Katrina
Durden blasted across the big screen in Doctor Strange, and her
intense performance, along with the intricate movie, warranted an
detailed interview. After watching Doctor Strange three times in the
theater, and of course buying a Blonde Zealot Funko toy, haha, I
knew the time is right to go in hard and fast to interview this
talented and humble lady, discussing Doctor Strange, her role in the
new Street Fighter series and of course her extensive action
training. Katrina is wonderfully inspiring young and talented lady,
ready to work hard in the action world, get ready folks, a worldwide
exclusive interview with the BLONDE ZEALOT: Katrina Durden!
Update August 2018: Katrina Durden is training for new project with stunt action specialist Tara Macken! Keep reading Dan's Movie Report for more details soon! Check out this bad ass new video! Incidentally Tara Macken has been featured on my site numerous times including a massive interview: http://dansmoviereport.blogspot.com/2013/04/tara-macken-interview-exclusive-dans.html
Check out Katrina's 2018 acting demo on Vimeo @ https://vimeo.com/258418776
Chat
about your childhood. and how you caught the action bug so to speak,
was there a person in your life when you were a child that had a
profound impact on your life?
My
parents were creatives so I was left to my on devices. I became
fascinated with films, cartoons, comic books and video games, their
stories and characters; particularly the strong female ones. Their
abilities and self confidence, something an awkward kid that never
really felt like she fit in aspired to have. At the same time, I was
a bit of a tom boy, and back when kids still payed outside, the only
kids that made me feel at home were largely boys with their simple
philosophy and rough and tumble way of handling things. It made sense
to me. Then slowly I was exposed to the likes of Jackie Chan, Bruce
Lee, 80's and early 90's action films and was of course, like pretty
much everyone you must speak to, was fascinated.
What
can you remember one of your early Sensei's teaching you that still
sticks in your mind today?
Its
not really a particular lesson, but the discipline and diligence
that's instilled from being involved in martial arts, and sport as a
whole really, is so important. I would never say I'm particularly
innately talented. But I'm super passionate about what I do and will
put everything I have in to improving and developing, and supporting
others on their quest around me - I think paying it forward is one of
the most important things we can do.
Chat
about your acting training ,and what made you decide that you wanted
to be in front of the camera?
I've
been performing, off my own back, since I was circa 13, whether it be
dance, amateur dramatics, poetry or music. I studied at school and
did two years of performing arts at college, did summer schools and
workshops at places like Sylvia Young's and Moscow Arts Theater, was
part of a theater company and was lucky to do a placement at a
theater in Paris. During this time, my dad passed away which put my
future into a bit of a tail spin. Performing had to be put to one
side as I attempted to build a viable career in Sports Science and
Human Performance to support myself and my family. But that itch
wouldn't go away. Fast forward a couple of years, and a few more
experiences, and I met some incredible people in the world of
film-making and action who reignited and helped me add fuel to the
the flame and made me realize that itch was there for a reason. If I
didn't give myself a shot, if I didn't know, I would forever wonder
"what if". So I got to work studying anywhere and with
anyone I could. My uncle is a film, TV, theater and ex Royal
Shakespeare Company actor, and also sat on the admissions board at
the Central School of Speech and Drama so he coached and mentored me,
as did actor and film maker, Joey Ansah. Life is a people experience,
and this is a people industry and I've been so lucky to have met and
learned from some great ones. Other than that I still take classes
and seek to learn continuously; I'll always be a student of my
passions.
I
noticed that your area of study is Human Performance, describe to my
audience the training and classes you have to undertake in that
curriculum, how also does it make you a better actress, and more well
rounded person?
When
I originally decided to study sport and human performance, it was
almost as a response to what had happened in my life. What was the
closest thing to the things I loved? Performance, action, martial
arts, human ability. It seemed the smart choice. Again, from my early
influences, I was fascinated by the human body and its capabilities,
and elite sports people and movement artists, are an example of the
closest thing we have to super humans. I had also studied psychology
in college because I was also fascinated by human behavior and the
human mind and how far it could go. It was a close toss up. But
studying sports science gave me a clear understanding of the
functions of the human form, how to improve performance and fuel and
look after oneself physically. That's an important part of training,
of action and indeed of the modern industry. But I think, like
anything really, its another page in my story, another chapter in my
book to draw on and I think the art of acting is also developed in
the art of living life, experiencing different situations, vocations,
meeting people on all different paths and listening to their stories
and adding to your emotional intelligence. I've spent time as a
trainer, a coach, a kids teacher, a journalist and so on, and I've
learned from all of those experiences and the people I've met along
the way.
Chat
about the audition process, if there was one, or how you were
selected for Doctor Strange.
I
was recommended to the casting director, Reg Poerscout-Edgarton, by a
friend of mine who knew and had worked with him previously, one of my
closest friends and fellow actors. I went in, did the audition, and
then came out not thinking too much of my efforts. About 4 weeks
later, I get a call to come in for a stunt assessment and then
training began, about a month after that I was confirmed for the
role.
