Interview with Lauren Hewett

by: Sonesay - Date: Friday October 10th 1997

1 Q: First of all, congratulations on your role as Kathy in Spellbinder 2.

Did you see the original series before you landed the role?

A: Thank you for your congratulations. I'm glad that you like the character.

Yes. I did see a few episodes of Spellbinder 1 before auditioning for the part of Kathy.

This was good for me, as it gave me a bit of an idea of what the show was about.

2 Q: Was it difficult to keep track in your mind, exactly what point you were at in the overall story,

since you were jumping from world to world and the filming was done in three different countries?

A: Yes. It was extremely difficult to keep track in my mind, where I was up to in the story.

You just have to make notes so you know where you are. Filming was also over a long period of time,

so I sometimes had to read over a few scripts to remember what I had filmed.

3 Q: You've mentioned that filming at times was hard because of the language barriers.

What else, if anything, was the most difficult part of filming?

A: As on most shows, filming was not easy. Long hours, and being away from home makes it hard.

The language barriers with the crew and cast from Poland and China took a lot to get used to,

but once we all settled in, it wasn't too bad. The different foods in each country also take

time to get used to.

4 Q: What was your most memorable experience from filming Spellbinder 2?

A: My most memorable experience from filming Spellbinder 2 was getting to know

people from different cultures. Although I didn't speak their languages, we developed special

 friendships and respected each other. I know that it sounds weird to have friends that you can't

talk to, but it did happen. I'll remember these friendships the most.

5 Q: We've been introduced so far, to Spellbinder's Land, The Land of the Dragon Lord, the Land of

the Immortals and the Land of the Machines. Which has been your favourite and why?

A: I didn't really have a favourite world in Spellbinder 2. I liked Immortal World, and Kathy's World

(which hasn't screened yet).

6 Q: Obviously I haven't seen the whole series yet, but did you get to try on Ashka's powersuit?!!

Does it actually work?

A: Yes. I did try on Ashka's powersuit, though I never actually wear it in the show. As to its' powers.

They remain a great secret that Ashka refuses to give away!!!

7 Q: What was it like working with such great Australian acting icons Heather Mitchell

and Peter O'Brien? Did either of them give you any sound advice?

A: To work with such actors as Heather Mitchell and Peter O'Brien was a great experience for me.

Heather was like a second mother to me when we were away. We still talk to each other,

but unfortunately we're both busy and haven't seen each other for a while now.

And no, they didn't really give me any advice.

8 Q: You've been in the film/entertainment industry for a long time now, and worked with

so many great actors. Who would you like to work with whom you haven't yet?

A: I don't really have one person in mind that I would like to work with. There are many fantastic

actors that I probably haven't even heard of. I don't look up to anyone in particular.

To be happy and successful is what I really want to be.

9 Q: Of all the roles that you've portrayed, from "Mera" in "Ocean Girl", to "Kat" in "Mission Top

Secret" and your latest role in "Spellbinder 2", which has been the most challenging and why.

Which has been your fave so far?

A: I believe that Kathy has been the most challenging for me in the past few years. Mainly because

Kathy is the one who goes through everything and still remains strong. Also the schedule was

enormous and exhausting. I've enjoyed all of my roles. I'm lucky in that they are all so different.

I think to play a variety of different characters is important, otherwise you get bored.

10 Q: I've read in an interview with Marzena Godecki, your co-star in Ocean Girl, that she became

much more environmentally conscious during her time spent filming Ocean Girl because of the

harm that she saw we were doing to the oceans. Do you have a similar feeling?

A: I believe that I have become more aware of the enviroment due to filming. This awarenes has

come about from filming many shows, including Ocean Girl. I think everyone in the world is becoming

more aware of the enviroment, and realise that the destruction has to stop.

11 Q: What did it mean to you to win two AFI awards at such a young age?

A: To win two A.F.I. awards at such a young age was great. I have to admit that when I received the

first one, I didn't really know what A.F.I. meant. I'm thankful to those who recognised me, it gives

you a sense of fulfilment to know that someone somewhere appreciates your work.

12 Q: And finally, how about a scoop??!! Is there going to be a Spellbinder 3

and will you reprise your role as Kathy?

A: As to whether there is going to be a Spellbinder 3.. Who knows?? I just hope that Spellbinder 2

goes as well as the first series, and that people enjoy the story, and especially the scenery.

It was a pleasure to answer your questions. I hope that you enjoy the show.

Best wishes,

Lauren Hewett