a tech empire with his brother, Noah, and he is kind of responsible for the dirty work that needs to get done in the company. So, he is the more underhanded one. He uses less diplomacy as a tactic than Noah does. Less of a public face and more of an unknown entity.

As for my experience on the show, it was a complete whirlwind because I got cast very quickly. Then I chatted with Catherine Hardwicke on Skype, which was amazing. I have been an admirer of her work for a very long time. When I got cast, I don’t think the whole process took more than maybe a maximum of two weeks. It was very quick. My first day on set, I was shooting with Don Cheadle and Emily Mortimer, which was quite mind blowing. It was wild. I have admired their work for so long, as well.

Related Article: Tituss Burgess Spills the ‘Peeno Noir’ for Us 

Why did you want to be involved with this production?
I just thought it was such a fascinating, gripping story. I think at the heart of it, there is a really clever and powerful metaphor about what humanity is and how we define or validate that for other people. It’s about artificial intelligence, but it can be applied to so much more in the world, and that theme resonated very strongly.

When someone asks why they should watch this show, what do you say?
Because the cast is just stunning. Like, I’m not saying that because I’m in it, but I’ve watched the show, and I am just blown away by their performances, and it’s shot so beautifully. Catherine and Patrick have done such an incredible job of shooting and editing. It’s sublime, fascinating, and gripping. It is very addictive. You know, a real page turner, and it has some interesting themes about technology and humanity.

How has Don’t Look Deeper been received by audiences?
Everything I have heard has been really positive. I hope and think people are receiving it very well.

Have you always had a passion for acting?
Yes, I got pushed into drama classes by my parents when I was 8 years old. It was to increase self-confidence, but from that point, I just never did anything else. I have always done it. As a trans actor, do you believe the entertainment industry is getting better at casting trans people and showing trans representation?
Yeah, it is certainly getting better. There has been some great representation in recent years, new people kind of rising to the forefront, and so many fantastic actors coming forward. That’s not to say we don’t still have a long way to go in terms of representation and giving people opportunities they deserve.

Do you believe that only trans people should portray trans characters?
Yes, I do. I think when opportunities are already so limited for the community in the entertainment industry, it is really vital that trans actors get to portray trans characters, and that is for authenticity and sensitivity reasons as well. Why would you deny a transgender actor an opportunity to represent themselves on screen?

Have you faced any major challenges in terms of casting in your career?
I think I have been quite fortunate, but to know what challenges we do or don’t face because you’re not privy to the other side of the conversation, and it’s easy to kind of worry and fantasize about these things in our heads as I think all actors do. I’m not sure. I think the broader challenge is, often as a trans actor, I think that it’s maybe the first thing that people see about me, or the first thing they know about me, and that’s a difficult perception to then disrupt. Be like, hey, I’m actually an individual and real, multifaceted. There’s so much stuff you don’t know about me. So, your introduction sort of proceeds you which can be a little bit frustrating.

What more do hope to accomplish with your platform as a trans actor?
I am a very public advocate for the continuation of bettering transgender representation. I want young queer kids to feel represented and stood up for. That people are in their corner, and they can see themselves. As an actor, I am ambitious, and I want to always be working, like many of us.

What’s next? Do you have any other upcoming projects we should be on the lookout for?
I am waiting on the release of an Australian feature film called My First Summer which stars Markella Kavenagh and Maiah Stewardson. It’s directed by Katie Found, and it’s a beautiful coming of age, queer, Australian love story. I play a police officer, so I am looking forward to that, and the release of season of an ABC comedy series called Why Are You Like This.

To stay up-to-date with Zielinski, follow him on social media, or visit harveyzielinski.com.

Photos Courtesy of Quibi