In the new Apple TV+ series Jane, Mason Blomberg plays David, one of the main characters and best friend to Jane Garcia, played by Ava Louise Murchison. The series, which was released on April 14th, follows the adventures of Jane, David and chimpanzee Greybeard as they help to protect endangered animals, and it is inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall, leading Mason to become an ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute – JGI Roots & Shoots program. Earlier this year, Mason guest-starred in 9-1-1: Lone Star as Linus, and his previous screen roles include Prince in Shameless and Young Harry in Sydney to the Max. Mason has also filmed for the upcoming release of feature film The Furry Fortune opposite Juju Brener, and he has voiceover experience having voiced Kid Chip in Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers. We spoke to Mason about playing David in Jane for Apple TV+, working with the Jane Goodall Institute and his upcoming feature film The Furry Fortune.

Can you tell us about the new Apple TV+ series Jane and your character David?

It is a fun and imaginative series about a nine-year-old girl, Jane Garcia, who brings her two best friends, David (my character) and Greybeard (a chimpanzee) on epic adventures to help protect endangered animals all around the world. David has a very important connection to the audience because he is very passionate about saving the environment but he doesn’t know as much about it as Jane does, just like the audience. So, he’s learning along with them. David is also a really funny character who loves a good pun.

What is David like to play and how was it filming alongside Ava Louise Murchison, who plays Jane?

David was a really fun character to play because he has so many jokes. He also loves eating so I always got to eat on set, which was awesome. Ava Louise Murchison was a really fun co-star. I love doing fun stuff with her like making TikTok dances and videos. We also went to Canada’s Wonderland together along with Tamara Almeida, who plays Jane’s mom in the show. The three of us were always laughing and having a blast together.

How did you prepare for filming and how much did you learn while working on the series?

I prepared for filming by memorising my lines the night before, waking up the next morning and getting ready for the day, eating breakfast, and then reviewing my lines in the car on the way to set. I learned a lot from the scripts about Dr. Jane Goodall and animals. They were really well-written and easy to understand and I also loved learning from them. Just one of the many fun facts I learned is that golden-crowned flying foxes are one of the biggest bats in the world.

How does it feel to be involved with a show inspired by the work of Dr. Jane Goodall and can you tell us about your role as ambassador for the Jane Goodall Institute?

It was so cool to be involved with this show! I was so excited when I booked the show that I was literally freaking out and jumping up and down! Dr. Jane Goodall has been an idol of mine since I was very young so this show combines my two passions – acting and saving the environment. We are still figuring out what my role as an ambassador for the JGI Roots & Shoots program will look like but I will be interacting with children around the world inspiring them to get involved.

What was it like filming for the show around the world and did you have a favourite episode to work on?

It was so amazing filming around the world! I got to see so many different places, environments, and animals. My favourite episode to film was the Gharial episode because I got to drive a boat down a beautiful river in Costa Rica! While filming that scene, we saw so many animals like monkeys, sloths, crocodiles, lizards, and even wild horses! I also got to film in a pool in Toronto and I love swimming so that was fun. I am a hybrid of a monkey and a fish – I am a Funky!

Why would you recommend watching Jane and who do you think will enjoy watching it?

I would recommend watching Jane because it is such an important show that’s going to help kids and families learn so many different ways to help protect the environment and its animals. I really am excited for people to see this show and start getting involved. I think anyone of any age can enjoy watching Jane because it is such an interesting and imaginary show! The backgrounds where we filmed are so beautiful and there is a lot of adventure and exciting moments in the show.

You will be playing Dax Taylor in the upcoming feature film The Furry Fortune, what can you tell us about your character and what was it like on set of the film?

Dax Taylor was a super fun character to play! The movie is about Dax and his twin sister, played by Juju Brener, and their adorable dog Nuzzles. Their dog gets magical powers and starts shedding money, which is super exciting but also causes all kinds of problems. The neighbours end up stealing Nuzzles and the twins have to try to save him! I can’t wait for everyone to see this super fun (and funny) family film!

How much did you know about D. Goode Morgan’s children’s novel before auditioning and what are you looking forward to for the release of the screen adaptation?

I actually didn’t know that much about the children’s novel before the film but I have read it since and it is great! The script is really well-written as well. It has aspects of classic 90s family films which is really fun.

In March, you guest-starred as Linus in 9-1-1: Lone Star, how was this?

The other actors I worked with were so kind! The last couple of projects I played comedic characters so this was a nice change challenging myself to play this dramatic role. I am able to cry on cue and was excited to use this skill in one of the scenes. It was all a great experience!

How did you find the experience voicing Kid Chip in the Disney live-action/animated film Chip ‘n Dale: Rescue Rangers last year?

I found the experience really fun and I really enjoyed playing young Chip and I loved getting to use my voice. It was such an honour being able to voice such an iconic character!

Is there anything you enjoy most about voiceover work and how different do you find this to on-screen filming?

Well, I like everything about doing voiceover work because I do really like getting to use my voice… I think I am meant to be a talker!! I love using my voice to make a positive change and also use it just for fun. It’s fun seeing your voice come to life after the animation is put to it! It is different from on-screen filming in that all of your emotion has to come through in just your voice and not your body language. I really enjoy both types of acting!

What was it like filming as Prince in the TV series Shameless alongside a cast including William H. Macy?

It was amazing! Shameless is my mom’s favourite show so she was super excited to meet all the actors and they were all so nice! William H. Macy was amazing (he goes by Bill actually) and in between takes he would sit down and work on a puzzle with me!

What do you remember most from playing Young Harry in an episode of Disney’s Sydney to the Max?

That was my first role on a big show so I remember being very excited. I got to see how multi-cam comedies are created and learned so much from the experience. That episode was directed by Danielle Fishel and she was very kind and fun to work with.

Can you tell us about some of the other projects you’ve been part of over your career so far, which has included the award-winning short film Mind Thief, TV series The Baxters, and commercials?

I love being an actor and being on set so every single project has been so fun to be a part of. I am lucky that every experience has been positive. One project that stands out was when I was on Kids Say the Darndest Things. It was my first time being in front of a live studio audience and it was so much fun!

Where does your love of acting come from and how did you get into it?

My love of acting comes from me being an extrovert. Ever since I was just a little kid, I’ve loved being the centre of attention, making people laugh, and being around lots of people. I had already tried all the sports like soccer and baseball and I didn’t really like them but one day my mom signed me up for Theater Camp and I loved it! I started taking acting classes and got an agent and a manager and here we are now. I hope I am able to act for the rest of my life!

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch and how do you like to spend your time away from your career?

My favourite films are action films and Marvel movies. I also really love documentaries on animals and have recently been watching documentaries on Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping 2023 brings you?

I do have a series regular role in a new cartoon but I can’t say what it’s called yet. But I am really excited about it and am loving recording it. I am hoping to book another TV or film acting job soon!

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www.masonblomberg.com/