In the live-action/animation comedy MUDPIT, four teens—Reese, Geneva, Liam, and Kyle—step into Muzika, a bold virtual rock world where the dream is to become real-life rock stars. Success hinges on more than playing notes: they must outplay rival musicians, clear level after level, and pour their hearts into every performance to prove they can be top gamers and a formidable band.
The Mag recently spoke with Vas Saranga, who plays Reese; Carleigh Beverly, who portrays Geneva; and Jesse Rath, who portrays Liam, to hear what it was like to make MUDPIT.
Jesse plays Liam, a musical protégé who also happens to be socially awkward. Unlike the classic cool, smooth-talking lead, Liam is loyal and supportive—a genuine friend who keeps the group grounded even when the spotlight shines brightest.
Geneva, the band’s drummer, is the songcraft engine, writing many of the tracks and driving the rehearsals forward. She acts as the group’s motivator, balancing ambition with focus; a little sibling rivalry with Mikey, played by Daniel Magder, adds fuel to the dynamics from time to time.
Reese, described as an uber gamer, treats Muzika as his life. He becomes the force pushing the crew to win the competition, often speaking with intensity about the need to prevail. He admits his tendency to go from whisper to shout, a trait the sound team finds challenging yet memorable.
On real instruments, the cast reveal their own musical sides. Jesse says he jams with friends and even sings in the shower, though he admits the rock dream faded long ago. He still keeps a connection to music through casual play.
Carleigh grew up around drums. Her father owned a drum kit in her grandmother’s basement, and she took lessons in high school. For the show’s performances, she mimics the real drumming by following a track played by Jason Pierce, drummer for Justin Bieber, hoping the on-screen performance looks authentic.
Vas has a multi-instrument background. He started playing guitar at twelve, pursued piano when his sister began lessons, and coaxed a drum set into existence for the family. That early exposure explains why he can switch between guitar and drums with ease and keeps him playing to this day.
Each actor names their musical influences. Jesse gravitates toward The Black Keys and The White Stripes, living under the broader rock umbrella while absorbing hip-hop, electro, and pop on the side. Carleigh pins her taste to Kings of Leon and Vampire Weekend, with a soft spot for indie vibes. Vas leans into punk roots with Green Day and Sum 41, and nods to Nirvana as an essential gateway to guitar history.
Looking back at the process, the team talks about recording aspects. The album was tracked with Grieg Nori, Treble Charger’s lead singer, a vibe filled with long studio nights and playful moments that strengthened their friendship. Nori’s studio work left a lasting impression on the cast as they learned how the recording industry operates.
Asked what part of the project stood out most, each member has a clear answer. For Jesse, creating the music was the highlight—a central thread that defined the MUDPIT experience. Carleigh enjoyed the music videos, stepping into performance and feeling like a true band while playing back along to the tracks. Vas found the live-action shoots the most fun, relishing his first lead role and the camaraderie with the cast, even as 12-hour days stretched on.
When it comes to their avatar characters, the cast notices the personality shines through. Vas loves Reese’s distinctive blonde mohawk and the expressive eyes. Jesse jokes about his avatar’s broad shoulders that resemble his own. Carleigh admires G’s tall presence and the pink-black hair. Overall, the team admired how the 3D versions captured their looks and moods.
Fans have moments they remember. Vas enjoyed the prank-filled dynamic with Reese’s stepbrother Kyle. Carleigh cherishes a birthday episode titled Rhyme and Punishment, which let her character celebrate in a special way. Jesse enjoyed the narrative device where each character tells a different version of the same scene, a source of many laughs during filming.
After wrapping, the cast extended thanks to each other and expressed excitement for audiences to see MUDPIT’s premiere. The premiere aired on Teletoon, inviting viewers to join the adventure as the team navigates Muzika and the real world alike. The project marks a fresh blend of music, gaming, and friendship for a teen audience. Photo credits go to Teletoon for capturing the show’s energy.