Decider | Interview Garret Dillahunt

Do actors like working for streaming services like Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu? The obvious answer would be, “Duh.” After all, actors like to work and as streaming services produce more original content, there’s more work for actors to enjoy. There is another perk to working on an Amazon, Netflix, or Hulu show: unparalleled creative freedom.

When we recently spoke with the cast of Amazon’s new original drama Hand of God — Ron Perlman, Alona Tal, Elizabeth McLaghlan, and Garret Dillahunt — everyone was in awe about how Amazon refused to shy away from the series’ numerous controversial subjects.

“Their fearlessness in regards to content is what makes the difference,” raved Alona Tal. “I mean, look at Transparent. Who would do that? Who?!?”

Elizabeth McLaghlan said, “I’ve been on previous shows where they literally had people from the advertisers come in and try to make a stamp on the content.” Amazon’s approach? “Do what needs to be done to make this show the best it can be. Beyond that? Freedom.”

This hands-off approach to production means that Hand of God showrunner Ben Watkins had unusual liberty to address every hot button topic affecting the nation. “There’s a couple of episode-arc where the use of the ‘n-word’ is just splayed all over the place by white guys. You read that and in the same moment you’re completely shocked — Holy shit, is there anyone asleep at the switch? Is anyone going to let us go through with this? — and you look at it and you go, ‘It has to be discussed.'” said Ron Perlman, who anchors the show as Judge Pernell Harris. Reportedly Amazon’s one note was to cut just one usage of the word and not to shelf the conversation completely.

Garret Dillahunt explained that the model also gives actors the opportunity to explore nuance that you might not otherwise see on television. “We have a ten hour movie. You can really go into a lot of detail there.”

Streaming platforms like Amazon don’t have to play by the same rules as networks. Traditional broadcast networks often have to appease skittish advertisers to keep the money flowing in, while streaming services only have to worry about selling subscriptions. However, since streaming services don’t have to adhere to the traditional pilot season, there’s also a downside for actors who are used to working nonstop. Dillahunt told us that Amazon’s unique pilot season — wherein subscribers can watch pilots for free, vote on them, and help determine what returns with a full season almost a year later — prevented him from picking up as much work as he was used to.

“You spend a few months making this show and Amazon still owns you for the rest of the year ’til you know [if the show’s picked up]. There’s seven months I have to fill and I’m used to working a lot. I mean, I’m kind of a workaholic.”

Lest you think Dillahunt isn’t keen on the model, his next guest part is on Hulu’s The Mindy Project. He wouldn’t spill any details except to say it’s a “fun part,” and that “Amazon let me go do it, which was nice.” When we brought up that we were surprised that Amazon would be so willing to lease one of their actors out to a competitor, Dillahunt joked, “You can stream Hulu on the Amazon Fire Stick.”

So, yeah, it’s safe to say that actors are happy about the rise of original programming on streaming — and that we should expect Amazon, Netflix, Hulu, and their ken to break through boundaries that have held back creativity on basic cable.

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