(photographer Aaron Heck )
Recently I spoke with the lovely and talented Kristina Anapau who stars in True Blood. She was kind enough to speak with us and I want to thank her and Clint at October Coast for setting up the interview and answering our questions.
What inspired you to choose a career in film/TV; do you have any advice for people who are looking to get into the television and or film industry?
I had studied classical ballet since age 4 and my goal was to become a professional ballerina. I had no plans to become an actor. Universal was filming a movie in Hawaii, and after being encouraged to audition– I was offered the lead female role. I had never acted before, but seemed to take to it very naturally. I fell in love with the magic of it all– as any 16 year-old probably would– moved to Los Angeles shortly thereafter and have worked very hard ever since to get to where I am today. My life has gone through many incarnations in the process and I’m very grateful for all I have learned and those who I have met along the way. For those wanting to get into the Film/TV industry, I suppose the best advice I can give is to cultivate your stamina and focus— where your attention goes, and goes consistently, you follow.
Looking at “True Blood ”, what can you tell us about your character and how you got the part?
Maurella is a seductress from the faerie dimension who has a passion for Andy Bellefleur. She is 500 years old, although she only claims to be 300;) She is on her way to becoming an elder of the fairies, and is called in to help Sookie and Jason gain clarity surrounding their parents death. As for the audition, I got the call the day prior, went in to read for Alan Ball, did the scene once, they said thank you, and I left.
It was apparently a ‘Thank you, that was exactly what we were looking for’ because I got the call that I had booked the role just a few hours later. As an actor, you always tend to feel that a quick audition with no discussion or adjustments means that they don’t like you or that you are not right for the role, but it is often times exactly the opposite.
How much knowledge did you have of the series prior to being cast and did you do any special prep for the part?
I was already a big fan of the show when I booked it, yes. In regards to cultivating the character of Maurella I did do a bit of preparation—figuring out the fine line between melodrama and reality on which she existed was the most important. How masterfully the long-time cast members of True Blood straddle that paradox is the beauty of that entire show.
What are your thoughts about being part of such a pop culture event as True Blood and do you have any added pressure knowing how rabid the fan base is?
I feel very privileged to be on such an amazing show. I don’t feel any added pressure—I’m very grateful to the fans and all their incredible love and support of what we do.
When you consider a script or a potential TV or film project, what elements do you look for in the story and character and what types of projects would you like to do in the future?
I look for great writing first and foremost and then at the character next. If the character is someone whose soul I want to step into, I pursue it further.
What were some memorable moments from filming and what can we look forward to from you and your character going forward?
There are so many memorable moments, I’m not sure where to begin. Having the opportunity to work with Alan Ball during his last season as showrunner was incredible. He is an inspiration and sets such a brilliant example of the beautiful and creative heights that can be reached in this industry. As for what’s next for Maurella on the show…we faeries are very secretive.
As a follow up, what was working with your cast like?
I feel very privileged to have worked with the actors I have worked with thus far. Chris Bauer is an incredibly generous actor and human being. I learn something new from him every time we work together and with every conversation we have. I adore working with Anna [Paquin], she is tremendously talented and focused. She has a magnetism that pulls you in—she is really beautiful inside and out. The True Blood cast is phenomenal—incredibly talented actors on set and absolutely wonderful people off. It is such a pleasure to come to work.
When you’re not filming, what do you like to do and which shows and movies are you looking forward to seeing?
I have been doing a lot of writing lately for various publications. I love to travel and explore. Love to read. Love to ski. As for television shows, I’m really looking forward to the third season of Downton Abbey—what a phenomenal show that is—I’m addicted. And the next season of Curb Your Enthusiasm. As for features, the new P.T. Anderson movie, The Master looks really interesting and Lawless is going to be incredible.
If you had carte blanche, what type of role would you like to create for yourself, who would direct, and who would star with you in the project?
I try not to put faces on things, if you know what I mean. I feel that latching onto specific desires tends to block other things from coming in that might be even better. Although I have to say, I would love to do a Baz Luhrmann film.
What future projects do you have coming up that the readers can look forward to?
I just completed a really amazing episode of Grimm that I am looking forward to seeing in a few weeks. I’m also very excited about Sighting, a film that will be out later this year. And another film I am very proud of, BlackJacks , comes out early next year.
What sort of music do you like?
I’m listening to a lot of Katie Melua and Lily Allen at the moment.
