Sundance hit 'Uncle Frank' premieres on Amazon Prime; Actress Britt Rentschler chats with the Rival Team about the filming process and acting in 2020
The incredibly talented Britt Rentschler is an actress everyone should watch out for. With her talent, there is no wonder she landed a role as ‘Charlotte’ in the newest Amazon Studios drama “Uncle Frank”. In this exclusive interview with Rival Magazine, Britt walks us through the process of getting cast for the show, takes us back to how she realized acting was meant to be and gives us an insight into what her future might look like.
1. What is your background and how did you get involved in the entertainment industry?
My background is in theatre, which really just means years and years of yelling out, “Hey Mom and Dad, watch this!” and luckily, they obliged. It was something that I always wanted, to be telling stories and engaging with expression.
2. Was acting something you wanted to pursue from a young age?
Absolutely. See above! My whole family, such good sports. Endless school plays. Endless.
3. Fans will be able to see you star on “Uncle Frank” as Charlotte this November. What can you tell us about your character and her involvement in the story?
Charlotte is a wine drinking, fun loving, good time pal. She's best friends with Frank, Paul Bettany, and his "roommate", Wally, played by Peter Macdissi ... they all three share some secrets. Charlotte is definitely that friend who is always down to hang with you.
4. What first drew you to the story when you read the script?
I was drawn to the heart, the humor, and the incredible style with which Alan Ball writes.
5. What was the audition process like for you?
Quick and easy! They were already getting into production on the east coast, so I sent in my tape, and crossed my fingers. I was thrilled when I got the call that they wanted to invite me on board.
6. How did you react when you got the role?
Complete joy. There were a few moving parts with the role and scheduling, so I was hanging in there for a while, waiting to find out. I have always wanted to work with Alan, so it was deeply meaningful to me to be asked to work on a project that he was writing and directing. I could finally breathe!
7. What was your best memory from the set of “Uncle Frank”?
There was a late afternoon on set, when the light was changing beautifully, and we were in this tiny room of an apartment in downtown Wilmington, waiting to finish the dinner scene. Paul just pulled out a guitar and started playing and singing. Everyone went quiet, and still, and we listened together. It was complete magic.
8. What was your reaction when you found out the movie would premiere at Sundance?
Oh wow. I cried. It was a bucket list moment. When I moved to LA, I had made a list of things I dreamed of doing. "Going to Sundance with a movie I love, in a part I am proud of." -- that was on the list. And it was happening. I called my parents and left the most noisy, incoherent voicemail on their answering machine -- a couple of words and a lot of sobs!
9. What are some movies that made you fall in love with acting growing up?
There's a movie not many people know, "Dangerous Beauty" -- that I for sure shouldn't have been watching at the time (my parents had rented it from Blockbuster) because it was rated R. But I had a habit of getting into things I shouldn't, and I watched it when they weren't home. I was completely taken by it. It's a story based on the real life of a courtesan in Venice, Veronica Franco, and how she became a National Hero, rebuffed the Inquisition, and had her books of poetry published in a time where most women in the city couldn't read. I was head over heels for a leading woman like that.
10. Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future?
Phoebe Waller Bridge, Paul Thomas Anderson, Wes Anderson, Greta Gerwig. Top of the top, in my book.
11. What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Staying the course. There are so many reasons to let go of your dreams, but the greatest prize is betting on yourself.
12. What are some things you hope to cross off your bucket list once everything goes back to normal?
Live music and Hugs! I mean, I have done those things before, but it feels like so long ago...
13. What are some causes that are dear to your heart and hope to bring awareness to
in the future through your platforms?
Working on Instant Family led me to finding an amazing organization called Together We Rise, which supports children in the foster care system, and I am committed to bringing awareness to their cause -- as well as working with the LALGBT Center. Many people don't know that LGBTQIA+ young people ages 13 to 25 are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than their straight peers, and Uncle Frank definitely highlights what can happen for teenagers who have identities not accepted by their parents. I also have had rescue animals my whole life, so if anyone follows me, they will be encouraged to adopt or foster or donate to their local shelters! Oh, and intersectional feminism. Especially in the entertainment industry. Or our Government. Okay, everywhere!
14. In your opinion, what is the biggest misconception about being an actor?
It's not about "how do we memorize all of those lines?!" I joke, but it is actually the question that we get asked the most.
15. What is the best advice you have gotten and from whom?
I've said this before, and I hope one day I get to tell her thank you in person, but on twitter Jenna Fischer tweeted to me and gave me the advice that she said Molly Shannon gave her..."Never Give Up." I actually have it stenciled on my wall, very small, just above the door frame. Most people don't see it, but I do, every time I walk out the door.
16. What advice do you have for aspiring artists?
In your work, notice when you respond with joy. No one can take that from you, and it will steer your course. Let it guide you.
17. What do you hope to achieve through your art?
Connection. It's really as simple as that.
18. What are some things that need to change as soon as possible in the entertainment industry?
Equity. There are so many stories to tell, and the industry has the ability to give equal time. It's a decision, and it can be made by anyone hiring or buying -- they can make the choice to bring in an equal share of women, BIPOC, or LGBTQIA+ folx in significant roles on screen, in writer's rooms, or behind the scenes.
19. What is the best thing about being an actor?
My job demands that I learn, unlearn, and relearn things all of the time. Is there a part of myself that doesn't serve the character? Is there a connection here that I am missing? Is there a new skill that I get to pick up? It's the art of being curious. The art of remembering. The art of play.
20. What are your plans for the future?
Forward, always. That's the plan.
Thank you to Britt for taking the time to talk to Rival Mag. We can’t wait to see what she does next. In the meantime, everyone should go and watch her as ‘Charlotte’ Amazon’s drama “Uncle Frank”.
Meet the Author
Violeta Nicola is a 20 old who has over three years of experience in the journalism world. Starting in 2017, Violeta launched her news website where she interviewed people from all over the entertainment industry. Over the years, she has worked for publications such as 71 Magazine, A Book of, Reignland Magazine and now she joined the Rival Mag Family. This year she launched her own magazine called N Magazine which is growing by the issue.