Fan Interview 1

This was the first Official Fan Interview with Sarah Thomson. We would like to personally thank her for taking the time to answer some questions for us.

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Fun Facts

• Fav food: Sashimi. Yakitori. Almost ANYTHING Japanese.
• Fav drink: Chocolate milk from a weeny carton.
• Fav color: Blue.
• Fav song: That is an almost impossible question. I was raised by a music journalist. Right now, it MIGHT be 'She's A Rainbow' by The Rolling Stones. Or 'Oh Yoko' by John Lennon & The Plastic Ono Band. Or 'Psycho Killer' by the Talking Heads. Or... oh-I-don't know...
• Fav movie: Peeping Tom by British Director Michael Powell. It ruined his career at the time it was made (1960) but was FAR ahead of it's time in terms of subject matter and theory. Also 'Performance', another British film featuring Mick Jagger.
• Fav actor(s): Cate Blanchett's pretty awesome. As is Ian McKellen.
• Birthday: 17th of June.

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Sarah on Power Rangers Jungle Fury

How did you hear about the role of Fran?

My agent sent me to audition for the roles of both Fran and Camille. I was then called back for further Fran-dom.

How did it feel to play this popular character?

Great fun. Fran's a riot. And nerds RULE.

Did you get to spend time with any of the cast members?

I shared a trailer with the core female cast (Holly and Anna) and we had the occasional silly night out with most main cast. David and I seemed to bump into each other a lot, as I think we share the same circle of friends in Auckland.

How did this role compare with your previous villain roles?

All really strong character roles are great fun to play. Any role that comes with a strong sense of self is a blessing, whether they behave like Diane/Hydrax or Fran.

Did you watch the episodes after filming? If so, what did you think?

I think PRJF is a snappy show for kids, but I hope the older fans of the Ranger genre and martial arts like how it came together too. Watching the fruit of the labours of our EXCELLENT stunties was greatly humbling.

How long did it take to do the voiceovers?

Fran doesn't really have too much ADR work, as she isn't really a fighter. But I always enjoy doing voicework, which is why I think I was allowed to voice another, evil character later on in the series! In that case, it took around an hour and a half to record and perfect the lines and synchronization.

Did you watch Power Rangers before accepting these roles?

We don't get it in New Zealand! You can rent older seasons from a specialist video store over here, but other than that I'd only seen the episodes from SPD that I'd appeared in as Diane/Hydrax. ...And a little of Operation Overdrive from my friend Gerald Urquhart [Flurious], with whom I work on New Zealand's most established medical drama, Shortland Street.

Did you get to spend time with any other cast members?

New Zealand has a close-knit acting community, and I'm glad to call fellow PR season actors like Gerald, Barnie Duncan, Beth Allen and Toni Prebble both colleagues and friends. In fact, I share a dressing room with Beth on Shortland Street. She is sleeping behind me as I type this.

How would you compare yourself with your roles? Did any of them resemble your own personality?

I am very nerdy in real life, but rather than pizza and macrame (like Fran) I'd rather obsess over music, theatre and film. I think we both dress with our own 'special' *ahem* style too.

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General Questions:

How did you get in the acting career?

I've always been a bit precocious from a very young age, and other than that I have been lucky enough to have my love for the stage indulged from a young age also. From 'experimental' theatre during high school and university, I then went on to do screen work in New Zealand and for US companies. I'm also trained in making film and television, something I would like to explore more of in the future.

Do you prefer acting or voice acting?

Voice acting is very flexible, as you can diguise your voice and aesthetics can be created and moulded any way the story dictates. But acting is more engaging, and I always enjoy the thrill of pretending to be someone else.

Do you have any advice for inspiring actors?

Nerds rule. Be a nerd about what you love, follow what you love and you'll never 'work' a day in your life.

What is your favorite role that you have done?

Last year I was involved in a devised play where I got to create and then perform as at least five different people, from a wealthy mother-in-law to a shy Chinese bakery attendant. It sold out and it was one of the more excellent experiences of my life. ...Playing Fran was still pretty cool, though.

What do you see yourself doing in 5 years?

Listening to strange music, living in the bush, and hopefully still doing what I love.

Are you currently working on any other projects?

Up until very recently, I was engaged as the Music Producer at an independent music television station [www.alttv.co.nz]. I worked to acquire music videos, artist promo and band interviews. I also had a show at seven pm every weeknight jokingly called 'Lamest Girl Alive'. Now that I'm involved in Shortland Street, I still help out there when I can. I also enjoy freelance writing for screen, freelance music criticism and screen Art Direction and Assistant Direction.

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This information came from http://www.sarahthomson.net