In this year’s summer cinema release of Harold and the Purple Crayon, Benjamin Bottani starred as Mel opposite Zachary Levi as Harold, and was directed by Carlos Saldanha. Benjamin attended the Los Angeles screening event in July for the release of Harold and the Purple Crayon, which is based on the 1955 book by Crockett Johnson. For the Apple TV+ series Puppy Place, Benjamin filmed for an episode as David, and in 2022, he played Tommy in feature film Bromates. Also having voiceover experience, Benjamin voiced Kabir in the 2023 animated film Leo for Netflix. Answering our questions, Benjamin talks about starring as Mel in feature film Harold and the Purple Crayon, attending the Los Angeles screening event in July and voicing Kabir in Leo.

This year, you starred in the feature film Harold and the Purple Crayon as Mel, can you tell us about the film and your character?

This film is about the power of imagination, and how far it can take you. My character, Mel, is a bright and imaginative kid who uses his creativity to cope with the loss of his father. His best friend is his imaginary pet named Carl, who always keeps him company.

What was it like filming alongside Zachary Levi as Harold and with the rest of the cast?

It was so surreal. I remember arriving on set the first day and seeing Carlos (Saldanha), Zach (Levi), (Lil) Rel (Howery), and Zooey (Deschanel), they welcomed me to set and I was just in awe. I felt so lucky to be able to work with them.

Do you remember how you felt finding out you’d booked the role of Mel and what was he like to play?

When I got the call from Carlos and Zach, it felt like a dream come true. The script was so well-made that I instantly connected with the character. Since Mel isn’t in the original book, I had the freedom to use my imagination to shape him.

What was it like being part of a major film based on the 1955 children’s book by Crockett Johnson and how did you prepare for your role?

Being part of this project based on Crockett Johnson’s beloved children’s book was an incredible honour. I was blown away to work on a story cherished for generations. To prepare for my role as Mel, I relied on the script and studied the character, adding small details like how he fidgets with Carl’s whistle depending on his emotions. Crockett Johnson’s other books also helped me capture the right vibe and connect parts of my character’s personality with my own to make him feel authentic.

Did you have any favourite scenes to film and what was it like being directed by Carlos Saldanha?

One of my favourite scenes to film was when Mel and Harold opened up to each other and started building their friendship. It’s a moment where they connect and share their struggles, which leads to Harold trusting Mel enough to reveal his secret about the purple crayon. That moment is every kid’s dream of meeting someone who can make anything possible.

Working with Carlos was fun. Every day, I couldn’t wait to see what he had planned for me in the scenes. He always had a clear vision and brought so much excitement to the set. He’s kind of like Harold himself, cheerful and full of pure imagination.

How did you feel when the film was released this summer and who do you think will enjoy watching it?

When the film was released this summer, I felt a huge sense of excitement and disbelief like, yes, it’s finally here! It had been two whole years since we wrapped filming, and I was so happy to finally see it on the big screen as an audience member, all brought to life by the talented filmmakers and everyone involved. I think this movie is for everyone; it inspires hope and reminds people that they can achieve their dreams just by believing in themselves.

How did you find the experience attending the Los Angeles screening event in July and what was it like watching the completed film for the first time?

It was a first for me, and I was so excited! It felt surreal to see many of the people I’d worked with on the project again, it had been two years since filming, and so much had changed, including my height and my voice! Watching the finished film with my family, the audience, and everyone who helped bring this story to life was emotional and amazing. Seeing myself on screen, creating anything I drew with the purple crayon come to life, I was in complete awe. Hearing the audience laugh and even some kids scared of the spider-fly scene and then love it by the end, really put a smile on my face. That’s the magic of storytelling.

What are some of your stand-out memories from your time working on Harold and the Purple Crayon?

My most stand-out memory has to be the first day on set. It was early, cold, and foggy, and I remember arriving in a van, looking out the window, and seeing so many people working on this project. I spotted Carlos, our director, and the cast rehearsing a scene with my stunt double, it felt so unreal. When I walked into the canopy tent, the whole cast greeted me and so did Carlos, I felt so welcomed. I couldn’t wait to start this journey and be part of the movie.

You voiced Kabir in the 2023 Netflix animated film Leo, how would you describe Kabir and what was it like getting into character?

Kabir is a confident, mature, and brave kid. He’s from the Bronx and is aware of what’s going on around him, almost like an adult. He’s a good-hearted kid and, by the way, used to love Big Macs until he realised they weren’t the best choice for him. Getting into character was really fun. Since Kabir is from the Bronx, I needed to learn the Bronx accent, so I started by watching YouTube videos. Then the production team introduced me to a movie I hadn’t seen before, A Bronx Tale. I ended up watching it about five times because I got hooked on the story and the life lessons, and it really helped me with the accent and understanding Kabir’s vibe.

How different did you find recording for an animation opposed to filming for screen, and was there anything that drew you to Leo?

Both use animation, but Harold and the Purple Crayon is a mix of live-action and animation, so you get to build chemistry with other actors on set. In Leo, recording my voice was different because I was in the studio, I got to work with a great team but they were all in one place, communicating with me on Zoom, including the directors who were giving me directions.

What really drew me to Leo was the story. I was in 5th grade myself, going through big changes and feeling that big jump from 4th grade, so I could really relate to the characters. Plus, I grew up watching Hotel Transylvania, which was from the same production company, Happy Madison Productions, so I knew it was going to be a fun project to be part of.

How was it filming for an episode of Puppy Place as David for Apple TV+?

Filming Puppy Place as David was such a fun experience! Working with a dog and a cast around my age made it feel like school, only 100 times more fun, and with super nice teachers. Everyone on set was really kid-friendly, especially the producer, Andrew (Green), who always had a dog by his side. It truly felt like a ‘puppy place’ on set.

What was it like working on the 2022 feature film Bromates as Tommy?

Bromates was my first movie, and I was so excited to be part of it. It’s a comedy, and both Josh (Brener), the lead actor, and Court (Crandall), the director, were super friendly. I originally had just one scene, but the director added me to another, where I got to work with Rel! I’ve been a huge fan of his since I saw him in Get Out, so seeing him arrive on set was surreal. After filming, I waited outside his trailer with my mom, hoping to catch him before we left. Luckily, he came out, and I got a quick picture with him. He was so nice, and I had no idea at the time that I’d get to work with him again on another project. That’s a memory I’ll always keep.

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

My love for acting came from my curiosity about how movies and plays are made to make people believe in a story. When I was about seven, my mom took me to see my first play, and I was in complete awe. I’d been to a movie theatre before, but this was different, there was no screen or projector, just two actors, performing live in front of a large audience, a simple prop like a steering wheel, and a chair. Wherever they went, the spotlight followed, and I found myself leaning out of my seat, wanting to be up there doing it too. That’s when I really connected with my love for acting.

What are some of your favourite films and TV shows to watch?

I have a lot of favourites. For movies, some of them are A Bronx Tale, Get Out, Interstellar, The Prestige, IT, Princess Mononoke, the list goes on! For TV shows, it’s the same; I have a lot I love, like Breaking Bad, Squid Game, Stranger Things, and I’ve been following every new episode of The Penguin. I’m really into it all!

How do you like to spend your free time?

In my free time, I love practicing piano, going on bike rides with my brother, watching movies, and hiking.

Do you have any projects coming up that you can tell us about and what are you hoping the next year brings for you?

I don’t have any projects lined up for now, but I look forward to take on more soon!

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