Megan Boone speaks about performing stunts for the action series
How did you prepare for the roleIJ
My first preparation was for the initial audition and because the role was coveted, they had us back and back and kept auditioning. And through the audition process I learned more because you can never really repeat the audition process. And through the process you’re discovering things in the moment. It went so well and was able to get the role because I was in a very creative mindset at the time. I did some interviews with different FBI profilers who were very prominent and who interviewed the craziest psychopaths known to man. But most of the things I learn from her come as the series evolves. like she has a better sense of humour now and that’s from trauma in previous episodes. She’s changing in reaction to what’s happened to her.
What’s the connection between your character and that of James Spader’sIJ
The most precious thing is the mystery because it allowed me to go into every scene wondering what he wants. Therefore I can look for the answer in different ways. It requires me to watch him and see what he does. James has secrets about him that he holds from me, decisions he’s made about Reddington he’s holding from me. So I go into the scene and try to figure it out.
What’s it like working with SpaderIJ
He came in later. They cast Elizabeth first then they went out for their Red. When I found out that he was coming, I could not believe it. Then I came to work. It’s interesting to see how the dynamic between us as actors parallels our dynamic as characters. I’m a bit of a novice; he’s established in his work. He really does care for me; there’s a paternalistic nature to it. He’s very unconventional and direct. I’m really nostalgic and I have a very strong connection to relationships in my life. It’s really life imitating art in many ways. The minute you start working with him he absolves anxiety because he’s so kind, generous and collaborative. He’s a consummate professional.
This role is big for your career.
This is definitely a big step in my career. I am able to work on a bigger scale than I have before. It is making me more confident in my work. It’s been a real blessing for me. The other parts were very gruelling. I was auditioning all the time. It was like scraps. It was a little demoralising.
The Blacklist has been compared to Homeland. Did you watch Claire Danes in that show to see how she faresIJ
Watching other actors for me doesn’t inform my performance because my performance is informed by acting. I understand how you would draw parallels but when I play a role it’s never inspired by someone else; it’s derived from my own imagination which is derived from the story itself.
There’s lots of action in the show. You’re up for itIJ
We are doing some really fun stuff with action. That’s a big element of the show. I’ve been exercising a lot. You have to be prepared to come to work. But I have stunt people doing the major stuff for me. I did get bruised though when I was being dragged into a car by a stunt guy playing a criminal, as he dragged me into a car and I was like, ‘C’mon this is a rehearsal!’ But I am forgiving!
Does all the violence take a psychological toll on youIJ How do you copeIJ
One day at a time. This is a very difficult job. Actors in one hour drama series on TV are the hardest working actors. It’s grueling. I think it’s important to keep a banter on the set. I think, ‘I’m at work and I’ve been here for 16 hours, but look at the people I’m here with on the set.’
courtesy Star World Premiere HD