Suit by Ted Baker, tie and rings by Title of Work by Jonathan Meizler, shirt by Carter Young
Nat of All Trades
INTERVIEW BY YINAN XIA
April 2023
Talent: Nat Wolff
Photographer: Asia from KolektiView
Styling: John Tan for Visual Tales
Grooming: Jessica Ortiz/Kalpana US using STMNT Grooming Goods
Interviewer: Yinan Xia
Videographer: Katie Colwell
Retouching: Yuliia Dolia
Jacket by Det Blev Sent; shirt by Carter Young; jeans by JKeefer by Joseph Keefer (FW2023)
As an accomplished actor and musician, Nat Wolff has been making a name for himself in the entertainment industry since his breakout role in the 2012 film The Fault in Our Stars. Since then, he has starred in several films and TV shows, showcasing his range as an actor and earning critical acclaim for his performances. Nat Wolff’s latest role on Amazon’s The Consultant is a suspenseful thriller. In this interview, Visual Tales delve into Nat’s experience working on The Consultant, explore the challenges and rewards, and discuss what’s next in his career.
Bomber jacket by Art Comes First by Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh, t-shirt and jeans, both by Ted Baker
Yinan Xia: The Consultant is what corporate nightmares are made of. Have you ever had a 9-to-5 or found the scenario relatable?
Nat Wolff: I've never had a nine-to-five job. But it's so interesting how many Patoff and relationships like Elaine and Craig are in the theater, film, and TV business. I found it incredibly relatable that there are a lot of people who abuse their power. And the way to cope with that is to bond with your co-workers.
YX: There were so many twists and turns in every episode. Were there any challenges in portraying a common man in a very uncommon scenario?
NW: One of the main ingredients of Craig is that he has an aspect of being relaxed and too cool for school, but really, there's some immaturity and that's what makes this show really interesting and complicated. When Patoff comes he actually spurs Craig's growth as a character. Even though Patoff is evil, he is putting Craig through these rings of fire that push him to grow up. So one of my ways in was that trajectory and the key in: this manchild who needs to become an adult.
YX: Did you read the book that the show was adapted from? And did you know all that was going to happen or did you only find out bit by bit as the story unfolded?
NW: I read the book before I even knew about the show just as a fun read. This show is really different from the book so I wasn’t consulting from the book. We had really general ideas of our character arcs. But the script was written one episode at a time and it was something that Christoph and I especially loved. Because we’d get a script and I would call Christoph and we'd celebrate like it was Christmas. They were just so exciting and full of interesting themes. But then it would dawn on me the next day that we actually have to do that now.
Zip-up leather jacket by Ted Baker; satin "Black Gypsy" shirt and trouser, both by Art Comes First by Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh, Tombali suede zip-up ankle boots by Armando Cabral
Sweater by Tombogo, jeans by JKeefer by Joseph Keefer (FW2023); ring with chain by Title of Work by Jonathan Meizler
YX: Which (spoiler) twist were you most surprised or fascinated within the script?
NW: When I got the pilot script, I thought this was such an interesting world and it kind of feels like a detective show. Like who is this guy and then the twist at the end of the pilot that happened and I screamed out in the middle of my apartment and was like I have to be a part of this show! There was something so off the wall, confronting, and creepy about that. I just thought that the last moment of the pilot was so ballsy and unique.
YX: Which scene was the most challenging to perform and why?
NW: About halfway through the show, Craig just keeps getting put through test after test. And I remember saying to Tony (Basgallop), I don't know how much more hell I can go through. But really it was such a joy to work with both actors Brittany and Christoph. With Christoph’s character, you think that it’s really painful but we had such a blast acting together that I actually went home feeling kind of elated.
YX: Did you have any particular song or soundtrack that comes to mind for The Consultant (whether it’s for Craig or Patoff)?
NW: I've had about 100 songs on my Spotify playlist for Craig that I just keep adding to. And I did a playlist for Patoff as well as for Patti. I like to spend time on set listening to music, it keeps me wired.
