Driven To Kill - first movie set experience
Lighting up Doctor Brown
I booked this role just after graduating from my full-time program at the Vancouver Academy of Dramatic Arts. I was so super excited to book the part! Working with Steven Seagal was an intimidating first experience on a film set, due to his height & brawn. I played the doctor to his severely injured daughter, Laura Mennell. Lighting up this hospital room took longer than I expected, but Steven Seagal had a stand in so I didn't have to stand face to face too long with him - I would have been sweating! It was a great experience to see how the crew worked - I enjoyed every minute.
Listening is harder than I expected
I have to laugh at this scene because listening at the door is harder than it seems. I can laugh at it now, but at the time, I was petrified. The director told me to listen at the door for the "bad guys" outside the door. I didn't want to put my head against the door because in my mind, that would make a sound and the bad guy would find us! But I guess that's how you listen at a door because Mr. King made it very clear what I needed to do - and I did it! I learned even more about how things look on camera in terms of space, even if you think it's close enough, sometimes you have to get even closer.
Looking genuinely terrified
Ha ha ha! This was how you listen at a door - you have to really get your head in there. I do not like getting in trouble and I tend to be a "rule follower" in life. I also like everything to be perfect, so if I'm not doing something right, it can be upsetting to me. One thing I've heard people tell me, including my acting coaches, is that I take direction well and make adjustments, so luckily this scene went over well. But I know the background actors were rooting for me - I think they were legitimately just as terrified- no "acting" necessary!
Loving my last breath
This is my last breath in the movie. Not really a spoiler because I'm sure you're not watching this movie for me! I wish I could have had a fight scene with Igor Jijikine or Steven Seagal or any of the bad guys for that matter! I was at the peak of my fitness career and I think I could have kicked some butt. I enjoyed this scene because they put a brace on my back so Igor could pick me up and "slam" me against the door frame. It was so much fun! I was taught to hold my neck as a safety precaution so he didn't really choke me. So cool! This was my favourite scene.
Igor Jijikine and Linda Minard
I can't remember if this was on a lunch break or after filming, but this gentleman, Igor Jijikine, was incredibly kind to me. It was a great first time set experience for me and I can't wait for the day I get to do it again (hopefully with a larger role)! But we all start somewhere, and many a film wouldn't get very far without the actors who play these roles that we may not think twice about - they move the story along and they're necessary. I'm up for playing a doctor again any day!