A TV Paramedic POV with 'Trauma' First Responder Derek Luke by Troy Rogers
Actor Derek Luke has been climbing the ladder
of Hollywood since 2002 when Luke broke out with
a stellar performance in the Denzel Washington
directed Antoine Fisher. Since his big screen
debut, Derek Luke has gone on to work with some of
the biggest names in Hollywood in such films as
Friday Night Lights, Glory Road, Lions for Lambs,
Miracle at St. Anna, and Notorious.
In an interesting twist of TV fate, after working with producer Peter Berg on Friday Night Lights, Derek Luke had a conversation about taking on a role in the new NBC EMT medical series, Trauma, which paved the road for Luke to step into the paramedic role of Cameron Boone. Now on the NBC small screen in Trauma on Monday nights at 9pm, Derek Luke brings a wealth of dramatic experience to the Trauma cast that also includes, Cliff Curtis, Kevin Rankin and Aimee Garcia.
With Trauma answering the NBC Monday night schedule siren, we hopped on the line for a brief chat with Derek Luke to learn more about putting on his life saving uniform and which side of his Trauma character is more challenging to play.
THE DEADBOLT: Can you tell me how it feels putting on the uniform?
DEREK LUKE: You know, putting on the
uniform for me is actually pretty cool, because
we're shooting on location and sometimes you're
walking across the street and there are cars
passing you and sometimes you remember you have
a uniform on. But there was a particular time
when a guy was talking on his cell phone without
an earpiece and he saw me and he didn't know
whether I was a police officer or not. But his
whole demeanor, his face went pale. Inside I
just smirked at the power of the uniform. So
it's very authoritative. It's like a super suit
[laughs] and I love it! It's amazing just to
get a POV of how people react.
THE DEADBOLT: Which side of Boone's character is harder for you, the paramedic side or his personal life?
LUKE:
I would have to say what is interesting for
me to play has been the paramedicine, just to
find out who are these guys behind the medicine.
And I found out, like any person that practices
anything, it could be a thousand doctors, it
could be a thousand lawyers. But what makes
them different are their personalities and their
instincts. So it was about developing a mentality
of a paramedic and developing what makes you
get up in the morning and constantly seeing
the pulse of the world in their most vulnerable
state. So that's been a challenge for me because
Derek, the person, does not like blood, does
not like needles [laughs]. So I'm constantly
asking myself, "Who is this guy?" You know,
these guys are so heroic and I'm gaining much
more information about him as we play our scenes
from week to week. That's what's been interesting
for me.
Other Conference Call Highlights:
Now that you've been
working at this and seeing all of these things,
do you find yourself being more careful about
what you do in real life?
LUKE: Oh boy, this show totally makes you examine the slate of your life. Even though we're working from a script, it becomes social, water cooler talk. And because the sets are so live and vivacious, you do examine yourself and you check yourself [laughs]. Even, for instance, it's totally different when I'm driving in a car. It totally makes me examine texting text-driving because that's in one of the most interesting stories within the plot that we play. And it's simple, but it has catastrophic effects. So, yes, it is causing us to - not to be fearful, but it is totally causing us to be conscious and aware, at least for me.
Which of the characters
do you like to play against and for what reason?
LUKE:
I love playing against Cliff Curtis. There's
nothing like having a boxing match when somebody
totally understands your language. What I love
about Cliff, besides being a cool guy and a
friend, is that there's a sincerity and an honesty
when play on the opposite side of him and there's
an understanding of coming from film. So he's
one of the people that I love. And then, two,
I love playing opposite Kevin Rankin because
most of our scenes are written so beautifully
by our writers, many times what makes the scene
is the ability to be organic. So Kevin is such
an available soul I love playing with him and
against him because we always come up with something
new in every take.
How much of a part did
Peter Berg have in casting? You and Kevin together
and the Friday Night Lights connection you have
from the movie and he has from the TV series.
LUKE: You know, from that point of view, me and Kevin didn't know each other until the actual series, because I never intentionally tuned into Friday Night Lights because I felt like I would be kind of disturbing the matrix, you know? And I would be out and it would be cool to hear moms, sons, and daughters say that's Boobie Miles from the movie, we also watch the series. So Pete Berg was very instrumental in casting, at least for me. I can't speak for Kevin Rankin. He just coated the approach with peace and he just told me that he was in support. He also explained how it was for him to be on TV versus working on film. So once we had that conversation, I was cast and it was totally a brotherhood in a past working relationship that helped provoke me to go that way.
