Emmy DeOliveira plays one of the lead characters Kate Weatherall in the Disney+ TV series The Mysterious Benedict Society with a cast including Tony Hale, Marta Kessler, Mystic Inscho and Seth Carr. Series 1 of the screen adaptation of Trenton Lee Stewart’s children’s books had a worldwide release last year and, with filming of the second series having already taken place, Series 2 is set for a 2022 release. In 2017, Emmy appeared in episodes of Flaked for Netflix and an episode of Teachers as Vickie, and she has previously worked on Killer Kids. Also having commercial experience, Emmy filmed a Christmas campaign for Samsung and Star Wars, and she has also spent a day on a raft in the ocean for a KFC commercial. We recently spoke with Emmy about starring in The Mysterious Benedict Society for Disney+, having Kate Weatherall as her first main regular screen character and returning to set to film Series 2.
How would you describe your character Kate Weatherall in The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney+ and was there anything that drew you to the role?
Kate is independent and adventurous, she is very self-sufficient and headstrong, and deep down really cares about her friends and being part of the team. When I got the audition, the character seemed really cool and I loved the story and tone they were taking with the show.
What is Kate like to play and how was it preparing to play her?
Playing Kate is fun, I like her energy a lot. I have a lot in common with her and we think in similar ways, so I really focused on those parts of myself when playing the role.
What do you remember most from your first day on the project and meeting the rest of the cast for the first time?
It was so long ago I barely remember; it was in the middle of COVID, so we did our first table read over Zoom and it was really cool to see everyone together. Being on set for the first time was exciting, seeing everyone dressed as their characters was really cool too. The sets were amazing, and everything just came together. It was kind of surreal.
Had you read the children’s books by Trenton Lee Stewart before auditioning for the screen adaptation and how did you feel booking your first main regular screen character?
I had not read the book, but I started reading it over my Christmas break when I was getting ready to test for the role, but once I booked it, I decided to focus more on the scripts, I still need to finish the book.
Can you tell us what it’s like on set of the series and how is it watching the episodes when they are released?
Being on the set for Season 1 was challenging because it was the beginning of COVID, so we didn’t get to interact much unless we were filming. We shot in Vancouver and that was beautiful, I loved the weather. Watching the show, you would never know it, but a lot of scenes were filmed in the rain. I loved seeing the show come together and I thought it looked so beautiful!
What are some of your favourite memories from your time filming The Mysterious Benedict Society so far?
My favourite memory from shooting the first season was during Christmas time. Since we weren’t able to go home or be with our families, we had a mini Christmas in the school room one day, we all got each other gifts and there was a tree and everything.
You will be reprising your role of Kate in the upcoming Series 2, how was it reuniting with the cast and returning to film new episodes?
It was so cool to see everyone again, COVID restrictions were way less strict this time so we got to see each other more and we all became a lot closer.
In 2017, you played Avery in Flaked for Netflix, what do you remember from working on this project?
I filmed Flaked so long ago, I don’t remember much – I was 10 at the time. I remember it being fun.
What was it like working on an episode of Teachers as Vickie?
Working on Teachers was great, I had fun shooting. The set teacher was very strict about school time, I remember her for sure.
Can you tell us about some of the other projects you’ve been part of over the years, which has included commercials and voiceover?
My first job I remember was for Killer Kids, and in the show, I was kidnapped, and they put me in a bag and threw me in the back of a van, I loved it! I’ve done a bunch of commercials. In 2019, I did a Christmas campaign for Samsung and Star Wars, that was a big shoot, and I liked working with the Chewie dog and “The Dark Lord” cat. I also shot a KFC commercial in the ocean on a raft eating chicken all day! I think my first voiceover booking was for a Sophia the First “My Turn” promo.
When did you know you wanted to get into acting and how did you start?
I started acting when I was five, it was an activity my mom put me and my sister in and I took classes and had fun, I made a lot of friends I’d see at auditions, and I kept with it. In Los Angeles, it’s a pretty common thing, I think.
Do you have any favourite films and TV shows to watch?
I love animation, right now my favourite shows are Adventure Time, The Owl House, Miraculous Ladybug and Danny Phantom to name a few. My favourite films are Clue (1985) and Scream.
What do you enjoy doing away from your career?
When I’m not working, I like to hang out with my friends, draw, play D&D and watch my favourite shows.
How do you find the experience attending events and premieres?
Going to events and premieres are fun, but strange at the same time. It’s weird taking photos on the carpet, I’m a private person so it’s a little out of my comfort zone.
What are you hoping the upcoming months bring for you?
Right now, I am enjoying summer and hanging out with my friends and I’m looking forward to going back to school! After that, time will tell, I guess.
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