Get to know ‘Catch the Bullet’ actor Mason McNulty

Mason McNulty got an early start on his career. At just three months old, he starred in a PSA for the state of Utah. Since then, his star has grown significantly. Early in his career, McNulty booked roles on shows like Days of Our Lives, Modern Family, and Melissa & Joey.

Following a recurring role on the ABC show Schooled, McNulty’s career looks to be heading in a more serious direction. McNulty will star as Chad McMasters in Catch the Bullet, a gritty new Western drama, set to arrive in theaters & VOD on September 10. 

The new film follows Chad, who has been kidnapped by bandits who were looking to take their revenge against his father Britt McMasters, played by the late Jay Pickett. The film features an impressive cast that includes Tom Skerritt, Gattlin Griffith, and Peter Facinelli.

Film Daily was fortunate enough to interview Mason McNulty about Catch the Bullet as well as his exciting career, here is what he had to say.

What was the one movie you saw that made you want to go into acting?

The movie that made me appreciate acting even more is What’s Eating Gilbert Grape.  It was full of great acting and after I watched it, I could just sit back and appreciate what the actors did in that amazing film. That is what I want my audience to feel after they watch a film of that I am in. 

Tell us about how you got your start in acting.

Well, I’ve been acting since I was 3 months old, so I don’t really have any recollection of when I first started acting but my mom always tells me about my first job. Back in 2006, I did a PSA for the state of Utah called Safe Surrender Baby. It’s funny my mom and dad told me that I was sleeping the whole time I was working.  

You’ve starred in an impressive array of TV shows. What are five shows you think everyone should be watching?

Thank you. I think people should watch Schooled because it’s a heartfelt family comedy for everyone.  Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders because it is entertaining and interesting to watch. Sequestered because it is a scary and thrilling show and it takes you on a crazy ride.  Days of Our Lives because it’s a good, engaging and a show full of twists and turns and who doesn’t love a good daytime soap opera. Lastly Teen Wolf, it’s a good teen drama with supernatural elements that also has a huge teen following. 

Having worked in TV and film, do you have a preference for one over the other?

I don’t have a preferred choice, but I will gladly take any that I book. I actually love doing both TV and film. They are different but, in the end, playing a different character is my favorite part of being an actor.  

What actors inspire you today?

One actor that inspires me the most today I would say is Leonardo DiCaprio. He is one of the best actors out there.  I look up to him and would love to meet him or even better get to work with him.  My favorite role he has done is his role in Basketball Diaries. He was so good in that! Fun fact…Often people compare me to Leonardo when we are acting. 

Talk us through your creative process. 

How I start my creative process is, I start with going over the script and the breakdown to get a good feel of the character. I start to write my choices on my script. Then I start to memorize the script with the choices I want and what my character is like in my mind. I sleep on the choices and memorization that I just did. The next day I am fully memorized and fully ready with the character. 

You star in the upcoming western Catch the Bullet. Have you always been a fan of westerns?

I am a major fan of westerns. My favorite show from the western area would be The Rifleman which is actually where I got my inspiration for my performance for Chad in Catch the Bullet.

What did you enjoy most about the process of making the film?

I would say what I enjoyed the most about the process of making the film was watching our director Michael Feifer and the way he directs and makes movies. He is a big influence and inspiration in my life for film making. 

What was your biggest challenge on set?

My biggest challenge would be getting all of the complex emotions that Chad felt in Catch the Bullet.  The other challenging part was the physical aspect. I had to slide down a lot of hills, climb a lot of hills and run. I absolutely loved the challenge, and it was really satisfying to see it come out the way it was supposed to. 

What do you hope your audience takes away from Catch the Bullet?

I hope that my audience takes away from Catch the Bullet is that the value of family is very important. And to cherish each other. 

What part of acting do you geek out about the most? 

I would say meeting my idols would be what I geek out about the most.  I’ve only met a few but when I have met them the inner me gets all geeky, but the outer me tells myself “Stay Calm” and “Act Cool”! 

Are you involved in any acting communities?

I used to be involved and loved musical theatre. It definitely is so different from acting in film and TV. I love the big and broader way of acting you do. 

Have you worked with mentors in the past? Would you recommend people work with a mentor?

Yes, I have worked with mentors/coaches in my acting career. They ALL have made me who I am today. Yes, you should work with mentors/coaches because it’s really important in this business to know how to act, and to know the reason why you’re saying your line/lines. I currently go to Valerie Azlynn, she has been an amazing mentor/coach. Fun fact, she played my Aunt Julie on Schooled. We have such a strong connection.

Do you have any advice for new actors?

I would advise new actors to never give up on what you believe or give up your dreams. I am here to say that “DREAMS” do come true. But to make those “DREAMS” come true you do have to work hard and stay focused.

What has been your biggest success?

My biggest achievement is when I won a Young Entertainer Award for my work on Schooled. When they called my name, my face went from oh yeah, I am going to be cool, if they call my name to wait did, I just hear that right?! I WON!! I could not believe it. I was so surprised. I could hardly sleep that night because of how high I was on my cloud. 

Can we expect to see you in more television shows in the future?

I sure hope so. My goal is to book a TV series regular part. 

What’s your five-year plan? 

I am planning on going to college in the next 2 years. My dream school is UCLA. I want to major in engineering and film. When I am done with college my job goal is to direct movies, and I want to be able to build props that move and blow up. I also hope to also be a writer and direct one of my screen plays. 

Can you tell us about your next project?

I do not have any up and coming projects at this moment. I have been auditioning so there may be things down the line. I have been writing short stories and I have one done, one in the process and I have an idea for another one. 

What’s your favorite film of all time, and what did you learn from it?

My favorite film of all time is Hacksaw Ridge. What I learned from the movie is just because others have a different idea, or a different belief doesn’t mean that your way or belief is not correct. At the end of that movie, his way turned out to be the most valuable because of his beliefs. 

Who would compose the soundtrack of your life?

Currently right now I would say Jimmy Eat World because their song “The Middle” is so inspirational to me because it reminds me “Everything is going to be alright.” And the tune of the song is very catchy…I like to live my life as “EVERYTHING IS GOING TO BE ALRIGHT!”