Once
you landed the role, did you undergo a lengthy training process? What
are some of the things you had to learn for your Zealot part?
We
spent a good few months training under the most awesome Jojo Eusebio
and Vincent Wang in a mixture of martial arts styles, including
Silat, Cali, JKD and Kung Fu, and of course the choreography itself.
We spent a lot of time previzing the action sequences. We had a lot
of wire work to do so we spent lots of time rehearsing and getting
comfortable with the stuff we were going to do on screen - the whole
thing was a lot of fun - a lot of hard work, but an incredible
learning experience.
Above Katrina Durden as The Blonde Zealot in Doctor Strange
Curious
when you started filming, what some of the instructions were for you
to get in character, did they give you the menacing stare directive,
and how did you approach your character, did you sit with the script
and act it out?
The
script had it all - it was our bible. It showed us our place in this
Strange universe. And Mads was such an incredible commander, and
Scott Derrickson, our general. They led, we followed.
Share
a strange ahaha, and or unusual story from the set of 'Doctor
Strange'
So
many! We had so much fun on those sets - from magic tricks, to dance
battles and general douchebaggery - it was just incredible to be part
of the wild ride. Wouldn't even know where to start. I will say that
one of the hardest things I've had to do is try to keep a straight
face standing in front of Benedict Wong as he's chuckling himself at
the end of the Hong Kong section.
Chat
about working with your friends Scott Adkins and Zara Phythian, does
it make things easier when mates are on set?
Ah
most definitely. The dream is and has always been to do what you love
with the people you love and respect. And I've been so lucky to have
done that. Both Zara and Scott are such talented performers, both in
action and drama, and had been an inspiration early on as pioneers of
the UK in the action industry, so again, getting to work with people
you really respect as people and professionals is always great.
Particularly when they're mates.
What
are your thoughts on the film, I am sure that you liked it, but
curious if you watched it and are thinking if you did this and this
differently etc...?
The
film is phenomenal, a real visual masterpiece and a testament to the
team that made it happen. I don't think I'd ever be presumptuous
enough to think id change anything, but I guess, with a great story
and so many great characters it would have been awesome to just see
more of it all.
Shifting
gears, chat about Street Fighter: Resurrection and your bad ass
character Decapre, what is her origin and her strengths, judging from
your reel, she is a relentless bad girl.
Decapre
is a character that was first made playable in SFIV and she is one of
Bison's personally programmed female army, The Dolls. Her appearance
resembles that of Cammy, however her face is scarred from the
experimentation done to her by M Bison. This is a sore spot for
Decapre and reason for her wearing her trademark mask, and also the
reason for her intense hatred of Cammy, although raised as sisters.
Her programming, some say was too good, bringing about certain
robotic mannerisms and way of speaking, however it had also left her
volatile. Calm, then berserka style rage when provoked - made her
such an interesting character to step into. And I'm such a fan of
Street Fighter, that getting to be part of that universe was also a
dream come true.
Do
you like playing the antagonistic characters, you are such a kind
lady so this is acting?
Ah,
thanks man! I think it's always great playing bad girls. People are
an interesting mix of light and dark and exploring the darkness in an
appropriate setting is always fun. Especially when antagonists are
multi layered. For example, Decapre was doing the bidding of her
chief and commander, M. Bison, a man that then abandoned her and bid
her to die as if disposable, bringing about a different mix of
emotions which was great to explore.
Who
are some of the directors, producers and actors you would like to be
given the opportunity to work with in the future
There
are so many, I could be here forever. There are so many actors,
directors and producers that inspire me constantly I almost don't
want to limit my answer. I just love working with passionate,
talented people and I've been lucky in having done that so far, I
hope to be fortunate enough to continue to do so.
Speaking
of the future what are some of the projects you have coming that you
can discuss?
Well,
Street Fighter: Resurrection should be getting a wider release very
soon and as for upcoming work, I'm hoping 2018 will continue to be a bright
year... ;-)
Katrina
in 10 years is, A. acting, B. Producing, C. Teaching or D. A
combination, what are your long term goals?
Hopefully
all of the above. Film making fascinates me. But for sure, longevity.
To survive and create. First and foremost I want to be the greatest
actress I can be, and I am always learning. But the more and more I
grow within this industry the more I would like to expand into
directing and writing given the experience and opportunity.
Advice
to young people wanting a career in the entertainment field?
Do
it. With all your heart and everything you have. And love the
process. The destination is less important than the path itself,
enjoy its twists and turns. And invest in good people. They will make
the journey amazing.
Final
thoughts:
Thank
you for having me Danny :-) always a pleasure and thank you for your
support!
For
More information on the amazing Katrina Durden blast your browsers to
her official Social Media Pages @
Twitter:
https://twitter.com/katrinadurden
