Ben Schnetzer garnered attention for his portrayal of Deputy Sheriff Van Davis in “The Madison”. Beyond just his appearance and acting, he dedicated significant time to finding the perfect voice for the character. The actor revealed that he went through a long journey, experimenting with various approaches before finding one he was truly satisfied with. And his final choice brought an unexpected nuance to Van Davis

Ben Schnetzer has recently returned home after working on his latest project, and the 36-year-old actor has opened up about the intense preparation required for his role in The Madison. In the series, he portrays Deputy Sheriff Van Davis, a character who blends the rugged qualities of a cowboy with the authority of a law enforcement officer. According to Schnetzer, one of the most challenging aspects of bringing Davis to life was finding the right voice and tone for the character.

Initially, Schnetzer did not audition for the role he ultimately received. Instead, he recorded a self-tape audition for a different character, the one played by Kevin Zegers. During that process, he experimented with a particular vocal style that felt natural to him. However, the casting team saw something different in his performance and encouraged him to try out for another role. When he read the script for Cade Harris, he realized that he could not immediately “hear” the character’s voice in his head. This led him on a creative journey to discover a distinct and authentic sound that would suit the character he would eventually portray.

To develop this voice, Schnetzer sought inspiration from various sources. One of his primary references was Brady Jandreau’s performance in the 2017 film The Rider, directed by Chloe Zhao. Schnetzer described Jandreau as a kind of anchor for his work. He immersed himself in interviews with Jandreau and revisited the film multiple times, paying close attention to the subtle qualities of his speech and demeanor. What stood out to Schnetzer was the specific regional tone—something rooted in the American West but distinctly different from the stereotypical Texan cowboy voice. He noted that the setting of The Rider, which reflects areas near the Canadian border in places like Montana, carries a unique sound that is quieter and more restrained. This nuance became an important reference point as he shaped the voice of Van Davis.

In addition to studying film performances, Schnetzer also turned to real-life material to refine his portrayal. He watched episodes of the reality television series Live PD, particularly those filmed in Missoula, Montana. By observing how actual police officers spoke and interacted, he gained valuable insight into the rhythms and patterns of speech common in that region. This research helped him ground his performance in authenticity, ensuring that his character would feel believable within the world of the series.

The production itself was filmed in rural Montana, which further supported Schnetzer’s preparation. Being physically present in the environment allowed him to continue developing the character in a natural and immersive way. He described how his experience on location contributed significantly to refining “Van’s voice” and overall presence. Schnetzer worked closely with several skilled mentors who introduced him to aspects of the lifestyle that his character would realistically embody. He learned activities such as fly fishing, long-distance driving, boating, horseback riding, and even cattle herding. These hands-on experiences helped him internalize the character’s world, allowing his performance to evolve organically.

Moreover, Schnetzer collaborated with a local dialect coach who played a crucial role in perfecting his accent. Through consistent practice and feedback, he was able to fine-tune the subtleties of his speech, ensuring that it matched the regional authenticity required for the role. This combination of research, physical training, and vocal coaching demonstrates the level of dedication Schnetzer brought to the project.

The Madison features an impressive ensemble cast alongside Schnetzer and Kevin Zegers, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Kurt Russell, Matthew Fox, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Beau Garrett, Amiah Miller, Alaina Pollack, Rebecca Spence, and Danielle Vasinova. The series is produced by Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone, and is available on Paramount+.

The story follows the Clyburn family as they navigate two contrasting worlds: the breathtaking landscapes of Montana and the vibrant energy of Manhattan. Through this dual setting, the series explores themes of family bonds and the connections that hold people together despite differences in environment and lifestyle. The first three episodes of The Madison are already available for streaming, with the remaining episodes scheduled for release on March 21.

Through his thoughtful preparation and commitment to authenticity, Schnetzer has delivered a performance that reflects both the physical and emotional depth of his character. His journey to find the right voice for Van Davis highlights the intricate process behind creating a believable and compelling role on screen.