At the end of 2020, Mitchell Berg started his role as regular character Fisher in Nickelodeon’s Side Hustle alongside his on-screen sister Presley, played by Jayden Bartels, and can be seen in the currently airing Series 2. In the final episodes of Henry Danger, Mitchell’s character Lil’ Dynomite was introduced as a potential sidekick and he has reprised the role for the new spin-off Danger Force. Earlier this year, Mitchell was a panelist on Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered and he was a special guest on Nick News Kids and the Impact of Climate Change. Having first got into acting through performing in local theatres in shows such as Hairspray and Beetlejuice: The Musical, Mitchell had auditions for major musicals before joining Nickelodeon. Mitchell speaks to us about his role of Fisher in Side Hustle, playing Lil’ Dynomite in Danger Force and working on Nickelodeon shows.
Can you tell us about your character Fisher in Side Hustle and what drew you to the role?
Fisher is a science and technology genius who is always coming up with inventions and solutions to help his sister Presley (played by Jayden Bartels) and her friends Lex and Munchy (played by Jules LeBlanc and Isaiah Samuel Crews) as they take on small jobs to earn money. They have to earn enough to pay back their school principal and neighbour after they blew up his boat in the very first episode. It is a very fun role because Fisher’s inventions are really cool and I’m always getting to play with things like with robots, fire extinguishers, drones, lasers, big Rube Goldberg machines, and more.
For those that haven’t seen Side Hustle, why would you recommend watching it?
The show is hysterically funny, with excellent writing, and really has something for everyone to enjoy. You should definitely give it a try!
What is it like on set of the series and what is Fisher like to play?
The vibe on set is very fun. Everyone works hard, but we have fun together as a team. It is very positive and just a great place to be. Fisher is sarcastic and he is always getting ahead of himself, inventing machines for the government and trying to get Lex’s attention. But Fisher also has a lot to learn that he can’t find in a book, like how to have more heart. He has a lot of sides, and that makes him fun to play.
Do you have any favourite highlights from playing the character so far?
I loved the episode Make-A-Mutt. I got to learn to drive a ride-along lawn mower and Fisher drives it through the family’s garage door! That episode also had Darci Lynne Farmer, who won America’s Got Talent, and she was very cool to work with. We even had the cutest alpaca ever in that episode. It was all around just super fun to make.
Is there anything you enjoy most about being in the cast and do you have other favourite episodes you’ve filmed so far?
We are all friends in the cast, and I’d say that is what I enjoy most. My favourite episodes are when everyone comes together – it makes the scenes a little more complicated, but that’s when they get the most hilarious and everyone’s talent really shines. In Scare Bear, for example, there is a scene in Fisher’s room where the cast brings the stuffed bear to life. It is such a funny scene.
What was it like introducing your character Lil’ Dynomite in Henry Danger and how has it been returning as the character in Danger Force?
Lil’ Dynomite came on the scene as a potential sidekick to Kid Danger in the final four episodes of the Henry Danger series. I won’t spoil it for those who haven’t watched it yet, but let’s just say it was a very intense scene and Lil’ D was the comic relief. I loved introducing him and thought that was going to be it for the character, so it was awesome to see him show up again in Danger Force. He was still working at achieving his dream to be a sidekick, only to turn into a villain.
What’s the viewers’ response been like to Lil’ Dynomite in the recent episodes?
Viewers seem to love that Lil’ Dynomite has turned into a villain. They love Captain Man, but they also love when Captain Man has a good challenge. Plus, in Season 1, Lil’ D seemed to instigate Danger Force to rally behind Captain Man and use their powers. Fans love to see that.
This year, you’ve been a panelist on Nickelodeon’s Unfiltered, can you say about the show and what was it like to be part of?
Unfiltered is a game show where Nickelodeon talent play against each other to see who can guess the mystery celebrity. Nickelodeon disguises the celebrity with funny animated filters, and panelists get to ask yes or no questions to figure out who it is. The host, Jay Pharoah, is super funny and keeps things moving along. I don’t want to give away who the celebrities were on my episodes, but they are huge stars! It was an honour to meet them on the show.
Another show you’ve filmed this year is Nick News Kids and the Impact of Climate Change, how was this?
This was great! My involvement in the Nick News Kids special was to show what my family does to help reduce the impact of climate change. I shared about our compost bin, where we put all our green waste which turns into soil for our garden. I also talked about our recycling efforts – at one point I had a recycling business going on where I collected cans and bottles from my neighbours to earn money to feed my hamster.
We understand you’ve performed in theatre, can you say more about it?
Yes! I’ve performed in a number of local theatre productions playing everyone from Link Larkin in Hairspray to Zack Mooneyham in School of Rock: The Musical to Beetlejuice in Beetlejuice: The Musical. Theatre is what first got me into acting, singing, and dancing. I had a few great auditions for major musical productions before getting cast on television, but I will still pursue theatre someday!
Do you have a favourite aspect of being an actor and where does your love of performing come from?
A lot of people in my family are really into music and theatre, so it’s something I’ve been doing my whole life. My favourite aspect of being an actor is the sense of community I experience when I’m working with so many people to make something amazing to entertain an audience. I also really enjoy bringing characters to life.
How do you like to spend your time away from your career?
When I’m not working or in school, I love being outdoors as much as I can. I enjoy surfing as well as hiking, fishing, camping… anything that gets me into nature.
What are some of your favourite TV shows and films to watch?
My favourite TV show is The Goldbergs because the cast chemistry is magical, and they make the show so funny. As for films, I love the Back to the Future Trilogy, as I enjoy the physical comedy that Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd bring to their performances. The storylines in those movies are really clever and interesting.
Do you have any upcoming career plans that you can tell us about?
I do, but nothing I can talk about just yet. I can’t wait to share more when I am able to.
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Categories: Film & TV, home, Interview, Young Performers