Media Update’s Cassy van Eeden caught up with two members of the cast: Sean Michael (SM) and Louise Barnes (LB).

What was it like being a part of Black Sails, season 1?

 SM: It’s not very often that South African actors get the opportunity to play leading and support lead roles in major international productions being shot here on our shores. So, landing a series regular role in Black Sails was a wonderful career highlight for me. Over the course of two years. I had the privilege of working with some of the best actors, writers and producers that Hollywood has to offer. I cannot be more appreciative, proud and honoured to represent South African in its amazing entertainment arena.

LB: Incredible. Very often on South African productions there are budget constraints which can be very frustrating for everyone involved. This is not the case on Black Sails. Everything from the scripts, to wardrobe and make-up were top class. Everyone working on the production brought their A-game and it was a very creative, happy environment.

What was it like working with Michael Bay?

LB: He thinks ‘big’, and it shows in the scale of the production - it's epic on every level.

SM: Mr Bay brings years of expertise, energy and passion to his projects. So just being able to say that I worked on a production produced by him, was clearly a feather in my cap. When we were in pre-production on season 1, Michael called us to say how excited he was to be working with each of us and wished us well for the start of filming. That personal touch that he brings to his work was so appreciated and made us even more determined to make him proud.

How did you prepare for your role in Black Sails?

 SM: As my character is not based on historical fact, I did a tremendous amount of research into the 1700s era and this very specific period of pirate history. After watching films and reading books that referenced similar characters, I slowly built a backstory to Richard Guthrie and with the help of immensely talents costumers, hair and make-up stylists and dialect coaches, I finally stepped into this devious man’s shoes – or in fact his elaborate stockings, heels and wigs.

LB: I researched the period, specifically what life was like for women at that time. I read Treasure Island for which Black Sails is a kind of prequel. I waxed and buffed.
What does the filming of a series like Black Sails in South Africa mean for the country? Over the past few years of filming at Cape Town Film Studios, it has truly shone a spotlight on our industry over here and shown audiences – and filmmakers around the world – what amazing talent, locations and expertise our local industry has to offer. Black Sails has helped put Cape Town and South Africa on the map in an already highly competitive industry, demonstrating that we have the infrastructure to facilitate and co-produce multi-million dollar productions – and award-winning ones at that, which are celebrated the world over.

What was your favourite moment of season 1?

LB: From an acting point of view there was one scene that stands out for me (episode 4 - we're fighting about our future on the island) as it was the first time in my career that I was able to find that balance of being technically "on" (hitting my mark, finding my light) and fully immersed in the emotional life of the scene. It was a real turning point for my skill as a screen-actor.

Black Sails airs on the History Channel, channel 186 on DStv, from August 2015.