I think the show is great. I am fully aware that the events and characters in the show are not reality. I am not comparing them to real EMS workers. I love all the actors in the show and hope that it continues.
I am however getting tired of hearing/reading all the negative comments from real EMS workers. I can understand why some of you may get upset that it's not portraying your world as it really is..... but why do you spend so much time bashing a TV show.
I think there are better things in the world than to watch a show that you do not enjoy. There are better ways to spend your time than to critize and condemn. Find a show that airs on Monday night that you do enjoy and support the show as those of us who enjoy Trauma are supporting it.
Love, Peace and Lots of Laughter..... Spread It.
Reply to Wendy
Leslie – Philadelphia, Pa
October 18, 2009 - 20:32
Subject: Re: Love the Show
Wendy,
I have yet to see the show. I am going to attempt to see it tomorrow night as it is on . I agree with you, if you don't like something, don't watch it, simple as that. I loved the show ER, but there were LOT's of things on there that were not realistic, so why are people so upset about this show? I do not think that anyone ever tried to boycott ER. Thank you for your post
Sherrie
October 14, 2009 - 22:59
Subject: Trauma in response to Brian Sherman RN, EMT-P
With all due respect, I believe your criticism to be tacky. Please, keep in mind that Trauma is not a documentary.
I thank you for all that you have done for life and comfort of those in need. Maybe, with constructive criticism, you could help Trauma to rightfully show the world just how grateful we should all be to EMS Professionals, everywhere.
I, however, have enjoyed the beginning of a great series.
Brian Sherman RN, EMT-P – Framingham MA
October 14, 2009 - 22:14
Subject: Trauma
This article and the show Trauma itself are a disgusting portrayal of EMS Professionals.
Does this actor actually believe that simply putting on the uniform could give him any idea of what EMS Professionals go through on a daily basis?
How dare you Hollywood people do so much to damage the well earned reputation for quality, caring, intelligent care provided by EMS Professionals every day. I have been in EMS as an EMT and Paramedic for over 20 years, and now work as a Registered Nurse.
The situations presented and the unimaginable responses by these characters is dreadful. The medicine is laughable and unrealistic. The legal issues created by the actions of the characters in their "care" of the injured and sick would keep them in court for years. They would have all lost their certifications. From patient abandonment to inappropriate and unlawful care beyond the Scope of Practice for Paramedics is unconscionable.
I have already been asked by a patient how this could be allowed to be presented as real life EMS.
Nowhere in the universe is there an MCI every week. Nowhere.
Please write or call NBC to help either change this show or cancel it altogether.
Actor Derek Luke has been climbing the ladder
of Hollywood since 2002 when Luke broke out with
a stellar performance in the Denzel Washington
directed Antoine Fisher. Since his big screen
debut, Derek Luke has gone on to work with some of
the biggest names in Hollywood in such films as
Friday Night Lights, Glory Road, Lions for Lambs,
Miracle at St. Anna, and Notorious.
LUKE:
I would have to say what is interesting for
me to play has been the paramedicine, just to
find out who are these guys behind the medicine.
And I found out, like any person that practices
anything, it could be a thousand doctors, it
could be a thousand lawyers. But what makes
them different are their personalities and their
instincts. So it was about developing a mentality
of a paramedic and developing what makes you
get up in the morning and constantly seeing
the pulse of the world in their most vulnerable
state. So that's been a challenge for me because
Derek, the person, does not like blood, does
not like needles [laughs]. So I'm constantly
asking myself, "Who is this guy?" You know,
these guys are so heroic and I'm gaining much
more information about him as we play our scenes
from week to week. That's what's been interesting
for me.
LUKE:
I love playing against Cliff Curtis. There's
nothing like having a boxing match when somebody
totally understands your language. What I love
about Cliff, besides being a cool guy and a
friend, is that there's a sincerity and an honesty
when play on the opposite side of him and there's
an understanding of coming from film. So he's
one of the people that I love. And then, two,
I love playing opposite Kevin Rankin because
most of our scenes are written so beautifully
by our writers, many times what makes the scene
is the ability to be organic. So Kevin is such
an available soul I love playing with him and
against him because we always come up with something
new in every take.
. I agree with you, if you don't like something, don't watch it, simple as that. I loved the show ER, but there were LOT's of things on there that were not realistic, so why are people so upset about this show? I do not think that anyone ever tried to boycott ER. Thank you for your post