Nora's Blossoming Love for Backup Nathan: Insights from Upload Season 3 Director, Alberto Belli

Article Overview

"Memory Crackers" delves into an unconventional love triangle involving Nora and two Nathans, pitting her emotions and allegiance against one another.

Director Alberto Belli was captivated by "Upload" due to his deep appreciation for the series and the chance to collaborate with Greg Daniels.

The series was created by Greg Daniels, with Alberto Belli serving as the director of "Memory Crackers." Alongside his directing work, Belli has also contributed to various writing and editing projects. Some of his notable works include The House of Flowers, Ultra Violet & Black Scorpion, and Gatlopp. Robbie Amell takes on the lead role of Nathan, supported by Andy Allo as Nora, Kevin Bigley as Luke, Allegra Edwards as Ingrid, Zainab Johnson as Aleesha, and Owen Daniels as A.I. Guy.

Our website had the opportunity to interview Alberto Belli regarding his involvement in the series during season 3, focusing on the intriguing love triangle between Nora and the two Nathans.

Alberto Belli Talks Upload Season 3, Episode 6

Our website: Since this was your first time directing Upload, what drew you to the show and made you want to get involved in season 3?

Alberto Belli: Season 1 of the show was absolutely amazing! It was definitely one of my top picks for the year. I had always dreamt of directing for this show, but it seemed like a distant possibility. However, fate had different plans for me and I was fortunate enough to be able to join in for season 3. Needless to say, I was overjoyed. One of the best parts of this job is getting to work with people whom you deeply admire. Being a huge fan of Greg Daniels since his work on The Office and Parks and Rec, working with him was truly a dream come true. Especially with a show like this that has so much to offer. I couldn't have been happier.

Did you face any challenges when you started or did you already have a good understanding of the characters beforehand?

In the futuristic world depicted in the show, there were numerous elements that required post-production additions. How did this challenge you creatively in a way that differs from your usual experience?

Alberto Belli: In Mexico, I worked as a computer science engineer but was passionate about VFX. Before this project, I directed a Christmas movie that involved numerous VFX shots. This experience made me feel at ease with VFX when I joined the team.

Moving on to the episode, how did you tackle the introductory scene where Aleesha had to deceive Nora? Despite her dedication to her job, she also remained loyal to her friend.

Alberto Belli: It was a challenging scene to shoot. We tried out different approaches and did multiple takes. The main focus was on Aleesha's intention to protect Nora. She knew that no matter what, Nora would face trouble. So, it was important for Aleesha to be the gatekeeper, ensuring that Nora didn't get hurt any further. Aleesha wanted to be involved and provide some assistance instead of leaving Nora vulnerable. She wanted to balance between protecting her best friend and giving the others what they were looking for. It was crucial to strike that balance; otherwise, it could lead to more complications. Overall, it was a really enjoyable scene to work on.

Additionally, there was the complexity of having two Nathans in the scene. How did you guide Robbie in portraying his character's interactions with himself?

Nora's emotions towards Backup Nathan are incredibly intricate. He is an exact replica of the man she developed feelings for, and he possesses all the memories of their past romantic connection. What were your intentions in terms of their interactions?

Alberto Belli: Flirting with danger, that's how I see it. There are two options to consider. What captivates me about this episode is the unprecedented love triangle. The individual is in love with the same person—utterly extraordinary. It was occurrences like this—seeking out these emotions. Certainly, I love that person, but I've also created numerous meaningful moments with Downloaded Nathan. These memories hold immeasurable value, even if he appears more flawless than anything I could have ever imagined. He may lack insecurities and troubles, yet I sense that Nora values honesty in a genuine relationship more than perfection. We attempted to probe the question of whether one would choose to date a flawless individual or someone who is more candid and authentic. Hopefully, most of us would opt for the real person.

I'm also interested in how the real Nathan and Ingrid's relationship was portrayed. They had a heartfelt conversation in this episode, and their past together adds depth to their connection.

Alberto Belli: As a fan of season 1, I've always been amazed by how Allegra can make an initially unlikable character become very likable. Given the circumstances in this episode, she could have turned out to be horrible, but she manages to bring a sense of realism and emotion to her performances. I wanted those scenes to explore the "what if?" aspect. What if things had worked out for them? Ingrid is in a vulnerable state, and I believe she had an inkling of what was coming. However, in times like these, we always search for someone to lean on. Meanwhile, Nathan remains supportive of her, while maintaining their friendship and not crossing any boundaries. I suppose they're friends who used to be in a relationship.

As the show progressed, I noticed that Ingrid, portrayed by Allegra Edwards, became an increasingly entertaining and unpredictable character. Working with Allegra and witnessing her comedic skills has been a delight. During rehearsals, we had a great time finding the perfect balance for the character. However, as we continued shooting, Allegra also added improvisation to her performance, which brought a fresh and dynamic element to each scene. This allowed for different reactions from Robbie, the main character. Allegra's versatility was truly impressive, as she effortlessly transitioned from delivering heart-touching news to taking a light-hearted approach by saying "I knew this would happen, it's no big deal." Our focus was on exploring various facets of their relationship, giving us flexibility during the editing process to delve deeper or inject more fun into the scenes.

