THE ART OF IMAGINATION: Y'LAN NOEL BUILDS FERDIE PLATT’S UNWRITTEN STORY IN ‘LADY IN THE LAKE’
BY: IRVIN RIVERA
PHOTOGRAPHER: IRVIN RIVERA, FASHION STYLING: JOSHUA ALAN CLARK, GROOMING: HADEEL SITTU, DIGITAL TECH: PHIL LIMPRASERTWONG, PHOTO ASST: ANDREW LOPEZ, LOCATION: GM STUDIO DTLA
In our conversation with Y'lan Noel, it's clear that his passion for storytelling runs deep. As we dive into his latest role in the highly anticipated AppleTV+ series “Lady in the Lake”, Noel reveals a layered and introspective approach to portraying the complex character of Ferdie Platt. "I’ve never played someone who was this much of an outcast before," he reflects, describing Ferdie as a man often at odds with his profession as a police officer, while Noel himself grapples with his own “personal distrust of enforcement.” The actor shares how music from the 1960s and absorbing the rhythm of people from that era helped him embody the role, but it was his imagination that truly brought Ferdie’s untold story to life: “I created an entire family that Ferdie had lost contact with... it helped me create a more fully fleshed out character.”
But Noel's exploration of character doesn’t stop with “Lady in the Lake”. From surviving the intense physical demands of “The First Purge” to now diving into the digital frontier of “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6”, his craft continues to evolve. Transitioning to voice acting and motion capture in a high-stakes video game, Noel candidly admits, "I feel my strength as an actor lies in the moments my character isn’t saying anything... going from that to having to rely strictly on my voice to communicate everything came with a bit of a learning curve." Yet, he has embraced the challenge, bringing a new dimension to his repertoire. As he juggles these diverse projects, one thing remains constant—his dedication to staying true to the art of storytelling, reminding us that, “The obstacles that the writer places in the script take care of the themes, but my responsibility is always about embodying the pursuit of a character's need & objective.” This dedication is what makes Noel one of the most intriguing actors of his generation.
Hi Y’lan, How are you doing? What’s keeping you creative and busy nowadays?
That’s a good question. I’m still in the process of shedding some of my last self-involved habits to be of more service to this place while also learning how to be “in the world but not of it”. I’m in a good space, thanks.
Congrats on “Lady in the Lake.” What initially drew you to the role of Ferdie Platt in "Lady in the Lake," and how did you prepare for this character?
I was initially drawn to the role because I was such a fan of the individuals I would have a chance to create with. In terms of preparation I usually spend a lot of time simply day dreaming about the situations the character I’m playing finds themselves in. A lot of daydreaming! And this project was no exception.
How does Ferdie Platt differ from other characters you've played, and what unique challenges did this role present?
I’ve never played someone who was this much of an outcast before. His occupation, as a cop, and his way of doing things leaves him at his own disposal quite often. It was a challenge embodying a character who happens to be a cop while constantly having to reconcile my personal distrust of enforcement. I think playing a good cop while leaning into my real life experiences with cops that weren’t so good gave many different shades and layers to Ferdie.
"Lady in the Lake" is set in a specific historical context. How did you immerse yourself in the period to authentically portray your character?
I listened to a lot of the music of the time which was easy because I’m already a fan. Also spent a good amount of time listening to people from 1960’s Baltimore talk in order to absorb their rhythm and vibe.
Ferdie Platt is a complex character. What aspects of his personality and background did you find most intriguing to explore?
I was interested in why Ferdie was such a loner outside of his profession. Neither our script or the book that it’s based on goes into too much detail about this so I had a good time imagining the reasons behind this. One of the most rewarding experiences in acting for me is creating intricate details about a characters life that aren’t spoken for by the writer but help inform the way you go about your objectives and the way you deliver the lines. I created an entire family that Ferdie had lost contact with and then had conversations with individuals from that family even though there was no mention in the script of them ever existing. It helped me create a more fully fleshed out character.
"Lady in the Lake" deals with significant social issues. How did you prepare to approach these themes through your character?
One thing I admired about Ferdie is that despite the racism of the times he was still steadfast in his objectives. Becoming a detective is the thought that gets him to open his eyes first thing in the morning. My approach was to put all my energy and attention onto his needs and the emotions behind them. The obstacles that the writer places in the script take care of the themes but my responsibility is always about embodying the pursuit of a characters need & objective.
Were there any particular scenes or moments in "Lady in the Lake" that were especially challenging or rewarding for you to film?