YX: Did you share those playlists with each of the character’s actors?
NW: I didn't share it with the other actors. I kind of kept it a secret, but I was thinking of maybe sharing it online maybe. Sometimes it feels like somebody's looking at your diary. One of the songs I listened to for the earlier scenes was True Blue by Rod Stewart and as it got darker I listened to some Nine Inch Nails and things that just felt eerie and gave me an emotional reaction.
Coat by Mr. Saturday, sweater by Ted Baker, split star denim jeans by Keiser Clark, Tombali suede zip-up ankle boots by Armando Cabral
Sweater by Tombogo
YX: Were you listening to these songs during hair and makeup?
NW: Yeah, sometimes they'll let me control the speaker. I'm always trying to bribe them to let me get on the speaker Bluetooth. It's like being on a road trip, I love being the DJ.
YX: How is performing for The Seagull going? What interested you in being involved in this show?
NW: It's been amazing. It’s truly one of the most exhausting things I've ever done in my life, especially because I was promoting The Consultant while doing this. But it's a play that I've been an enormous fan of since I was a teenager, and I did scenes of Konstantin in acting class. So when I saw there was a modern adaptation, I just really wanted to be a part of it. I feel like I'm learning every single show and it's a beautiful group of actors. I've become really close with David Cale, an incredible writer, and actor.
YX: Do you think performing theater is similar to performing music? Or is it closer to film and television?
NW: It has elements of both. I've done other plays, but when I did my first play professionally, I remember thinking, well I'm really glad I've been touring as a musician because I do feel comfortable onstage in front of a group of people. There’s that similarity of you're going to sing that song for them and play this story out for them.
Zip-up leather jacket by Ted Baker; satin "Black Gypsy" shirt and trouser, both by Art Comes First by Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh, Tombali suede zip-up ankle boots by Armando Cabral
Coat, shirt and trouser, all by JKeefer by Joseph Keefer (FW2023); GEBA lace-up lug boot by Armando Cabral, Ring by Title of Work
YX: What are some upcoming projects that you are working on?
NW: I have an album coming out this summer that I'm really excited about and Alex and I did it a while ago we've just slowly been releasing songs from it. So we released a song called Heads on Loose from it, and All Over You, and most recently one called If I'm Going to Die. The whole album is called Table for Two and it’s coming out this summer.
YX: You’re a Jack of All Trades: music, film, theater, voice acting - which of them do you wish to do more of in the future?
NW: I'd like to go on tour with my brother, it's just been a while. We haven't played many shows since COVID, and it's this whole new world with playing shows now.
YX: Is there something completely new you would like to try?
NW: I’d like to write plays and poetry. And maybe one day I'd love to put something out. But that might be further in the future. I also don't know if you know this, but I’m actually the point guard for the New York Knicks too. Just make sure that you write that I’m in the NBA in your article too.
YX: Oh, will I have to fact-check that last one?
NW: Just add it to the interview, no fact check needed.
Bomber jacket by Art Comes First by Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh, t-shirt and jeans, both by Ted Baker
Coat, shirt and trouser, all by JKeefer by Joseph Keefer (FW2023); GEBA lace-up lug boot by Armando Cabral, Ring by Title of Work
Special thanks to:
Nat Wolff for his time and creative collaboration, Amanda Rothenberg, Caroline Beek at RCPMK, Jonathan Meizler and the team at Title of Work, Armando Cabral, Amy Belledin and the team at Armando Cabral, Sam Lambert and Shaka Maidoh at Art Comes First, Asia Geiger and Ravel Centeno-Rodriguez at KolektiView, Jessica Ortiz and Kalpana US, Yuliia Dolia, Katie Colwell, Yinan Xia, Kelsey Dresner and Miki Higasa at Kaleidoscope Consulting, Carter Altman and Adam Kaplan at Carter Young, Julia Jones, David Bennett and Bryan K. Von Woodson at Chapter 2 Agency, Valerie Samson Henry at Noted Los Angeles and the team at Det Blev Sent for their generous support.
Nat of All Trades