Post by Hestella on Nov 29, 2009 7:58:55 GMT -5
Starry constellation magazine
MELINA KANAKAREDES
A NEW YORK STATE OF MINDscrip
by: Jamie Steinberg
A= Melina
starrymag.com/uploads/Starry%20Constellation%20Magazine%20-%20MelinaKanakaredes.mp3
Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?
A) We are now on our fourth season on "CSI NY."
Q) What is new this season on "CSI NY" and with your character Stella Bonasera?
A) She is being pursued by this mystery guy and he's pursuing her with a major vengeance. It's almost too much too fast. This poor girl just does not have the best luck with men. You have to stay tuned to see what happens. It's kind of an interesting twist and it ends up affecting more than just Stella. It could be very dangerous for somebody!
Q) What made you want to join the show?
A) It was one of those things where I had finished filming "Providence" and had gone to New York. I had some shows in development, I was doing a Broadway show and I had just had a baby. I had a lot going on! It was offered to me by Jerry Bruckheimer's team and I wasn't sure at first. There were two others and you never know if there is room for a third. I really enjoyed meeting Anthony [Zuiker] and the whole team. It was one of those things that seemed like a perfect fit. I was willing to take the risk!
Q) What about your role do you find challenging?
A) I think the most challenging thing (especially since an actor of my training has always been much more in the arts, performing arts, English and psychology) is when you're dealing with Science and weird interesting medical terms. I am learning something new every day. It is most challenging to make it accurate and real that this woman is so intelligent. We're kind of uber scientists, detectives and everything wrapped into one. As an actor, it's really fun because you get to sink your teeth into something totally different. Going from "Providence" to "CSI NY" (although my character on the show did have medical jargon since my role was a doctor), it was very different. There is so much more intricate detail to blood work to interesting chemicals. There are different scientific facts that I wouldn't ordinarily know. Making sure I understand everything is very fun. For my technique, I can't memorize it unless I know what it means. I've learned so much about Science and uncovering mysteries through Science. I think that's what makes the whole franchise so successful because it makes Science sexy.
Q) Where do you draw on for your portrayal?
A) I actually, early on, did some research for the show. In the very beginning, I went to LA's and NY's coroners office. I saw a little more than you want to see in real life with the coroner's investigators, which are basically CSI's. It was fascinating and I kind of took a little bit from everybody that I met and sort of created my character; the strengths that these people had. They sort of see the worst of the worst, but are somehow able to maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. It was really interesting and it definitely gave me something to go on in creating Stella. Her strengths and yet her connection to the victim's families that are left behind, wanting to solve something for them and wanting to make sure they had closure. It was really a combination of all the people that I had met who do this for a living. It was a definite combination of all the people that I had met because they are the true heroes. My gosh! What they do is incredible.
Q) When the show began, did you think it would be such a success?
A) We had an inkling because the other two were so successful. We figured unless we really mess this up then we should have the fortune to be in a situation where the audience meets us and still likes us. You never know! There is no crystal ball. You just do the best job you can on the material that you are working on and hope that it is about the work.
Q) Was there instant cast chemistry or did it take a while to develop?
A) It was really wonderful because having gone down this path many times before, working with a cast and crew, they become your family. In episodic television it is so important that you get along. Gary Sinise and I had lunch together way before we even started filming together. It was really nice because immediately we had a connection and were totally happy with one another as friends. It was kind of an instant connection and it was really wonderful. He's been just a joy to work with. If you come our set, it is always a great place to be. There is no one with an attitude and no one that thinks we're curing cancer or anything like that. We're having a great time, we have a wonderful crew and amazing guest directors and guest actors that come in. It's been really a great time and a joy because I think that is the most important thing. That shows on camera, too. If you have a great time on set it kind of comes across on screen, as well.
Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming the show?
