Kid for all seasons

Multi-talented whiz kid and 10 1/2 star Robert Naylor on his burgeoning acting¬composing-blogging-podcasting career

by ELISABETH FAURE

January 6, 2011

MULTITASKING MINOR: Naylor
Photo by MICHEAL BEAULIEU

Robert Naylor has just wrapped up a stellar year, riding a strong wave of buzz from a harrowing performance that’s landed him rave reviews. But the 14-year-old actor is adjust ing to the attention well, saying, “It’s been a dream year.”

His role as Tommy, a neglected, abused kid trapped in the youth protection system in Daniel Grou’s (aka Podz) 10 1/2 has got people talking. “The boy I play was raised in a really dif ficult environment with parents who didn’t pay attention to him—who were abusive, alcoholic,” says Naylor. The film contains graphic scenes of violence and sexuality, and centres on the efforts of one educator, played by Claude Legault, to help Tommy emerge from his shell.

The role’s emotional and physical toll was heavy. “You just never have a full tank,” says Naylor, who often skipped sleep during the gruelling 28-day shoot. “Every time I had a day off, I slept 14-hour nights.”

He’s busier than ever—even scheduling a phone interview for this article was tricky. Naylor gave up hockey this year (though he’s a part-time hockey blogger, and occasional panellist for Radio-Canada). “It’s a struggle, right now, because there’s so many things I want to do, and my time is limited. I have to make choices.”

Side projects include a bi-monthly radio podcast of electronic music (Overtone Sounds is available for free on iTunes), composing his own tracks, and 12-hour movie marathons with Grou. “We’re best buds now,” says Naylor, describing his relationship with the hot Quebec director.

So, when you’re on a first-name basis with Grou, do you call him Daniel, or Podz? “Nobody calls him Daniel,” says Naylor. “I just call him, ‘Hey, you!”

The two have teamed up again for the Radio-Canada crime drama 19–2, in which Naylor has a recurring role as the son of one of the main characters.

This winter, Naylor will be seen in the big-budget Hollywood flick Immortals. “You can make a Quebec movie for what they spend on sandwiches,” he observes.

He also plans to take a crack at directing. “I’m writing a lot of screenplays—short films.” Naylor hopes to shoot one for the festival circuit this year.

Despite the lure of showbiz, this Royal West 9th-grader is continuing his education. “I’m definitely going to CEGEP,” he says, and he plans to keep it creative: “I want to stay far away from math and science!” ★