There was a scene between my character and Maddie where we got to improvise for about half an hour or so. Having had done so much preparation on Ferdie’s background, needs and objectives it was satisfying to be able to let go and see how much of that preparation would inform an interaction with another character in a completely spontaneous way.
What do you hope audiences take away from Ferdie Platt’s story in "Lady in the Lake"?
I think it’s important for people to see just how difficult it was for women, from various backgrounds, to transcend their environment and take power into their own hands and how this was not too long ago. There is also a significant conversation being had about what liberation looks like for all people and how liberation for one group can ultimately affect or hinder liberation for other groups.
How does playing a character in a period drama differ from your experiences in contemporary settings like "Insecure"?
There’s more attention to detail and preparation that goes into having to be historically accurate while at the same time fresh and full of life for viewers today to appreciate. It can be challenging to nail the accent and particular rhythms of the time while still making sure to allow space for imperfections and idiosyncrasies that ultimately are what bring characters to life and make them memorable.
How did your previous roles prepare you for the challenges of playing Ferdie Platt in "Lady in the Lake"?
Every role is preparation for the next one because you are constantly learning about your instrument and process and what works for each project. In Spook Who Sat By The Door I was playing a man who would’ve had very specific ideas on how Ferdie could find himself in an interracial relationship with a white woman. This was a convenient well to be able to tap into because it’s something that Ferdie has to contend with from other characters in our story. Having played characters with different perspectives on the same issue really strengthened the internal conflict I was able to embody as Ferdie.
What qualities do you share with Ferdie Platt, and what aspects of his character were the most difficult for you to relate to?
I share his capacity to continue to care for people who may not care for him. Ferdie loves his community and decides to be a cop to play a part in the betterment of his neighborhood and Baltimore at large but is met with resistance and distrust because of the history of abuse by law enforcement in black communities like the one Ferdie patrols. Despite being judged he continues to do what he thinks is right and continues to care about the community he loves.
How did you manage the transition between filming "The First Purge" and taking on a more nuanced role like Ferdie Platt in "Lady in the Lake"?
I love being able to go as far as possible in the opposite direction when it comes to the characters and stories I play. Acting for me is a nomadic sport and it’s most satisfying when I’m able to pick everything up and go to a completely new destination energetically. You are right, a 1960’s Baltimore beat cop who plays by the rules of the law is completely different from a drug kingpin trained in hand and gun combat who spends half of the film surviving 12 hours of federally sanctioned violence.
Let’s talk about "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6." What challenges did you face transitioning from traditional acting roles to voice acting and motion capture for a video game?
I feel my strength as an actor lies in the moments my character isn’t saying anything so to go from that to having to rely strictly on my voice to communicate everything came with a bit of a learning curve. We have an absolute dream team of creatives on this project who have tons of experience so they were able to guide me through that. I’m a pro now.
Can you describe the experience of working in a motion capture suit and how it differs from on-camera acting?
The biggest difference is you can’t touch your face because there is a camera attached to your head designed to pick up even the slightest micro-expressions in your face. Other than that the preparation and commitment are the same.
How does the narrative of "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6" allow you to showcase your acting skills in a new way?
There is an intensity to the game being that everything is life or death. The player’s involvement and appreciation of the game ultimately falls on the voice actor ability to being able to make that type of gameplay believable while the player is in their house obviously out of any true harm’s way.
How do you stay grounded and motivated in an industry that can be quite demanding and unpredictable?
The only way to thrive for me is to embrace the uncertainty and accept the reality of the industry I’ve decided to participate in. Creating my own work and remaining creative and acting outside of industry related projects has also been extremely important to maintaining my motivation.
How has your experience at NYU's Tisch School of Arts shaped your career and acting style? Tisch gave me an orientation in theatre and it’s where I truly fell in love with the possibilities of acting & storytelling. I was convinced I’d be just doing theatre in New York purely for the love of the craft so to fast forward to being able to lead big studio films and tv shows is a big cherry on top.
What advice would you give to young actors who are just starting out and looking to build a successful career?
I’d say get really focused on the why. If you are doing this because it’s who you are to your core and it’s impossible to ignore than consider that a big advantage. So many things will happen that are outside of your control but always remember that no one has the ability to take away your ability to always be nurturing your art. The art itself will give you what you give it- the reciprocity is unmatched. The work will also always find you while you are working so don’t wait on other people to give you a chance to nurture your creativity.
If you were a book, what book would you be and why?
The Alchemist. Alchemy is a lost art that many people consider pseudoscience and yet at its heart it’s about turning base metals into gold. It’s a nickname I’ve acquired from a few significant people in my life over years and it’s one I strive to remain worthy of.