A) There is quite a few! I bring my kids to work because they are young. From starting out on the first season, they have their own little trailer. They come over after preschool and spend most of the day with me on set when I am there. I think the funniest part is that we have all these people with parts of their head cut off or bruises. It's very funny! They come out after playing corpses or whatever and they'll be smoking a cigarette or on their cell phone. I'll try to guide them in the opposite direction, that way my kids don't see. Gary and I used to laugh. Also, my girls always wanted to have tea parties. So, to go from some horrible catastrophic murder and we're very serious in the scene to my daughter Zoe saying, "Hey, Mommy and Gary...come over because I am making blueberry muffins with a special tea!" We sit down and have little tea parties while they are relighting the set. It's kind of a nice comic relief in between intense scenes.
Q) Why do people continue to tune in to the show?
A) I think it has become a true phenomenon with the whole "CSI" franchise. People are really into the whole mystery, solving it and getting to know the people who do sort of suspend their disbelief. I think they really enjoy it. It's a cool thing. I think, like every TV show, they have their core audience that really follow and love these shows. They are our biggest critics too because if we make a mistake they let us know. They notice little tiny things and big things. We keep trying to keep them challenged, as well. As writers and actors, we try to make sure that the core audience are happy and that we still surprise them. That's the tough part. I have to give the writers a lot of credit because they seem to be one step ahead of everything. In regards to this season, Anthony Zuiker has his finger on everything that is happening. I didn't know what an avatar was and three months ago we were filming an episode about them (maybe it was my lack of experience with them). We started an episode on this way before a lot of the regular public had any idea what they were about. The whole espionage of avatars and using the Internet in different episodes is kind of cool. I feel like they're really on the cutting edge of what is happening and changing in the world. We have this new toy where you throw a ball into a room and it has this camera on it so that we can see what is in the room before we come in with our guns. There are a lot of little tools and computer tricks. We're constantly trying to make sure the audience is entertained and up with the times.
Q) You've done theater, television, film and you were also a director. Is there anything else you'd like to try your hand at?
A) I love to mix it up. I actually wrote and sold a half hour pilot last year. I definitely enjoy everything and every aspect of the business. I want to continue to work in every arena of our field. I love directing and I have done quite a few smaller films. I think it is kind of nice to do a project out of love, not necessarily a big studio picture (financially), but tells a great story. I am just really happy being able to mix it up and get involved as much as possible with every aspect of the field and continue to act because it is my first love. I love musical theater so I am singing all the time. It's great! I think when we're young and deciding that we want to be actors, it's just such a dream. I grew up in Akron, Ohio. You're excited because you just want to do something that you absolutely love and when it starts loving you back, I appreciate every second. I think it is awesome that I get to do what I enjoy and get paid for it. I hope to keep mixing up because that's the joy of it. I want to do theater, do film and do television. I'd like to learn everything I can about the camera, direct, write and produce. I think that the longer we are around, the more we need to challenge ourselves, learn about our fields and progress. I like to juggle a lot of things and try to maintain what is most important to me, which is a good family life and a good environment for my kids to grow up in. It's a juggle and a craziness. I enjoy every second of it! It's really cool to be able to show that to your kids and let them realize that the world pretty much is their oyster, as they say, and they can do anything they want if they put their minds to it and work hard.
Q) Do you keep in touch with your former cast mates from "Providence?"
A) Yes I do! Seth Peterson (who played my brother Robbie) is actually going to be on an episode of "CSI NY." He plays a really bad guy so look out for him! We were so excited to have him on "CSI NY." I keep in touch with Mike Farrell, my pops, on "Providence." I just heard through the grapevine, I don't see her as much as I'd like to, but I heard that Paula Cale just had a baby (she played my little sister). Concetta Tomei and I keep in touch. We had a wonderful lovely cast and it was a great group. I had both of my children while filming the show. Zoe was born during season three and my other daughter Karina just as we were finishing season five. I have a real special connection to everyone on that show and they do feel like family. I try to keep in touch as much as I can.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
A) Thank you so much! I hope to continue to keep you entertained and continue to surprise you with other things that I love doing. Thanks and keep watching!