She has a great understanding of comedy. My favorite moment is when she receives the news and embraces Robbie, playfully touching his behind. She asks him, "Can I see it as a friend?" It was a spontaneous moment that had us all laughing. I struggled to hold back my laughter while on set. The improvisations had me in tears of laughter. Working with her, and the entire cast, was an absolute delight. It was a dream come true.

Was there a particular scene in this episode that stood out to you upon watching it? One that effectively conveyed the message you were trying to convey?

Alberto Belli: My personal preference is the revelation that they are not in the afterlife, nor in Lakeview, but rather on a stage. I enjoy these unexpected twists and turns. The way it unfolds and reveals that we are actually in a warehouse is something I truly appreciate. In terms of their relationships, I find the whole mystery of searching for the perfect memory and gathering evidence intriguing. It adds an element of mystery alongside the humor. As they grow closer, the complexity of their interactions also deepens. I am really satisfied with how all these elements came together.

Do you have aspirations to direct future episodes of Upload? Alternatively, are there any other upcoming projects that you would like to work on?

Alberto Belli expressed his keen interest in returning for a potential fourth season. Being a devoted Star Wars enthusiast, he aspires to participate in an Ahsoka-themed episode one day. Currently, his focus lies on an upcoming Disney film titled The Naughty Nine, set to release on Thanksgiving. This project combines elements of a thrilling heist and a delightful adventure, fulfilling a childhood aspiration. While hoping for the opportunity to be involved in either a Star Wars or Marvel production, Belli was asked about the influence of his VFX background on his project preferences.

Alberto Belli: I am drawn to anything with a captivating narrative, although I also appreciate the added allure of special effects. Ultimately, I find enjoyment in the grandeur of entertainment, favoring spectacle over grit and indie vibes. The inclusion of VFX adds to the overall spectacle that I relish.

About Upload Season 3

Upload is a refreshing sci-fi comedy series created by Greg Daniels, the Emmy-winning writer behind The Office, Parks and Recreation, and King of the Hill. It takes place in a futuristic society where holographic phones, self-driving vehicles, AI assistants, and 3D food printers have become the norm. But that's not all – in this world, death is not the end. Instead, you have the opportunity to be "uploaded" into a virtual reality afterlife, where you can indulge in the luxurious amenities of a world-class resort. Of course, this digital paradise comes with a price tag, making it accessible only to those who can afford it.

In Upload Season Three, follow Nora and newly downloaded Nathan as they navigate their relationship while racing against time to stop a mysterious conspiracy that poses a threat to millions of lives. Can they successfully shut down Freeyond and finally have a real life together? Or is it only a matter of time until Nathan's head explodes? Meanwhile, in Lakeview, a backup copy of Nathan has been activated, and Ingrid is determined not to let this second chance at love slip away. In the real world, Aleesha climbs the ranks of Horizen by overseeing AI education and finds herself in a new romantic relationship. As for Luke, stranded in Lakeview, he is compelled to come up with the funds to pay for his paradise-like stay, leading him to work in The Grey Zone.

Stay tuned for more interviews with the Upload season 3 crew.

Executive Producer/Director Jeff Blitz

Director Tom Marshall

Director Dave Rogers

Director Sarah Boyd

Production Designer Rachel O’Toole

The Upload series is a sci-fi comedy created by Greg Daniels, the Emmy Award-winning writer behind popular shows like The Office and Parks and Recreation. The story takes place in a technologically advanced future where hologram phones, 3D food printers, and automated grocery stores are commonplace. One of the most innovative aspects of this world is the ability for humans to choose to be "uploaded" into a virtual afterlife. The plot revolves around Nathan Brown, a programmer who unexpectedly dies and has his consciousness uploaded to the luxurious Lakeview community by his girlfriend. Suspicious of the circumstances surrounding his death, he forms a friendship with Nora, his customer service representative, who shares his belief that foul play may have been involved.

Release Date: May 1, 2020

Cast: Robbie Amell, Zainab Johnson, Allegra Edwards, Andy Allo, Kevin Bigley

Genres: Sci-Fi, Comedy, Mystery

Seasons: 2

Story By: Greg Daniels

Writers: Greg Daniels

Network: Amazon Prime Video

Streaming Service: Amazon Prime Video

Directors: Greg Daniels

Showrunner: Greg Daniels

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I am excited about the blossoming love between Nora and Backup Nathan in Upload Season 3. The concept of a love triangle involving a human and two versions of the same person is intriguing and新鮮. I am curious to see how the writers will develop this storyline and how Nora will navigate her feelings for both Nathans.

I appreciate that the show explores the complexities of love and relationships in a unique and thought-provoking way. The introduction of Backup Nathan raises questions about identity, consciousness, and the nature of love. I am also interested in seeing how the show will balance the romantic elements with the sci-fi and comedy aspects. Overall, I am excited to see what the future holds for Nora and the two Nathans in Upload Season 3.