Cole Bernstein played the conniving, manipulative Estel in Chapter 7: “Viral” of DARK/WEB‘s digital series. In the role, she plays the friend you think you know yet will stab you in the back without a second thought if it means getting her way. Prior to her role in DARK/WEB, which you can check out by clicking on the banner above, she has been known for other prevalent roles in Law and Order: Special Victims Unit, 2015’s Secrets and Lies and 2017’s S.W.A.T. I had the wonderful opportunity to catch up with the actress to ask her about how her previous roles compared to her character in DARK/WEB as well as her acting influences. Also, Cole will be taking over DARK/WEB‘s Instagram tomorrow, Wednesday, September 25 where she will be answering YOUR questions! Be sure to follow @darkwebshow and ask her any questions you have!
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Estelle aka @colebernstein is taking over our Instagram this week! Get your questions ready!
You have been in some great roles in TV and film including Law and Order, Secrets and Lies and SWAT. What drew you to the role of Estel and being a part of the DARK/WEB team?
I remember my agent calling me and telling me about a new horror anthology series which revolved around the dark web. I’m a sucker for anything horror and suspense so I was extremely eager to learn more about the project. After reading the Chapter 7 episode of DARK/WEB I was completely hooked. The script had the perfect mix of horror, humor, goriness, and thrills. I had also watched Michael Nardelli’s Circle and was a huge fan of his work. So, about a week later, Michael and I met for coffee to discuss the character Estel, a completely evil, unforgiving, and vindictive sociopath. I’ve never really played a character quite like Estel, so I was thrilled to be given the challenge. And after meeting Michael, I knew that the DARK/WEB team was going to be a hardworking, creative, and highly pleasurable crew to be around! Every single person I met while working on the show made me feel like I was a part of a family.
Your character, Estel, is in Chapter 7: “Viral” and is quite the vindictive individual… In what ways did you prepare for your role?
Because I hadn’t played characters like Estel before, it was crucial for me to immerse myself in her world. I watched a number of films to draw inspiration from including Girl, Inturrupted, Heathers, The Craft, and Cruel Intentions to study personality traits of their antagonist characters. I also read a lot of articles about catfishing and online harassment. Before shooting, Michael and I had many discussions about Estel and her look. We came to the conclusion that Estel was blonde, which thrilled me because I had always wanted to dye my hair. Having blonde hair really helped me to embody the character and gave her a more pretentious feel.
How was the role of Estel different than other roles you have previously taken?
Estel is one certifiable mental case. I have never had a role as crazy, vile, and self-absorbed as her. Many of the roles that I have played in the past are distraught, rebellious outcasts. So, given the opportunity to break free from characters that have been victimized, I was able to expand my acting range and really enjoy playing a twisted conniving young woman. Everything from the way Estel walks, to the way she processes information was different from what I have previously portrayed.
Where did you draw your inspiration for your roles? Are there any specific individuals you look to?
I have always been the biggest movie junkie. When I watch a good film, I feel inspired to create art and work harder to achieve my goals. For every role I have portrayed, I study films with like characters in it, read articles online about personalities or situations closely related, and listen to music that I feel would fit the character. For when Estel was in her more pleasant party girl phase, I listened to a lot of Ariana Grande and Rhianna. When Estel viciously turned on Dorothy, I listened to Nine Inch Nails and Blue Foundation. I also gather inspiration from actors I have admired for years and years. Meryl Streep, Michael Shannon, Natalie Portman, and Christoph Waltz are amongst the insanely talented actors I follow religiously. They all are able to precisely depict characters with such skill and rawness. I can only strive to be like them someday!
What current projects are you working on?
I just finished working on a feature film called Take Out Girl. Written and directed by Hisonni Johnson, the story follows a girl who parlays her Chinese food delivery expertise into a profitable drug hustle. We don’t have a release date yet, but I will make an announcement on my twitter account (cole_bernstein) and Instagram (colebernstein) as soon as I know! I have also been writing a lot of music recently and will be in the recording studio creating my first album later this year!
RELATED: Director Roxy Shih Takes Over DARK/WEB’s Instagram, Plus Interview!!
Cole is a wonderful professional and was extremely personable when I interviewed her. Don’t miss YOUR chance to ask Cole your questions when she takes over @darkwebshow Instagram on Wednesday! Have you checked out DARK/WEB yet? If not, click HERE to see what you are missing out on! If you have, make sure you leave a review on Amazon Prime Video!
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