MELINA KANAKAREDES
A NEW YORK STATE OF MINDscrip
by: Jamie Steinberg
A= Melina
starrymag.com/uploads/Starry%20Constellation%20Magazine%20-%20MelinaKanakaredes.mp3
Q) What are the current projects that you are working on?
A) We are now on our fourth season on "CSI NY."
Q) What is new this season on "CSI NY" and with your character Stella Bonasera?
A) She is being pursued by this mystery guy and he's pursuing her with a major vengeance. It's almost too much too fast. This poor girl just does not have the best luck with men. You have to stay tuned to see what happens. It's kind of an interesting twist and it ends up affecting more than just Stella. It could be very dangerous for somebody!
Q) What made you want to join the show?
A) It was one of those things where I had finished filming "Providence" and had gone to New York. I had some shows in development, I was doing a Broadway show and I had just had a baby. I had a lot going on! It was offered to me by Jerry Bruckheimer's team and I wasn't sure at first. There were two others and you never know if there is room for a third. I really enjoyed meeting Anthony [Zuiker] and the whole team. It was one of those things that seemed like a perfect fit. I was willing to take the risk!
Q) What about your role do you find challenging?
A) I think the most challenging thing (especially since an actor of my training has always been much more in the arts, performing arts, English and psychology) is when you're dealing with Science and weird interesting medical terms. I am learning something new every day. It is most challenging to make it accurate and real that this woman is so intelligent. We're kind of uber scientists, detectives and everything wrapped into one. As an actor, it's really fun because you get to sink your teeth into something totally different. Going from "Providence" to "CSI NY" (although my character on the show did have medical jargon since my role was a doctor), it was very different. There is so much more intricate detail to blood work to interesting chemicals. There are different scientific facts that I wouldn't ordinarily know. Making sure I understand everything is very fun. For my technique, I can't memorize it unless I know what it means. I've learned so much about Science and uncovering mysteries through Science. I think that's what makes the whole franchise so successful because it makes Science sexy.
Q) Where do you draw on for your portrayal?
A) I actually, early on, did some research for the show. In the very beginning, I went to LA's and NY's coroners office. I saw a little more than you want to see in real life with the coroner's investigators, which are basically CSI's. It was fascinating and I kind of took a little bit from everybody that I met and sort of created my character; the strengths that these people had. They sort of see the worst of the worst, but are somehow able to maintain a sense of normalcy in their lives. It was really interesting and it definitely gave me something to go on in creating Stella. Her strengths and yet her connection to the victim's families that are left behind, wanting to solve something for them and wanting to make sure they had closure. It was really a combination of all the people that I had met who do this for a living. It was a definite combination of all the people that I had met because they are the true heroes. My gosh! What they do is incredible.
Q) When the show began, did you think it would be such a success?
A) We had an inkling because the other two were so successful. We figured unless we really mess this up then we should have the fortune to be in a situation where the audience meets us and still likes us. You never know! There is no crystal ball. You just do the best job you can on the material that you are working on and hope that it is about the work.
Q) Was there instant cast chemistry or did it take a while to develop?
A) It was really wonderful because having gone down this path many times before, working with a cast and crew, they become your family. In episodic television it is so important that you get along. Gary Sinise and I had lunch together way before we even started filming together. It was really nice because immediately we had a connection and were totally happy with one another as friends. It was kind of an instant connection and it was really wonderful. He's been just a joy to work with. If you come our set, it is always a great place to be. There is no one with an attitude and no one that thinks we're curing cancer or anything like that. We're having a great time, we have a wonderful crew and amazing guest directors and guest actors that come in. It's been really a great time and a joy because I think that is the most important thing. That shows on camera, too. If you have a great time on set it kind of comes across on screen, as well.
Q) What has been your most memorable moment from filming the show?
