Christine answers your questions!
Posted: Sunday, November 29th, 2009 at 20:27 by rcoppleFiled under: Creator's Blog
Hey guys,
Thanks for your questions over the past week! I sent them along to Christine, and here are her responses – enjoy!
Kristen asks…
Are there any major differences between working on the set of a web series versus a tv show?
Christine Chatelain (CC): I was a bit unsure of what it would be like, but working on Riese has been like working on any other tv or film set. Everyone is very professional!
What is the one thing you can’t go a week without? (No answers like water or air 
)
CC: The thing I couldn’t go without would be the hikes I take with my dog. We do it once a week, and it’s something I look forward to every time.
Kevin asks…
They say every role you take something away with you. What would that be in Riese ?
CC: For Riese, I’ve definitely taken away the sense of inner strength the character has. Plus some really cool fighting skills!
They say every role you take something away with you. what would that be in Riese ?
Joshua asks…
As an steampunk enthusiast, I love the clockwork accessories that you show. I was wondering: what tips can you give me for making my own clockwork accessories?
CC: Crazy glue? That’s something you’d have to ask our amazingly talented costume designer about. I know it takes a lot of time and breaking apart clocks to do it!
Lisa asks…
How difficult was it to learn the fight scene?
CC: It was very challenging at first. I’d never really done fighting before, so it took some time to get comfortable with it. It just takes practice, though. The biggest help was having a really great and patient stunt trainer (Kirk Jaques) who worked with me to get it right. Also, to help train, I’ve been taking kick boxing lessons from Sharon Taylor (Amara)!
Christina asks…
How hard is it to play a character who doesn’t speak much, but rather uses her expressions and body language to make herself known, rather than someone who relies on people picking up the verbal cues of social interaction?
CC: It’s always a challenge to portray a character with minimal dialogue, because you have to rely on your eyes, expression and body language to tell the story. I appreciate the challenge. Also, I love that there is not a lot of exposition in the show, because it allows the viewer to use there imagination and think for themselves, rather than it all being said.
Laz asks…
Was it scary at first to be working with a wolf? I’d definitely be nervous!
CC: When I first heard there was a wolf in the show, I thought it would be CG! So I was a bit nervous about working with a real one. Once I met Tundra my fears were put to rest! He is an amazing animal and incredibly friendly, not what I was expecting.
Is it difficult to act against someone whose face and eyes you can’t see? Or, if you’d rather not give away whether or not Riese has met Herrick yet, when you first saw the Herrick costume, did you expect it would be a different experience to act against someone without being able to read their expression or eyes?
CC: Herrik’s costume is extremely intimidating. It’s very hard to just have a normal conversation with him on set while he is in costume because of how scary he looks. But in terms of actting against someone where you can’t see there expressions, I think it’s great because it adds a whole other layer to the scene and gives us much MORE to react to in the scene.
Mikel asks…
I guess what I would like to know is if this Steampunk Universe causes confusion for you or any of the crew?
CC: I LOVE the world that our writers have created, all the elements (costumes, sets, story,photography etc) have really come together and it is a joy to get “lost” in. There’s a lot of elements to the world itself, but everyone has done a great job of being very detailed down to the smallest aspects.
Do you need a degree in theatre, dance or the fine arts to become an actor/actress in Hollywood or where ever you film?
CC: No you do not need a degree in to become an actor in film and television. But it’s a very good idea to educate yourself as much as possible in any case!
Riesetefarian asks…
Was it intimidating the first time you met your wolf co-star? I’m sure he’s very friendly but he looks huge! What’s your relationship like? Are you excited to work together again?
CC: I love animals so I was very excited to have a real wolf as my costar. I believe he weighs about 160 pounds, so yes, he’s huge. He is an amazing animal and I can’t wait to see him again! I can imagine he has only gotten bigger!
Manuel asks…
Is there/are there any major or popular film or tv characters that inspire you (or pay homage to) to play Riese?
CC: In the beginning I tried to find a film/tv character to draw inspiration from but it was hard because we really wanted to stay away from her being to much like an “action hero”. In the end it was someone from my personal life that has inspired me most in playing Riese.
What’s the coolest thing to do onset (on/off camera)?
CC: Off camera the coolest thing on set to do is eat the yummy sandwiches that come out during what we call “Sandwich time”. On camera it would be working with Tundra.
Marcus asks…
Did you have any previous contact with Steampunk material/music/ the subculture before, and if so: where?
CC: Many of my favorite movies have been steampunk/fantasy inspired, but the subculture as a whole is new to me and I am having fun exploring the genre.
How did you hear about Riese the Series or where you approached directly by someone from the staff?
CC: The creators actually contacted my agent to specifically request I read for Riese. And I got it!
Is Fenrir a big cuddler in real life?
CC: Fenrir IS a big cuddler in real life! He loves giving a LOT of kisses, and I learned quickly not to play with him right before a scene because he kept licking off all my make up.
Maria asks…
Why doesn’t your character speak a lot?
CC: The character doesn’t speak a lot mostly because she is alone all the time, especially in the first chapter. Plus Fenrir isn’t much for conversation. There will be much more dialogue for Riese coming up, especially once she starts to enter civilization on a more regular basis!
Did you choose to use the goggles?
CC: The goggles were part of the costume and vision of the character long before I was involved, I love the look they have created for Riese. It’s helps so much as an actor to have a cool costume to wear!
Mathieas asks…
What were some of the thoughts or influences that guided your performance and helped craft the character of Riese?
CC: There are many aspects that have influenced this character, listening to the creators talk about her story and why she is who she is, drawing from experiences from my own life, plus things like wardrobe and the physical work all come into play. I am really falling in love with this character, and being able to develop her alongside the creators has really given her a lot of layers.
K-Money asks…
…I’m just wondering how annoying is it to film in the woods?
CC: Let’s just say I had more then a few spiders crawling all over me while shooting some scenes, and unfortunately there are probably outtakes to prove it! (There are some HILARIOUS ones, which you’ll all see shortly – trust me 
-Ryan)
What was it like doing Psych?
CC: Working on Psych was VERY fun, the cast is great on that show and very welcoming!
Lantean Whale asks…
You said in one of your interviews that Riese has many pieces to her costume. What is your fave piece?
CC: I had a hard time answering this question, because I really just love how ALL the little pieces come together and create such a cool look. The cloak and goggles are what really distinguish the character so I guess it would be a tie between those two pieces. It’s a really fun costume to wear!
Rick asks…
What kind of budget does the show have? I know it can’t be huge, but the production quality looks sharp, really great!
CC: The show doesn’t have a HUGE budget. I don’t have any numbers to give you, but I think because they have hired such talented people in every aspect of this production the quality of it has reflected that and is why it looks so amazing!
Does Tundra ever break character, or does he nail his scenes every time?
CC: Even though Tundra is a bit of a diva… just kidding! As long as I have a hunk of raw meat in my hand he nails his scenes everytime!
Christine Chatelain: I just want to say thank you for all your fantastic questions! Your support and interest in the show means the world to me, and I can’t wait for you all to see what happens to Riese next!