A) There is quite a few! I bring my kids to work because they are young. From starting out on the first season, they have their own little trailer. They come over after preschool and spend most of the day with me on set when I am there. I think the funniest part is that we have all these people with parts of their head cut off or bruises. It's very funny! They come out after playing corpses or whatever and they'll be smoking a cigarette or on their cell phone. I'll try to guide them in the opposite direction, that way my kids don't see. Gary and I used to laugh. Also, my girls always wanted to have tea parties. So, to go from some horrible catastrophic murder and we're very serious in the scene to my daughter Zoe saying, "Hey, Mommy and Gary...come over because I am making blueberry muffins with a special tea!" We sit down and have little tea parties while they are relighting the set. It's kind of a nice comic relief in between intense scenes.
Q) Why do people continue to tune in to the show?
A) I think it has become a true phenomenon with the whole "CSI" franchise. People are really into the whole mystery, solving it and getting to know the people who do sort of suspend their disbelief. I think they really enjoy it. It's a cool thing. I think, like every TV show, they have their core audience that really follow and love these shows. They are our biggest critics too because if we make a mistake they let us know. They notice little tiny things and big things. We keep trying to keep them challenged, as well. As writers and actors, we try to make sure that the core audience are happy and that we still surprise them. That's the tough part. I have to give the writers a lot of credit because they seem to be one step ahead of everything. In regards to this season, Anthony Zuiker has his finger on everything that is happening. I didn't know what an avatar was and three months ago we were filming an episode about them (maybe it was my lack of experience with them). We started an episode on this way before a lot of the regular public had any idea what they were about. The whole espionage of avatars and using the Internet in different episodes is kind of cool. I feel like they're really on the cutting edge of what is happening and changing in the world. We have this new toy where you throw a ball into a room and it has this camera on it so that we can see what is in the room before we come in with our guns. There are a lot of little tools and computer tricks. We're constantly trying to make sure the audience is entertained and up with the times.
Q) You've done theater, television, film and you were also a director. Is there anything else you'd like to try your hand at?
A) I love to mix it up. I actually wrote and sold a half hour pilot last year. I definitely enjoy everything and every aspect of the business. I want to continue to work in every arena of our field. I love directing and I have done quite a few smaller films. I think it is kind of nice to do a project out of love, not necessarily a big studio picture (financially), but tells a great story. I am just really happy being able to mix it up and get involved as much as possible with every aspect of the field and continue to act because it is my first love. I love musical theater so I am singing all the time. It's great! I think when we're young and deciding that we want to be actors, it's just such a dream. I grew up in Akron, Ohio. You're excited because you just want to do something that you absolutely love and when it starts loving you back, I appreciate every second. I think it is awesome that I get to do what I enjoy and get paid for it. I hope to keep mixing up because that's the joy of it. I want to do theater, do film and do television. I'd like to learn everything I can about the camera, direct, write and produce. I think that the longer we are around, the more we need to challenge ourselves, learn about our fields and progress. I like to juggle a lot of things and try to maintain what is most important to me, which is a good family life and a good environment for my kids to grow up in. It's a juggle and a craziness. I enjoy every second of it! It's really cool to be able to show that to your kids and let them realize that the world pretty much is their oyster, as they say, and they can do anything they want if they put their minds to it and work hard.
Q) Do you keep in touch with your former cast mates from "Providence?"
A) Yes I do! Seth Peterson (who played my brother Robbie) is actually going to be on an episode of "CSI NY." He plays a really bad guy so look out for him! We were so excited to have him on "CSI NY." I keep in touch with Mike Farrell, my pops, on "Providence." I just heard through the grapevine, I don't see her as much as I'd like to, but I heard that Paula Cale just had a baby (she played my little sister). Concetta Tomei and I keep in touch. We had a wonderful lovely cast and it was a great group. I had both of my children while filming the show. Zoe was born during season three and my other daughter Karina just as we were finishing season five. I have a real special connection to everyone on that show and they do feel like family. I try to keep in touch as much as I can.
Q) What would you like to say to your fans and supporters?
A) Thank you so much! I hope to continue to keep you entertained and continue to surprise you with other things that I love doing. Thanks and keep watching!
